Equipment
2012 PING Anser Irons: All you need to know
For the complete write up on GolfWRX’s trip to PING HQ, click here.
by BJackson
Having arranged plans to travel to Phoenix, I was fully expecting to see the successors to PING’s S56 irons. It seemed a natural fit as October marks 2 years since the S56 release and with rumors surrounding an ‘S55’, well…turns out I was dead wrong. While at PING headquarters, Wyatt (SheriffBooth), Greg (pga43), and myself were able to get a preview of the forthcoming Anser line. Boy were we surprised!
Initial impressions are simple – S56 meets i20, but forged. It’s a slimmed down version of the previous Anser iron. Personally I have gamed S56s, i20s, and currently have 712 AP2s. These new Anser irons remind me exactly what I’ve been looking for – they remind me exactly of Titleist’s AP2s. I know that many complaints surrounding the previous Anser irons involved them being too large, too much offset, etc. Well trust me when I say that PING addressed those complaints. They have soft lines, low offset (just barely more than S56, less than i20), and a crisp feeling at impact and going through the turf. Forged from 8620 steel, with some tungsten in the sole, the feeling at impact made me think of a cross between i20 and a typical forged blade. Very solid. It comes in a brushed satin finish, come stock with your choice of PING CFS or Project X shafts – but get this – can be ordered with ANY shaft offered through PING WRX at no upcharge, save Project X PXi. That’s right, ANY SHAFT upgrade, as offered by PING WRX (they have a rather large selection), except PXi, free of charge. Pretty cool, eh?
As for performance, I had limited time with them. Just a little warm up in the morning before hitting drivers and the game of ‘WRX’ Wyatt and I played against Marty Jertson. I did enjoy my time with them at PING’s range, but would really benefit from more time with them to give a fair review. Let me say I find them very intriguing, very similar to my AP2s, and a set I really, really want to try out. I think this is a set of clubs that will get plenty of positive feedback from those that use them. An overall balanced, stylish, performance based set of irons that provide the best of everything possible from a technological and aesthetic perspective. Multi-material, high MOI, stabilization bars that help flight the irons so long irons fly higher and short irons fly lower. These clubs are really the complete package and I only wish I had more time to test them out side by side with something I’m more familiar with to get a baseline comparison.
That all said, here is what you boys want, pictures! Included at the bottom are comparison shots with the previous generation Ansers.
VIEW WHAT OUR MEMBERS OUR SAYING ABOUT THE PING ANSER IRONS IN THE FORUMS.
[youtube id=”abn-ZOpzrgM” width=”600″ height=”350″]
- Launch the ball higher with the long irons and lower with the short irons for precise, consistent shot making
- 8620 steel body combines with a dense tungsten weight and hollow sole to optimize the CG and elevate MOI
- Predictable ball flights are achieved through progressive stabilizing bar technology
- Bars angle out wider and are thinner, lowering the CG to launch the ball high in the long irons
- Bars get vertical and thicker through the shorter irons to bring the ball in lower and more penetrating with high spin
- LIKE10
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
- Daniel Berger what’s in the bag accurate as of the Farmers Insurance Open. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X
6-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (3), TaylorMade Tour Preferred MC 2011 (4-PW)
Shafts: Project X Denali Blue 105 TX (3), Project X 6.5 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (50-12F), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (56-14F), Callaway Jaws Raw (60-08C)
Shafts: Project X 6.5 (50), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (56, 60)
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Mini DB
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy PistolLock 1.0
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Wrap
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Check out more in-hand photos of Daniel Berger’s clubs in the forums.
- LIKE1
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL1
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
What are the driver and shaft combinations of the best golfers in the world? For gearheads, it’s an endlessly interesting question — even if we can only ever aspire to play LS heads and 7 TX shafts.
At this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, GolfWRX got in-hand looks at the driver setups of a wealth of players.
Check out some of the most interesting combos below, then head to the GolfWRX forums for the rest, as well as the rest of our galleries from New Orleans.
Rory McIlroy
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @8.25)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride MCC
Alex Fitzpatrick
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride MCC
Daniel Berger
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees @9)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Wrap
Rasmus Hojgaard
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 60 TX
Grip: Golf Pride MCC
Alejandro Tosti
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
Grip: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
James Nicholas
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (8 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Kevin Streelman
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Sang-moon Bae
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (9+ @8)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Russ Cochran
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke (9 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD TP 6 X
Grip: Golf pride MCC Align 
MJ Daffue
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (10.5 degrees @9.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX 65 TX
Grip: Golf Pride ZGrip Cord Align
Check our more photos from the Zurich Classic here.
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
- Rasmus Højgaard what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.
Driver: Callaway Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Callaway Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Prototype (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Utility: Callaway Apex UW (21 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw White 85 TX
Irons: Callaway Apex Pro (3), Callaway X Forged (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS $-Taper 130
Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (52-10S, 56-10S, 60-06C)
Shafts: KBS Tour 130 X
Putter: Odyssey Ai One Milled Eight T DB
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Check out more in-hand photos of Hojgaard in the forums.
- LIKE2
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Daniel Berger WITB 2024 (April)
Daniel Berger what’s in the bag accurate as of the Farmers Insurance Open. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
Rasmus Højgaard WITB 2024 (April)
Rasmus Højgaard what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: Callaway Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)...
Rory McIlroy WITB 2024 (April)
Rory McIlroy what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus...
Sam Burns WITB 2024 (April)
Sam Burns’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (9 degrees...
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoDave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoTiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
-
19th Hole2 days agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 days ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoReport: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole1 week agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole1 week agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole1 week agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
Eric
Dec 26, 2012 at 3:44 am
Ive hit em inside off a mat. They seemed to me more solid than anything else I hit.1400.00 is bit steep though, and not sure how Ping justifies the price. If I could get a set tossed my way for free, they would most likely be the ones in my bag.
seb
Sep 16, 2012 at 7:31 pm
hdc 8
Played those for the last 6 round, got them with px6.0. So far they seem more forgiving than ap2 but the feeling is as good, I loved the weight of the clubs.
Jake
Sep 4, 2012 at 11:49 pm
The reason the Pings are $1400 is because they say “Ping” and or “Anser” on them. If they were stamped “Wilson Staff” they would be $700 bucks. If they were stamped “Wishon” you could get them custom spec’d with KBS C Taper, Nippon Modus, or Dynamic Gold Tour Issue for $700. Just the way it is.
Good lookin’ sticks, for sure.
Ping fan nc
Sep 3, 2012 at 11:51 pm
I just hit them side by side vs. Ping anser 2011 version and 712 ap2. Anser both had project x 6.0 and ap2 had Greg xp r300. In a work, answers superior in every way. Now difference between answers, very close call. I like the color scheme of 2011 but like then look at address of the new anser.
strongbear0
Aug 18, 2012 at 2:20 am
I was all exited to order my new anser irons today expecting no shaft upcharge after reading this, but to my surprise there is an upcharge for everything including Dynamic Golds and even a grip upcharge for GP tour velvets. KBS C Tapers cost me an extra 21.00 a club. Big retailers ars charging 30-35.00 per club for the C taper upcharge, I ordered mine through a local pro shop. They felt amazing though, but at at almost 1,800 after shaft upcharge, grip upcharge and tax I’m starting to second guess my decision. Hopefully I’ll forget all that once they are in my bag.
Scott
Aug 9, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Releasing next week at my local shop. Ping rep is there. I cannot wait to see these. Could be pulling the trigger!
Billy
Aug 7, 2012 at 10:41 am
Well I have 2 sets of Anser irons 1 for show and 1 for play and just by looking at the new anser irons I know I must have a set because I do love my pressent set of anser irons
Scott
Aug 6, 2012 at 8:46 am
Very curious to read some feedback on whoever gets a hold of these first.
rj
Aug 2, 2012 at 6:14 pm
they remind me of the adams cb2 moreso than the a4. i love the feel, playability and forgiveness of my cb2s. so much so, that i truly believe they are the next “classic” iron. i wonder how they compare to these ansers.
Scott
Jul 27, 2012 at 3:50 pm
I’m also curious. The author mentioned that these clubs “remind me of the AP2’s.” Then why not save $500 and just go with the AP2’s? What puts these clubs ahead of the AP2?
Jordan Spangler
Jul 25, 2012 at 11:11 pm
So are they going to be less forgiving than the prior anser irons? I actually enjoyed a forged forgiving iron. I hope they are as good as last years.
Scott
Jul 25, 2012 at 10:13 pm
Why are they so expensive? $1400????!!!!! What makes them $1400? The author says “they remind me of my AP2’s.” Why would someone buy these over the AP2’s and save around $500? Not disputing the writeup just trying to understand what these clubs are all about.
Scott
Jul 25, 2012 at 9:18 pm
One question…..when.
Mike Keck
Jul 25, 2012 at 7:28 pm
I can’t believe this, I wanted ping, I wanted forged, but the current Anser irons were a little big for my taste so I went with the S56. As I do LOVE them, i miss that unique forged feel and now even though I just dropped a wad of $$$ for my S56 not even 2 months ago, Im going to have to figure out how to get my hands on these. I need to stop visiting GolfWRX.
georgia golfer
Jul 25, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Reminds me of Adams A4 tech with the stabilizing bars. Still, I am in the market for new clubs and I like ’em!
Troy Vayanos
Jul 25, 2012 at 3:21 pm
I bought the S56 irons late last year and have enjoyed playing them. If PIng have made any improvement in them this can only be a good thing.
An impressive looking iron!
2putttom
Jul 25, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Wow They are smaller then the previous ANSER and I love the report of no up charge for shafts excpt PXi which I can’t swing anyway. P.S I love my ANSER stix.
Landon Waters
Jul 25, 2012 at 2:01 pm
So what’s the word on the release of an S55 iron?
johncoll62
Jan 28, 2013 at 2:06 am
I was told by my local pro that Ping are consolidating their range of irons. The new G25 has features that are a blend of the G and I series. The next I series will be a blended design with fetures of the I and S series. The next Anser will then become the new tour blade design pitched at the low to no handicapper market. The K series will be discontinued. Bottom line they will be reducing their options from 5 models to 3. That seems to be trend in the industry. Even TM & Callaway have limited their 2013 releases to 2 models