Equipment
GolfWRX Spotted: 2021 Ping G425 driver on USGA Conforming List
The new 2021 Ping G425 driver is here! (Or at least can be seen on the USGA and R&A conforming drivers list)
After much speculation, we now have official confirmation, thanks to the USGA and R&A conforming driver lists, that the Ping G425 drivers exist and with some similar models to fall in line including the LST (Low Spin technology), MAX, and SFT (Straight Flight Technology) for late 2020 into 2021.
We have reached out to Ping and have no official comment yet from the Phoenix-based equipment company, but based on the images and our knowledge of previous models, we can draw some conclusions based on the visual elements and markings.
Ping G425 (speculated) technology
Although we can only see the sole of the new drivers there are some design points that allow us to make strong assumptions on the new products.
Ping G425 MAX
Across the equipment industry, the “MAX” name has become synonymous with drivers designed for maximum MOI, and it looks like the new Ping G425 MAX is going to do just that. Similar to the previous G410 Plus, the sole appears very flat, which allows engineers to place as much weight as possible low in the head, and the shape is elongated to push more mass away from the face to produce very high MOI numbers.
The one interesting thing to note is that unlike the G410 Plus, the movable weight along the back of the head seems to have a smaller overall distance from the fade to draw setting. This could mean a couple of things.
- Through fittings and testing Ping realized that it didn’t need such extreme settings on the driver to help control ball flight direction. Or…
- The new weight in the back of the head is heavier than the previous G410 weight which would allow for the same adjustability within a smaller area of movement and result in higher MOI because it is positioned farther back and away from the face.
If I had to put down money on a guess, I feel it’s a combination of the two, which is why the driver looks the way it does.
So far the available lofts being shown are 9°, 10.5°, and 12° in both Right and Left-handed.
The last piece of speculation based on what we know so far is that the MAX name will be permanently replacing the “Plus” model from Ping in this release. This puts Ping more in line with other OEM’s from a naming and model perspective by offering 3 very distinct versions: MAX for maximum forgiveness, SFT for fade correction, and LST as the lowest spin option.
Ping G425 SFT – Straight Flight Technology
This is the most obvious driver to understand. The SFT models from Ping have always been designed to help golfers who struggle with a fade miss and the Ping G425 looks to continue that tradition.
Like the MAX, the sole of the G425 SFT appears very flat and elongated to allow engineers to place as much weight as possible back and low in the head. The other thing to note is that there is a single tungsten weight placed in the heel to aid in closing the face and create a draw bias within the head. When comparing visually with the G410, the weight on the G425 SFT looks to be pushed slightly out of the head to help boost that draw bias.
If we know anything about Ping there is probably even more going on under the hood to help golfers eliminate a big miss.
So far the only available loft being shown is 10.5° in both Right and Left-handed.
Ping G425 LST – Low Spin Technology
This is the driver that is going to cause perked up ears from those looking to help lower spin and dial in launch conditions—the G425 LST.
Since this driver is the one designed to help lower spin, the most noticeable visual telltale sign is the shorter front to back length—as it is well known within the driver design space, a low and more forward center of gravity helps reduce spin and shortening this length is one of the quickest ways to do it.
We should note, Ping doesn’t like to sacrifice forgiveness in the name of lower spin, so to see how they are able to locate the CG on the new G425 while also keeping spin as low if not lower than the previous G410 will be very interesting.
The new Ping G425 LST looks to have the side weight track in the back of the head with the same travel length from side to side as the MAX model. This moveable weight was a big change for Ping but with the success of the previous line and its expanded ability to better help golfers dial in dispersion, it’s no surprise it’s sticking around and being improved upon.
So far the available lofts being shown are 9° and 10.5° in both Right and Left-handed.
Conclusion
This is going to be a very interesting release from Ping, and although we have no official information yet, there has been some speculation that the driver is to be released in Australia and around that region before it makes its way to North America. The speculation makes some sense considering the recent crunch to global supply changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we move into fall in North America, the southern hemisphere is turning to spring—prime golf season.
To see what other golfers are saying about the speculated Ping G425 drivers, check out the GolfWRX Forums and join the discussion: GolfWRX Forums – Ping G425 Driver
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Whats in the Bag
Kris Kim WITB 2024 (May)
- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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Equipment
Welcome to the family: TaylorMade launches PUDI and PDHY utility irons
TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
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TaylorMade PUDI
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (5/3/24): Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
From the seller: (@wwcl): “Has been gamed as pics show. 33.5 includes original h/c and grip. $575 includes shipping and PP fees.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Craig
Oct 8, 2020 at 10:18 am
Picked up the G425 Lst last week ( RSA), traded in the G410 Plus. Definite improvement on sound and performance. Still getting dialled in but dual benefit of forgiveness and distance, finding it hard to turn over, just wants to go straight.
Pee Wee Herman
Sep 1, 2020 at 9:14 pm
G400 is way better looking than the 410 and now the 425. This new one looks just like the G30.
Karsten's Ghost
Aug 24, 2020 at 6:22 pm
410LST is a boomer in Draw. A little surprised to see it doesn’t look like the weight is as movable around the perimeter. ¯\_(?)_/¯
joro
Aug 24, 2020 at 10:40 am
Okay suckers, get in line to pay more for the same thing. There are many that say to old 410 max is better, and cheaper. But, if you have the dough so be it. If things were better each time a new 400 plus Dollar new Driver came out we all would be hitting it straight down the middle and over 500 yards. Enjoy.
tom
Aug 24, 2020 at 12:11 pm
“many that say the old 410 max is better”?????? who is they, the driver isn’t even out yet!!
Bourbake
Aug 24, 2020 at 10:37 am
Is it just me or does it look like a Taylor Made? Hope they have given up on the “exposed ribs” on the top of the clubhead. All comments aside I do play Ping woods and hybrids?
Adam Boyle
Aug 24, 2020 at 9:54 pm
Exposed ribs just means more places for dirt to get stick in.
Tom
Dec 12, 2020 at 11:27 pm
If you’re getting dirt on the top of your driver head, you’re doing something very wrong.
Paul Runyan
Aug 24, 2020 at 10:20 am
Loved the G400 with a little hot meld for a slight draw.
Tried the 410. Just didn’t work for me.
Now this is the driver I’ve been waiting for from Ping!
Hopefully a fairway in 16.5 with the same technology.
Excellent job Ping!!
ht
Aug 24, 2020 at 9:19 am
I’m in