Equipment
Ping GMax irons: What you need to know
Ping’s GMax irons ($121.25 per club with steel, $136.25 per club with graphite) have a dark satin finish, and are available in 4-9, PW, UW, SW. Default color code is yellow. Stock swing weight is C6-D2.
- Ping’s Stock Shafts: CFS Distance Steel (Soft R, R, S, X), CFS Graphite (65 Soft R, 70 Regular, 80 Stiff)
- No Upcharge Custom Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), True Temper Project X (5.0, 6.0), True Temper XP 95 (R, S), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 105 (S, X)
What you need to know
- Ping’s GMax irons are larger than the company’s previous G-Series irons, the G30, and are the longest and most-forgiving game-improvement irons currently offered by the company. The G30’s made our Gear Trials: Best Game-Improvement Irons list in 2014 and 2015.
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- Sole Width: Ping’s GMax (right) is significantly wider than the company’s i irons.
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- The GMax irons (left) have larger blade lengths, thicker toplines and wider soles than the company’s i irons.
- GMax are the first Ping irons to be designed with “fast faces.” The 4-8 irons use COR-Eye technology that allows their club faces to flex at impact for more distance. The construction, which uses 17-4 stainless steel bodies and heat-treated Hyper 17-4 alloy faces, creates approximately 1-3 mph more ball speed across the face, according to Ping.
COR-Eye technology allows the sole and top rail of the GMax irons (4-8) to flex more at impact for increased ball speed, creating more distance.
- Like Ping’s new i irons, the GMax irons have a revamped Custom Tuning Port (CTP). It connects low and deep on the sole, improving forgiving and raising launch. According to Ping, the GMax irons are more forgiving and fly slightly farther than the company’s Karsten irons. Their blade lengths are also approximately 1 percent longer than the Karsten irons and 2 percent longer than the G30 irons.
The GMax’s CTP sits low and deep in the club head to improve moment of inertia (MOI), a measure of a club’s forgiveness. An elastomer weight inside the CTP improves feel.
- Like Ping’s Karsten irons, the GMax irons have progressive lengths and lofts that are designed to create high trajectories and consistent yardage gaps throughout the set.
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- Sole Width: Ping’s GMax (right) is significantly wider than the company’s i irons.
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- The GMax irons (right) have larger blade lengths, thicker toplines and wider soles than the company’s i irons.
- The GMax irons have swing weights that get progressively lighter as the clubs get longer to help golfers swing the clubs faster and square the face more easily at impact. See the specs below.
GMax Iron Specs
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- Sole Width: Ping’s GMax (left) is significantly wider than the company’s i irons.
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- The GMax irons (left) have larger blade lengths, thicker toplines and wider soles than the company’s i irons.
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Related
- Ping’s i irons: What you need to know
- See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the GMax irons in our forum.
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- Michael Johnson WITB accurate as of The Ascendant presented by Blue. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max (8.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 60 TX
3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 70 6.5
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 90 6.5 TX
Irons: PXG 0317 CB Raw (4-9)
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: PXG Sugar Daddy II (48-10S, 50-12S, 56-12S, 60-07)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (50-60)
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One #5 DB
Grip: SuperStroke Pistol Lock 1.0
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
See more in-hand photos of Michael Johnson’s clubs here.
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We spotted Callaway’s new Opus wedges on the PGA Tour in May. The design, however, in its “S6” incarnation, has been present in pros bags for much longer, game by the likes of Jon Rahm, Yuka Saso, and Xander Schauffele.
Today, Callaway is officially announcing the retail launch of its Opus and Opus Platinum wedges and pulling back the curtain on the most tour-tested, tour-validated wedge in company history in the process.
2024 Callaway Opus wedges: What’s new, key technology
Spin Gen Face Technology
Callaway engineers combine three elements for what they’re calling “Spin Gen Face Technology.” More grooves are present on the face thanks to decreasing the distance between each groove. As with previous designs, engineers also leverage offset groove-in-groove design for more spin, particularly on open-face shots. Finally, the face has been aggressively blasted with quartz to create additional roughness. The sum total of all these elements? More spin, particularly from the rough and in wet conditions, as well as lower launch.
Tour feedback
As a result of extensive testing and input from tour professionals, Opus wedges feature a higher toe peak, refined leading edge radius, and smooth hosel transition for what the company calls its “best wedge shape ever.” Owing to professional input, Callaway offers Opus wedges with a full range of grinds.
2024 Callaway Opus wedges: Additional model details
Opus Platinum wedges
In addition to the standard Opus wedge, Callaway is also unveiling premium MiM (metal injection molded) Opus Platinum wedges. The wedges feature 17 grams of tungsten bonded high in the topline of the club for lower launch with more spin as well as a proprietary blend of metals in the body of the club for optimum feel and performance.
What Callaway says
On the name…Paul Winterhalter – Product Manager: There is an art to the game, and we really felt this quote summarized what this product really meant: where the art meets science. So, with that, introducing the new name for our franchise of wedges is Opus. In general, the name has an air of elegance to it. There’s a sense of beauty, and especially as you look at the product and we get these in your hands, you’ll see that there really is just a new look, just a beautiful sense to them. They’re quite elegant…for us, there was a ton of time and effort put into this product, and we really felt that the product was befitting of the name Opus.
On the different design mentality…Brian Herr – R&D Manager, Wedges: “We started with a different mentality this time. We didn’t design a wedge and then bring it out and see what they thought. We started from the ground up, we started with shaping. We had multiple different shapes that we brought out and showed, we got their feedback, we iterated, we got their feedback, we iterated again. So, we really let the Tour players design this product to a shape they wanted. And then after we got a shape that we loved, we started on the sole grind. So, there’s notes here all over of what Dean tested and what he built and how he went about making products for players and getting their feedback. But really, it was 18 months in the making of going and testing and then iterating and then going back out, getting as many players as feedback as we could and helping them to have them help us design it.”
On the available grinds…Paul Winterhalter: “Looking at the grind offerings, as wedges go, this is crucial for us. On the right-hand side, we have the S and W grinds where we do the lion’s share of sales. The S is our standard everyday grind with a standard sole, while the W has a wider, more forgiving full sole…We also wanted to create a product that’s a better fit for better players, so we introduced the T grind, which is new, and the C grind.
Brian Herr: The T grind is narrow and sits low to the ground, incredible for open-faced shots, particularly for players who pick the ball cleanly without taking a divot. On the other hand, the C grind is a departure from what we’ve done before, designed to keep the leading edge low when opening the face, suitable for versatile shot-making from various lies. The wider sole in the C grind provides better feedback through the turf compared to the T grind. Both grinds cater to skilled players who want to make any shot around the green.
On the Opus Platinum wedge design…Paul Winterhalter: The Opus Platinum looks super premium with MIM (Metal Injection Molding) lines in the back and elevated curb appeal. As a quick elevator pitch, we have the Spin Gen face technology as with Opus and Tour-validated shaping so those are kind of baked into the product. But what we’re doing to take it up another level is that trajectory control using tungsten. And then that unique MIM construction. We’ve talked about this already but through a large amount of tungsten being bonded into that topline to help the CG placement…and the next piece of that is the Metal Injection Molding – it’s not caste, it’s not forged, it’s kind of something new for us.
Brian Herr: MiM is a different way to manufacture, it’s more precise, and it also provides better feel. We’ve done extensive testing on MIM versus other manufacturing methods. MIM dampens better than other materials even the same material in different methods. MIM is a better dampener, so you’re going to notice a premium good, soft feel.
Pricing, specs, and availability
- Price: Opus ($179.99), Opus Plantium ($229.99)
- Pre-sale: 7/19
- At retail: 7/26
- Opus finishes: Brushed chrome, black shadow
- Opus Platinum finishes: Blue, chrome
- Stock shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold MID 115 grams (steel), UST Recoil DART HDC 65 grams (graphite)
- Stock grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet +2 Gray
Full Callaway Opus specs
Callaway Opus
Callaway Opus Platinum
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (7/15/24): TaylorMade MySpider X L-Neck 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 TaylorMade MySpider X L-Neck putter.
From the seller: (@Need4spd): “TaylorMade MySpider X L-Neck. Asking $315 • Plays 33.5” • Dead mint condition • SuperStroke Pistol Tour (used for four rounds) – It’s the black and white one, pic won’t upload for some reason. • New and unused MySpider headcover included.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade MySpider X L-Neck 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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Ted
Feb 2, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Ping does not make junk…never have and never will. They have research backed reasoning for everything they produce. If you haven’t played them, any criticisms ring hollow to this 6hdcper who absolutely loves them. Cheers!
Rick
Dec 8, 2015 at 5:10 pm
I’ll add one thing…….We had 4 guys hitting these irons on a range with several other brands.
We never compared notes….just waited to hear everyone’s choices in order of preference.
From me (61 and a 9 hdcp) to a strong 30 yr old guy who plays to about a 12 and hits it a mile, as well as a 50 yr old golf nut who plays to around a 12….and finally a 30 yr old relative beginner, who’s improving daily but still a high handicapper. We ALL loved this club.
EVERY one of us simply chose these irons over every other stick we tried that day including Titleist (which I thought I’d love), Calloway, and TaylorMade.
Rick
Dec 4, 2015 at 12:28 pm
I hit these the other day and they are terrific. I am 61 but play to a 9 hdcp and DISTANCE has never been an issue for me…even at my age.. Still hit an 8 iron 160. I currently play G15’s
But these stix were as forgiving as I could ever hope for. They provided great feedback, and mis-hits were still salvageable. Are they going to please the college tourney player, or 3-4 handicapper ??….probably not. Will they make the game more FUN for us recreational golfers ?….WOW, yes. They’ll be in my bag soon.
KK
Jul 18, 2015 at 8:21 am
The swing weight is progressive, more like MOI-matched clubs. I like it. It seems to be better for the vast majority of golfers compared with constant swing weighting.
MARK D.
Jul 17, 2015 at 10:27 pm
Maybe these are not supposed to be G30 replacement irons but K15 – Karsten replacement irons and as such are not GI but SGI.
Patrick
Jul 17, 2015 at 10:30 am
People. Please please. I beg you. Stop speaking on engineering if you have no idea about engineering. In sum, there is a difference between dynamic loft and static loft. Club length doesn’t just affect club speed. It also changes things like dynamic loft, max height, and ball speed. You can’t just look at lofts and know exactly what the gapping will look like on the course for your average golfer. Also, variable swing weights can change squaring power by making the MOI of each golf club more consistent. PING tests things years longer than any other manufacturer and all of this is solid science.
Mark
Jul 17, 2015 at 3:57 pm
Patrick, so if I read in to your post correctly, if the Ping nFlight says that I need a certain length and flex to my irons, it means that I really should follow it as all of their science is reflected in their results. I’m not try to be a smart alec here, just want to make sure I understand you correctly.
MHendon
Jul 17, 2015 at 12:14 am
A lot of complaining about the gaping on these clubs but lets keep in mind who they’re designed for gentlemen. High handicappers, generally speaking they don’t swing as fast so a 5 degree gap my actually give them better gaping between their clubs.
Joke
Jul 16, 2015 at 1:51 am
The gaps go from 3 to wait for it…. 4.5 degrees all of a sudden from 7 to 8. Whaaaaat? Who came up with that bright idea? Only because they had to?? And what’s with the swing weight? Oh my deary me. Don’t swing the club, folks, is what Ping is telling you – just flick at it with your amateur, stiff bodies and keep the arms in front. But hey it’s G MAX! Like CGB MAX by Taylormade! Just copy and paste it all into the computer and don’t do any designing at all. Bleh.
joke is on you
Aug 28, 2015 at 2:05 am
It’s always amusing to see ppl on the internet knock something they never tried AND because they didn’t even read, or do some basic math in this case. There’s actually a loft gap of 3.5 between the 3 and 4.5 gaps. Considering it goes from a de facto 3-iron to the wedges while eliminating 1 club (that 90% of golfers and 100% of the Gmax’s target audience wouldn’t notice or miss), the lofts are very well thought-out. As for swingweight, they’re more like MOI-matched. There’s no right answer on that.
Rick
Dec 27, 2015 at 1:35 am
I’d check the lofts agin my friend. You are way off.
Here are GMax lofts:
4- 21deg
5-24
6-27
7-30.5
8-35
9-40
PW-45
U-50.5
Golfraven
Jul 15, 2015 at 5:04 pm
This concept reminds me of the Adams XTD Irons that were released not long time ago. Obvious market are high handicapers – folks that play the G-series at the moment. Now borh the i and Gmax modes don’t jump on me. looking at the new Mizuno irons and those are just in another league.
Plinko
Jul 15, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Lets just steal it from Taylormade this year. Why not! Inverted cone! What a laugh Pling is
Nick
Jul 15, 2015 at 12:44 pm
I’m a big PING fan. I love the clubs they make, but this club will obviously not appeal to many players out there and certainly won’t be for me….I wonder if the PING engineers enjoying designing a club like this when they’re obviously just trying to win business from Callaway and TaylorMade. There’s no way they’re thinking “Yes, this is a great club that’s really going to help people play their best golf possible”. A lot of negative comments will be made on the low lofts and long shafts, but if that’s what a large number of people are buying then PING would be silly not to at least have one offering in that category.
Ping Lover
Jul 15, 2015 at 11:47 am
I love Ping, but seriously? A 30 degree 7 iron? And 5 degree gaps all through the top end of the set where what you really want is smaller distance gaps between clubs? This is as bad as Taylor Made…
I will stick with my 9yr old set of i5’s – proper lofts, great forgiveness, still in amazing condition – and put the money in my pension pot where it belongs, not in some corporation’s pocket.
Matt
Jul 15, 2015 at 2:38 pm
I still play Ping i5’s too, they are probably some of the finest clubs Ping has ever produced (they are also the last irons Ping actually manufactured in the USA). Clean appearance and superior performance, with great workability and forgiveness.
I really like Ping’s products and the company in general, but I totally agree. Take a lesson and turn that weak fade into a draw. Then you won’t need to buy clubs that are ridiculously overpriced (considering what the used market currently bears) and with outrageously strengthened lofts.
I carry my i5 8-iron 150-155. I have no interest in hitting it any further than than that. As it is I carry 3 wedges in addition to my PW. Really against the arms race that is continuing to occur in this industry. I don’t want to carry any more wedges.
Cliff
Jul 17, 2015 at 10:03 am
So when you carry your 8i 130 and your 9i 125 what are you going to do? These clubs are designed to give slow swing speed players the proper gaps between clubs. What’s so hard to understand about it.
Philip
Jul 18, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Think about it – if the larger gaps are truly to help slower swing speeds and not because of the foolish my #7 club is longer than your #7 (only because I increased my lofts and club lengths) then why hasn’t this been a standard for GI and SGI clubs for decades? Why is it only recently that they are even keeping a straight face when calling a 39 inch long 21 degree club a 4 iron that the gaps are increasing for the higher lofted clubs. I don’t deny that in certain cases the extra gaps can help, but if that was truly their logic than they would have also removed a couple of clubs from the set and have 6-7 degrees gaps at the lower end too. Fact is, they need the larger gaps to prevent eventually having 5-6 wedges in a set and having a 39 inch 21 degree 6 iron within the next few years. The entire industry has gotten themselves into pickle – will be interesting.
JH
Jul 15, 2015 at 10:21 pm
5 degree gaps all through the top end of the set? What are you smoking brah?
Rick
Dec 27, 2015 at 1:32 am
The G15’s have 32 degrees. I’ll bet you cannot tell the difference in 2 degrees (unless you are a scratch or better player). If you ARE that scratch player, why are you even concerned about these stix ?? They are not for you.