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
- 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.
View this post on Instagram
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
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.”
View this post on Instagram
TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
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
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
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
- LIKE9
- LEGIT2
- WOW1
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
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
- LIKE1
- LEGIT1
- 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
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
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
‘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
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....
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
Wesley Bryan WITB 2024 (May)
Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple...
Adam Scott WITB 2024 (May)
Adam Scott what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (10.5 degrees)...
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
-
19th Hole1 week agoLET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJason Day on his recent switch into Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 Mk II irons
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