| There are two product lines in the Ping hybrid golf | | | | the two clubs is that the Rapture has the tungsten |
| clubs lineup. These are called the Rapture hybrids and | | | | nickel sole plate and the G5 does not. Another |
| the G5 hybrids. The Rapture is the newer of the | | | | difference is price. The MSRP for the G5 is $175 in |
| lines, and as you will surmise from the discussion | | | | graphite and $150 with steel shafts. The face plate |
| below, Ping club designers were working to obtain a | | | | of the G5 hybrid is machined from 455 stainless steel, |
| center of gravity (CG) that is lower and farther back | | | | which is used in most of the hybrids in the industry |
| in the club face to make the ball easier to get up into | | | | at this point. The club head is compact and a bit |
| the air. | | | | smaller than the Rapture. There are four versions of |
| Rapture Hybrid Golf Clubs | | | | the G5, 2-5H. Once again there are a number of |
| Three different materials are welded together to | | | | graphite standard shaft choices, and steel shafts can |
| make the Rapture club head. The body of the head | | | | also be used. All the clubs are available in left-handed |
| is made of 17-4 stainless steel. A tungsten nickel sole | | | | versions. For the ladies a 5H and 6H are available. |
| plate is welded onto the bottom of the club head | | | | As is the case with most of the name brand club |
| adding weight to the sole and lowering the CG while | | | | makers, Ping is recognizing the trend and the need |
| also forcing the CG farther back from the club face. | | | | for custom club fitting. There are so many hybrid golf |
| This is a design goal for every make of hybrid club | | | | clubs to choose from that one should invest |
| and helps provide a higher launch angle. The face | | | | $50-$150 or so in a custom club fitting session, |
| plate is made from what is called 475 super steel, | | | | preferably with a certified professional club maker |
| and this is said to produce a hot responsive hitting | | | | who has all the needed equipment to provide a top |
| area. The appearance of the Ping hybrids is pleasing | | | | notch fitting experience. After all, if you are going to |
| with a sloped crown. This feature also helps to | | | | purchase a new set of clubs, you can easily spend |
| produce a CG that is low and back in the club face. | | | | $1,500 or more, and you might as well have clubs |
| The club head itself is fairly large and forgiving of | | | | that fit and will allow you to get the most out of |
| off-center hits. The Rapture line offers 3 clubs, 2-4H. | | | | your game. Once you have a proper club fitting and |
| There is a good selection of standard graphite shafts, | | | | know the technical characteristics of the clubs that |
| and of course steel shafts are also available. All 3 | | | | would be best for your particular swing, you can |
| Rapture clubs are available for lefties. The MSRP for | | | | make an informed choice about whether to choose |
| the Rapture is $225 with graphite and $195 with steel | | | | Ping hybrid golf clubs or some other brand. To get |
| shafts. This club does not have a ladies version, but | | | | started with this and get a feel for what a proper |
| the G5 line, to be discussed next, does. | | | | club fitting entails, you can fill out the web fitting |
| G5 Hybrid Gold Clubs | | | | form on the Ping web site. I also strongly |
| The G5 hybrids were the precursors of the Rapture | | | | recommend that anyone planning to buy new clubs |
| line, and they look similar, since both sport the | | | | should read the excellent book by Tom Wishon, The |
| pleasing sloped crown look. The main difference in | | | | Search for the Perfect Golf Club. |