Callaway X18r's or PING G5/10/15

[Balto]

Hey guys,

I am looking for a new set of clubs and I had pretty much decided on a set of PINGS. I REALLY like the feel of the new G15's BUT I am not so happy with there price tag hehe. The G10's seem to be more on my price level BUT if the G15's are just that much better I would probably spring for the extra and get them hehe. This also brings up the G5's, I see TONS of guys playing these over G10/15's not sure if its because people have not upgraded OR if the G5's are really just as good if not better than G10/15's?

My wife bought me a new set of Callaway X18r's for a surprise (they are still in the box unopened). Her brother plays Callaway and he recommend them to her. I hate to open them and play a few rounds IF I just plan to turn around and sell them for some PINGS ya know hehe? I'm guessing I can get more for them packaged up then used hehe.

SO my question is have anyone of you played all of these clubs and can make a recommendation? Are these Callaways better than the PINGS? Does a person REALLY get better forgiveness/performance when he upgrades to the NEWER PINGS(G15 over G10 over G5)?

Thanks for the help guys

[max power]

G5s are stellar clubs.

[trouser]

You can't go wrong with PING clubs and they have great customer service. I have the G10's and they play well.

[WUTiger]

How high do you hit the ball? If you get good trajectory with Game Improvement clubs, Ping G10 irons might get the ball up too high. Could be trouble on windy days.

I haven't hit the G15 or I15 irons, so you're on your own.

If the Callaway X18 irons are "still in the box," they may be X18R the "reissue" version. X18s were quite popular, so Callaway put out a second wave called X18R to compete in the under-$400 market.

Here's an August thread dealing with X18 irons:
http://thesandtrap.com/forum/showthr...highlight=X18R

[Balto]

Yes they are the X18"r"'s

[billysandy]

To be fair, the G5s will be perfectly fine clubs. I would get them if i was just starting out! Almost forgot: "hehe."

[robbo323]

Honestly the there really couldnt be much difference between the g15 and g10. There is probably soem difference between the g15 and g5 but i think most new irons is all about new looks. I say try em all out if you can and buy what feels right. I am not much of a Callaway fan aside from Odyssey putters and their X tour wedges. I say go for the Ping G10s since you can save some money but since your a high handicaper get the G5s.

[WUTiger]

Balto,

Home front considerations: Maybe you can get your wife interested in golf. If she starts liking the sport, that increases your chances of playing more.

If that happens, play the X18s to increase your overall golf bonding as a couple.

[Replay]

G15s are excellent clubs!! Tbh you could probably get the G10s or G5s much cheaper now that the 15s are out...

X18s are harder to hit, but more workable than the Pings...however, both are highly reputed and quality sets.

[hipcheck4u]

I have taken 10 shots off my game since getting my G10s. I think that the G series is better for a 36 handicapper than the X clubs. The problem is that if you trade in or sell the clubs your wife got you, you may be in the doghouse for a while. I remember when I exchanged a tie my wife had given me for Christmas once (and so does she).

[ballhog]

wow. this is a new record for a guy using the phrase "hehe" in any context....EVER

[Dub]

I got back into the game May of '08 after a 5 year layoff.

Prior to stopping I was gaming Callaway X14 Pro with really stiff Rifle shafts. My accuracy was good with these, when I resumed playing, but the distance and trajectories were off (short and low). My swing speed was much lower due to shoulder injury.

I decided to replace them.

I was inspired by a senior golfer who played on my team in a captains choice tourney. He was the club senior champ and I quickly saw why. He struck the ball so purely. I saw that he was using G5 irons/wedges. I found it odd that someone who could game any stick on the market chose these. He said that he really loved them and believed in the clubs.

I went in to see my PING dealer in May '09. The G10 was the current stick. He suggested that I consider the G5 (the previous model) saying that there wasn't a heck of a lot of difference. He fitted me and upgraded (no extra charge) to the new AWT shaft. I ordered the set in my signature line that day.


Ten days later he calls to say they arrived. I was concerned at first when I hefted the first club. The shaft seemed heavy.....just as heavy as my former sticks. I commented on this. The guy grinned, and said not to worry....go hit 'em and see. My concern was that I was gonna hit low burners with these just like my old irons.

I headed over to my home course for a round with some buddies. I hit the range for an extended warm up session. My first wedge shot was a beauty. Ball launched like a moonshot and fell out of the sky. I worked my way through the bag and was highly confident that I made the right choice. The balls were flying so much higher than before. It was a very nice change.

In the months that have followed I've grown to be very fond of these sticks. I didn't pick up the distance that my buddies who game the TM Burners did....but I did get a much higher trajectory that I desperately wanted. It can be a bit much in high winds, though. You'll have to spend considerable time relearning how to hit knockdown shots, as these sticks get the ball up quickly.

Hitting draws and fades isn't a problem with these. As I said, the only difficult shot to hit is the low one.

The long irons and the wedges are the real champs here. I've never been happier with any wedges I've owned. The sole design is super....the grooves are awesome, too. It's not uncommon to back the ball up from 120 yards and in. The 54 degree SW is a real workhorse around the greens for pitches and chips.

The only change that I'd make in my set would have been to not order them with the CUSHIN insert. I'd rather feel the harsh vibrations from the bad shots. I may attempt to remove the inserts when I regrip the irons next year.


I save hundreds by going with the G5. My father played with me in July and noted the higher flight (I'm not kidding....they made that much difference) and said he wanted to do the same. He came down for a visit and went in to see the same PING dealer. He was fitted for a set of G10 irons/wedges. He said he wanted the current style.

They arrived and he loves them. At 62 years old he is hitting rainbows to the greens. It is hilarious to watch. He's highly impressed with these sticks. Dad is bordering on a 12 hcp. It has been great to watch.


I suspect that one reason we both gained some higher trajectories was being fitted with a more upright club than we both had prior (he was playing X-18 ).


The new G15 irons look great. I have no idea the real world pefromance difference between these and the older model G5. Same basic design, same shaft, etc. I'll put it to you this way....I'm a club junkie and usually jump on the "new stuff" bandwagon. I think the G15 stick has tons of bag appeal....tons...but I have no desire to change from my current set. I'll be gaming these for years to come.

Good luck.

[max power]

  hipcheck4u said:

I have taken 10 shots off my game since getting my G10s. I think that the G series is better for a 36 handicapper than the X clubs. The problem is that if you trade in or sell the clubs your wife got you, you may be in the doghouse for a while. I remember when I exchanged a tie my wife had given me for Christmas once (and so does she).

I'm playing the best golf of my life by far, and I'm not giving up my Titleists, but my 2nd set is Ping Zing 2s, and I'd game the G5s or G10s with no problem. G5s are an especially solid deal at $399 new.

[user9800]

I play the G10's and cannot be happier. I was fit at Ping here in Phoenix. The customer service cannot be beat. I bought my Irons & wedges used for a smokin deal and then went to Ping to have them fit to my needs. Lengthened the clubs, corrected the lie angle and regripped them and I had them back the next day.
You cant go wrong with Ping.

[Ping for life]

I am biased towards Ping, with that being said I would steer you towards the G10's now that the 15's are out you could pick up a set cheaper and the differnece between the two is not significant. You can make the Callaway take back easier by stating you where fit for a set of clubs (Ping) and the lie angle on the Callaways do not match your physical makeup. If the Callaways and the Pings you get fitted for are identical angles you are on your own :) Your club fitting may say your a Red and your swing speed may indicate you need a stiff flexed shaft then I believe you are home free :)