Joining the already three deep G400 driver range the G400 Max takes the impressive performance of the standard, LST and SFT models into the maximum allowable size of 460cc.

Whereas the original three versions of the driver utilised a 445cc head size for drag reduction the new mode’s increase in size delivers an increase in forgiveness and the highest moment of inertia (MOI) numbers, over 9,900 gram cm2, in Ping’s long club making history.

The driver’s high-density tungsten back weight wraps around the back of the driver to help deliver the increase in MOI and place the centre of gravity (CG) in the lowest and furthest back point of any driver on the market according to Ping.

“The new G400 Max is engineered with the same technology as the original G400 but we’ve optimized the size to gain even more forgiveness, which leads to tighter dispersion and lower scores,” Ping President John K. Solheim said.

Already appearing on the PGA Tour in the hands of Tony Finau, Aaron Baddeley and Seamus Power the G400 Max features a T9S+ face, which Ping engineers produce through a forging and heat treating process to increase ball speeds across the entire face, adding distance to the club’s forgiveness improvements.

Like the original G400 models the Max comes standard with Ping’s colour-shifting Alta CB shaft, with a range of other upcharge shafts available.

Similarly to the new driver the Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges join an established model of the same name in the Ping line up with a few material and performance modifications designed to target a certain player.

Unlike the driver, however, where forgiveness and MOI will primarily appeal to average golfers the new wedges will appeal to more skilled players thanks to a smaller appearance courtesy of the Stealth finish, which is applied through a process the company calls “Quench Polish Quench” designed to improve durability while also minimising glare.

The replacement of the 431 stainless steel heads used in the original Glide 2.0 wedges in favour of 8620 carbon steel delivers a softer feel while a wheel cut half groove at the bottom of the face of 56˚, 58˚ and 60˚ wedges increases spin, especially on shots struck low on the face and loft specific grooves optimise each wedge’s performance across the full spectrum of seven lofts and four sole grinds.

Benefitting from a combination of technologies incorporated in Ping’s Crossover and G400 fairway woods and hybrids the new G700 irons are the “longest, highest-flying iron” in company history.

A hollow-body construction borrowed from the Crossover allowed the company’s engineers to place weight away from the face to increase flexing and COR for higher ball speeds and launch. The face itself delivers the increase in flexing through the use of maraging steel, one of the strongest alloys in the world renowned for its combination of flexibility and strength.

“We’re seeing significant ball-speed increases in the G700 while maintaining the consistency and control golfers need to improve their iron play,” Solheim said.

Completing the new releases is an update on the Vault putter range, named in honour of Ping’s historic putter vault, which contains gold putters celebrating tournament wins.

The new Vault 2.0 encompasses six models including the Dale Anser, Voss, B60, ZB and Piper all made from 303 stainless steel and the high-MOI Ketsch, which combines a 6061 aerospace-grade aluminium body and stainless steel sole.

100 percent milled, the putters incorporate Ping’s ‘True Roll’ technology, a face pattern that utilises variations in depth and pitch to deliver distance consistency on off-centre hits.

Aside from the variation in putter shapes, the most noticeable difference from the original Vault putters comes on the sole of the Vault 2.0 models. Interchangeable weights on the sole allow Ping to dial in the best balance and feel of each putter, with putters built between 34 and 36 inches fitted with steel weights, putters under 34 inches utilising tungsten weights that are 15-grams heavier and those over 36 inches using aluminium weighing in 15-grams lighter than the steel.

The sole weights also allow the company to customise a putter for an individual’s preferences, something that is enhanced even further by the choice of three finishes, lie angle and four pistol tapered grips offering various shapes and feel.

“As we advance the technologies we apply in designing and manufacturing our putters, we’re able to offer more putter-fitting options than ever,” Solheim said. “The precision with which we mill the PING Vault 2.0 putters allows us to fine-tune the specifications that best match a golfer’s stroke and feel preference.”

G400 Max RRP: $619.00.

Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges RRP: $250 (steel); $275 (graphite).

G700 irons RRP: $250 (per iron steel); $275 (per iron graphite).

Vault 2.0 putters RRP: $500.

To find out more about the new range of Ping products visit www.americangolf.com.au