The all new PING Karsten iron set is the
brand’s most progressive and forgiving set to
date. This combo set offers 5-iron through SW
with an optional 5-hybrid, and a 3-
thru-4 hybrid.
TECHNOLOGY
PING has been able to make this iron even
longer by engineering loft and length
progressions along with widening the sole to
create a more forgiving and easier iron to hit.
In addition, PING’s patented custom tuning
port reinforces the thin face of the iron
allowing for faster ball speed, increased
distance and added forgiveness.
SOUND/FEEL/PERFORMANCE
If you’re familiar with PING irons, you should
know that most are made from 17-4 stainless
steel. Now, although these irons are made from
the same material as many of
PING’s others offerings in the irons category,
such as the i25 or G25, the sound and feel
differ dramatically.
I’m not necessarily impressed or disappointed
with the sound of the iron; however I was a
little disappointed by the feel of the PING
Karsten Iron set. After testing the
Karsten iron set, I noticed that this set played
much firmer than any PING set I’ve
encountered. You are definitely sacrificing feel
for performance with these irons, but
given the result I got from the launch monitor,
the sacrifice may be worth it.
The Hybrids in this set are what I found to be
the best feeling and sounding clubs and are
extremely forgiving. In past years, PING has
struggled to come out with a
combo set where the hybrids deliver
performance that match up to their irons. Most
surprisingly, these hybrids won’t leave a huge
gap between your 5-iron and 4 hybrid.
After testing, I found the 4-hybrid to go nearly
the same distance as the 4-iron but much
easier to hit with unmatched forgiveness.
After testing PW thru 3-hybrid, I compared the
7-iron in the Karsten set against the G25 7-
iron.
Averaging 5 out of 10 shots with each club,
the results are as follows:
Karsten
Club head speed: 85mph
Ball speed: 122mph
Launch angle: 18.5 degrees
Spin: 6725rpm
Carry distance: 172 yards
Total distance: 183 yards
G25
Club head speed: 84mph
Ball speed: 120mph
Launch angle: 17 degrees
Spin: 6525rpm
Carry distance: 168 yards
Total distance: 177 yards
Based upon the results, the Karsten is
generating a higher ball speed resulting in
added distance. The launch angle with the
Karsten was also slightly higher than the G25
which is why the Karsten had a much farther
carry distance.
Between the two I felt the G25 has a soft feel
at impact but a very similar look at address.
Both clubs had a top-line that might be
considered a little too fat. All in all,
based on pure numbers the Karsten would be
the way to go. But let’s not forget that this
set comes with 2 hybrids (3H-4H) with an
option of a 5-hybrid. These clubs are
game changers for the average golfer who has
trouble hitting their long irons.
AVAILABILTY/PRICING
The PING Karsten 8-piece set retails for $899
(Steel shafts on irons/ Graphite shafts on
hybrids) and is available now.
