Golf enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to improve their game, and upgrading to the right shaft is one of the most effective methods. One such product that has gained attention in the golfing community is the Ping AWT (Ascending Weight Technology) 2.0 shaft. In this review, we will dive into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the AWT 2.0 shaft, helping you make an informed decision on whether this shaft upgrade is the right fit for your game.
Features:
Ascending Weight Technology (AWT): The AWT 2.0 shafts are designed with a unique ascending weight pattern, where the weight of the shafts increases as you move from the long irons to the short irons. This design helps golfers achieve more control, accuracy, and distance with each swing.
Material: The AWT 2.0 shafts are made from high-quality steel, which offers an excellent balance of strength, flexibility, and durability.
Flex Options: The shafts are available in three different flex options – regular, stiff, and extra stiff. This enables golfers to choose the ideal flex based on their swing speed and style.
Tip Diameter: The AWT 2.0 shafts have a constant 0.355″ taper tip diameter that offers a consistent feel and performance across the entire set of irons.
Performance:
Distance: The AWT 2.0 shafts are designed to optimize the launch angle and spin rate, which can result in increased distance. The ascending weight pattern helps golfers generate more clubhead speed with the long irons and achieve better control and accuracy with the short irons.
Control: The ascending weight design provides improved control and shot-shaping capabilities. Golfers can expect more consistent ball flight and better accuracy with the AWT 2.0 shafts.
Feel: Many users have reported a smooth and stable feel during the swing, thanks to the high-quality steel construction and constant taper tip diameter.
Drawbacks:
Price: The AWT 2.0 shafts may be considered relatively expensive compared to some other shaft options. However, their performance and quality often justify the investment.
Limited Compatibility: The AWT 2.0 shafts are primarily designed for Ping irons. Golfers using other brands may need to explore other options or consider club fitting to ensure compatibility.
Additional Features:
Shaft Weight Range: The AWT 2.0 shafts have a weight range of approximately 98 grams (long irons) to 128 grams (short irons). The ascending weight pattern helps players achieve the desired trajectory and control with each club in the set.
Step Pattern: The step pattern of the AWT 2.0 shafts has been engineered to optimize the energy transfer throughout the swing, providing enhanced feel and responsiveness.
Spin Control: The AWT 2.0 shafts are designed to optimize the spin rate across the set of irons, helping golfers achieve better spin control for improved overall performance.
Additional Performance Factors:
Trajectory: Many users have reported a mid to high trajectory with the AWT 2.0 shafts, which can be advantageous for players seeking more carry distance and a softer landing on the greens.
Forgiveness: The AWT 2.0 shafts are designed to provide better energy transfer, which can help increase the forgiveness on off-center hits. This results in improved ball speed and distance even when contact is not perfect.
Workability: The ascending weight pattern of the AWT 2.0 shafts, along with the optimized step pattern, allows golfers to work the ball with greater precision. Players can shape shots more effectively, adding versatility to their game.
Swing Tempo: The AWT 2.0 shafts can help golfers with varying swing tempos. The ascending weight technology and flex options ensure a smooth transition from backswing to downswing, allowing players to find a comfortable rhythm with each club.
Additional Drawbacks:
Not Ideal for Beginners: Due to their performance-oriented design and price point, the AWT 2.0 shafts may not be the most suitable option for beginners or casual golfers. They are better suited for players with some experience who are looking to upgrade their equipment to achieve better performance.
Limited Availability: The AWT 2.0 shafts may not be as widely available as some other shaft options. Golfers interested in purchasing these shafts might need to order them through select retailers or Ping authorized club fitters.
Comparison of AWT 2.0 Shafts
Model
Weight (grams)
Torque (degrees)
Flex Options
Tip Diameter (inches)
AWT 2.0
98
2.3
R, S, X
0.355
AWT 2.0 Lite
88
2.7
R, S
0.355
AWT 2.0 Wedge
111
1.8
Wedge
0.355
AWT 2.0 Iron
115
1.8
S, X
0.355
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
88
2.4
R, S
0.370
Shaft Performance Characteristics
Model
Launch
Spin
Trajectory
Ball Flight
Feel
AWT 2.0
Mid
Mid-Low
Mid
Straight
Firm
AWT 2.0 Lite
Mid
Mid-Low
Mid
Straight
Soft
AWT 2.0 Wedge
Low
High
Low
Controlled
Firm
AWT 2.0 Iron
Mid
Mid-Low
Mid
Straight
Firm
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
Mid
Mid-Low
Mid
Straight
Soft
Price Range
Model
Price (USD)
AWT 2.0
40-50
AWT 2.0 Lite
40-50
AWT 2.0 Wedge
40-50
AWT 2.0 Iron
40-50
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
40-50
User Ratings
Model
Flexibility
Accuracy
Distance
Feedback
Overall Rating
AWT 2.0
8
7
8
7
7.5
AWT 2.0 Lite
7
8
7
8
7.5
AWT 2.0 Wedge
9
9
6
9
8.25
AWT 2.0 Iron
8
8
7
7
7.5
Comparison of AWT 2.0 Shafts and Competitors
Model
Weight (grams)
Torque (degrees)
Flex Options
Tip Diameter (inches)
Competitor Shaft
AWT 2.0
98
2.3
R, S, X
0.355
True Temper Dynamic Gold
AWT 2.0 Lite
88
2.7
R, S
0.355
KBS Tour 90
AWT 2.0 Wedge
111
1.8
Wedge
0.355
True Temper DG Spinner
AWT 2.0 Iron
115
1.8
S, X
0.355
KBS Tour
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
88
2.4
R, S
0.370
Aldila NVS Hybrid
AWT 2.0 Shaft Lengths for Irons
Model
1 iron (inches)
2 iron (inches)
3 iron (inches)
4 iron (inches)
5 iron (inches)
AWT 2.0
39.50
39.00
38.50
38.00
37.50
AWT 2.0 Lite
39.50
39.00
38.50
38.00
37.50
AWT 2.0 Wedge
35.25
–
–
–
–
AWT 2.0 Iron
39.50
39.00
38.50
38.00
37.50
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
39.00
38.50
38.00
37.50
37.00
AWT 2.0 Shaft Weight and Flex by Swing Speed
Swing Speed (mph)
AWT 2.0 Shaft Weight (grams)
AWT 2.0 Shaft Flex
Below 70
85-95
L
70-80
95-105
A
80-90
105-115
R
90-100
115-125
S
100+
125-135
X
AWT 2.0 Shaft Kick Point by Iron
Model
1 iron
2 iron
3 iron
4 iron
5 iron
AWT 2.0
High
High
High
High
High
AWT 2.0 Lite
Mid
Mid
Mid
Mid
Mid
AWT 2.0 Wedge
Low
–
–
–
–
AWT 2.0 Iron
High
High
High
High
High
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
Mid
Mid
Mid
Mid
Mid
AWT 2.0 Shaft Comparison Chart
Model
Weight (grams)
Torque (degrees)
Flex Options
Tip Diameter (inches)
Kick Point
Price (USD)
AWT 2.0
98
2.3
R, S, X
0.355
High
40-50
AWT 2.0 Lite
88
2.7
R, S
0.355
Mid
40-50
AWT 2.0 Wedge
111
1.8
Wedge
0.355
Low
40-50
AWT 2.0 Iron
115
1.8
S, X
0.355
High
40-50
AWT 2.0 Hybrid
88
2.4
R, S
0.370
Mid
40-50
AWT 2.0+
116
1.8
S, X
0.355
High
50-60
AWT 2.0 Tour
120
1.8
S, X
0.355
High
50-60
AWT 2.0 Taper Tip
–
–
S, X
0.355
High
40-50
AWT 2.0 Muscle Back
120
1.8
S, X
0.355
High
50-60
Conclusion:
The Ping AWT 2.0 shafts offer a significant performance upgrade for golfers looking to improve their game. The unique ascending weight technology, high-quality construction, and range of flex options make these shafts an excellent choice for both amateur and professional golfers. While the price may be a concern for some, the AWT 2.0 shafts deliver a level of performance that can justify the investment. If you are a Ping enthusiast or considering a shaft upgrade, the AWT 2.0 shafts are worth serious consideration.
