The golf industry has seen a significant evolution over the years, and golfers are now looking for ways to enhance their performance. One way to do this is by using the right golf club shaft. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft, and how it can improve your game.
What is the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft?
The Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is a high-performance golf club shaft that is designed to offer golfers maximum control, stability, and power. It’s made of high-quality materials and boasts of cutting-edge technology to help golfers take their game to the next level.
Shaft Design and Technology:
The Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft features a low-to-mid kick point and a stiff flex, which makes it suitable for golfers with faster swing speeds. The shaft’s design is made of high-quality graphite material, which helps to improve the shaft’s overall durability and performance.
One of the significant technologies incorporated in the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is the Ping’s proprietary Precision-Fitting technology. This technology ensures that golfers get the best-fitted shaft for their game. The shaft also features the proprietary Taper Tip Technology, which allows for a more responsive feel at impact.
Performance and Benefits:
The Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft offers several benefits to golfers who use it. The low-to-mid kick point and stiff flex design allow for maximum control and stability during the swing, resulting in more accurate shots. Additionally, the high-quality graphite material used in the shaft’s construction offers a lighter and more responsive feel, which improves the golfer’s swing speed.
The shaft’s design also helps to reduce torque, which minimizes the clubface’s twisting during impact, resulting in a more consistent shot. Furthermore, the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft provides golfers with a unique combination of power and precision, making it an ideal choice for golfers looking to improve their game.
Compatibility:
The Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is compatible with most Ping drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. However, it’s essential to consult with a club fitter to ensure that you’re choosing the right shaft that matches your swing speed, clubhead speed, and ball flight.
Customization:
Ping offers a range of customization options for the Tour 173-85 Shaft, including custom length, grip, and shaft flex. This ensures that golfers get the perfect fit for their game, which ultimately results in improved performance on the course.
Price:
The Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is a premium golf club shaft, and its price point reflects its quality and performance. However, the cost of the shaft varies depending on the customization options chosen.
Installation:
Installing the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft requires the services of a professional club fitter or a certified Ping dealer. The installation process typically involves removing the old shaft and installing the new one, which requires specialized tools and expertise.
Pros and Cons:
As with any golf equipment, the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:
Pros:
- Offers maximum control, stability, and power
- Low-to-mid kick point and stiff flex design for faster swing speeds
- High-quality graphite construction for a more responsive feel and improved swing speed
- Precision-Fitting technology ensures the perfect fit for golfers
- Taper Tip Technology for a more responsive feel at impact
- Reduces torque for more consistent shots
Cons:
- Comes at a premium price point
- Requires professional installation
- May not be suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds
Overall, the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is an excellent choice for golfers looking to enhance their game. Its high-quality construction, advanced technology, and customization options make it a popular choice among experienced golfers who prioritize performance and consistency on the course.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shaft:
When choosing a golf club shaft, it’s essential to consider your swing speed, ball flight, and clubhead speed. A professional club fitter can help you choose the right shaft that matches your swing characteristics and playing style. It’s also important to consider the shaft’s weight, flex, and torque, as these factors can significantly impact your performance on the course.
Comparison of Ping Tour 173-85 shaft with other Ping shafts
| Shaft Model | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Weight | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour 173-85 | Low-Mid | Low | 85g | 1.8 |
| Alta CB Red 55 | High | Mid-High | 55g | 5.7 |
| TFC 419D | Mid | Mid | 67g | 3.6 |
| Ping Prodi G | Mid-High | Mid-High | 62g | 3.1 |
| Project X HZRDUS | Low | Low | 63g | 2.9 |
Golfers’ feedback on Ping Tour 173-85 shaft performance
| Golfer Profile | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Accuracy | Distance | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Handicapper | Low-Mid | Low | High | Moderate | Great |
| Mid Handicapper | Low-Mid | Low | High | Moderate | Good |
| High Handicapper | Low-Mid | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Senior Golfer | Low-Mid | Low | High | Moderate | Great |
| Female Golfer | Low-Mid | Low | High | Moderate | Good |
Technical specifications of Ping Tour 173-85 shaft
| Shaft Flex | Weight | Torque | Launch Angle | Spin Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiff | 85g | 1.8 | Low-Mid | Low |
| X-Stiff | 85g | 1.8 | Low-Mid | Low |
| Regular | 83g | 1.9 | Low-Mid | Low |
| Soft Regular | 81g | 2.0 | Low-Mid | Low |
| Tour Stiff Plus | 87g | 1.7 | Low-Mid | Low |
Comparison of Ping Tour 173-85 shaft with other shaft brands
| Shaft Model | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Weight | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Temper Dynamic Gold | Low-Mid | Low-Mid | 120g | 1.9 |
| KBS Tour | Mid | Mid | 110g | 2.1 |
| Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw | Mid | Mid | 78g | 3.1 |
| Nippon Modus 3 Tour 130 | Low-Mid | Low-Mid | 130g | 1.5 |
Conclusion:
The Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is a high-performance golf club shaft that is designed to provide golfers with maximum control, stability, and power. The shaft’s low-to-mid kick point and stiff flex design, coupled with its high-quality graphite construction, offer golfers a more responsive feel, improved swing speed, and accuracy. If you’re looking to enhance your game and take your golfing experience to the next level, the Ping Tour 173-85 Shaft is an ideal choice.
