It's been a couple of years since Ping launched a new style of putter across the full range of their styles, but they have really gone for it with the Ping Sigma G range.
All the mathematicians among you will know that Sigma is the Greek letter used to indicate the sum of everything and the putter range certainly lives up to this, as there are 16 new models.
There are some classic shapes and some new ones, but before I come on to those I will review the technology within the Sigma G.
What is new is the PEBAX elastomer insert that sits in a face cavity behind an anodized 6061 aluminium face in order to provide a soft feel that does not lose any ball speed.
It reminds me a little of the Isopur putters launched around 20 years ago, which also featured a synthetic insert that was white with the word Ping on it. It didn't have the aluminium face in front of it though and whilst it created a soft feel for the harder balls of the day, it also sounded a little hollow.
That slight hollow feel is still there in the Sigma G insert, but it is masked by the aluminium face that keeps the majority of the sound of a metal faced putter combined with a softer feel.
On balance then I think this is a good insert for those who have grown up valuing sound as a measurement of feel, especially if using a premium tour ball or a softer mid-market ball.
The aluminium face also features the latest TruRoll face grooves from the Ping Vault putters that are deeper in the centre and then get shallower as they move out in order to try and minimise any loss of speed on mishits.
This is a tried and trusted technology that has a lot of merit and the groove depth is another factor in creating the impact sound that you hear when you judge feel.
I particularly like the fact that the insert goes right across the full width of the face
The 16 styles come in a choice of platinum or black nickel finishes with opposite face insert colour to suit your mood. For some reason the platinum ones do look a little larger visually even though they are the same size.
Special mention must go to the Ping PP60 Pistol grip that combines the classic pistol shape towards the top of the grip with the wider non-taper lower half of a SuperStroke 2.0 style size grip.
This provides an excellent combination of feel and size and is also available in a larger PP62 or a counterbalanced CB60 version for those who want to stabilise their hands further.
Overall the Sigma G is a solid range of putters with good looks and an innovative insert that we have not seen the like of from Ping for a while.
Depending on the model it will be reasonably priced with an RRP of £175 to £200, so if you have an old Ping favourite that you want to upgrade to an insert model, then there should be a new version in the comprehensive Ping Sigma G range.
However for now, here are my stand out Ping Sigma G models:
Ping Sigma G Anser Putter
I have to start with the daddy of all Ping putters. The classic shape is a little larger than standard with a full width insert that combines classic style with modern face technology. For a Slight Arc stroke and weighs 340g.
Ping Sigma G Darby Putter
Return of the large headed, face balanced mallet with the long alignment line parallel to the target line. I like the new set back hosel socket so you can see all of the top line of the putter and this also appears on several other models too. For a Straight Arc stroke and weighs 370g.
Ping Sigma G Kinloch Putter
Centre shafted, deep flange putter with butterfly trailing edge sits very well and offers a no offset, no nonsense feel. For a Slight Arc stroke and weighs 350g.
Ping Sigma G Tess Putter
Great to see someone still making a classic heel/toe weighted blade and even better, one with a bit of technology in there to make it more forgiving. For a Strong Arc stroke and weighs 340g.
Ping Sigma G Tyne Putter
A new model for Ping, but you will recognise it as one of the most popular shapes of recent times. Mid-sized shape with lovely smooth lines and the prongs are deliberately designed to be just the right width to pick up a golf ball when your putt is conceded. For a Straight or Slight Arc stroke and weighs 370g.
Ping Sigma G Wolverine T Putter
It looks mad, but it will claw your ball into the hole with its high MOI face balanced design. For a Straight Arc stroke and weighs 370g.
