Ping G5i Putter

The Ping G5i Putter was the 2006 Golf Digest Hot List Editor’s Choice in the Blade Putter Category and won again in 2007. Two years in a row—it has to be good, right?

I’ve tried this one in a local pro shop, and I think that it has a very nice feel. Accuracy was good, too. But the part I liked best was the grip. Best feeling grips I’ve ever felt.

The putter has an insert that surrounds a hard urethane middle with a softer perimeter for better feel. They also claim it has a better sound, but as long time readers know, I’m quite deaf, and can’t tell you a thing about that.

The design also is different from previous blade models. There are thru-holes and sole cavities to redistribute the weight and improve the moment of inertia (resistance to twisting). There’s also a new alignment system on the top rail that has been described as crescent shaped, a piece of metal that curves outward toward the ball. The back, which you can’t see in the photo, has a flat blue crescent shaped area to further help you align things.

Ping established its reputation with its putters, and I think they continue to maintain that one here.