Based on his frustrations with the game, Karsten Solheim founded Ping in 1959 with an idea of making clubs that make golf easier to play. That tradition is still in full swing 55 years on as the Ping Karsten irons, named after the company's founder, have been launched.
Set to replace Ping's K-series irons, the Karsten set of is made up of easy-to-hit hybrids and long, forgiving irons. The lofts and length of each club designed to provide the proper distance gapping and trajectories.
It's been three years since Ping launched a combo set of hybrids and irons, as the company have focused more on the i, G and Anser ranges. But worry not, Ping haven't forgotten about the game-improvement category.
Whilst the Karsten hybrids have a naturally wide sole design, the soles of the irons have been increased to produce a centre of gravity (CG) that is low and back. This CG positions helps send the ball higher with more forgiveness, perfect for the high-handicapper or golfers who don't produce as much swing speed.
Furthermore, each club in the set is carefully weighted to produce the ideal feel and performance. The irons, like the new Ping i25 irons, feature a Custom Tuning Port in the cavity behind the face. This soft elastomer piece helps to reinforce the face whilst providing a softer feel and sound.
Similarly the hybrids feature internal weights that drag mass towards the heel and toe portions of the club to create a greater MOI, improving forgiveness and accuracy on off-centre strikes.
Each of the Karsten hybrids is fitted with one of Ping's KS 401 graphite shafts, whilst the irons are available in either graphite or Ping's CFS Distance steel shaft.
Players will be able to customise their set with the clubs that fit their game. The irons range from 5 to SW with an RRP of £86 for steel or £102 for graphite, whilst the 3, 4 and 5 hybrids are available at £102 per club.