New Custom Ping PLD Milled Putters

[AEAB1105]

Fewer golf OEMs and everything is getting more expensive. Jeesh.

 

Seems like everyone is joining to the Parsons Party....

 

I'll take a OTR Bettinardi or Scotty plus a round at any top tier local course over this any day of the week.

[Jdavenp3]

Also, I am going to say this...

 

If this is what Odyssey plans on rolling out with their new PTCustoms shop then I will be very displeased. Some of the ideas in that thread were fantastic and were very within capability of Odyssey's production formula. I hope they step up.

[Titleist87]

Cannot choose headweight? Pricey for picking colors.

[Shawn Paul]

I like it but $100 less would have certainly sweetened things. At $600 I will probably buy two nice putters instead. There are still old putters that I don't have and they are now cheaper! But its about time PING did this. I'm sure more options will follow as this project gains success.

 

And remember, if one person wins on the PGA with one of these things then everyone will be interested.

[erwinch]

I like it but $100 less would have certainly sweetened things. At $600 I will probably buy two nice putters instead. There are still old putters that I don't have and they are now cheaper! But its about time PING did this. I'm sure more options will follow as this project gains success.

 

And remember, if one person wins on the PGA with one of these things then everyone will be interested.

 

It's essentially the putter Bubba uses.

[towncryer]

Everyone's said what I'd have said already. I ordered a plain Jane DH89 recently. Then I saw Facebook previews for PLD and kind of thought, "man...a totally custom PING would have been sick..." When the design site went live, I was glad I went with Byron. Very little input into the putter...picking up a 2014 Select Newport in good shape would give you all the options of the PLD and would be under that price point as well.

 

Again...lots of smaller putter makers giving a lot more options for the same price or less. Cool idea, but $600 is too much considering what else is out there.

[PingGuy68]

I like it but $100 less would have certainly sweetened things. At $600 I will probably buy two nice putters instead. There are still old putters that I don't have and they are now cheaper! But its about time PING did this. I'm sure more options will follow as this project gains success.

 

And remember, if one person wins on the PGA with one of these things then everyone will be interested.

 

It's essentially the putter Bubba uses.

 

When I first saw the PLD1 page on Ping's site, my first thought was "Sweet! I can buy Bubba's putter!" In the back of my mind I thought as some of you, "more options would be nice". I decided to pick Ping's brain and called them. The CSR told me this is a test run to what response is. Take that comment for what it is.....

 

Anyway, I like it. I may actually buy one. I'm not looking at it for a new neck or whatever. I may not even get the included engraving. I do however like Bubba's putter. For six bills I would be getting a limited run putter. That might be good enough for me. We'll see.

[Holy Moses]

That makes me very happy to hear that this is just a test run to see what the response is

[Scaldy]

Yeah the price is off. They need hosel options and head weight options. It's unusual for Ping to make this obvious an error.

[Daniel Noonan]

Major flub.

[mokedaddy]

Definitely agree with most. That cost is approaching full custom territory and very few options.

[Nessism]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

[BearQ]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

 

Or maybe the majority could be right that's it a bad deal? Everyone has made fair points. Constructive criticism. It's a fail move by Ping, even my club pro who's had ping account for 25 years is scratching his head. This putter and number of options is worth 400 AT BEST imo. Most commenting in the thread are Ping enthusiasts and have their clubs already. Should have some say in what we expect? But you call it whining lol.

 

Family run business should know better than to scrounge 600+ for a barely custom putter. Their pricing model and horrible upcharge prices for shafts even their own staff plays, it's a downward spiral. Only their established position in the industry is keeping them going. Coming from a long time Ping player.

[oilcan_007]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

 

Or maybe the majority could be right that's it a bad deal? Everyone has made fair points. Constructive criticism. It's a fail move by Ping, even my club pro who's had ping account for 25 years is scratching his head. This putter and number of options is worth 400 AT BEST imo. Most commenting in the thread are Ping enthusiasts and have their clubs already. Should have some say in what we expect? But you call it whining lol.

 

Family run business should know better than to scrounge 600+ for a barely custom putter. Their pricing model and horrible upcharge prices for shafts even their own staff plays, it's a downward spiral. Only their established position in the industry is keeping them going. Coming from a long time Ping player.

 

I have been thinking of my position on this putter for a few days now being a big ping fan and playing their equipment. I couldn't disagree more with the assessment above. Below are the points to consider IMO.

 

1. $600 is a fair price and good value. Considering a Cameron is $399 then after you send to him customize, pay for postage and include time without your putter, PING's program of having the custom putter ready to play is fair.

 

2. This is not a mass milling, ping is milling these heads in Phoenix at ping wrx. Considering milling time, tool changes this is a fair price. I considered buying a custom milled B60 a couple years ago and my retailer called ping. They could do it but it was $1600. This PLD is the same workmanship for $600, I think it's a great value.

 

3. If you like the Anser head, this is a fair deal. Most commenting that they want another neck should realize that's a different putter as far as the milling process in concerned. It's another program that would have to be put into the mill.

 

4. I do agree they should EXPAND the program to include another finish, specified headweight. I'd also love to se the original PP58 grip in 5-6 colors along with headcover colors to match.

 

So, is this putter over priced? I don't think so. Should ping offer a few more options, absolutely.

 

I have ordered one and can't wait to get it. I think it's great that ping is exploring this and let's hope they learn and adapt with this PLD program.

[North Butte]

It depends on what colored stamping a and "workmanship" is worth to you. There is no functional difference available with the "custom" option. No different options for neck arrangement or even loft and lie compared to an off the rack Ping putter for 1/3 the price.

 

It's only disappointing to people who see the word "custom" and think of something functionally non-standard. Ping are using "custom" to mean purely cosmetic add-ons. So one of your comparisons is apt. It's like taking an off the rack putter and sending it somewhere to have it stamped and painted. If that's what you think of as a "custom" club then you are thinking on the same page with Ping.

[Scotty1140]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

A bland head shape and and unimpressive list of options for the crazy price. The "whining" seems pretty justified to me.

 

[BYK]

Pretty disappointing to be honest

Nothing special at all that would be worth it to me

[Nessism]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

A bland head shape and and unimpressive list of options for the crazy price. The "whining" seems pretty justified to me.

 

What "options" does SC offer on a $2500 009 that is basically just a Ping clone?

[Scotty1140]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

A bland head shape and and unimpressive list of options for the crazy price. The "whining" seems pretty justified to me.

 

What "options" does SC offer on a $2500 009 that is basically just a Ping clone?

I'd imagine any custom shop options? So certain refinishes, stamps, paint, grips, sight lines, sight dots. Maybe more I've never sent them a putter.

 

Again, it's sad but many make a better looking "Ping clone" than Ping themselves. For this money I'd rather get a DH89, a DD201, a M10, BB0, Potenza II, or even a KP1.

 

EDIT: Apologies to LaMont. MA66!

[Nessism]

I like it! Too much whining in this thread.

A bland head shape and and unimpressive list of options for the crazy price. The "whining" seems pretty justified to me.

 

What "options" does SC offer on a $2500 009 that is basically just a Ping clone?

I'd imagine any custom shop options? So certain refinishes, stamps, paint, grips, sight lines, sight dots. Maybe more I've never sent them a putter.

 

Again, it's sad but many make a better looking "Ping clone" than Ping themselves. For this money I'd rather get a DH89, a DD201, a M10, BB0, Potenza II, or even a KP1.

 

EDIT: Apologies to LaMont. MA66!

 

Look man, I'm not a customer for a $600 putter. But if I were looking for a real deal putter that I'd have forever to cherish then I don't see what's wrong with one of these Ping's. Again, SC did not offer a whole bunch of options when making the 009. Sure, you could send the putter back and have it modified, just as you could do with this Ping as well. I just think a bunch of you guys are bellyaching about the price when there are other putters (SC again) that are just as expensive or more, and they are not even the originator of the design.

[Scotty1140]

^What does a 009 have to do with this release??

 

And I think everyone knows Ping's Anser is the original design.

 

We get it. Why does that even matter?

[Nessism]

^What does a 009 have to do with this release??

 

And I think everyone knows Ping's Anser is the original design.

 

We get it. Why does that even matter?

 

Because everyone is complaining about the PRICE. If Ping was selling them for $250 there would be a line longer than for the Ksig's.

 

Cameron prices his (non production) putters off the planet expensive and no one seems to be posting threads complaining about those. Why this one?

[Scotty1140]

^What does a 009 have to do with this release??

 

And I think everyone knows Ping's Anser is the original design.

 

We get it. Why does that even matter?

 

Because everyone is complaining about the PRICE. If Ping was selling them for $250 there would be a line longer than for the Ksig's.

 

Cameron prices his putters off the planet expensive and no one seems to be posting threads complaining about those. Why this one?

That's because the Cameron faithful feel they are getting their money's worth with his releases regardless of the price tag.

 

Many feel the opposite with this Ping release.

 

I don't mean be be all bi**hy about this. My collection is loaded with classic Ping's and I have been patiently waiting for Ping to release a really nice milled Dalehead Anser for a long time. Still waiting...

 

 

[PingGuy68]

^What does a 009 have to do with this release??

 

And I think everyone knows Ping's Anser is the original design.

 

We get it. Why does that even matter?

 

Because everyone is complaining about the PRICE. If Ping was selling them for $250 there would be a line longer than for the Ksig's.

 

Cameron prices his putters off the planet expensive and no one seems to be posting threads complaining about those. Why this one?

 

I think it's a matter of marketing. The $2500 SC's are known to be limited runs with perceived value inherent in that idea. Maybe if Ping had boasted a limited run of Babba's putter instead of a custom putter, folks would be more receptive. As I said in my earlier post, I like it.

 

Side note, I got my hands on one of those spendy SC's and it felt pretty sweet. I don't know if the price was playing tricks with my head but it wasn't the same as the off the rack putter. Maybe this new Ping feels that sweet.

[towncryer]

This is going off the rails.

 

1. If you can get a stainless 009 for $2500, jump on it and flip it. The new Masterful SSS 009s are going for $4k from the Gallery. $3500 would be a good deal on them (just by what they are selling for...not arguing that anyone should or shouldn't spend that much on putters).

 

2. I love how some will use what others spend on Cameron's high end putters to defend Ping's pricing. Cameron has nothing to do with the bulk of the complaints on this thread. You could get a putter with more custom options than bumper engraving, site dot/line, and color scheme for LESS than what Ping wants for PLD from other boutique putter makers. You could spend more if you want special milling, finishes, etc...

 

3. I don't think that $600 is so high to get bent about...but it's about $600 more than I'm going to pay for a putter that I have no way to get to the weight I'm comfortable with. The lack of options combined with the price is where the saltiness is coming from.

[Frank-the-tank77]

Curious if you could order one of these and then send it back to Wrx for upgrades. I.e. Sound slot or tungsten weights and so forth. Just ordered a vault going through Wrx but would be curious to see how this goes forward for Ping. Not really sure where all the outrage is coming from. You couldn't buy a semi custom Cameron 009 for this price point. Sure you can buy a Bryon or a pirretti or any other number of custom boutique putter makers but I've yet to see any of these models hold half their value on the secondary market. Kudos to Pong for branching out and making an attempt at something unique. Looking forward to see what they do in the future

[Scotty1140]

This is going off the rails.

 

1. If you can get a stainless 009 for $2500, jump on it and flip it. The new Masterful SSS 009s are going for $4k from the Gallery. $3500 would be a good deal on them (just by what they are selling for...not arguing that anyone should or shouldn't spend that much on putters).

 

2. I love how some will use what others spend on Cameron's high end putters to defend Ping's pricing. Cameron has nothing to do with the bulk of the complaints on this thread. You could get a putter with more custom options than bumper engraving, site dot/line, and color scheme for LESS than what Ping wants for PLD from other boutique putter makers. You could spend more if you want special milling, finishes, etc...

 

3. I don't think that $600 is so high to get bent about...but it's about $600 more than I'm going to pay for a putter that I have no way to get to the weight I'm comfortable with. The lack of options combined with the price is where the saltiness is coming from.

+1

 

And why some are bringing SC into this I don't know.

 

Nice avatar btw!

[Frank-the-tank77]

This is going off the rails.

 

1. If you can get a stainless 009 for $2500, jump on it and flip it. The new Masterful SSS 009s are going for $4k from the Gallery. $3500 would be a good deal on them (just by what they are selling for...not arguing that anyone should or shouldn't spend that much on putters).

 

2. I love how some will use what others spend on Cameron's high end putters to defend Ping's pricing. Cameron has nothing to do with the bulk of the complaints on this thread. You could get a putter with more custom options than bumper engraving, site dot/line, and color scheme for LESS than what Ping wants for PLD from other boutique putter makers. You could spend more if you want special milling, finishes, etc...

 

3. I don't think that $600 is so high to get bent about...but it's about $600 more than I'm going to pay for a putter that I have no way to get to the weight I'm comfortable with. The lack of options combined with the price is where the saltiness is coming from.

+1

 

And why some are bringing SC into this I don't know.

 

Nice avatar btw!

 

I think they bring Cameron into the mix because he is "high end" putters. I believe anytime you start talking 500 plus for a putter Cameron is going to be brought up

[North Butte]

Talking about the price Cameron putters fetch is like talking about ProV1 pricing. It is what it is.

[Scotty1140]

This is going off the rails.

 

1. If you can get a stainless 009 for $2500, jump on it and flip it. The new Masterful SSS 009s are going for $4k from the Gallery. $3500 would be a good deal on them (just by what they are selling for...not arguing that anyone should or shouldn't spend that much on putters).

 

2. I love how some will use what others spend on Cameron's high end putters to defend Ping's pricing. Cameron has nothing to do with the bulk of the complaints on this thread. You could get a putter with more custom options than bumper engraving, site dot/line, and color scheme for LESS than what Ping wants for PLD from other boutique putter makers. You could spend more if you want special milling, finishes, etc...

 

3. I don't think that $600 is so high to get bent about...but it's about $600 more than I'm going to pay for a putter that I have no way to get to the weight I'm comfortable with. The lack of options combined with the price is where the saltiness is coming from.

+1

 

And why some are bringing SC into this I don't know.

 

Nice avatar btw!

 

I think they bring Cameron into the mix because he is "high end" putters. I believe anytime you start talking 500 plus for a putter Cameron is going to be brought up

Agreed.

 

But one huge difference here is that in many Cameron threads, a good portion of the negative comments come from those who don't like the brand at all, and just stopped by to take a jab.

 

I feel like much of the "whining" here is coming from those who were legitimately excited from the twitter teaser pic, only to be let down by the actual offering.