Ping Rapture Tips

The Ping Rapture V2 is a 460cc titanium-tungsten driver designed to help players get the ball airborne quickly. Its light stock shaft (most come with the Ping TFC 939) is designed for players with relatively slow swing speeds. Stronger players should upgrade to a heavier custom shaft from Aldila, UST or Grafalloy, all available from Ping, to avoid extremely high ball flights. Depending on shaft options, Ping Rapture V2 drivers are found in the $400 range (2009 retail pricing).

Ping Rapture V2 fairway woods are high-trajectory clubs available in a 3-wood (16-degree), 4-wood (17.5), 5-wood (19) and 7-wood (22). They are perfect for players needing maximum forgiveness, accuracy and versatility from the rough, fairway and off the tee. Stock shafts are suitable for slower swing speeds. As with the Rapture driver, stronger players should choose heavier, stiffer shafts. Most retailers sell Rapture V2 fairway woods for $200 to $250 per club (2009).

Rapture V2 irons (3-iron through lob wedge) are oversized and made with a three-part multimetal design. Each clubhead consists of a titanium face, tungsten sole weight and stainless steel body. The sole weight and large cavity back help maximize launch.They are forgiving clubs available in steel and graphite shafts. Both stock options are suitable for novice players. Working the ball is a bit difficult, and players with higher swing speeds will fare better with steel, extra-stiff shafts. Rapture V2 iron sets are commonly sold in the $1,000 to $1,200 range (2009).

Despite being marketed as high trajectory, game-improvement rescue clubs, Rapture V2 hybrids are solid performers from a variety of lies. They come in four lofts (17, 20, 23 and 27 degrees) and for novice and developing players are suitable alternatives to long irons (3 through 5 iron). Equipped with stiff shafts (steel or graphite), Rapture hybrids are extraordinary rescue clubs for the advanced golfer. They are commonly found for about $200 per club (2009).