When it comes to shots in and around the green, there is no faking it, the data says golfers struggle. PING is hoping to help that with their new launch the ChipR, which despite odd spelling for trademark purposes, is exactly what it sounds like…a Chipper.
In the late 70s, Karsten Solheim introduced the PING Chipo, it was a more traditional shaped wedge that was designed for golfers that lacked confidence and were looking for assistance around the greens. Part wedge, part putter, but today, that is expanding, or should we say changing, with the new ChipR from PING.
“Golfers who fear chunking or blading their chip shots are really going to benefit from the new PING ChipR,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President. “We’ve learned a lot since my grandfather, Karsten Solheim, invented the Chipo, but his insights were spot on as always. Our research indicates 1/3 of golfers who tested the ChipR saw better results compared to a traditional wedge. We’ve engineered a lot of technology into the ChipR to help golfers avoid the poor chip shot and save strokes around the green. It represents another score-lowering option from our engineers for golfers in search of game improvement and more enjoyment on the golf course.”
The ChipR comes in at a length of many traditional putters (35 inches) and carries a loft closer to that of an 8 iron (38.5 degrees). Designed for shots in and around the green, or better said within 40 yards, and the use is more like a putting stroke, which results in the typical bump and run.
The PING ChipR features a more compact size and shallow face, along with a cambered sole to help playability from nearly any type of lie found on the course. The chipper ChipR features the company’s precision-milled MicroMax grooves to help channel away grass and moisture to promote clean contact and the attention to detail mimics what you would find in a premium quality wedge…just with a product more geared towards assistance.
Do you or would you use a club of this style? Give us your thoughts below or join us for the conversation in the THP online community.
PING ChipR Specs
Material/Manufacturing Process: Investment-cast 431 stainless steel head; composite cavity badge; tungsten toe/shaft weights; precision-milled MicroMax face and grooves; hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish
STD. LOFT/BOUNCE: 38.50°/8°
STD. LENGTH: 35” (available in custom lengths)
STD. LIE: 70° (available in 10 PING color codes)
STOCK SHAFTS: Steel: PING Z-Z115 wedge; Graphite: PING Alta CB Slate (R)
STOCK GRIP: 360 Dyla-wedge Lite grip (3/4” longer than traditional grip)
U.S. MSRP: $195 per club with stock steel shaft; $210 per club with stock graphite shaft
For more information, check out their website at www.ping.com.
The ChipR and links courses. I can see it.
I may need to lease one from PGATSS on their 90-day return policy for credit. Undecided. The Gap would probably go; grip down on PW
[QUOTE=”Hamfist, post: 10809618, member: 25285″]
Maybe try a slightly longer backswing? Are you using a putter stroke with it? I find I swing it less like a putter and more like a wedge, to be honest.
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I do the same thing with the C. I hit slightly down on it like a wedge and accelerate through the shot. The loft keeps it low and the Cleveland grooves will give it a little bite. The only time I use a putting stroke is on short chips. Like less that 20ft when I’m short sided with no obstacles. It’s very good for that. It’s a short club already so no need to choke up unless the lie angle is way above your feet or something. Choking up may cause you to blade it especially if it’s up in your stance. I put the ball exactly where I would put it for a putt.
The Ping ChipR has 38.5 degrees and looks much more like a club that will release more. Which is what is appealing to me. The C you gotta get some speed on the strike to get it to release fully when using a putter stroke. I mean it’s an all arms swing keep in mind. Unless it’s a downhill green or something hit that thing good! Bump and run gapping. ? I love it.
I am all for anything that will help people play/score better. I just don’t know how successful this can be at $200 and taking one club out of your bag. However, if you don’t use 14 clubs then maybe this would be a good option.
Seems like you could get similar results choking down on a 7 or 8 iron, considering the target audience is probably playing a wider-soled iron already. Whatever gives you confidence though.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 10809889, member: 1193″]
Seems like you could get similar results choking down on a 7 or 8 iron, [B]considering the target audience is probably playing a wider-soled iron already.[/B] Whatever gives you confidence though.
[/QUOTE]
The bold is an excellent point actually. I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s likely true.
I also even as a HS golf coach am amazed at the resistance to taking lower lofted clubs to chip, it’s just so damn easy and repeatable already.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10809961, member: 1579″]
The bold is an excellent point actually. I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s likely true.
I also even as a HS golf coach am amazed at the resistance to taking lower lofted clubs to chip, it’s just so damn easy and repeatable already.
[/QUOTE]
It’s definitely not the sexy option, but works really well with a putter stroke and the right lie.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 10809889, member: 1193″]
Seems like you could get similar results choking down on a 7 or 8 iron, considering the target audience is probably playing a wider-soled iron already. Whatever gives you confidence though.
[/QUOTE]
The only drawback I see in this approach (and it’s more of an indictment of my game than anything else) is the need to manipulate the iron to “heel up” at the set up. I’ve forgotten to do that (frequently) and the results were less than impressive. The chipper already sets me up that way. (Just splitting hairs here, since work is quiet today.)
How does this compare to the Cleveland Smart Sole? I am looking into getting a chipper as a Christmas gift, my short game is a mess. I’m a high handicapper and don’t care what others think. I see it as no different than using a hybrid.
[QUOTE=”David7, post: 10810016, member: 69607″]
How does this compare to the Cleveland Smart Sole? I am looking into getting a chipper as a Christmas gift, my short game is a mess. I’m a high handicapper and don’t care what others think. I see it as no different than using a hybrid.
[/QUOTE]
I can’t make a comparison, since I’ve not even seen the Ping in the wild, but, I can endorse the Cleveland. I have the older version that I bought, then sold to a buddy, then bought back from him. I use it, I like it.
[QUOTE=”Hamfist, post: 10810047, member: 25285″]
I can’t make a comparison, since I’ve not even seen the Ping in the wild, but, I can endorse the Cleveland. I have the older version that I bought, then sold to a buddy, then bought back from him. I use it, I like it.
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I understand that it comes in three different lofts, which one is the standard all purpose one?
[QUOTE=”David7, post: 10810055, member: 69607″]
I understand that it comes in three different lofts, which one is the standard all purpose one?
[/QUOTE]
Looking at their website, the chipper is a 42 degree club, with the “C” designation. The other SS clubs look to be a gap wedge and a sand wedge.
[QUOTE=”David7, post: 10810055, member: 69607″]
I understand that it comes in three different lofts, which one is the standard all purpose one?
[/QUOTE]
The more I read/see about this club as a chipper, I’m starting to think that it may be the “skilled” chipper out of 3 types. This is way to much analysis but what the hell, here goes.
Standard Chipper-Odyssey X-Act. More traditional style chipper with some upgrades. 37 degree. Putter length. Ugly yes but very effective. Made for a true putting style chip. Target player is high handicap/beginners who need simplicity and reliability.
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”80px”]9104197[/ATTACH]
Modern Mid Skilled Chipper-Cleveland Smart Sole C. More wedge like design with some versatility. 42 degree. Maintains most of the simplicity of a standard chipper but additional loft, grooves and design offer more options for mid level players. Target player is the mid handicap player who is inconsistent with high loft wedges overall and wants more reliability. (Me)
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”86px”]9104200[/ATTACH]
Modern Higher Skilled Chipper-Ping ChipR. Much more iron/wedge design. Maintains some of the chipper simplicity but the design offers more options than any other chippers before it. 38.5 degree. Putter length. Wider sole than a standard iron but much less than the X-Act or C so it requires more precision than the other 2 design types. Target player-mid to lower handicap players who are solid with their higher lofted wedges but struggle with traditional bump and run shots with full 7,8,9 irons and have room in their bag for a go to club on those shots. (Kind of me)
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🙂
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10809961, member: 1579″]
The bold is an excellent point actually. I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s likely true.
I also even as a HS golf coach am amazed at the resistance to taking lower lofted clubs to chip, it’s just so damn easy and repeatable already.
[/QUOTE]
Lol when I played in high school if it wasn’t a flop shot I wasn’t interested.
[QUOTE=”Jason89er, post: 10810462, member: 59624″]
The more I read/see about this club as a chipper, I’m starting to think that it may be the “skilled” chipper out of 3 types. This is way to much analysis but what the hell, here goes.
Standard Chipper-Odyssey X-Act. More traditional style chipper with some upgrades. 37 degree. Putter length. Ugly yes but very effective. Made for a true putting style chip. Target player is high handicap/beginners who need simplicity and reliability.
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Modern Mid Skilled Chipper-Cleveland Smart Sole C. More wedge like design with some versatility. 42 degree. Maintains most of the simplicity of a standard chipper but additional loft, grooves and design offer more options for mid level players. Target player is the mid handicap player who is inconsistent with high loft wedges overall and wants more reliability. (Me)
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”86px” alt=”A86CE8D3-60D3-4395-8FE9-E69B3D3BB3FA.jpeg”]9104200[/ATTACH]
Modern Higher Skilled Chipper-Ping ChipR. Much more iron/wedge design. Maintains some of the chipper simplicity but the design offers more options than any other chippers before it. 38.5 degree. Putter length. Wider sole than a standard iron but much less than the X-Act or C so it requires more precision than the other 2 design types. Target player-mid to lower handicap players who are solid with their higher lofted wedges but struggle with traditional bump and run shots with full 7,8,9 irons and have room in their bag for a go to club on those shots. (Kind of me)
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🙂
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Brilliantly written. Put yourself in for a nice bonus.
My skill level around the green is higher than my skill level off the tee, or on approach to the green, (I’d classify myself as a mid-cap there, but a high-cap in the other 2 phases) so the SmartSole C is the right one for me.
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 10810469, member: 70831″]
Lol when I played in high school if it wasn’t a flop shot I wasn’t interested.
[/QUOTE]
You and every other HS golfer.
Until I take their SW and LW away from them. ?
[QUOTE=”PackersGirl, post: 10806833, member: 62332″]
I wanted a chipper for a while but didn’t want to be laughed at for using one. This may not get any laughs.
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I stopped caring what other people think of my equipment. I advise you to do the same.
I really like my chipper. I had a ball leak left about 30 yards off the green on a par 3 but had 2 trees in the way.
I managed to keep it under the trees and ended up 4′ from the pin. It’s just another tool in the tool box.
[QUOTE=”Jason89er, post: 10810462, member: 59624″]
The more I read/see about this club as a chipper, I’m starting to think that it may be the “skilled” chipper out of 3 types. This is way to much analysis but what the hell, here goes.
Standard Chipper-Odyssey X-Act. More traditional style chipper with some upgrades. 37 degree. Putter length. Ugly yes but very effective. Made for a true putting style chip. Target player is high handicap/beginners who need simplicity and reliability.
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”80px”]9104197[/ATTACH]
Modern Mid Skilled Chipper-Cleveland Smart Sole C. More wedge like design with some versatility. 42 degree. Maintains most of the simplicity of a standard chipper but additional loft, grooves and design offer more options for mid level players. Target player is the mid handicap player who is inconsistent with high loft wedges overall and wants more reliability. (Me)
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”86px”]9104200[/ATTACH]
Modern Higher Skilled Chipper-Ping ChipR. Much more iron/wedge design. Maintains some of the chipper simplicity but the design offers more options than any other chippers before it. 38.5 degree. Putter length. Wider sole than a standard iron but much less than the X-Act or C so it requires more precision than the other 2 design types. Target player-mid to lower handicap players who are solid with their higher lofted wedges but struggle with traditional bump and run shots with full 7,8,9 irons and have room in their bag for a go to club on those shots. (Kind of me)
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🙂
[/QUOTE]
Thank you for taking the time to explain this. I appreciate it!
[QUOTE=”Jason89er, post: 10810462, member: 59624″]The more I read/see about this club as a chipper, I’m starting to think that it may be the “skilled” chipper out of 3 types. This is way to much analysis but what the hell, here goes.
Standard Chipper-Odyssey X-Act. More traditional style chipper with some upgrades. 37 degree. Putter length. Ugly yes but very effective. Made for a true putting style chip. Target player is high handicap/beginners who need simplicity and reliability.
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”80px”]9104197[/ATTACH]
Modern Mid Skilled Chipper-Cleveland Smart Sole C. More wedge like design with some versatility. 42 degree. Maintains most of the simplicity of a standard chipper but additional loft, grooves and design offer more options for mid level players. Target player is the mid handicap player who is inconsistent with high loft wedges overall and wants more reliability. (Me)
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”86px”]9104200[/ATTACH]
Modern Higher Skilled Chipper-Ping ChipR. Much more iron/wedge design. Maintains some of the chipper simplicity but the design offers more options than any other chippers before it. 38.5 degree. Putter length. Wider sole than a standard iron but much less than the X-Act or C so it requires more precision than the other 2 design types. Target player-mid to lower handicap players who are solid with their higher lofted wedges but struggle with traditional bump and run shots with full 7,8,9 irons and have room in their bag for a go to club on those shots. (Kind of me)
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”106px”]9104201[/ATTACH]
:)[/QUOTE]Thank you! . Based on that review, I just ordered a new Odyssey X-ACT to replace my old EZ-ROLL. Yes, that is a putter grip on the old chipper, but I have no aspirations to join the PGA, no matter how much they want me to play with them. I have no shame… [emoji41][IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220715/45aafb15837cf69238ec1ba43cd6e41c.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”FatChance, post: 10811418, member: 52130″]
Thank you! . Based on that review, I just ordered a new Odyssey X-ACT to replace my old EZ-ROLL. Yes, that is a putter grip on the old chipper, but I have no aspirations to join the PGA, no matter how much they want me to play with them. I have no shame… [emoji41][IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220715/45aafb15837cf69238ec1ba43cd6e41c.jpg[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
Wow. Am I like an influencer now? ? Odyssey owes me a commission! Hope you enjoy it. ?
Cos i dont play proper golf it doesn`t matter, but 20 plus years ago i bought i chipper (instead of practicing for 12 hrs a day LOL) and i was ridiculed big time .
i dont care now i…………………… got a wilson chipper
i was speechless when i saw this chipr on you tube with reviews and i had to chuckle to myself
they are on sale over here for approx £150
i have a question re types/style/gimmicky clubs .A chipper is a chipping rescue club imho ……………………i read this ………………
” [B][I]Hybrid golf clubs, also known as rescue clubs, are a combination of the best properties of a long iron and a fairway wood. “[/I][/B]
So a chipper is a combi of an iron and a putter[I] !!!!! …………..yes ???
I just wish they would have invented a driving rescue club [/I][B][I]:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:[/I][/B]
How can they possibly justify $200 for a chipper?
I know this is going to ruffle some feathers, but at this point OEMs are just clowning consumers with some of their pricing and as much as I like PING products, they’re leading the charge.
No better example than when they raised the pricing on the 410 series months AFTER the release of the 425’s.
As for club shaming, there’s no video cam on the scorecard, nor does it ask what clubs you used. All that matters is a correctly-recorded score. Use whatever legal clubs allow you to post your lowest scores and that make the game enjoyable for you.
I currently use my 8 iron for most chips shots, but have used chippers in the past. I still have my Cleveland C and my Square Strike. There are definite differences between using an 8 iron vs. a chipper. When I do carry a chipper, I usually pull my LW to make room. Right now, I’m barely good enough with my LW to keep it in the bag. However, I’ve been considering replacing my 3 wood with a chipper since I’ve been hitting my 5 wood just as far and more consistently than my 3 wood. Decisions, decisions.
As someone much wiser than myself said recently, play and enjoy each round as if it’s the last you’ll ever play. We never know which round will be our last. Enjoy it … it’s a game.
Maybe a bit off topic, but the great thing about developing a good short game is you don’t need to be young or athletic to do so…and having one is a real stroke saver.
UPS just put this on the porch.
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Nice. Hoping mine shows up tomorrow.
[QUOTE=”cnl390, post: 10840412, member: 59933″]
UPS just put this on the porch.
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When will it debut ? Chip around the yard ?
I keep visiting my local store thinking they might put it out early. Wasn’t there tonight. Grrrr
Went by the local GolfTown (golf store in ontario, canada) and they had them in stock. Just a touch longer than the cleveland chipper. Pretty heavy head for some extra stability on those touch shots. I didn’t take it into the simulator though. If you already have a cleveland chipper I don’t know if this would move the needle too much, but if you are in the market for such a club definitely worthwhile checking out.
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 10840627, member: 7797″]
When will it debut ? Chip around the yard ?
[/QUOTE]
I’m going to try and make it to the range before work tomorrow morning.
[QUOTE=”RajahX76, post: 10840641, member: 37184″]
Went by the local GolfTown (golf store in ontario, canada) and they had them in stock. Just a touch longer than the cleveland chipper. Pretty heavy head for some extra stability on those touch shots. I didn’t take it into the simulator though. If you already have a cleveland chipper I don’t know if this would move the needle too much, but if you are in the market for such a club definitely worthwhile checking out.
[/QUOTE]
First thing I noticed was the weight.
Went to Galaxy ladt night because on Thursday it said they had 5 in stock. Before arriving to the store their site now said 0 in stock. I thought just have been a glitch. Maybe they never got any in.
A manager overheard me talking to a sales guy and said. Oh we had them. Got 5 in and before we could put them out people were here asking and all 5 sold. I was like What ??? He said yeah. We never anticipated that demand for a chipper.
So I went next door to a green grass shop who didn’t have them them the other day. They had 5 of them in. Had to pull the trigger.
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[QUOTE=”tucsondivots, post: 10808347, member: 3650″]
I have the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 C. I like it but seem to leave every chip short. When I try to muscle it I tend to skull it. Still trying to find how to use it effectively.
[/QUOTE]
Weight slightly forward, treat it like a putt from there is what works for me
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10846632, member: 62865″]
Weight slightly forward, treat it like a putt from there is what works for me
[/QUOTE]
Basically how I do it. Feet are pretty narrow. Like maybe 7” apart. Ball middle of stance unless o want more height I move it forward. Lower runner ball off back foot. Hands slightly forward. Just make a putting motion and retain the hands forward. Never flip at it. I choke down to the end of the grip too. I’m shorter ( play a 32” putter) but for chips I’ve always like to get as close to the ball as possible for more feel.
I bought one with a regular Alta shaft like my 425 irons.
I recently switched to a minimalist setup but I took the 54° out and have wedge, chipr and 58°(Cbx).
I think you still need a lofted club if you are short sided over bunkers, in the bunker or in deep grass and I can hit 54 or 58 out the sand, so 54 has been removed which coincidentally was the club I used around the greens.
Played 2 rounds and used it a lot.
Imo it’s a great club. Absolutely love it.
It’s easy to use around the green when you are in slightly thicker grass where putting would be a lottery. Just pick your landing spot and putt stroke it to there.Also if you are too far out to putt as well or hitting up to stun a bank etc. Good to use when you are stymied behind a tree or something to knock back up the fairway a bit.
It’s also surprising good from further out. The trajectory is much lower than a 9 iron but it’s very easy to get it to go straight.
I hit a shot from 100 yards to about 3 foot and another from 80 yards to about 5 foot. Another one from about 60 yards was still on the green but about 20 foot too long.
Getting the distance sorted will be the trickiest part on longer shots as it is going to run on more. Probably wouldn’t be the best if your course had lots of elevated greens
I play for enjoyment (10 handicap) and this club is just super fun to use. With the weight in the head you get a real satisfying connection.
I’ve seen myself being 20 yards out in the middle of the fairway and end up in the jungle behind the green due to a skulled shot many a time and I’m sure I’m not alone. That is far less likely to happen with this club.
I played 9 with mine the other day and had plenty of opportunities to use it. (Only 1 GIR) Still trying to sort out what type of stroke to use in what situation. Putting stroke, little wrist hinge? But overall I really like it.
I ended up parting with mine. I think for it to have worked for me I would have needed to shorten it to 33-34″ (I game a 32″ putter and also choke down on the Smart Sole Chipper which is an inch shorter than the ChipR) and right now didn’t want the risk of hacking up a club then losing out on resale if it never worked out. Once they come down in price a bit on the used market I may end up buying one again and experiementing a little more.
Some observations I had. It definitely looks and feels more like chipping a ball with an iron vs a traditional chipper. Which I never chip with irons. I either chip with one of my wedges or use my Smart Sole C.
Also when I hit a chip with it, sometimes it seemed to put a funky side spin on the ball. With the Smart Sole C its more of a straight back and through swing and usually seems to bounce and roll straight on the green. Looks wise, it flowed perfectly with my G425 irons. Feel was very nice. Has a premium feel to it.
Also, if one wanted to take full shots with it, no problem. I usually carry my 9i 125 yds and the ChipR was a pretty automatic 120 yd club that stopped quickly. Hair lower flight than the 9i but seemed to have a ton of spin.
My Chipper broke the last round of the year and needs to be replaced.
Hows’ everyone feeling about these after a full season?
I am liking mine. What I have learned, and am still trying to remember, is picking out the correct landing spot. I have always chipped with my 9i, and the ChipR tends to run out more. It’s really good for coming out from under trees and positional shots. Also good, for me, from 50 yards in. I have chipped in from well off the green twice.
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 10840630, member: 7797″]
I keep visiting my local store thinking they might put it out early. Wasn’t there tonight. Grrrr
[/QUOTE]
They had a lefty used one at GG last week when I went in last week. Would have been tempting in a righty just to mess around with.
I’ve been looking at these for a while but that price tag…Hadn’t had a chance to demo one in the wild either. Got paired up with a couple nice gentleman Friday and one happened to have one. He let me use it quite a bit since he didn’t seem to like it much. (In fairness to the club he had a really bad short game.)
I carry a Cleveland C so I got to do a side by side comparisons on several occasions. My thoughts are very positive. First thing I noticed is how upright it is. And I mean REALLY upright. I frequently will position my wedges upright like this and chip when a shot calls for it anyway. With the ChipR it’s built in. Big time. Which I liked. The loft is considerably lower than the C. ChipR is 38.5 C is 42. Both will get a surprising amount of bite if you hit down on them. The ChipR less of course. But if you are hitting into an uphill slope it will grab well enough. Looks wise, this guy was playing with a set of ping irons as well and it blended well with his set. I didn’t get an opportunity to hit a full shot with it so I can’t speak to that. Not yet. I really liked it so I pulled the trigger. I look forward to bump and run bliss with this club. So more feedback to come for anyone interested. ?
My kids have seen me chip (worst part of my game- skulls and chunks a-plenty) and two of them teamed up and gave me the Chip-R for Christmas. I hadn’t played in 6 weeks but we had a nice thaw recently and I played two partial rounds Sunday and Monday. Fantastic results from 20 yards-in and stuck a couple within three feet. So far, I’m a fan- I just need to decide which club to pull from the bag. (y)
[QUOTE=”Jason89er, post: 11105440, member: 59624″]
I’ve been looking at these for a while but that price tag…Hadn’t had a chance to demo one in the wild either. Got paired up with a couple nice gentleman Friday and one happened to have one. He let me use it quite a bit since he didn’t seem to like it much. (In fairness to the club he had a really bad short game.)
I carry a Cleveland C so I got to do a side by side comparisons on several occasions. My thoughts are very positive. First thing I noticed is how upright it is. And I mean REALLY upright. I frequently will position my wedges upright like this and chip when a shot calls for it anyway. With the ChipR it’s built in. Big time. Which I liked. The loft is considerably lower than the C. ChipR is 38.5 C is 42. Both will get a surprising amount of bite if you hit down on them. The ChipR less of course. But if you are hitting into an uphill slope it will grab well enough. Looks wise, this guy was playing with a set of ping irons as well and it blended well with his set. I didn’t get an opportunity to hit a full shot with it so I can’t speak to that. Not yet. I really liked it so I pulled the trigger. I look forward to bump and run bliss with this club. So more feedback to come for anyone interested. ?
[/QUOTE]
Well, Hadn’t really updated on this. So here’s one… So I took my PW out of the bag so I could carry the Ping ChipR and the Cleveland C for a couple rounds. The verdict? The Cleveland C beats out the ChipR for me. I ended up returning it. Few reasons why:
-The weight of the head. It’s simply too heavy for my taste. When you combine the weight and the low loft it makes it very difficult to control the distance consistently.
-The upright lie. At first I saw this as a plus. But after gaming it for a few weeks I found that to be a little troublesome and makes the club even more one dimensional.
-The sole. Maybe I’m a little spoiled by the Cleveland Smart Sole which is crazy wide but the ChipRs sole just didn’t work for me.
Now like all clubs, what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. But I think the Cleveland C is a more functional Chipper. And far more versatile. I can easily simulate what the ChipR does with a bit of extra shaft lean. I hope at some point Cleveland makes the C in a 46 degree option. That would be fun. Id be that guy. 42,46,50 and 58 Smart Sole Wedges. ?
[QUOTE=”Jason89er, post: 11205171, member: 59624″]
Well, Hadn’t really updated on this. So here’s one… So I took my PW out of the bag so I could carry the Ping ChipR and the Cleveland C for a couple rounds. The verdict? The Cleveland C beats out the ChipR for me. I ended up returning it. Few reasons why:
-The weight of the head. It’s simply too heavy for my taste. When you combine the weight and the low loft it makes it very difficult to control the distance consistently.
-The upright lie. At first I saw this as a plus. But after gaming it for a few weeks I found that to be a little troublesome and makes the club even more one dimensional.
-The sole. Maybe I’m a little spoiled by the Cleveland Smart Sole which is crazy wide but the ChipRs sole just didn’t work for me.
Now like all clubs, what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. But I think the Cleveland C is a more functional Chipper. And far more versatile. I can easily simulate what the ChipR does with a bit of extra shaft lean. I hope at some point Cleveland makes the C in a 46 degree option. That would be fun. Id be that guy. 42,46,50 and 58 Smart Sole Wedges. ?
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No doubt the head is heavy but I got good results. I found it easier to chip with than a 7 or 8 iron, probably because of the wide sole. I plan to pop a counterweight in the grip and see how that feels.
Chipped around with one of these at Golf Galaxy. Not a bad club honestly. Would be super easy to hit bump and runs with. Much better design than the Cleveland Smart Sole C and the Oddyssey thing from a few years ago to my eye.
[QUOTE=”Jason89er, post: 11205171, member: 59624″]
Now like all clubs, what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. But I think the Cleveland C is a more functional Chipper. And far more versatile. I can easily simulate what the ChipR does with a bit of extra shaft lean. I hope at some point Cleveland makes the C in a 46 degree option. That would be fun. Id be that guy. 42,46,50 and 58 Smart Sole Wedges. ?
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Cleveland has never done a 46* chipper, but in the Gen 1 Niblick they offered 37/42/49/56 options. In the Gen 2 Niblick they also had a 49*. might be worth looking into if you want more loft.
Wished they would offer those lofts again in the Smart Sole C. I like my C but sometimes wished it was higher lofted. 46 or 49 might be perfect. I have had an ebay search on the 49* Niblick. I didnt care for the Gen 2 so have been searching for a Gen 1 and they are hard to come by
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 11210032, member: 7797″]
Cleveland has never done a 46* chipper, but in the Gen 1 Niblick they offered 37/42/49/56 options. In the Gen 2 Niblick they also had a 49*. might be worth looking into if you want more loft.
Wished they would offer those lofts again in the Smart Sole C. I like my C but sometimes wished it was higher lofted. 46 or 49 might be perfect. I have had an ebay search on the 49* Niblick. I didnt care for the Gen 2 so have been searching for a Gen 1 and they are hard to come by
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The Niblick is the origin of the Smart Sole for sure. I also had the Gen 1 37,42,49,56. They were great. But unfortunately they all have the square zip grooves and are now non-conforming. If it wasn’t for that I would still be using them. I didn’t care for the Gen 2 Niblick either. The Smart Soles are great. Maybe one day Cleveland will make a 46 SS. Going from 42 to 50 never made much sense to me. A 46 is a natural addition.
A lot of people complaining about the cost ($179 last I looked) have no problem spending $450 on a putter, $150 to $200 for a wedge, or $500 to $600 for a new driver. Not sure I get the distinction. Golf clubs are expensive.
[QUOTE=”TeeJayeff, post: 11216176, member: 65250″]
A lot of people complaining about the cost ($179 last I looked) have no problem spending $450 on a putter, $150 to $200 for a wedge, or $500 to $600 for a new driver. Not sure I get the distinction. Golf clubs are expensive.
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Maybe its because Most chippers cost around $50. I am going to PGA SS this week to test one of these out.
[QUOTE=”TeeJayeff, post: 11205441, member: 65250″]
No doubt the head is heavy but I got good results. I found it easier to chip with than a 7 or 8 iron, probably because of the wide sole. I plan to pop a counterweight in the grip and see how that feels.
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I stuck a 60 gram counterweight in mine last night. Can’t wait to try it. Feels like a sledgehammer but very stable with a putting stroke.
From a looks standpoint the Ping model is a definite improvement. I have an old chipper from somewhere around 20 years ago that looks like some form of alien golf club with training wheels. Never did actually find a spot in the bag for it.