The Ping Zing Original Putter
How does it look behind the ball?
Like all the classic Ping putters of the 1970s - 1990s, the Ping Zing Original had a dull brass-colored finish which darkens slightly with use as the metal oxidises (soaking overnight in Coca-Cola improves this).
It is an aesthetically pleasing design. It's all curves with no square edges. This is especially true because the design is slightly wider at the toe end than the heel, meaning that the back edge is not precisely parallel to the hitting surface.
The original Zing has only a small white notch on the top bar of the putter for alignment. I find this makes the putter particularly difficult to align. This is a problem that's made worse by the curvy design - if you find aligning your putter a challenge at the best of times then this is probably not the one for you.
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on a Ping Zing ... |
How does it feel?
The Original Zing gives you a very dead feeling when you strike a putt with it. There's no great sound to reassure you that you've made a solid strike. Instead all you hear is a dull thud.
However, it's on fast greens that this putter comes into its own. Because the feel is dull the ball doesn't jump off the putter face, and I therefore find I have terrific touch with this putter.
Although it's toe weighted, you don't feel as if the toe is particularly heavy, so it doesn't feel like it's trying to release aggressively through the putt.
Speaking of weight, I In fact found my Original Ping Zing to be too light for me and added lead tape to the base in order to give me a bit more weight behind the strike.
How does it roll the ball?
Like all Pings the roll off the Zing is good, verging on excellent. That said, the older models are somewhat light by modern standards, so really only come into their own on super-slick greens.
Is the Original Ping Zing Collectible?
Knowing whether your Zing has value as a collectors item depends on the year and model number (the details which are engraved behind the hitting surface). For more information on
buying or selling a collectible Ping Zing Original, I suggest submitting your enquiry via the website
www.pongman.com
Other Ping Putters:
Ping Anser
The Anser is the putter that has been copied a thousand times - now available from Ping at a variety of prices.Ping B60
The lesser known Ping classic. Favored by putting great Nick Faldo in his later career. Slightly firmer feel, but excellent touch on fast greens and available in numerous styles over the years Ping Zing
Curvy and pretty putter shape popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, used by Curtis Strange for two US Open wins and Jose Maria Olazabal for two Masters titlesPing 1A
The first putter Ping ever made. A collectors' piece now. Not great to use, and very loud!Ping Redwood Anser
The design which has won more pro events than any other, made with top quality materials. This Ping is a winner!
Ping Zing 2 More up-to-date and better version of the legendary Ping Zing. Great roll and feel
Ping Anser G5i
A hideous beast to look at, but beautiful to use.Ping Crazy E
One of the easiest putters to line up we've ever tested, but feel is hollowPing Karsten Anser
Unbeatable on price and right up there for feel and design.Ping Scottsdale Pickemup
This cross between the Batman sign & a Star Wars fighter has surprisingly good feelPing iN Wack-E
A radical spin off from the successful (but hollow-sounding) G5i Craz-EPing IN
Technology has led the Ping designers to create a holy mess of a putter. If you love the weird and the whacky, you might (just) like this|
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on a Ping Zing ... |
Other Details?
This design of putter was made famous in the 1990s by Jose Maria Olazabal, who won two US Masters titles with this putter.
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