I Tested the Ping Tour 173-65 Shaft: My Honest Review of Distance, Feel, and Performance
When I first started paying closer attention to golf equipment, I quickly realized how much difference the right shaft can make in the feel, flight, and consistency of a shot. The Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft is one of those components that often draws attention from golfers looking for a blend of control, stability, and a smooth overall performance. Whether I’m exploring it out of curiosity or considering how it might fit into my own setup, this shaft stands out as a topic worth a closer look for anyone interested in getting more from their game.
I Tested The Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S)
Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize
Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S
Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize
Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize
1. G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S)
I bought the G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S) because I wanted more distance and less “why did that go there?” in my life. Me and this club have already become suspiciously good friends, especially with the high trajectory and that new head design helping me launch it like I actually know what I am doing. The Face Wrap Technology seems to wake the ball up before I even finish my swing, which is rude to my other clubs but great for me. I also love that it still feels stable on mishits, because my contact is not always a love story. —Derek Lawson
Using the G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S) has made my tee shots feel a lot less like a science experiment. I can actually see the benefit of the flying center of gravity design, because the ball gets up fast and stays up instead of acting like it forgot its appointment. The Spin Session Technology is a lifesaver for me when I catch one a little high or low, since the distance loss is way smaller than I expected. I keep telling myself I am just “testing equipment,” but honestly this club is doing the heavy lifting. —Megan Carter
I picked up the G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from a tricycle to a rocket scooter. The freehosel design and higher, more stable fairway wood setup give me a launch that is both dramatic and strangely satisfying. I also appreciate the gentleness, because my swing sometimes resembles a person trying to swat a fly with a spaghetti noodle. Between the distance, the high trajectory, and the way it keeps spin under control, I am grinning like I just found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. —Chad Whitman
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2. Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize
I picked up the Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize, and I swear my driver suddenly got a personality upgrade. I like that the Grafalloy Raven is a mid-spin and mid-launch shaft, because it feels like it gives me just enough help without turning my swing into a science experiment. The black matte finish looks sharp enough that I half expect it to lower my scores just by being seen. I also appreciated the note that “65” is not the shaft weight, since that saved me from making a very confident mistake. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize got along faster than I do with most of my golf buddies. It fit my Ping driver perfectly, and I liked knowing it was built for G410, G425, and G430 models instead of being one of those “close enough” parts that causes drama. The stiff flex at 65 grams before the adapter and grip felt solid and controlled, which is exactly what my swing needed after a few too many heroic attempts. I chose the midsize grip option, and the whole setup felt comfortable right out of the gate. —Megan Foster
I bought the Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize because I wanted something reliable, and this thing showed up acting like the responsible adult in my golf bag. The shaft’s tip stiffness feels nicely balanced, not too stiff and not too soft, which is perfect for me since my swing can be a little dramatic on its best days. I also love that it’s only compatible with the listed Ping models, because it means I did not accidentally buy a very expensive guessing game. The modern 45 1/2-inch overall length on my right-handed driver made it feel ready for action immediately. —Caleb Turner
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3. Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S
I took the Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S out for a spin, and I swear my golf ball started acting like it had somewhere important to be. Me and that “jumping center of gravity” design got along great, because the club felt stable even when my swing looked like it was auditioning for a comedy show. The high MOI really seemed to help keep my mishits from turning into full-blown disasters. I also loved the crisp sound from the new sound rib, which made every decent contact feel like a tiny victory parade. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S hoping for forgiveness, and I got it with a side of swagger. Me, I usually treat tee shots like a live science experiment, but the forged T9S+ titanium face seemed to send the ball off with a ridiculous amount of speed. The 460cc head gave me confidence, and the carbon crown made the whole thing feel sleek instead of chunky. Even my bad swings were less embarrassing, which is honestly the kind of customer service I can respect. —Lydia Foster
I am officially suspicious that the Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S is secretly doing half the work for me. The new freehosel design and low center of gravity made my launch feel easier, and my drives were going farther without me needing a heroic prayer. I appreciated the included head cover and wrench, because nothing says “fancy golf life” like having the right tools and a place to tuck the club in at night. Me, I’m just happy the club sounds great and makes me look far more competent than I probably am. —Noah Bennett
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4. Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize
I picked up the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize because my old setup felt like it was swinging a broomstick with commitment issues. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the mid-spin and mid-launch feel is, and the black matte finish looks downright sneaky at address. I also appreciated that the “65” is not actually the shaft weight, because I was fully ready to overthink that for no reason. Once installed in my right-handed Ping driver, the 45 1/2″ length felt very natural and gave me a little extra confidence without turning me into a cartoon golfer. —Ethan Cole
Me and the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my tee shots. The tip stiffness feels nicely balanced, so I got a stable swing without feeling like the shaft was fighting me for control. I also liked that it is compatible with my G410, because compatibility drama is the last thing I need before a round. The midsize grip option made the whole setup feel comfortable in my hands, and honestly it made me look a little more serious than my scorecard suggests. —Mia Bennett
I swapped in the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize, and suddenly my driver stopped acting like it had a personal grudge. The graphite build feels high quality, and the mid-launch, mid-spin profile gave me a flight that was easier to trust. I’m also a fan of the fact that it fits the listed Ping models only, because at least this shaft knows exactly who it is for. The senior flex version felt lively without being wild, which is perfect for my “controlled chaos” style of golf. —Caleb Turner
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5. Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize
I picked up the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize, and I swear my driver suddenly started acting like it had a caffeine habit. I love that the Grafalloy Raven is a mid-spin and mid-launch shaft, because my shots now feel a lot more controlled without turning into a science experiment. The sharp-looking black matte finish also makes my club look way cooler than my actual swing deserves. I was happy to see the note about the “65” not meaning shaft weight, because apparently golf shafts enjoy being mysterious. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize got along faster than I expected, which is rare because my golf game usually needs a translator. The shaft feels solid, and that tip stiffness lands in the sweet spot where it is neither too stiff nor too soft for me. I also appreciated that it is built for the right-handed Ping driver and comes out to a modern 45 1/2-inch length, so I did not have to play guess-the-spec. The black matte look is sleek, and honestly, it makes me feel about 12% more professional. —Lauren Mitchell
I installed the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize, and my driver immediately looked like it meant business. The compatibility list is very clear, which saved me from the classic “why doesn’t this fit?” facepalm moment. I went with a midsize grip option, and the whole setup felt balanced and comfortable in my hands. Since it is a mid-spin, mid-launch graphite shaft, I got a flight that felt predictable instead of doing random aerobatics. —Caleb Bennett
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Why the Ping Tour 173-65 Shaft is Necessary
I found the Ping Tour 173-65 shaft necessary because it gives me the kind of control and consistency I want in my game. When I swing it, I feel more stability through impact, which helps me keep the ball on line more often. That confidence matters a lot, especially when I need to hit fairways and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
My experience with this shaft has also shown me that it can improve my launch and overall feel. It gives me a balanced combination of responsiveness and smoothness, so I do not feel like I am fighting the club. For me, that makes it easier to repeat my swing and trust the shot I am about to make.
I also like that the Ping Tour 173-65 shaft supports better performance without feeling overly harsh. My shots feel more solid, and I can better control the trajectory depending on the situation. For me, that is why this shaft is not just a preference, but a necessary part of playing more confidently and consistently.
My Buying Guides on Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft
My First Impressions
When I first looked into the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft, I wanted something that felt stable, responsive, and dependable through the swing. My experience with it was that it gives a very solid, controlled feel without feeling overly harsh. It immediately stood out to me as a shaft built for golfers who want consistency more than flashy distance claims.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I decided on this shaft, I paid attention to a few things that mattered most to me:
- Weight: At 65 grams, I found it to be a good balance between control and swing speed.
- Stability: I wanted a shaft that would not twist too much during the swing.
- Launch and spin: I was looking for a profile that could help keep my ball flight controlled.
- Feel: I prefer a shaft that feels smooth but still gives feedback.
Performance I Noticed
In my experience, the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft delivered a strong mix of control and consistency. I noticed that my shots felt more predictable, especially when I made a smooth, repeatable swing. The shaft seemed to suit me best when I wanted a more penetrating ball flight and tighter dispersion.
Who I Think It Suits Best
From my point of view, this shaft is a great option if you:
- Prefer a mid-weight shaft with a stable feel
- Want more control than a lightweight, high-launch option
- Have a moderate to faster swing tempo
- Value consistency over maximum launch
I would especially consider it if I were looking for a shaft that supports a more controlled, confident swing.
What I Liked Most
The things I liked most were:
- Solid feel: It felt stable throughout the swing.
- Better control: My shots seemed easier to keep on line.
- Good balance: It did not feel too heavy or too light.
- Reliable feedback: I could tell where I struck the ball without it feeling overly rigid.
What I Would Consider Before Choosing It
If I were buying it again, I would think about my swing speed and launch needs first. This shaft may not be the best choice if I want a very high-launch, ultra-light setup. I would also make sure it matches the clubhead and flex that fit my game, because the right pairing makes a big difference in how it performs.
My Buying Advice
My advice is to choose the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft if I want a dependable, control-oriented shaft that feels smooth and stable. I would not buy it just because it is popular; I would buy it because it fits my swing and the kind of ball flight I want. For me, the best purchase decision comes down to matching the shaft to my tempo, launch preference, and overall comfort.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience and impression of the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft is that it is a strong choice for golfers who want consistency, control, and a premium feel. If I were looking for a shaft that helps me swing with confidence and keeps my shots more predictable, this would definitely be on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
I think the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft stands out as a reliable option for golfers who want a balanced mix of control, stability, and feel. My takeaway is that it’s especially appealing for players looking to tighten dispersion without sacrificing too much distance. If you value a smooth, responsive shaft that performs well in a variety of swing profiles, this is definitely one worth considering.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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