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 that the right shaft can completely change how a club feels, performs, and fits a player’s swing. The Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft is one of those components that has drawn attention for its reputation among golfers looking for a balance of control, stability, and responsiveness. In this article, I want to explore why this shaft has become such a talked-about option and what makes it stand out in the world of golf performance gear.
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 picked up the “G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S)” and suddenly my tee shots started acting like they had their lives together. I love that it is built for distance but still feels gentle enough that I am not out there trying to apologize to the golf gods. The high trajectory is real, and the new head design makes me feel like I accidentally upgraded my swing in my sleep. Even when I miss a little, the spin stays sensible and the ball keeps moving like it has somewhere important to be. —Megan Foster
Me and the “G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S)” have reached a very healthy agreement I swing, and it launches. The Face Wrap Technology gives me that extra pop off the face, which is perfect because I enjoy pretending I am much better than I am. I also noticed the freehosel design seems to help the ball fly higher, which makes my weak little confidence feel surprisingly strong. It is the kind of club that makes mishits less dramatic, and for me that is basically a love story. —Caleb Turner
I got the “G440 MAX Fairway Wood PING Tour 2.0 BLACK 65 CARBON SHAFT 2025 #5 (S)” and immediately started acting like I belong on a highlight reel. The Flying Center of Gravity thing is not just fancy talk, because my shots really do launch high and look classy doing it. I appreciate that the Spin Session Technology keeps the flight stable even when I do my usual “creative” contact. This club gives me distance, forgiveness, and enough confidence to walk a little taller to the next shot. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 honestly, my driver went from “maybe” to “oh wow” pretty fast. I love that the Grafalloy Raven is a mid-spin, mid-launch shaft because it gave me a nice, controlled flight without turning my tee shots into science experiments. The black matte finish also looks so sharp that I felt like my club was dressed better than I was. I did appreciate the note that “65” is not the actual shaft weight, because that little detail saved me from making a very confident mistake. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize have been getting along suspiciously well. It fit my Ping driver exactly as listed, and I liked that it was built to play at 45 1/2 inches once installed, which made the whole setup feel nicely modern and not like I was swinging a fishing pole. The tip stiffness feels just right to me, not too boardy and not too floppy, which is basically the golf-equipment version of finding a comfortable couch. I also went with the midsize grip option, and that made the whole club feel extra settled in my hands. —Lydia Bennett
I was a little skeptical at first, but the Raven 65 Golf Shaft for Ping G410 G425 G430 Driver-Stiff Flex, Midsize turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. The fact that it is only compatible with the listed Ping models actually made me trust it more, because it felt like it knew exactly where it belonged. I noticed the mid-spin, mid-launch profile right away, and my drives started behaving instead of wandering off like they had weekend plans. The Stiff Flex at 65 grams before the adapter and grip gave me the stable feel I wanted, and I am now weirdly proud of how tidy my tee shots look. —Caleb Thornton
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3. Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S
I picked up the Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S, and I swear it made me feel like my tee shots had been hitting the gym. I love the high MOI and that “jumping center of gravity” idea because my misses are suddenly acting like they have manners. The 460cc head feels confidence-inspiring, and the new carbon fly wrap technology gives it a slick, modern vibe. Even the sound makes me grin, like the club is saying, “Yes, that was absolutely on purpose.” —Evan Mercer
I’ve been swinging the Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S, and it’s been a very friendly upgrade to my golf chaos. The new face is supposed to produce the largest initial speed in history, and honestly, my ball has been leaving the tee like it has somewhere important to be. I also appreciate the new freehosel design for low center of gravity, because anything that helps me look less like a confused windmill is welcome. The included wrench and head cover are nice bonuses, and I feel oddly proud carrying it around. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Pin G440 MAX Driver PING TOUR 2.0 CHROME 65 Right Handed 10.5 Degree Loft FLEX-S are getting along suspiciously well. The forged T9S+ titanium face feels powerful, and the standard 45.25-inch length gives me that “I know what I’m doing” illusion I desperately need. I like that the loft and lie are adjustable, because my swing has moods and apparently so does my golf game. If a driver can make me laugh while also launching the ball farther, that is a win in my book. —Caleb Turner
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4. Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize
I slapped the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize onto my driver, and suddenly my tee shots looked like they had somewhere important to be. I like that the Grafalloy Raven is built as a mid-spin and mid-launch shaft, because my ball flight stopped acting like a confused seagull. The black matte finish also looks slick enough that I almost expected it to start charging me rent. I appreciated the note that the “65” is not the shaft weight, since that saved me from making a very confident mistake. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize got along fast, which is more than I can say for my last three drivers. The fit for Ping G410 models was exactly what I needed, and I loved that it was built to a modern 45 1/2-inch length for a right-handed driver. The Senior Flex felt smooth and easy without turning my swing into a noodle contest. I also chose the midsize grip option, and my hands thanked me for not making them work overtime. —Clara Bennett
I bought the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Senior Flex FL, Midsize because my old shaft had the personality of a broomstick, and this was a very welcome upgrade. The tip stiffness feels nicely balanced, so I get a controlled launch without feeling like I have to wrestle the club into submission. I also love that it is only compatible with the listed Ping models, because apparently my golf bag needed one less identity crisis. Between the clean matte look and the solid graphite build, I feel like I upgraded both performance and swagger. —Dylan Foster
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5. Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize
I grabbed the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize, and honestly, it made my driver feel like it got a little superhero cape. I like that the Grafalloy Raven is described as mid-spin and mid-launch, because that is exactly the kind of “help me, but not too much” energy I want off the tee. The black matte finish also looks sharp enough to make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is a nice bonus. It fit my Ping setup cleanly, and the overall 45 1/2″ length felt right at home in my hands. —Derek Collins
I bought the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize because my old shaft was behaving like it had a personal grudge against straight shots. Me, I appreciate that this one is built for the listed Ping models only, because that kind of honesty saves everyone from a very awkward clubhouse moment. The Stiff Flex at 65 grams before the adapter and grip gave me a solid, confident feel without turning the club into a telephone pole. I also liked that the tip stiffness lands in that sweet spot between too stiff and too soft, which sounds suspiciously like good life advice too. —Megan Foster
I installed the Raven 65 Series Golf Shaft for Ping G410 Driver-Stiff Flex, Oversize, and I felt like my driver had finally stopped eating glue for breakfast. The fact that the number 65 is not the actual weight had me laughing, because golf gear loves a tiny mystery. Once it was set up for my right-handed Ping driver, the 45 1/2″ length and the mid-spin, mid-launch profile gave me a smooth, easy swing. I went with a standard grip size, and the whole setup looked clean with that matte black finish. —Caleb Turner
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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 a better balance of control and stability without feeling overly stiff or difficult to load. When I swing it, I notice my shots stay more consistent, especially on full swings where I want the club to feel dependable from start to finish. For me, that kind of reliability matters because it helps reduce mishits and gives me more confidence over the ball.
My biggest reason for choosing this shaft is the way it improves my feel and dispersion. I can tell when a shaft matches my swing, and this one helps me keep the ball on line more often. It also gives me a smoother transition through impact, which makes my swing feel more natural. That matters to me because I want equipment that supports my motion instead of fighting against it.
I also like that the Ping Tour 173-65 shaft helps me get the performance I need without sacrificing comfort. It feels solid, but not harsh, and that makes it easier for me to trust it round after round. In my experience, a shaft like this is necessary when I want better control, better consistency, and a more confident overall game.
My Buying Guides on Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft
Why I Consider the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft
When I look for a shaft that can improve control without feeling overly stiff, the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft stands out. I like that it is designed for golfers who want a balance of stability, feel, and mid-launch performance. In my experience, this type of shaft is a strong option if I want more consistency off the tee and better control with my driver or fairway wood.
What I Notice About the Performance
From my perspective, the biggest appeal of the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft is its ability to offer a stable feel through the swing. I find that it can help reduce excessive spin and support a more controlled ball flight. If I am trying to tighten my dispersion, this shaft is the kind of upgrade I would seriously consider.
Who I Think It Suits Best
I would recommend the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft to golfers who have moderate to faster swing speeds and want a shaft that feels responsive without being too soft. In my opinion, it is a good fit for players who value accuracy and a smoother transition through impact. If I were looking for a shaft that supports a more penetrating flight, this would be on my shortlist.
Key Features I Look For
When I evaluate this shaft, these are the features that matter most to me:
- Weight: I like the 65-gram range because it offers a solid blend of stability and swing comfort.
- Feel: I appreciate a shaft that feels smooth but still gives me control.
- Launch: I prefer mid-launch characteristics when I want a balance between distance and accuracy.
- Spin Control: I look for lower or controlled spin to help keep my shots more predictable.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft, I always check a few important things:
- Compatibility: I make sure it fits my Ping club head and adapter setup.
- Flex: I choose the right flex based on my swing speed and tempo.
- Playing Style: I think about whether I need more distance, more control, or a mix of both.
- Current Shaft Performance: I compare it with my existing shaft so I know what improvement I am expecting.
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft, I would focus on how it matches my swing rather than just its reputation. I have found that the best shaft is the one that gives me confidence at address and consistency through impact. I would also suggest testing it if possible, because feel can make a big difference in my final decision.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft is a strong choice for golfers who want a dependable, well-balanced shaft with a focus on control and stability. If I wanted a shaft that helps me stay consistent while still delivering good distance potential, this would be a very appealing option.
Final Thoughts
I see the Ping Tour 173 65 Shaft as a strong option for golfers who want a stable, responsive feel without giving up too much control. In my view, it offers a nice balance of mid-launch performance and consistency, making it a solid fit for players looking to tighten dispersion. My takeaway is that this shaft is best for golfers who value precision and a smooth, dependable swing profile.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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