Ping Chipr Review 2023 – Good For High Handicappers – Vs Alternatives

Ping Chipr Review 2023 – Good For High Handicappers – Vs Alternatives

When Ping released the Chipr in 2023, we were a bit surprised to be honest.

We always take Ping to be a serious golf club manufacturer and for them to release a chipper so suddenly was a bit of a shock.

However, it could be that they are simply trying to maximize visibility with St. Andrews just around the corner.

Besides, the chipper market is gaining in popularity so it shouldn’t much of a surprise to anyone that a manufacturer would want to capitalize.

In any case, we were extremely interested in testing out the new Ping ChipR so we did just that. Take a look at what we found…

Quick Facts

Type:	Chipper
Shaft:	Ping Z-Z115/Ping Alta CB Slate
Grip:	Ping 360 Dyla-wedge Lite
Loft:	38.5
Length:	35”
Lie Angle:	70
Bounce Angle:	8
Swing Weight:	E6

Overview of the Ping Chipr

The Ping ChipR has design elements of both a putter and wedge. The idea behind this club was to make it easier to hit chip shots and effective bump and runs from 40 yards out. The Ping ChipR is a perimeter weighted club.

If you are always wary of chunking your wedges, the Ping ChipR may be able to help. It has a bit more mass than your normal wedges so you can apply a nearly putter-like stroke when you are around the pin.

First Impressions

When we first received the Ping ChipR, we were surprised at the design. Most chippers have a hefty-looking head but the Ping ChipR maintains a look that more closely resembles an iron.

We were also impressed with the cambered sole that really helped to smooth out turf interaction.

Right away, we were able to tell that this club would be a god-send for high handicappers and anyone who has trouble with chunking their wedges. They allow for a lighter, more controlled swing when you’re  in the cabbage or the fringe.

What Kind of Shots is it Used for?

The Ping ChipR would be best for shots about 40 yards out from the pin.

It performed great on bump and runs from the fringe as well.

The controlled loft will also make it easier to land the green when you are shooting from the rough as well.

You are generally going to pull the Ping ChipR out when you want a bit more control on very short approaches. For people who tend to send the ball sailing with their wedges, the Ping ChipR would most likely help a great deal.

Key Features

The Ping ChipR has a few very interesting features that help distinguish it from your run of the mill chippers. For example, the composite cavity badge offers the forgiveness of a traditional cavity back iron with the premium feel of a muscle back iron.

The Ping ChipR also features Ping’s MicroMax Grooves which are spaced incredibly tight. This allows for more spin control even if you are striking from 40+ yards out – making it easier to land fast greens.

Last but not least, the 431 stainless steel head design allows for very good consistency whether you are striking from the deck or the rough. It’s perimeter weighted too so lateral forgiveness is greatly increased.

What Club Should it Replace in Your Bag?

The loft of the Ping ChipR makes it a suitable replacement for a 7 or 8 iron; but that really only applies for high handicappers that need more forgiveness from their short irons. For most players, the Ping ChipR would be a good replacement for the pitching wedge.

Who Should Carry it?

The Ping ChipR would be a good choice for beginners and high handicappers.

However, we have known some mid handicappers who still have trouble hitting a 40 yard chip from 10 yards! So it isn’t inconceivable that the Ping ChipR would be beneficial for mid handicappers who struggle around the green.

Good for High Handicappers?

Absolutely! The Ping ChipR would be ideal for high handicappers who have trouble chunking their wedges or who simply have struggled with accuracy around the pin.

What About Mid to Low Handicappers?

We have a hard time imagining any low handicap players getting any use out of the Ping ChipR. It’s simply not workable enough to replace 8 irons and wedges for low handicap players. We can certainly imagine low handicappers using the Ping ChipR effectively though.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Perimeter weighted
• Good lateral forgiveness
• 431 stainless steel head
• Great greenside spin
• Controlled flight

Cons:

• Not very workable
• Low launch
• Limited stock shaft options

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Alternative Clubs

 

Powerbilt 2-Way TPS Chipper

One of the coolest things about the Powerbilt TPS 2-Way Chippers is that it is double-sided which means you can use it whether you are right or left-handed.

It has a 36 degree loft so it is a great replacement for some of your shorter irons. It also comes with a Powerbilt Custom Velvet grip which is  surprisingly comfortable and easy on the hands.

Pros:

• Comes with a surprisingly high-quality grip
• Left or right-handed use
• Durable

Cons:

• Limited spin

Overall Score: 92/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Mazel Chipper

The Mazel Chipper features a 330 gram club head that looks nice and beefy at point of address.

This would be a great choice for anyone who wants a chipper that will inspire confidence.

The CG in this club is nice and low as well so it’s easier to get under the ball. The sole of this chipper is also nice and wide so it helps to get a nice sitting position above the turf.

Pros:

• Has a length more akin to a putter
• Great turf interaction
• Very forgiving

Cons:

• Not very durable

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Intech EZ Roll Chipper

The Intech EX Roll chipper is ideal for beginners and high handicappers thanks to the extreme rear weighting and gooseneck hosel that is sure to help eliminate your slice. It comes with a convenient alignment marker as well.

Pros:

• Produces straight shots
• Very forgiving
• Good length

Cons:

• A bit pricey

Overall Score: 92/100

Check Out More Reviews Here: