Ping Karsten vs Ping GMax
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | Karsten loft | GMax loft | Karsten lie | GMax lie | Karsten length | GMax length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | — | 21 | — | 59.2 | — | 38.875 |
| 5 | 24 | 24 | 60 | 60.1 | 38.25 | 38.25 |
| 6 | 27 | 27 | 60.94 | 61.6 | 37.63 | 37.625 |
| 7 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 61.88 | 62 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 35 | 35 | 62.63 | 62.8 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 40 | 40 | 63.38 | 63.5 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 45 | 45 | 64 | 64.1 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| UW | 50 | 50.5 | 64 | 64.1 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | 56 | 64.25 | 64.4 | 35.25 | 35.25 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- Karsten
- GMax
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the Karsten is 30.5° and the GMax is 30.5°, identical at the club most golfers compare on, although other clubs in the sets differ. Across the 8 clubs both sets share, the differences roughly cancel out, with the largest gap at the SW (55° vs 56°). Beyond loft, the Karsten 7-iron sits 0.1° flatter (61.88° vs 62°), which nudges start direction slightly right for a right-hander.
The sets are built differently: the Karsten runs 5-iron to SW (8 clubs), the GMax 4-iron to SW (9 clubs).
Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Perimeter-weighted cavity backs with wider soles, more offset and stronger lofts, aimed at mid handicaps. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
The Karsten is listed as investment cast and the GMax as investment cast with a COR-Eye face structure. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.
The GMax arrived 1 year after the Karsten, a typical one-generation refresh. Changes over that span are usually incremental: refined face thickness, revised weighting, updated looks and small loft tweaks rather than a new concept.
Which should you choose?
The GMax is the weaker-lofted set — up to 1° weaker than the Karsten. That trades raw distance for a steeper landing angle and more predictable stopping power into greens.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Ping Karsten specs and Ping GMax specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ping Karsten stronger lofted than the GMax?
Not at the 7-iron, where both are 30.5°. Other clubs in the sets differ, so compare the full table above.
What is the loft difference between the Ping Karsten and GMax?
At the 7-iron the difference is 0° (30.5° vs 30.5°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the SW, and 2 of the 8 shared clubs differ.
Are the Ping Karsten and GMax aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the Ping Karsten and GMax have the same lie and length?
Not exactly. At the 7-iron the Ping Karsten is 61.88° lie and 37 inches, the GMax 62° and 37 inches. Both can be bent or built to your own fit.
Shop both models
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