This is the first time Ping have introduced an I-series driver golf equipment. The Ping i15 Driver is designed for better players for whom the G10 range of Ping golf equipment does not suit their taste.
The i15 driver, developed with input from Ping’s professional staff, has a more traditional rounded shape than the G10, combined with a longer hosel. The internal weighting is designed to provide a penetrating trajectory with less spin and a fade bias. The head is 460cc titanium, finished in black with Titanium-CarbonPVD coating to minimize the appearance of the size of the head at address – something better players prefer.
The Ping i15 driver has a smoother bulge and roll design that enabled weight to be moved in order to provide the optimum centre of gravity, with lofts of 8, 9.5, and 11 degrees available. Available shafts are TFC 700D and UST AXIVcore Tour Red 69 Shaft.
In terms of playability, the i15 driver is a little hotter out of the centre of the face than the G10 drivers, but not as forgiving, enabling better players to feel when they have hit a good shot. This is definitely not a club for hackers. I have played the G10 driver golf equipment with 9.5 degrees loft for several years and although I love the driver I always found the forgiveness of the club inhibited the ability to determine where on the head you made contact with the shot. All shots pretty much felt the same. But this is not the case with the i15. Hit it in the middle and you know about it! I preferred the 11 degree trajectory for my swing as I tend to get a little over the ball and come out low, but combined with the UST shaft it as a winner. Players who have handicaps in the low teens will appreciate the workability of this golf equipment, as they have discovered the benefits of being able to shape your shot trajectory – something usual 460cc drivers inhibit.
Overall rating : 9/10. A beautiful piece of golf equipment.