G15 and Ping i15 Drivers Pros Ping i15 Driver: More traditional head shape hides size well
Ping i15 Driver: Sleek-looking all-black scheme
Ping i15 Driver: Solid sound
Ping i15 Driver Price:$179.97
Ping G15 Driver: Shots hit across the face are rewarded with little loss of distance
Ping G15 Driver: Tee balls get up quickly with extreme rearward weighting
Ping G15 Driver Price:$189.97
The Bottom Line
The G15 driver provides maximum forgiveness with improved distance and accuracy. Golfers of all skill levels can play the G15. Additional weight helps launch trajectory. It is a worthy successor to the popular G10 driver. The i15 is aimed at the better golfer. Its sleek all-black scheme features a lower, piercing trajectory with ability to work the ball.
G15 and Ping i15 Drivers Cons
i15: Finish shows wear easily
i15: Alignment device somewhat difficult to see
G15: Lack of feedback on mishits
G15: Ballflight may be too high for some
Description
New Ping i15 Driver
There's just something about an all black driver that evokes fast cars and sunglasses. You know, it's just a cool thing that makes you feel good. There's a reason rock stars are so partial to black.
PING has presumably given the i15 driver its rock star livery for a reason (read: "performance"). The i15 is "tour-style," which is marketingese for "you better have game." While that is really overstating the level of skill required (it's much more about shot shape and solid contact than handicap), the i15 is clearly the more demanding and higher performing of PING's two new drivers. Finding the one that's the best for you is the real secret. So (as PING's website asks) "are you a G-Man or an i-Guy?" According to the site, the G-Man desires "maximum power and forgiveness," while an i-Guy seeks "traditional look and feel." Frankly, I'm probably more of an "H" guy myself… I need some forgiveness (a little "G") while also being able, on my better days, at least, to take advantage of some "i" qualities.
In my experience, the i15 provides above-average workability and distance. This driver is not going to be a good fit for everyone. If your modus operandi off the tee is to try to hit a straight ball every time, this may not be a good fit for you. If you struggle with a slice, then there are definitely better choices for you. But if you want to move the ball both ways off the tee, then this is one of the more workable recent driver options that I've come across
G15 is a high-launch, low-spin driver with extreme forgiveness – will benefit mid-high handicappers.
Elongated face profile of G15 provides larger toe-to-heel sweet spot.
Golfers who want to work the ball, who make consistent middle-of-the-clubface contact with the ball, and who hit a reasonable number of fairways a round may well find a new friend in the i15.
While my first outing with this driver did not live up to my expectations, it has been steadily winning me over since that first experience. I'm not sure the i15 is going to boot the incumbent out of the bag, but I'm certainly going to give it the chance this spring, and so far as I can tell, it's going to be a close race.
G15
G15 is a high-launch, low-spin driver with extreme forgiveness – will benefit mid-high handicappers.Elongated face profile of G15 provides larger toe-to-heel sweet spot.External sole weight of G15 is visual reminder of increased launch trajectory by moving weight low and rearward.
G15 and Ping i15 Drivers Review - Review: Ping i15 and G15 Drivers
granitegolf says: I just got this in a 8 degree with the Axiv tour red S. My launch angle is much lower than my Burner 9.5 with UST proforce S. The launch monitor was giving me similar launch angle with the 8 and the 9.5 but the spin was several hundred less with the 8(around 2500 rpms) Hope the 8 degree is not too much for me but so far at the range it has been ripping the balls nicely. Tomorrow the course!
granitegolf says: Well(see my comment above)after a round I think the 8 degree was just giving me too low of a launch angle and I traded it back in for the 9.5. Went back out to the range after letting the epoxy cure after having it pured and I'm glad I switched. Much better launch angle but still a little less than my burner and much less spin. Hitting many over 300. This club is easy to work and more forgiving than some of the other players drivers. Back to the course tomorrow.
Duffer says: I have bought the i15 driver after testing several drivers in a simulator. The club took a bit of work but WOW this is a club that is worth learning to hit, long, workable and fun to hit. My old driver was a G-5 which I was married to for several years but I am remarried to the I15 driver.
golfclubs365 is UpFront
I purchased these to have something more forgiving since I was playing Ping I3 blades. Since I don't play as often I decided to buy something that would dampen mishit. I have a personal driving range and I found that my swing fault followed me, go figure :) Anyway, my 1st round was a disaster, but it wasn't the clubs. After the disaster I practiced all week with them, along with a major revision in my setup and shot 73 in my second round with them. So, they were redeemed. One thing I've noticed is that the offset is hidden well in the design of the club. I have never cared for offset, but it's almost invisible in this club. They feel really good in my hands and the thicker sole from the Ping's now seem normal.