PING i15 Driver Review

Joel’s favourite club on test by a distance. He loved everything about it and simply couldn’t miss, having an average dispersion of 0.2 yards! Chris was a huge fan of the looks, describing it as “perfect” but, he found it difficult to work with a soft draw, although it was his longest on test. David sad it was extremely forgiving but because of this felt it lacked a little feel. Adam struggled because his natural tendency is to push the ball right and the fade bias didn’t help this although he loved the feel when he caught it sweetly.

Ratings (out of 5)

Looks: 4.4   Forgiveness: 4   Feel: 4.6   Workability: 4   Distance:4.8   Dispersion 4.5

2010 Review:

This is the first time Ping has designed a driver specifically for the better player so it is a real surprise to see it come in at No.2 because, in truth, at least two of our testers shouldn’t be using this big dog! However, for a better-player driver our testers found this a pretty forgiving beast and the incredible looks, feel and performance made it an instant favourite.

It is designed for players who want to shape the ball both ways and the hosel is positioned slightly further from the face. This leads to less spin and a slight fade bias – not something a higher handicapper is generally looking for! Pro Chris said it was as if Ping had taken a list of everything he looks for in a driver and ticked every single box on it, insisting they had got everything right with the i15. It was David and Chris’ longest driver on test and both reciprocated by giving it top marks everywhere other than forgiveness, which they marked down to a four. Both David and John were astounded by the soft but powerful feel out the middle of the club and, ultimately, this was what converted them to liking a driver that is probably above their level of ability.

Leon was equally impressed, particularly with the stunning black PVD finish on the head. He also said he felt extremely confident giving this one a rip which, for a driver that is supposed to be slightly less forgiving, is praise indeed. This is a driver which should be better in the hands of a Tour pro than your average golfer but our test team loved it and therefore we have no hesitation in giving this a gold award.

Rating (out of 5):

Looks: 4.3   Feel: 4.5   Noise: 4.3   Forgiveness: 3.6   Distance: 4.8   Dispersion: 4.1

The Ping i15 Driver won a Gold Award for this years Today's Golfer drivers test (foudn in issue 269), it is also the first driver ping have made for 'the better player'.

The i15 driver has been around for 18 months now and although it is likely to be replaced later this year, it’s still a truly sensational product. It’s been designed for the golfer who likes to work the ball, and the slightly open face certainly will curry favour with better players. The bulge crown design and deeper face helps to optimise ball speeds and the gorgeous carbon finish makes this the best-looking driver Ping has ever produced. It features a TFC700D shaft, while the classic Ping alignment aid is more subtle. Hunt around for some top deals.
◗ www.ping.com or 01427 619 224

Lofts: 8°, 9.5°, 11° Titanium head, graphite shaft, ladies, gents, LH, RH.

Contact: www.ping.com or 01427 619 224