the best Ping G15 Driver

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.