When you are setting up to a “classic” iron, what kinds of thoughts run through your mind? For me, I imagine the silky smooth feel of the sweet spot. I visualize the ball curving through the air at will. I can almost see the ball falling to the green with just enough spin to bounce twice and then stop. However, put a blade in another player’s hands and the reaction could be entirely different. They might look down desperately searching for that microscopic sweet spot, trembling at the thought of the painful reverberations of a mis-hit.
Karsten Solheim may not have been one of those golfers who feared the sweet spot but he certainly empathized with them. In fact, PING’s innovations were so significant that in 1966 the USGA outlawed all PING irons claiming that they provided golfers with an unfair advantage (due to a bend in the shaft beneath the grip). Nearly 40 years later, the USGA may want to reopen that claim.
Design and Technology
Like its predecessor, the G15 is an oversized iron designed for players seeking maximum forgiveness. However, several changes have been made which PING believes should make the club even more forgiving.
The G15 CTP is designed to increase MOI and improve forgiveness.
The epicenter of the G15’s technological advances is the new Custom Tuning Port (“CTP”). While the G10 had a CTP, PING engineers reshaped and repositioned the CTP to save seven grams. The weight savings of a thinner face allowed the engineers move weight to the perimeter – particularly the toe – to improve forgiveness for off-center hits as well as increase MOI. PING believes that these changes provide the proper structure and support to ensure distance control and solid feel.
A second change from the G10 is the sole design. A wider sole positions the center of gravity lower and farther back to increase launch angle as well as “ensure a smooth transition through the turf.” To offset the higher trajectories, PING strengthened the lofts of every iron by 1 degree.
The last semi-major change from the G10 is that the G15s conform to the new USGA groove rule.
Esthetics
The majority of the G15’s features should be familiar. The groves are painted the same with one final grove painted in white to help with alignment. The hosel has the same characteristic gouge all PING irons have had in recent years. The sole of the club utilizes the same font as it has in the past. Essentially, besides the cavity of the club, the G15 could be mistaken for the G10. However, the redesigned cavity pushes the club from plain to pleasing.
PING clubs have been called ugly for years. Honestly, I believe PING almost took pride in that statement claiming that they chose brains over beauty. However, the G15s are not ugly. As if the engineers collaborated with an artist to design the club’s cavity, the new red, black, and silver color scheme highlights the new Custom Tuning Port. The colors are both subtle and attractive.
For someone that has not played a PING iron in quite a while, setting up to the G15s can be quite a shock to the system. Literally, no matter what angle you look at the club, the wide sole – which is even wider than before – was unavoidable. For some players this is like seeing a mustache on the Mona Lisa. For others, the bulge may be the finishing touch necessary to inspire confidence. This is likely going to be the feature that will determine your disdain or devotion to the G15s.
Overall, traditional or classic were never words that entered my head but the combination of the new color scheme and Custom Tuning Port make the club quite striking and a huge improvement over the G10.
Performance
You can call me skeptical but rather than blindly follow PING’s claims that the new Custom Tuning Port creates a better sound and feel, increases distance, and maximizes forgiveness, I borrowed a set of the G10 irons from a friend and put them head to head for over two weeks.
First, I was relatively surprised to find that the feel and sound of the two irons is noticeably different. I would describe the G10 irons amongst the firmest clubs on the market – so firm in fact that I have complained that they would make a balata feel like an ultra distance golf ball. Obviously, the G15s do not have the silky smooth feeling of a forged blade but I did find that they have a softer, crisper sound and feel.
Second, I had thought at first that PING was trying to pull a fast one when it claimed that the irons had more distance. If you look at the specs for the G15 irons and the G10 irons you should notice that PING decreased the loft of every club by one degree. When I went to the range, I was expecting to gain approximately three to five yards of distance with every club. I was pretty satisfied with myself when I literally hit almost every club in my bag three to five yards farther with the G15 than the G10.
Fortunately, I hit the clubs using a launch monitor later on in the day and found out that I was hitting the ball about three to five yards farther but was completely wrong about why. If the distance could be attributed purely to the loft decrease, I should have seen a slight decrease in trajectory as well. According to the launch monitor, my launch angle was actually higher with the G15s than the G10s. Honestly, I thought I was losing it. I thought perhaps that my swing was changing and I was biased. After randomly grabbing three other golfers to hit each of the clubs using the launch monitor I found that they were having the same results. In fact, the highest handicap player had nearly a three-degree increase in trajectory with the G15s.
So far, PING had kept its promise: there was a better feel and there was an increase in distance. But how can you dramatically improve a club that you had just a few years back claimed was the “maximum” forgiveness iron? Well, PING did.
The G15 irons are comically forgiving. I tried hitting the ball out of the center of the fairway, the rough, fairway bunkers, pine straw, and mud. The result seemed to be almost the same feel and same trajectory with every shot. There was actually a point where I became so frustrated with the consistency of the clubs that I started dropping balls into a shallow puddle and seeing what the results would be.
So on course, the club seemed to strike the ball very well but then again, the clubface is so big how could you miss the sweet spot? Well, like the G15 driver, I took a nice long roll of impact tape, grabbed a few hundred golf balls, and parked myself in front of a launch monitor for an afternoon. Head to head, the G15 are more forgiving than the G10 irons. In particular:
- Within a dime of the sweet spot both the G10 and G15 had a minimal loss of distance.
- On the toe of the G10 there was a loss of 4-6 yards. On the toe of the G15 there was a loss of 2-5 yards.
- On the heel of the G10 there was a loss of 5-7 yards. On the heel of the G15 there was a loss of 3-6 yards.
- Shots hit thin with the G10 had a loss of 4-10 yards. Shots hit thin with the G15 had a loss of 0-8 yards.
- Shots hit thick with the G10 had a loss of 6-15 yards. Shots hit thick with the G15 had a loss of 4-14 yards.
These might seem like minor changes but I find them to be pretty significant improvements. The one improvement that I found most significant was a shot hit thin. It seemed as if so long as the G15 hit any part of the underside of the golf ball that the ball would go almost exactly the same distance.
Despite my praise for the G15s, I will not be putting them in my own bag. The G15s have a thick sole that caused me to consciously change my swing to sweep the ball rather than attack the ball. Moreover, when I tried to hit a slight draw or a slight fade the ball stayed almost dead straight. Last, the large offset of the clubhead lead to a few untimely hooks with my long irons.
With all that said, PING has no intention of me putting the clubs in my bag. The G15 is targeted at golfers that dig into the ground when they shouldn’t; golfers that probably can’t hit a feather draw or fade; golfers that could benefit from the offset. Ultimately, the G15 is a perfect fit for a mid- to high-handicap golfer.
Specs and Extras
Like all PING golf clubs, they are meant to be custom ordered to your specifications including shaft, grip texture, grip size, lie, and loft. If you were to get a set of G15s off the rack, they come standard with either the PING AWT steel (Soft R, R, S, and X flexes) or TFC 149i graphite shaft (L, Soft R, R and S flexes). MSRP is $107.50 per club with steel shafts and $135.00 per club with graphite shafts.
Standard specs for the irons are as follows:
Club Length Loft Lie Offset Bounce --------------------------------------------------- 3 38.75" 20° 59.25° .32" -2° 4 38.25" 23° 60.00° .30" 0° 5 37.75" 26° 60.75° .28" 2° 6 37.25" 29° 61.50° .26" 4° 7 26.75" 32° 62.25° .24" 6° 8 36.25" 36° 63.00° .22" 8° 9 35.75" 40° 63.75° .20" 9° PW 35.50" 45° 64.00° .18" 10°
Overall
For nearly a decade my disdain for the appearance of PING irons has kept me from giving them a closer look. Given the G15’s new and improved appearance though I was finally I was finally willing to give the irons a chance. After three weeks of experiencing the ridiculous forgiveness of the G15s, I believe that these irons will attract a lot of converts. While you will not see the G15 irons in the bags of any tour professionals or many lower handicappers, this is a club that any player seeking maximum forgiveness should seriously consider.
I’ve been playing the Callaway Fusion Wide Sole for a couple years now and it’s the best iron I’ve ever used. Seems like the Ping G15 is a knock off of the club I use.
I like the wide sole which I feel allows me to attack the ball without digging into the grass. When I’m swinging well, I can draw these irons but fades look more like pushes which is usually fine since I know that will happen and aim accordingly.
I suggest a wide sole iron for anyone who is not a low handicapper. Both the Callaways I play and the G15’s seem to meet the advice I received many years ago: Buy the best golf game you can afford.
Do you know how the sole on these compares to the Maltby Glider clubs?
Maltby designed the first ultra-wide sole club (sorry JR, the Callaway sole design is actually derived from the Matlby design.) If Maltby’s design continues to be copied by other companies, I think it would at least be fair to give credit to the guy that came up with the original idea.
I have the G10’s and I love them. I don’t think I will step up to the G15s but perhaps the next progression. I can’t recommend the Ping G series more highly though.
How is the bounce on the irons?
I had a set of Ping g5 irons and thought the irons had too much bounce from the fairway. I Play in North East Conditions.
I also found the Sand Wedge impossible in the Sand Trap.
I like to play the SW slightly open and found the head too Clunky? Bounce? Not quite sure except it didn’t work for me.
Chipping was difficult.
How are the G15 irons in this respect?
Thanks
CJ
P.S. 11 Handicap 7 iron 150 club.
Not only you guys at the Sand Trap have the most in depth reviews, you have the best pictures anywhere of the items you review.
Your review pictures have helped me determine which clubs appeal to me by looks. I can stare at those pictures as long as I can spare time. Can’t do that at the golf store.
I just was fitted for the G 15s last night. I am a 7-10 handicap player and was looing at the mb 58s calloway forged and r9 tps but couldn’t hit them a lick. put the g 15 in hand and couldn’t miss on th elaunch monitor I was slightly deviant tot he right, which is a concenr and could be a swing flaw, although I previously hit hooks with irons. 7 had 199 carry consisitently and felt unbeleiveable. Can’t wait to put them to the ultimate test on the course. do worry about the yardage gaps between my sand and gap wedge if in fact this 7 iron is for real.
thoughts?????
love em!!!! I am a 18 handicap. I work part time at a golf course. I hit the irons twice and went out and tied my low score for 9 holes. I really like the irons!
Just sold my my g5s but now I realize that the grooves of the G15’s conform to the new USGA rules whereas the G10’s do not. I need all the help I can get so that the ball will bite as I hit onto the green and I’m concerned that I will lose this help by going with the G15’s. Any advice?
@Infocus: Unless you are planning on playing in the US Amateur or the US Open or on the tour, any clubs that were legal before January 1, 2010 are still legal until 2024. Keep playing your G10’s until you are ready to go big time.
Sorry, if my comment wasn’t clear. I guess the question is since I sold my G5’s, I’m looking to upgrade and now I’m considering brand new G10’s or brand new G15’s. The question is are the G10’s a better choice because of the more effective grooves.
From what I read in Golf Digest, it said that “most players won’t be able to detect any difference from clubs longer than a 7- or 8-iron.”
I have exactly the same question as Infocus. I am contemplating getting new pings. I am impressed with what I’ve read and heard about the G15s. But I also want more control, when trying to get my balls to setdown on the greens. As I understand it the new groves will make it harder to maximze the back spin. As Infocus asked, are the G10s the better choice because of the more effective groves? Or is that perk compensated for by the added control and forgiveness of the G15s?
Infocus, these things bite even the 6 iron hops and stops with the right move. I’m a 12 handicap and actually broke 80 with them, then I sold them because I thought I was too good for them. I wasn’t happy with anything else, tried the r9 very nice, x22 also very nice but dead feeling then I hurt my back and found out I have arthritis in my lower back and at 40 with 4 year old twin boys my back hurts alot. I went out yesterday and tried the g15s again but with graphite and went up to a stiff graphite because I have a quick transition and blue dot on the lie (used to be a black dot) and man I hit these even farther, I used to hit 6 iron for my 150 shot now the 7 iron is it. These are so awesome I might even buy another set for FL. I hope this helps.
I pulled the trigger and got the G15’s (just picked them up from Golf Galaxy yesterday!). My new measurements called for 1.25″+ in extra length…my old G5’s were only 0.5+.
I have several older wedges lying around so I can always throw them in my bag for backup. I should be able to try them out on the range in another couple of weeks. Can’t wait.
This is a for what it is worth comment and I apologize for the length. I too was VERY impressed with this web site. I have been playing Titleist DCI blacks for about 9 years (I am a 13-14 handicap) and decided to look at new irons. I tried the G15s, TM burners, Callaway X22, Cobra S2, Mizuno 100 (I think), Titleist AP1 and one of hte Adams. On the simulator, I narrowed it down to the TM and G15. During my research on this, I compared the lofts of my DCI’s with all of the new clubs. I suspect you all already know this. One reason for the gain in distance in these new irons is the reduction in loft. My old DCI 7 iron has the same loft as the Burner 8 iron. So comparisons can be tricky. Today, I hit the G15 and Burner 7 iron in the cage with a monitor (I am in Maine). I was leaning heavily toward the Burner set. The guy then sent me to a local golf course with a range. I took the 7 and 5 irons from both sets. I noticed more distance with the Burner 7 than the G15. I am SOOOO glad I also took the 5 irons. Nearly ever G15 iron was on target or left of target. I could NOT hit the Burner 5 iron well at all. I kept pushing everything to the right with my tendency to slice. I hit a huge bag of balls and kept trying to hit the Burner 5 iron well but could not. I suspect you all know this too. My advice would be to make sure you go to a range to see the actual ball flight. Plus, just don’t hit, for example, a 7 iron. Given that many will have a 4-hybrid, at least from my experience, I would make sure you test outdoors the 5-iron from TM Burner with whatever else you are considering. I am so lucky that I took the guy’s advice and went outside. I would have been so disappointed had I chosen the Burners. I realize that the “proof will be the pudding” as they say. It still comes down to swing and what happens on the course. That said, I was so impressed with the ball flight, consistency, and even feel of the G15s; I obviously decided to buy the G15s.
I visited the Ping factory in Phoenix last week and went through their fitting process. The appearance of the G15 initially drove me to want the i15, as the i15 is more aesthetically pleasing and “normal” looking. I presently play TaylorMade Firesoles (7 iron hits to 160 yards, always with a slight draw). Both the i15 and G15 7-iron, when adjusted for lie, jumped out to 175 yards with each shot, and the fitting process brought the draw back to a straight line. In the end, each shot with the G15 produced a really sweet, silky sound and feel; better than the i15. A buddy went with me to be fitted, but just couldn’t opt for the look of the wide soled G15 and he decided to go with the slightly higher priced i15. I chose better feel over looks, and I ordered a set of G15s at a Phoenix-based distributor on Saturday.
Did everybody notice that K.J. Choi has chosen the G-15s as his choice of sticks for that last few pga tournaments, He took a second place this last weekend using these irons. Goes to show that even PGA TOUR PROs will use these clubs.
Took my new g15’s out to the range and I LOVE these new clubs! I can hit these things with my eyes closed and they will go towards the target. Sweet!
I took the plunge and have been fitted and purchased a set of G15s.After struggling with my callaway X20s,trying to punch above my weight.After trying a demo 7 iron and a hybrid on the range I was sold,consistant 175 yds with the 7 with ease and all straight shots,sweet as a nut.The hybrid if you have not tried one,do so,the best and straightest I have ever hit and it goes a country mile.I pick them up in five days,I can’t wait.
Played Ping Zings for about 15 years. I am a 12 handicap and this year decided it was time for new clubs. I live in Upstate NY so I have not played since November. I went to my local golf shop and hit some Taylor Made Burner Irons, Clevelands, Titleleist and Ping. The Pings were the most solid feeling for me and I hit them well. They did produce a very straight ball flight, but I dont really work the ball very well and usually play a fade, so keeping the ball straight will work for my game. I will be on the course with them for the first time this Saturday, but my 3-4 trips to the range have me very excited to play these this year. Now – my final decision is whether to go with the Ping G15 driver of the Taylor Made R 460 –
Eric, played both drivers, went with the G15 but had it cut down at PING, really forgiving and long.
KFWade – Did you go with the G15 or the G15 Draw? I plan on going to the shop and hitting a few drivers this week, so thanks for the tip.
Question for everyone – I have the G15 23 degree hybrid and hit it very well yesterday (I got 5-UW for the G15 irons). I plan to get a driver, 3 Wood and I am thinking the 17 degree hybrid to finish out the set – any suggestions on another option? I do use my 5 wood often, so I figure the 17 degree will take care of that shot.
I went with the Draw version because if I try to have quite hands in my driver so I don’t go after it 100% and it gets ugly so I swing smooth and the draw helps me out with that.
Eric,I went for the 20deg & 23deg and am well happy with the result,I still carry a 5 wood but it is hardly out of the bag,good luck.
My father owned the Callaways for years and I played with those more times than I can count, I bought the G15’s, and I can assure you, they are not a knock off, they are an upgrade, my father who is a very good golfer uses the pings whenever I let him. I love the G15’S more than any other club I’ve ever used, including those callaways
That is what I am thinking of now – getting a 20 deg hybrid, then just getting a driver and 3 wood. I still want to demo a few drivers before deciding what to get. Thanks for the recommendation
“While you will not see the G15 irons in the bags of any tour professionals”
Hmmm no tour players using these, Check again, Both Lee Westwood and K.J. Choi Bagged the G15 for the masters, Yes that’s correct, G15 not i15.
Guess you not as smart a reviewer as you think. Not to be Choi. LOL
Let me also attest to this iron its fat its chunky but it is down right the best iron you can buy, PERIOD. I was a 2 hdcp and been using srixion for 2 seasons. Long story short I hit one ball with this Iron at a simulator, two weeks later received my new G15″s green dot. 22 rounds in to this iron, I am a negative hcdp. If need be sell the scotty’s to get this iron. IMO
You are dead wrong about G15 irons not being in Pro’s bags. There are at Least 7 players by my count gaming them on the PGA tour. KJ Choi being one of the most prevalent at this point. He even plays the “set” wedges with the exception of the 60*.
They are remarkably consistent irons for people who like high straight shots.
My golf game has gone into the tank. I thouht new clubs would help. Bought Mizuno 200…just could not hit them after 4 months of trying….went back to the golf store and they were nice enough to take them back in on trade. Had them fit me for G-15’s….after ready all the positive feedback on the 15’s. Should get them in a couple of weeks….let you know how I make out.
Stay loose Hack,you have made the right choice.
Got my G15’s last week and played with them yesterday and must say I am amazed at what they did for my game yesterday. I feel like I can hit these anywhere I so choose and man are they easy to hit. I too, got rid of a set of Mizuno MX200’s, I just did not hit them consistently at all. They may have been too much for me if I am honest. But the G15’s are awesome. I did have trouble stopping where I wanted with my chips. It would chip to exactly where I wanted, but would roll more than I was used to. I attributed that to the new groove complicance, but I also need to get used to them.
Any one on the fence about these sticks MHO is to get off and go grab these sticks because you are missing out on a sweet set of sticks.
I have had the G10’s for 1 year to date. I am somewhat of a club junkie, so I’m constantly looking at new products, waiting for that miracle club that will make me ready for the Champions Tour. (We all have dreams!) I play to a 14 handicap. I have good days in the high 70’s and bad days in the low 90’s, settling pretty much in the low to mid 80’s. I have tried Callaways X-22’s, TM Burner 09’s, Titlelist AP1’s…with pretty much the same outcome. The G10’s just hit straighter. You do lose a little distance compared to others, but if you can “Man” up and not let your ego get in the way…you just go to a lower club to hit the same distance. I see a lot of posts from golfers that are mid to high handicappers that want workability. WHY? The goal in life for most golfers is to hit it straight. With workability comes slices and hooks. I carry one club in my bag that allows me to slice or hook around a tree when I’ve gotten myself into a position that is almost impossible to get out of. Other than that…I prefer to hit it directly where I am aiming at. The G10 does just that. If we stayed in the fairways instead of the rough, our scores would drop like a lead weight. I have a swing speed on the driver at 93mph. I also use a tour ball. I realize that my swing speed does not fully extract all the qualities of these tour balls but there is a softer feel off the face..thereby eliminating any harsh feel. I hit the 8 iron about 147. I used to hit my R7’s 155. Swallowed my pride and went to a G10 7 iron for the same distance. The G10 is a great club….and I can assure you…you CAN work it if you need to…and you can attack the ball if you need to…and it does spin the ball back if you swing like you are supposed to….but the bottom line is….”THEY GO STRAIGHT!”
I got fitted today. I hit the G10s well and they $17 less per club — significant for me — but the G15s were just too sweet to pass up. I’m a one-time 4-handicapper — I had left the game for several years and am working my way back. Before seeing Choi, I would have probably gone for the i15s out of pride, but if he’s not too good for them, then I sure as hell know I’m not. Great club. Can’t wait for my set to get here.
Great discussion on the G15 irons; but little mention of graphite shaft vs. steel. I hit G15s on a Demo Day in AZ this winter and really liked the graphite shaft version. I have blue dot G2 irons with stiff steel shafts and believe my game could improve with irons and my elbows would improve with graphite. I played ~ 70 rounds in CA desert in Feb and March, and am home in IA until next winter. I play 2-3 x per week in IA, age 57, handicap @17. Thanks for any input!
I have been playing the G15’s for about a month and absolutely love them. Really hitting the ball well, and consistent. I am very glad I got a proper fitting and went with the G15’s.
Re graphite shafts.I have allways played steel shafts but after trying out the regular graphites on the G15s I was sold.I get a lot more power with less effort I really can whip the club head through also I get a lot more control and feel of the club head.I am however having to learn distance control all over again,not a bad thing.I am 65 h/c 20.I have found less effort more distance and improved accuracy.Hope this helps.
i am a 24 handicapper that have played with ping zings for 15 years. just got a set of g15 steel shaft black dot 2 months ago. i like the solid feel of my shots and have noticed about 7 to 9 more yards of distance with each club.
it will take some time to club down to avoid hittng over the green. but overall i am happy with these clubs.
Any thoughts as between G15s versus R9 irons? I have R7s but have always hit the long irons thin with too much draw, despite proper fittings. Tried G15s and R9s at a demo day and can’t decide.
Thanks for G15 graphite feedback. My local public course is having a demo days on Friday. I can’t wait to hit the G15 again.
I’ve looked at G15 prices on the Internet ($~400) and my local pro quoted me eight graphite G15s at $699. I’ve seen Ping ads warning of counterfeit clubs. Has anyone bought new Pings on the Internet?
“I’ve looked at G15 prices on the Internet ($~400) and my local pro quoted me eight graphite G15s at $699. I’ve seen Ping ads warning of counterfeit clubs. Has anyone bought new Pings on the Internet?”
Ping is extremely diligent about prices…they don’t even allow Golf Galaxy (my local golf chain store) to give points for Ping club purchases even though it’s not costing Ping a cent. Ping won’t even let Dick’s carry their clubs…they just started to allow Dick’s to sell their putters only. There is no such thing as a discount on Pings unless it comes from them…period. I recommend you stick with authorized Ping retailers or it will end up costing you more in the end.
Cannot give you any info on the R-9s as previously I played Callaway & Titleist.However since going for the G-15 graphites my experience is that I now only hit straight and never a thin shot as I had them fitted and have a bit of extra length on the shaft.The best move I have ever made in improving my game.Not much info regarding your dilemma but my experience with the G-15s may help,
I’m looking at the 09 Burners vs. G-15’s. I was interested in the comments that the G-15 graphites can be had from club pros at $699 – since the listed price at Gold Galaxy is $899.
Any more input on which club is best or what price should I shoot for would be appreciated.
I’m hitting a set of G15’s with True Temper S300 shafts (not a big fan of the stock Ping offerings). They are really nice clubs if you can stand the look of them. I’ve pretty consistently been a Ping player for almost 20 years going from the Ping Eye 2’s to ISI-K’s to I3’s to G2’s which I’ve been playing with for about 5 years now. These G15’s are the first ones that I can remember that combine the typical Ping forgiveness with a feel a lot closer to a forged club when you hit it on the button. I tried the G10’s last year, but actually thought my old G2’s had better feel on the good shots, also preferred the G2’s to the G5’s released a few years back, but the G15’s have better feel than the G2’s. I think Ping has done a really nice job with these sticks.
What is the difference between the red dot and the black dot?
Go here:
http://whichgolfclubs.com/ping-color-code-chart
Black is standard and red is .75 flat
Black dot is a standard lie,red dot is a flatter lie.Go to the ping web site where you will be able to measure yourself and get a good idea on which lie,etc to suit you.
Are any of you who are sweeper/pickers using the wide sole G15’s. I understood that sweepers (I’m one) should use narrower soles with less bounce like the I15’s even though my game could use the additional forgiveness.
Help!
I’m pretty much a sweeper, and even if you hit them thin or thick they are very forgiving. I love them.
just traded my ping G-2s for a set of ping G-15s black dot steel shaft I am having trouble with the distance on the U wedge and cant locate what the loft is. Can some one help?
PW is 45 degrees and UW is 50 degrees
http://www.ping.com/clubs/ironsdetail.aspx?id=6968
Ping web site has full specs on all of its clubs. Link is for G-15.
I am very interested to know if anyone believes if its worth the dollars to go from the g10 to g15 irons? I am just wondering how much of a difference it will make. I like the g10s but im always looking at new options. 🙂
Eric – try them and see what you think. Whether it’s “worth it” is really relative. However, having hit the G10’s and currently playing the G15’s, I find the feel of the G15’s night and day superior to the G10’s. The G10’s just feel harsh and a little dead on perfect shots compared to the G15’s in my opinion. That quality is really important to me, but may not be to you. The G10’s have the older more agressive grooves which the G15’s do not and that should probably factor into your decision as well. Good luck.
Have been using the G10 irons, steel shafts with cushin insert, for about 2 yrs and like them a lot. I can hit the 3 and 4 irons consistently, which I couldn’t do with any other set. I agree that the irons can be a bit harsh when missing the sweet spot, but the ball flies straight regardless. My gap wedge was not part of the G10 set, was another famous brand of wedge, and I learned to hate it, so I decided to replace it with the G15 gap wedge. Ping matched the club to my existing set and installed a G10 grip for me. I love it. It feels so smooth and hits high and straight. The problem is that a full swing hits the same distance as the G10 pitching wedge, it’s like carrying two of the same club in the bag. The G15 hits high and usually lands soft on the green, but I also notice some odd little hops at times, possibly due to the changed grooves. Compared to my previous gap wedge, this one actually takes a couple of strokes off each round instead of adding to it. Would like to upgrade to a full set of the G15 irons, but cannot justify the expense now. Maybe next spring. There could be G20 sets by then.
I am a huge fan of Ping and Im a 9 HC.
I AM TORN between the i15 and the G15.
My current Pings are 15 years old and have a offset.
I’m told because of my HC i should use the i15’s but i read so many positive reviews about the G15’s. Unfortunately i cant find a place where i can hit both and see the ball flight and distance.
Any and all feedback would be appreciated between the 2.
A friend of mine, pro-golfer was at ping UK last year getting fitted for I15’s and convinced me to let him bring me back a set of G15 irons and ping tour wedges, Irons with the S300 shaft. When he arrived back at the GC with the clubs, I must admit I was initialy dissapointed with the asthetic look of these clubs, and it put me off taking them seriously. Up till now I have used the Cleveland CG1 blades and this year, as I am getting older and some old sports injuries are playinghavoc onmy body, I began to struggle a bit with mid and short irons (I ditest using Hybrids) A month ago I reluctantly took the set of G15’s tot he GC and decided to look at the results andnot the product, and I must admit after a week I began to trust the club and played amazing golf, now my CG1’s have been retired till my son is ready for them. I still use my CG15 wedges, far superior than the Ping Tour inmy opinion, or maybe I just hate change, whatever it is, the game works for me.
I’m a 4 handicap and preferred the G15’s to the I15’s despite their lack of workability. I love the G15’s and about the only time I get a little frustrated with them is working a slight cut. You really need to figure out a way to hit both before making your decision though.
I can tell you that I just began playing g10s and I am a 5.3. I can work them fine. As easy as my i3 blades? No, but they are 10x easier to hit so who cares?! I think they’re terrific and even replaced my forged gap and sand wedge w g10s and i like them around the green just fine. I bought these used as an experiment w more forgiving clubs and i dont see myself going back. My goal is to get to a 3 in the next year and these are helping me get there.
blockquote cite=”comment-22055″>I am a huge fan of Ping and Im a 9 HC.
I AM TORN between the i15 and the G15.
My current Pings are 15 years old and have a offset.I’m told because of my HC i should use the i15’s but i read so many positive reviews about the G15’s. Unfortunately i cant find a place where i can hit both and see the ball flight and distance.Any and all feedback would be appreciated between the 2.
JR
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if you think there is to much of a gap if I don’t use the standard PW and go with a Vokey 48 degree wedge? The G15 nine iron has a 40 degree loft. I want to use Vokey 48, 52, 56 degree wedges instead of the pings.
Depends on how you use them. Do you do a lot choke down shots? If so, you might be able to pretty effectively use the 9 at different lengths to close the gap. 8 degrees of separation is a lot for scoring clubs. Plus, if your Vokeys have the old grooves the distance difference between your G15 nine iron and 48 Vokey will be even bigger because of the spin difference (G15’s have the new grooves). I think I would need to choke down a lot on the shaft of my G15 9-iron to bridge the gap between it and a high spin 48 degree traditional wedge, but that’s just me.
I carry the G15 PW and U-wedge along with a 52 and 56 Cleveland CG14’s with the old (high spin) grooves. The spacing seems just about right on full swings. My home course has long par 5’s and 3’s with several somewhat short par 4’s. As a result I hit A LOT of wedges and like them spaced pretty tight.
I went and ordered the “W” wedge today from Golfsmith. I talked to a few people too. They all think that the gap from 40 to 48 was to large. So I’ll go with the 9 @ 40 the W @ 45 and the Vokey @ 48, 52 and 56 degrees. I love my Vokey 52 spin milled and want to play them more around the green. I use a Scotty Cameron Squareback #1 putter as well. Thanks for your help. Let me know what you think?
I ordered a set of g15’s after hitting a demo. I now realize I have been hitting irons that are too flat. I ordered green dots and can’t wait to put them in the bag. While it is true that most tour pros still hit forged, you can find many hitting cavity backs. No surprise that choi and others have been playing these. Heck, I even read where a pretty good asian tour player is still playing stock ping G5’s with graphite shafts. As they say, it is the arrow not the indian. But I do think these pings can help the indians. Great solid feeling club. btw- I am a 2 handicap. I have no shame carrying these clubs. 🙂
i’m going to get fitted tonight for the G15 iron set 4-PW…
i can’t wait !!!!!
I just bought these today. I had the Taylor Made R9’s before these clubs and did a swap at golfers warehouse. These clubs are seriously very, very, long. About a club longer than the r9’s for me. Very forgiving with high launches. I am gonna go out on a limb and say these are the best clubs I have ever hit. If you are an everyday joe smoe golfer who is not competiting, which is about 95% percent of us, go out and give these clubs a hack.
I have recently purchased a set of G15 Irons. I went to my golf pro to get my existing irons lengthened (Callaway Big Bertha) but decided to try some new irons while I was there. I took the G15 7 iron onto the driving range and could not belive the difference. I was hitting the ball and extra 15 yards or more (seriously!!), the flight path of my ball was much better and even the worst mis-hits were not punished and still achieved amazing distance. I purchased a full custom fit set there are then!! I am an 18 handicap at the moment and am positive the G15 irons will help me drop that handicap quickly!!
ordered the set and got them last friday from Edwin Watts…
+1/2 length, green dot – 4-PW,UW….
love the clubs…i’m just starting and need ALL THE FORGIVENESS I CAN GET….and these have helped me so much….
I bought these a month ago after getting custom fitted at a ping demo day. I am a 1 handicapper and I was looking at the i15s, accidentally picked these up to hit while waiting for my turn to get fitted. These are incredible clubs. I went from a Titleist 690MB to my cavity back clubs in years. If you can look past the wider sole and put aside your personal ego of playing with wider sole club, these are awesome. My first few rounds with these have been incredible. Sweet as butter from any lie, very easy to work the ball with.
Would strongly recommend for any golfer looking for a great set of irons.
Ping is selling their K15 iron/hybrid set furiously.
I am now in the middle of K15/G15 irons… what is the main difference between them?
K15 with a wider sole?
How does the Ti-face help?
I have been using the callaway x18 tour irons, but they really are not that good of clubs…
I am an 18 handicap, and I am considering whether i should purchase the g15’s or the razr’s which ones are better?
@ Owen: Ultimately, you will have to hit both to see what works better for you. This past Saturday I was fitted for new irons – I hit the Callaway Razr, Mizuno JPX800, Titleist AP1, and G15s. I invited the ugly girl to the party as a hoot, and she ended up winning. Tightest dispersion and consistent distance with the G – ended up ordering them and should have them in 2 weeks. I am replacing 4-yr old TaylorMade racOS and am a 19 handicap.
Just ordered my new G15’s today; 6 – LW. Got new 20, 23 & 27 degree G15 hybrids last week. Looked long and hard at the new Mizuno JPX800 irons, but in the end, kept my loyalty with Ping; have never had anything but them except for a 2 week “couldn’t wait to get rid of them” trial with Callaway about 10 years ago.
I left the Ping family only to try to find a better club and I just got another set of PING G15 Graphite, there really isn’t a better club.
After playing 6 rounds with G15 irons, I can vouch these are ridiculously easy to hit straight and high. I was worried about the substantial offset, but got used to that after just 1 round. Credit Mark Crossfield, PGA professional. I watched his youtube video and it was an eye opening experience! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxvY1cOCizA
I am Medicare age but do not like graphite shafts because IMO they perform erratic, especially in the senior-soft-regular flex. So I ordered my set in steel-soft-regular stock shafts with cushin option, with my preferred color code purple, 1 degree weaker loft, and aqua grip code.
After playing 6 rounds, I am extremely satisfied with these irons. The cushin eliminates shock on any mis-hits, and the soft-regular flex is giving me perfect distance. The 1 degree weaker loft on all irons has made it possible for me to hit high trajectory shots and hold the firm greens.
With these irons, there is no need to take a deep divot (which requires power and that can cause erratic shots) just brush the grass under the ball, and the ball goes soaring high in air. I am hitting 95% of greens inside 150 yards which I have never been able to do in 50 years of golf.
Ping is still making these clubs, so get your customized set (at no extra charge!) before they stop making them. I got mine for about $60/club including the cushin option, which is incredibly good price.
Excellent review and own G15’s. These are very consistent clubs but because of the design take some time to get used to. The standard grips are ok at best but after changing it to Dri Tac grips it made a big difference. I commend Ping for making a more attractive club but more importantly I am now hittimg straight and solid shots without losing any distance. Make sure you get fitted right as well and they are very affordable.