PING Rolls Out Complete New G15 and i15 Lines
Posted August 4th, 2009 by Guest Author
Come check out the latest from PING, a blend of cutting-edge technology and time-tested design.
Just in time for their 50th aniversary, PING is introducing two completely new lines of clubs: the G15 and i15. The largest product launch in PING history includes something for every level of player, from the beginner to the advanced player. In today's Bag Drop, we're taking a look at the Solheim family's latest innovations.
PING is introducing not one but two completely new lines of clubs, with new drivers, fairway metals, hybrids, and irons in each. PING is also introducing a new putter line and adding a few models to existing lines, but given the massive introduction of eight new products, this Bag Drop won't get around to talking about the new flatsticks.
PING has long used the "G" series to denote their game-improvement line for the higher handicapper with added forgiveness, and kept their "i" series for the more skilled player looking to push their game even further with enhanced workability and shot control. This continues with the G15 and i15 lines, each of which will pair with an expansion to the comprehensive fitting system PING has always offered. Along with the famous PING Dot System, they have added six PING grip sizes, more shaft flex and material options, and more loft and bias combinations than ever before.
John K. Solheim says that "custom fitting continues to grow in importance for golfers wanting to improve their games." He added that "what we're learning from our nFlight Fitting Software and other research is being incorporated into our development process. It's leading us in some very interesting and exciting directions as we look for ways to help lower scores and make the game more enjoyable."
The new clubs will be available at golf retailers worldwide in mid-August. Now, let's take a look at the new PING sticks that everyone has been waiting for.
PING's Newest Irons
Let's begin with the irons. After all, you use them on virtually every hole and there are more of them in your bag than any other type of club.
The G15 Irons
PING's new G15s are designed to launch the ball high and long. Wider soles and improved weighting allows these irons to launch the ball high, while strong lofts add a little distance. The new irons feature a wider sole to help get the ball in the air, and a new Custom Tuning Port (CTP). The CTP creates a higher moment of inertia, while a thinner face expands the perimeter weighting to the toe of the club. This extra toe weighting helps to square the face and avoid those pesky pushes and slices.
PING's G15 irons feature a "custom tuning port" (CTP) to help with forgiveness and launch angle.
The irons are available in 3-9 irons, PW, UW, SW, and LW. Available shafts are the PING-designed AWT steel (Soft R, R, S and X flexes) and TFC 149i graphite shaft (L, Soft R, R and S flexes). MSRP is $107.50 per club for steel, and $135 per club for graphite.
PING's new G15 irons are available in a standard 3-PW with U, S, and L wedges available too.
The i15 Irons
Though the i-series irons were designed with the better player in mind, several of the features from the G15 make their way into a sleeker, more workable iron in the i15. The i15 line features more compact heads and thinner lines to give these better players more workability and shot control.
Designed as a progressive set, the long irons are slightly longer heel to toe for a touch of added forgiveness, while the short irons are a more traditional width (here's an image) for better shot-making ability and control.
The i15 features a tungsten weight in the toe to add forgiveness without being visible at address or adding any size to the clubhead. A stabilizing bar and a Custom Tuning Port (CTP) help to add the feel that better players expect from an iron.
The i15s are available in sets of 3-PW, and come with either the PING-designed AWT steel (Soft R, R, S and X flexes) or TFC 149i graphite shaft (L, Soft R, R and S flexes). MSRP is $115 per club with steel shafts and $142.50 per club with graphite shafts.
PING's i15 set, 3-PW, looks sleek and sexy with a powerful black/maroon paint job and dark silver.
The Latest PING Hybrids
With everyone and their brother (including the vast majority of PGA Tour golfers) putting a hybrid in the bag, PING is advancing their two hybrid lines with a new-look G15 and a classic but improved i15 model. Let's take a look at each.
G15 Hybrids
PING's new G15 hybrids are designed to launch the ball high and straight for the mid to high handicapper.
Featuring a new squarer shape and an iron-like clubface, the G15 hybrids set up and play more like an iron than a fairway wood. This design provides improved launch angles and reduces spin on the ball, leading to a higher, flatter trajectory with more carry. An internal toe weight makes the G15 the most forgiving hybrids that PING has ever made.
They come in five lofts: 17°, 20°, 23°, 27°, and 31°. Shaft options include PING-designed AWT steel (Soft R, R, S and X), TFC149H (L, Soft R, R, S and X) and Aldila Serrano 85 Hybrid (R, S and X). MSRP is $160 per club for steel and $185 per club for graphite.
i15 Hybrids
Contrary to the iron-like G15, PING's i15 line of hybrids has a more traditional shape, but - as we'll see throughout these two sets - have a bit more in common than you might think at first.
With strong lofts and a low center of gravity (you can see why), the i15 hybrids provide penetrating, tour-preferred ball flights that comfortably take the position of long irons or even shorter fairway metals. The spin rate is reduced in order to help keep shots under control while providing a little extra distance from a variety of lies.
The i15s come in three lofts: 17°, 20°, and 23°. They are available in PING-designed AWT steel (Soft R, R, S and X), TFC700H (R, S and X) and UST Mamiya AXIVcore Tour Red 85 Hybrid (R, S and X). MSRP is $180 per club for steel and $210 per club for graphite.
Fairway Metals
Great off the tee or off the deck, you won't find many players who don't have a fairway metal.
G15 Fairway Metals
The G15 fairway metals are designed to get the ball in the air, keep the ball in the air for a long time, and land the ball softly.
The G15 line features external weight pads, which move the center of gravity low and to the rear of the club, adding both effective loft and increased forgiveness. Elongated, low-profile heads help maximize the head volume and forgive mis-hits.
The PING G15 fairway metals feature an external stainless steel weight to move the CG low and back.
The PING G15 is available in four lofts: 3- (15.5°), 4- (17°), 5- (18.5°), and 7- (21.5°) woods, with the 3-, 4-, and 5-woods available in a draw model as well. These fairway metals come with PING-designed TFC149F (L, Soft R, R, S and X) and Aldila Serrano 75 Fairway (R, S and X). MSRP is $230 per club.
i15 Woods
The i15 woods are designed to create lower, piercing shots that better players expect out of their fairway metals. A slightly elongated head offers some forgiveness, while the internal weighting gives players the lower ball flight that they crave.
The i15 woods come in three lofts: a strong 3- (14°), traditional 3- (15.5°) and 5- (18.5°) wood. Shaft options include PING-designed TFC700F (R, S and X) and UST Mamiya AXIVcore Tour Red 79 (R, S and X). MSRP is $265 per club.
The Drivers
Finally we arrive at the big dog, and I think you'll be impressed with PING's offerings off the tee.
G15 Driver
The new G15 driver is loaded with technology. The 460cc head is designed for maximum forgiveness and distance. Thin crown technology helps save weight, which was moved to optimize launch angles for higher and straighter shots.
A longer, larger face increases ball speed and reduces spin to help get all the distance that you can out of your tee shot. The larger face provides an expanded sweet spot that provides a more consistent hitting area spanning the whole face. This maximizes ball speed even on mis-hits and adds to the forgiveness for long, consistent drives.
PING has paired the G15 head with the new PING-designed TFC149D high balance point shaft, which allowed them to add a little mass to the head without increasing swingweight or overall club weight.
PING's G15 driver has a longer, larger hitting area and increased forgiveness on all types of mis-hits.
The G15 comes in four lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°, and 13.5°. Draw models are available in all but the 13.5° loft. The club is offered with the PING-designed TFC149D (L, Soft R, R, S and X flexes) and Aldila Serrano 60 (R, S and X flexes) shafts. MSRP is $350.
The i15 Driver
The i15 is a tour-style driver. What's that mean, exactly? For starters, it's got a fade-biased head that allows for an aggressive release through impact and greater workability.
The traditional pear-shaped head is paired with a deeper face, which provides greater ball speed and a solid feel as well as the look at address that better players prefer. The hosel is positioned slightly behind the face, enhancing workability.
The i15 comes in three lofts: 8°, 9.5°, and 11°. No draw models here, as this club is all about shaping your shot and controlling your golf ball while sending it hundreds of yards from the tee. The club is offered with the PING-designed TFC700D (R, S and X flexes) and UST AXIVcore Tour Red 69 (R, S and X flexes) shafts.
A Brief Word from PING
John K. Solheim had a bit more to say, and rather than filter his language, we thought we'd share it with you here.
Our engineering team continues to research and analyze the needs of all golfers. Our newest families of clubs address the specific performance goals of these players and they are designed accordingly. The G15 Series appeals to the majority of golfers who rely on the easier-to-hit attributes of a maximum forgiveness, higher launch type of club. With the i15s, a lot of players will be attracted to the added control and versatility they offer. The i15s will deliver the forgiveness we all need, but they've been engineered to provide the workability that a lot of more skilled golfers look for in their clubs.
The early feedback from our Tour staff has been very favorable. Several players put the product in play immediately and others will wait for the opportune time.
This article was written by a guest author. If you'd like to contribute, send us an email.
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Expressed opinions are not necessarily the opinions shared by others on The Sand Trap or The Sand Trap itself.
Posted 04 Aug 2009 at 1:40pm #
Man, those things sure are "busy" looking.
Posted 04 Aug 2009 at 1:54pm #
bump-n-mi said on August 4, 2009:
They are, but 90% of it's hidden at address.
Posted 04 Aug 2009 at 2:42pm #
How do the i15's look at set up? I do not like the way the long irons look from that picture of them standing up
Posted 04 Aug 2009 at 9:34pm #
Would like to see more pictures of clubs at address, but those soles on the i15's look way too wide to be shotmaker's clubs.
But I wouldn't mind sampling the fairway metals and hybrids. Always been a big fan of ping's fairway metals.
Posted 05 Aug 2009 at 12:10am #
dude you should totally get to try those out if you havent already for such a detailed look into them
Posted 05 Aug 2009 at 3:42pm #
wazzu8 said on August 4, 2009:
Ive hit the i10's alot, and they look like a traditional players iron at address. Reasonable offset and a sleek topline. The soles are slightly larger than a typical players long iron, but you cant really see that from address. You lose a bit of feel, but overall they're really nice clubs. The longer irons are easy to get airborn. If the i15's are an improvement on the qualities of the i10, then Ping will have themselves a good product.
Posted 06 Aug 2009 at 3:51pm #
Review PLEASE!!!
Verrrrrry interested in hearing how the drivers perform, especially that i15. Looks like a beauty.
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 12:10pm #
Looks and sounds like a great looking set of clubs! I currently play the Ping I3+ irons and love them!
I'll add this to my ever increasing list of irons to look at in my next purchase! Currently it is Mizuno MP52, Callaway X22, Titleist AP1/2, and now the Ping G15/I15.
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 2:13pm #
Strongly considering getting a set of the G15's for my wife. Can't wait to see them in person.
Posted 12 Aug 2009 at 10:55am #
Im confused. I am an 8-9 handicapper that is 55 years old, looking to replace my i3 irons. Don't have a clue whether i should buy the i15's or the G15's. I am in a place where availability is limited to have them fitted. I usually by the standard set ups. Any recommendations?
Posted 19 Aug 2009 at 3:22pm #
Dan Kelly said on August 12, 2009:
Dan,
From one golfer to another, I would go with the i15's. My first set of irons were the Wilson 1200LT's with the tungsten inserts i bought in the early eighties. I loved them; the toe weighting puts the center of gravity in the center of the club face, which makes toe hits go straighter than an conventional design. The best way to check where the balance point is, is to lay your iron face down on a flat surface; then put something round under the head perpendicular to the sole. Where the club wants to balance is the center of gravity and the exact sweet spot. With you being an 8 or 9, i think you would be better off with more workability.
Terry
Posted 30 Aug 2009 at 10:42am #
Please explain why the G 15's would hurt the shotmaker? I don't understand this point--and is there no one out there who doesn't need a little "forgiveness" ? (Tiger Woods need not reply)
Posted 31 Aug 2009 at 4:52pm #
Tim said on August 30, 2009:
Hi Tim,
My take on this is that the G15 designed is for the higher handicap player. They go strait but it is harder to make the Fade and Draw while the i15 design has more workability in that department. That is why the better players use blades; they are good enough to hit the sweet spot every time and can make the ball curve in both directions. I would say if you are a 15 handicap and are looking to improve, go with the i15 design. If you are above that go with the G15 design; if you start breaking eighty then the i15 design or the S57 design will be a way to improve your shot making with deep Fades and draws.
Terry
Posted 01 Sep 2009 at 2:29am #
Hey Guys,
need a little help !!
I'm getting myself a new set of golf clubs.
I'm a high handicapper and I'm actually working on my swing so that i can hit the ball straight everytime, I'm not trying to work the ball.
Here's what i have decided -
DRIVER - PING G15
IRONS - PING G15 - 3-PW
FAIRWAY - CALLWAY X-HOT 3 WOOD
HYBRID - ADAMS GOLF A4
WEDGES - TITLEIST VOKEY DESIGN SPIN MILLED
Any suggestion would be welcomed.
I'm still confused in deciding a fairway wood and hybrid.
Thank you!
Sagar
Posted 01 Sep 2009 at 11:22am #
Sagar said on September 1, 2009:
Sagar,
I am a fan of the Bobby Jones series fairway woods and hybrids; I like their sole design. Their advantage is less drag coming out of the rough and side hill lies.
http://www.bobbyjonesgolf.net/
Terry
Posted 08 Sep 2009 at 8:08am #
Hi,
I am a 5 handicap and have been playing the G5 for a number of years. I hit a slight draw off the tee but have no desire to "work" my ball flight on my tee shots. Should I go with G15 or i15
Thanks,
Peter
Posted 08 Sep 2009 at 9:07am #
Peter said on September 8, 2009:
Hi Peter,
You could do what Heath Slocum did. He went with the G15 driver and the i15 irons; that combination sounded good to me. A strait tee shot with the G15 driver and irons that can be worked in both directions if you need to.
Posted 09 Sep 2009 at 12:42pm #
I'm a 7 handicap. I have hit the i15s and they are best irons from Ping that I've hit. They definitely have more forgiveness then the i10. If you miss center contact with the iron on the toe side, the ball carries very well (of course usually right of target). They also have added a steep loft of yellow 1.5, which is what I use and this has helped also. Make sure to get fitted to the correct loft color.
Posted 05 Oct 2009 at 12:40pm #
Hi Terry and Peter,
Im not sure i entirely agree with the stereo typical logic of a low handicapper not using the more forgicing set of irons in this case the G series. LIke Ralph Maltby says, its a bit strange to want to have the most forgiving driver, but when it comes to irons, we still tend to stick to " traditional heads that are definetly more difficult to get airbourne" ( when actually yr margin of error is LEss with irons)
Golf i about getting the ball from A to B, with minimum fuss, not need any "working of the ball" if you can help it..
My simple logic is more to do with frequency of play. If you play less than 60 rounds a year ( an average REGULAR golfer plays 54 full rounds a year, you need all the help of technology. Irrespective of the the handicap.
Now that defenition of technology could differ.
I am a 8 handicap, i use the Ping g10 and the ping g15 irons, and now have switched ( a big ego swallow) to 3 and 4 hybrids ( g15)
They may not look as macho as my previous TM Rac LT 2's ( again super clubs - the best ever TM irons), but i dont mind as im hittin 12 GIR now from 7.
Hope this helps.
R
Posted 05 Oct 2009 at 6:50pm #
Hi Rudy,
I will agree with Ralph's lodgic; the blades are much harder to hit for the weekend golfer. Here we are talking very little difference in the G15 and i15 irons. If you look close you will see the sole on the G15's are wider and the head just marginally bigger. The main difference of these two designs is the Tungsten inserts. What this accomplishes is to put the ceter of gravity in the center on the club face. I as I said earlier , my first set were some Wilson 1200LT's with the tungsten insert. Add the sweet sopt on those clubs are dead center. Because it is in the center when you have a toe hit, it will only be about an inch off offf the center of gravity. On a conventional blade desidn the center of gravity is between the center of the club face and the hosel. When you hit a toe shot with it, it is more like 1&1/2 inches away from the center of gravity. That is why they were more forgiving than a blade type, as Tom B. said, when you hit it on the toe it will hold strait and just leak a little to the right. That is exactly the way my 1200 LT's did. The main reason the better players should opt for these i15 is their workability. Having to fade are draw one from behind a tree for example. It is nice to have a club that you can bend it the need arises; we can't be in the fairway everytime! The main thing is that it is important to know where your center of gravity is and mark the top of the blade with a marker and cover it with tape. To find that spot, put your iron face down on a flat surface, then put something round, like a drill bit underneath and perpendicular to the sole of the club; the point at which the toe will balance with the heel will be the center of gravity. They are all different, depending on the irons design, so do this little test, and you will know where the center of gravity is on your clubs.
After my Zings got stolen a few years back, I got around to getting another set to get back to playing again, they were the Wilson MOI's, a few months ago I was crusing E-Bay and found a set of Wilson 1200's (New old stock) never sold or hit. I ended up getting them just because they were so close to my first set. I was amazed to find out that the loft on the MOI 9 iron was the same as the loft on the 1200 7 iron. The shaft was just 1/2 inch shorter. So all these long distances you see on TV by the Pro's are not that for off from the rest of us older players. If you are use to distances with older clubs, you need to add at least one club. Infact the MOI 5 iron and the 1200 4 iron were identical in loft and length!
BTW, do not sell the long irons; it is best to pull the Hybrids in windy conditions in favor of the long irons. You hit a hybread into the wind and it will ballon up in the air and fall strait down.
HTH
Terry
Posted 06 Oct 2009 at 9:03am #
Hi Terry,
Thats a heck of a tip on the CoG. Im gonna try it too! Though i wonder what ill do with it once i find it! I usually have simple ambitions on just managing to hit any part of the ball with any part of the club ! ( just kidding)
But yes, ill retain the long irons too.
Ciao
R
Posted 06 Oct 2009 at 10:06am #
Tried using the 5 iron of I 15, they are more difficult to get airbourne and have a higher swing weight. I would still suggest this club only for a 90 plus 6 iron speed swinger.
R
Posted 16 Oct 2009 at 12:51am #
Hi.
Do the G15 irons and hybrids conform to the new groove rules?
Posted 16 Oct 2009 at 5:23am #
Sagar said on October 16, 2009:
It is my understanding that the new V groove clubs will not be released untill 2010, however the square groves will be legal for amatuers until 2024 offically.
Posted 17 Oct 2009 at 9:45am #
Ping G and I 15 are both new grooves, conforming to the 2011 rules. They are the first company to be off the block on this.
Of course what Terry says it tru about 2024 for amateurs.
Posted 18 Oct 2009 at 1:41pm #
Rudy said on October 17, 2009:
No, they're not. Titleist's irons have conformed for years, and some other companies have likewise had conforming irons.
Posted 19 Oct 2009 at 10:14am #
G15 conform.
Most of the other irons launched in 2009 dont.
Of course there would be conforming irons from manufacturers over time.
Rudy
Posted 26 Oct 2009 (4 weeks ago) at 5:22pm #
I test hit the I10 model in 2008 (one with regular shafts), and thought I might get them this past spring. But, the I10s felt a little klunky compared to the Callaway X20 and Callaway X22, and Titleist AP1 irons.
Do the I15s have better feel than the I10s? If I got I15s, it would be an odd recipe with regular flex, midkick shafts - probably lightweight steel.
I have the X20s now with stock Uniflex shafts. Only problems: they feel sticky coming out of the rough, and tend to rise a bit high on the short irons.
This past season:
*changed from stiff to regular shafts
*got new woods and irons
*am on year 2 of seriously rebuilding my swing
*now have 21 HDCP (down from 25)
*driver swing speed = 85 mph
*am 58 years old, reasonably good shape
Would I15s be something I might be able to use, or is it too much club for me?
Posted 27 Oct 2009 (4 weeks ago) at 1:10pm #
Hi John,
Id reccomend the G15's for you actually. I am a 8 handicap now, Was 10 till i moved to g15s recently and have shot my lowest 3 rounds ( 75, 76, 76) in the last 3 years in one month..
Now thats not statistically significant, but the point is - if a low handicapper who has played with "i" series type of clubs get benefits from the G range, you are more likely to get an exponential advantage.
Try them, they may pleasantly surprise you.
Posted 27 Oct 2009 (4 weeks ago) at 5:43pm #
I agree with Rudy on this; I think you will be happier with the G15's in your case. With Rudy's results in the last month perhaps the i15's are kind of like the square groove/V groove issue; for about 90+ percent of the golfers, it will make no difference. It you can get an oppertunity to try both of them out at the range, do so, perhaps when you get fitted for your swing.