PING i20 driver a reasonable choice for a high handicapper?

Just looking for some driver advice here. I have a high unofficial handicap of about 28 over the past year. I have become obsessed with game and really want to get much better. I am young, 23 years old, and quite athletic so I think my chances of getting better are descent if I stick to it. I have been looking for a new driver and am open to almost any club for $200 or less, but I feel the PING i20 calling my name.

I have not hit the i20 but I think its shorter shaft (45.25") and low trajectory and spin tendency are what has caught my attention. Unfortunately I have heard that it is designed for better golfers and doesn't have the greatest forgiveness. I have been thinking about going for it anyway because I think I can get good enough to hit it well eventually.

I'd say I hit my old driver in the fairway most of the time, but would sometimes pull and sometimes slice it. I probably have a slightly higher slice tendency. While hitting some other drivers, launch monitors have my swing speed at 95-100, launch angle high at 17 or higher, and super high spin rates around 8-9k. I have read online that the high launch angle and spin are do to hitting the ball while still on the downward portion of the swing, but again I plan on improving my swing.

What do you all think, can I "grow" into this club?

They are less forgiving than other drivers that came out that year.

I would fix your swing that worry about a new driver. A modern low spin driver wont drop your 8-9k down to were you need it. Your swing is what is causing most of your problems.

Old driver broke so I "need" something. Could buy another cheapo I suppose.

Maybe find a used driver until you get your swing sorted out..?

I would get it based on the looks. I have the G15 and tested the i20 driver, and liked it.

You might want to look at some sales of some newer drivers.

BTW, what broke on your old driver? A shaft can be easily replaced and Dicks/Golfsmith usually have an assortment of good shafts. I broke 5 shafts at the hosel. Every one was factory replaced.

The i20 driver is a great driver but does lack in the forgiveness category.  Have you looked at the g20?  They are also on sale and are much more forgiving but it does have a higher trajectory and more spin than the i20.  I gamed a g20 for this last season and enjoyed it for the most part though I had a problem keeping it in the fairway because it felt too light for me.  The other thing I really liked about the i20 was it gave good feedback depending on where you hit it on the club face.

No, the i20 is not a reasonable choice for a high capper.

Fix your swing.

You've got issues.

Because you won't know what loft you need with those spin issues. But with a 95-100 SS, you're talking 10.5 with a "normal" swing as a starting point.

Of course, if your swing gets better fundamentals, you'll probably swing faster.

The XHots are going fairly inexpensively - try callawaypreowned, sign up for specials and find a promo code.

No it is not.  I had it and did not like it.  It was hard to control and gets these occasional weird high launches.  I would go with a G15 or something if you are interested in a lower priced ping option.

As far as how the club broke....the head flew off on a normal swing. Forgot to pick up the head before I left the hole. Not a big deal cause it was just a generic driver that came with my $150 starter set.

I appreciate all the comments. Seems like the i20 isn't my best choice right now. I know my swing isn't perfect but I think I'm a bit less of a hacker than some of you may think. Before my driver broke I could hit it a good 220 consistently down the middle and most people would not have thought my swing was as bad as the 8-9k spin rate indicates. But it seems like some other clubs may make the game a bit less frustrating.

I think my second choice would have to be the Taylormade Rocketballz, mostly because of the price, about $150. I have also looked at the Cobra Amp cell, Nike Covert, and I have looked at the Ping K15 and G20. I really like the idea of playing Ping for some reason but as silly as it is, all the clubs besides the i20 are lame looking.

I think I may see if the PGA store will let me swing some of their used clubs today. I'll keep an eye on the spin too. I just have not felt good swinging with any club since I've been looking.

The XHot is less than $150.

And buy one wood or hybrid, get another free.

BF13BOGO

Where?

Nevermind, found it. Thanks! Tempting deal!

Have you purchased clubs from there Mr. Desmond?

Your SS was very similar to mine and very much like my sons, and the i20 was not too much club for me. My issue was that I could not afford to keep changing drivers. I already have enough of them and it would have been too stiff for my son. By Winter/spring I might get one for him. He seems to like hitting smaller clubs, he gets about 215 carry and 240 total yards with a 3W, I would hope he can get 255 to 260 with this club. That being said, I agree with the other folks that the G20/15 would be much more forgiving and naturally give you that higher ball flight. I really like my G15.

Yes, frequently for myself and a few clients.

When they say "like new" that means new.

So have you stuck with the i20? What do you mean by not changing drivers? Cause I have been thinking about the i20 because I also can't afford to get a new driver when my game improves, so I figured if I get the i20 I may be frustrated for a bit, but once I figure it out it should suit me for a long time. Although other drivers probably would too. I just have a feeling about the i20, like that I would feel like a bada** even before I start hitting it well and therefore I would be motivated to learn hot to hit it. The mental game is a pretty big part of golf right?

Sorry, I was not clear. I am using the G15 and my son uses a 3W. We can't afford to be changing clubs every couple months. The I20 has a small club head, if you like a smaller club head like my son you should still consider it. You need to enjoy the game, if part of that is having a cool driver then what's stopping you?

I do like a smaller club head. I hit my old school driver for a long time before using the 460cc that came with my set. And once my driver broke I started using my 3W. Pretty sure I hit my 3W just as far and just as straight as the driver. I have definitely thought of just sticking with the 3W but with Christmas coming up why not get a new driver. lol