Ping G15 or G20 Hybrid

[neonlew]

I am considering replacing my #3 iron with a hybrid. My handicap is +18, but my game is improving. I did some research on the web for these two Ping hybrids.

Any suggestions or recommendations as to which of these hybrids would help improve my long iron game would be appreciated. Hitting my long irons, I tend to fade them to the right a bit too much.

Lew

[mvmac]

I'd recommend the G15 if you are struggling with fades.  They are very, very similar clubs.  The G20 just has a different style toe design for better optics.  But the G15 is more upright, lie angle, which helps lessen or straighten out the fades

[neonlew]

Mike, thanks for your input. I will be getting a demo of both clubs and will be hitting them at the driving range later this week.

Lew

[neonlew]

Anyone else have any experience hitting either the Ping G15 or G20 hybrid clubs?

Lew

[Topper]

I can't speak to the G20 but I have the 17*, 20*, 23*, and 27* G15s.  They are really easy to hit off the fairway and you swing them exactly like irons.  I know that is advice repeated by many for hybrids, but I don't think it's as true for hybrids that more closely resemble fairway woods.  I could never hit those that well and I think you need more of a sweeping motion.

When the G15's are struck cleanly, you can get a nice ball flight and land them relatively softly on the green.  I've stopped a ball within a few feet of its pitch mark from around 160 or 170 yards.  The G15's also help minimize the damage from miss-hits.  I tend to hit thin, but the G15s can get the ball in the air and down the fairway far enough that there is minimal damage to my score....unless I completely top the ball or push it OOB.  No club could help with those miss-hits.  I've also used them for putting from off the green and hitting out of shallow fairway bunkers.

Anyway, the only G15 that's challenging off the turf is the 17* and I think that's because my swing speed is average (at best) combined with my tendency to flip and/or not get my weight forward.  If you don't have those issues then the 17* may not be an issue.

I would add that I'm practicing with a Cobra Baffler Rail 5W but am not confident enough to use it during a round yet.  In fact, I'm going to Kaluhyat Golf Course at the Turning Stone Casino this weekend and will be pulling the 5W in favor of my G15 17*.  I'll use the 17* off the tee in tight spots and off the turf when I have a good lie.

Sorry for the long response, but I really like my Ping G15s.

[neonlew]

Topper, I believe you have sold me on the Ping G15. A lot of the situations you mention apply to my game and swing.

Many thanks,

Lew

[Topper]

Quote:

  neonlew said:

Topper, I believe you have sold me on the Ping G15. A lot of the situations you mention apply to my game and swing.

Many thanks,

Lew

I kind of "phased" them in over the summer.  I bought the 20* first off Ebay as a trial to replace a hybrid (fairway wood style) that I just couldn't hit consistently.  Most recently I added the 27*.  I hit my 5i OK but I hit the G15 27* better.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.  Don't be afraid to take a divot with these.