Ping i15 Hybrid Review

by Rob on January 11, 2010

in Golf Clubs,Hybrids

Hybrid or utility golf clubs haven’t been around too long in the game of golf, but they have gained a lot of popularity with both recreational golfers and players on the Tour, because of how easy they are to hit. It’s the ease of use and versatility from almost any lie on the golf course, that make hybrids a great long iron replacement. The Ping i15 (23 degree) is a competition/better player grade hybrid that is designed to deliver tour preferred medium-high trajectory and performance in a traditional hybrid shape.

Ping i15 Hybrid

Look and Feel
The Ping i15 hybrid has a very traditional compact shape and size with its 17-4 stainless steel body and shallow face. The Ping i15 hybrid setups really nicely at address with its compact shape and contrast of the silver face that blends into the topline. At first the i15 hybrid did feel a bit on the heavy side when I first gave it a waggle, but I found out later that this was a good thing. The shaft on the i15 hybrid is the 74g Ping TCF 700H graphite regular flex shaft that is designed for golfers with fast swing speeds who want more control, feel, and optimal launch conditions.

Performance
My first impression when hitting the Ping i15 hybrid was how hot off the face the ball would fly. Once the ball is in the air you’ll notice that the Ping i15 hybrid produces a tour preferred trajectory that is medium-high and with a lot less spin, so the ball will carry after it lands, which is great when laying up from 200 yards. How the i15 achieves the penetrating ball flight is the internal weighting that is used in the golf club, that positions the center of gravity low and back in the club.

One of the main reasons anyone uses a hybrid golf club is because they are easier to hit and versatile in almost any lie on the golf course. The weight issue I mentioned earlier isn’t a factor on the golf course once you start hitting the i15 hybrid in variety of conditions. From the deep rough to the fairway sandtrap, I found the i15 super easy to get the ball up in the air without having to swing hard and almost effortless at times.

In terms of forgiveness, the Ping i15 hybrid doesn’t disappoint and is very forgiving due to the high MOI and low center of gravity. What I also liked about the i15 hybrid is how you can shape your shots, thanks to the Ping TCF 700H shaft that produces a nice medium-high penetrating ball flight for better control.

Overall, the Ping i15 23 degree hybrid is a great 4 iron replacement for a player looking for a traditional hybrid shape and tour preferred trajectory.

Ping i15 Hybrid $189