Ping i20 Moderator review - The Driver

[SCOTT4099]

[quote name='Hifade' timestamp='1331145176' post='4456233']
Went through extensive launch monitor sessions the past few days. It came down to an 8.5* with a PX 6.5, an 8.5* with a PX 6.0 and a 9.5* with the PING 707D "S". Believe it or not, the numbers after 15 swings with each were very similar. I warmed up hitting about 50 balls first that we did not measure, then hit each driver below with 15 balls each that we did measure.

Here's what I saw as averages:

[u]9.5* with 707D "S"[/u]
Launch = 12.9
Spin = 2782
Ball Speed = 151.7
PTR = 148.7
Deviation = 7.8


[u]8.5* with PX 6.5[/u]
Launch = 13.6
Spin = 2673
Ball Speed = 151.7
PTR = 148.3
Deviation = 7.4


[u]8.5* with PX 6.0[/u]
Launch = 13.6
Spin = 2640
Ball Speed = 152.3
PTR = 149.4
Deviation = 7.9

The PX 6.5 actually felt, marginally, the best. I got the best overall numbers with the PX 6.0 but not by much. They were, actually, all pretty similar. My decision came down to which one I liked the set-up best, which one produced the best overall, most consistent and tightest deviation (all R's) and which one I consistently hit in the center (PTR). I went with the 8.5* with the PX 6.0. Now I have a couple OBAN Kyoshi's I'm going to experiment with. We'll see.
[/quote]

Just for reference what is your Swing speed? thanks

[pdaero]

^ Divide 152.3/1.494 and you're golden.

[SCOTT4099]

[quote name='pdaero' timestamp='1332303739' post='4548144']
^ Divide 152.3/1.494 and you're golden.
[/quote]

I should have known that, got it...

[Faldorootsfanny]

I currently use an aldila Serrano x flex......want this black bomber so bad. What shaft in tfc or proj x would b similar???? I live 6 hrs drive from a LM and my proshop still has persimmon heads in the sale bin....so any advice would b much appreciated.

[JTD0314]

I just bought the I20 9.5 with stock 707 S shaft. I hit both the 707 and PX 6. shaft. Both were nice, but the PX flew higher and the 707 was low-mid boring flight. I didn't hit it on a monitor, but the results on the range were great. I fight a hook and the 707 kept the it in check nicely. I hit the I20 straight with a slight fade at times. The club is incredible. Looks like I will be putting the R11S TP on BST.

[Beastmode Broker]

For any of you still on the fence or have only seen results on a LM.... Go hit it outside!
Really, i hit it on the LM at Gt and was not super impressed
Still bought one tho as it looks and feels deadly

Once outside I can see why all the hype
Long, forgiving, high, baby cut bombs!
This just wants to go straight or slight baby cut, which is my usual tee shot

STILL EARLY, but so far really digging it even w the TFC 707 S shaft
Dont count this shaft out either, I heard UST is making them for PING

Bottom line - get on the range to see how this baby will outperform ur current gamer

[Asleep]

[quote name='Faldorootsfanny' timestamp='1334308862' post='4713212']
I currently use an aldila Serrano x flex......want this black bomber so bad. What shaft in tfc or proj x would b similar???? I live 6 hrs drive from a LM and my proshop still has persimmon heads in the sale bin....so any advice would b much appreciated.
[/quote]
Hmmm, tough call on that. The TFC707 is an excellent lower spin shaft, the Project X adds some spin for those that need it.

Are you low or high spin? What's your swing speed & ball flight?

[Asleep]

[quote name='moegolfer11' timestamp='1332033981' post='4527207']My question is...Ya'll keep saying it's [i]not fade biased[/i] does that mean it is easy to hook? That is my miss, how forgiving is it on off center hits such as on the toe/heel?
[/quote]
The "not fade biased" comments are more in reference to the prior head in this line, the i15, which was fade biased. Too much so for many.

The i20 seems to be quite forgiving across the face, although I don't recall catching one wayyy out on the toe yet. [i]Yet[/i].

[adams76]

In full agreement with hitting this driver outside. I hit it in the LM at the PGA store in Scottsdale and the numbers were brutal. There is just something about this club that I just had to have it. Took it to the range the next day and was pleasantly surprised. I bought the 10.5 with the TFC stiff and it really is a bomber. My SS is 105. Was not used to a lower ball flight especially in a 10.5 but the low spin really shows with extra yardage. Hit a G20 at HotStix the day before with the new TFC shaft that's in the i20 and it was perfect. The i20 is such a badass looking club compared to the G20. Cannot wait for the season to get going here in Canada because this driver is gonna make for a good season. Highly recommend it.

[Jimmy Rockford]

I hit the PX black 6.0, Stock Ping 707 in an X flex, then the PX blue 6.0 during an outdoor fitting session. I notice in this thread there's been no mention of matching the PX blue with this clubhead.

The 707 shaft was very short on feel. Was plasticky, and had no action to it. Maybe for some people, but I certainly wasn't impressed.

The PX black shaft was the polar opposite. But too much so. Great feel, but lacked a consistent move into the impact zone.

Then... the PX blue. Wow was I ever lucky the fitter suggested this. Older shaft than the black, but sometimes newer isn't always best. Disturbingly, despite the PX black having an off the shelf price of around double the cost of the blue, there is still an upcharge from Ping to opt for the blue. I understand it's not an off the shelf combo if you order the blue, but I also understand that the blue is considerably less, so one would expect at least a wash on the upcharge. Nevertheless, worth every cent. The blue has all the feel of the PX black, but with a huge amount of stability through impact that the black seemed to massively lack. The black I had to be deliberate to get it right into the impact zone, whereas the blue it seemed like I could try and jump on it when I wanted and it was more tolerant. Even when not trying to really pound it out there the blue was all accommodating. The combination of the feel, with the stability and still a liveliness to it, is addictive. I unfortunately didn't have access to the 6.5 PX black shaft at time of fitting, and maybe that would have aligned fairly close to the 6.0 blue, but I am guessing there's little chance that the result would have been on par.

Using the N-Flight telemetry I got fitted into an 8.5 loft and was tagging them out there to a consistent 280-290 according to the software. Spin rates I can't recall specifics but I remember they were within allowable range. I also can attest that the ball was absolutely knuckling through the air. So you don't just see the low spin as recorded on the telemetry, but you can see it clearly in the way the ball behaves in flight.

Lots of shaft talk, but just wanted to give the clubhead full marks as well. Aesthetically it's a winner, and the feel, performance, neutrality, and sound all get top marks. I'll be surprised if more guys out on tour don't start bagging this one.

[Tiptx1122]

You want to try a low spin monster that send nothing but bombs then try the i20 with Graphite Design AD BB shaft as I have the SR version & it's the best feeling & longest driver yet that I've hit. No numbers as I think who has ever tried the DI needs to give the new BB (Blue Bullet) a try. You'll be very impressed

[3 putt Charlie]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1331083690' post='4451685']
the Ping I15 was my least favorite driver ever. I've never seen anything more fade biased unless you count Karl Malone's play down the stretch of basketball games. I also didn't spin it lower then a few other drivers even with an XPP8. I would hit balls out of bounds, then get upset and take a swing at the tee marker, which would end up out of bounds.

long story short, is the I20 fade biased?
[/quote]

The i20 is neutral/square and very straight

[yahtzee]

Does the DI6 launch higher than the 707D?

[svoigt]

[quote name='yahtzee' timestamp='1342107638' post='5262426']
Does the DI6 launch higher than the 707D?
[/quote]

Yes. I hit a DI7 in a 910D3 head and found it to launch fairly high for me, gamed the i20 with the 707D and found it to be much lower launch than the previous combo, albeit in different heads.

[Boogs2]

Great Review Asleep! The Ping i20 driver is definitely one of the top drivers I've tested out this year. Ping definitely has a winner with this driver. Everytime I go to the LM, I always pick up a 9.5* stock TFC stiff and let'er rip. The sound and feel is definitely top 2 of the year so far.