(another) Ping I5's Vs I3+'s --- Range Report

[Springbok]

I got my I5's yesterday.

 

 

Current Setup

 

Ping I3+'s

CS-Lite S-Flex Shafts +1/4"

Blue Dot (1* up)

 

New Setup

 

Ping I5's

CS-Lite S-Flex Shafts +1/4"

Green Dot (2* up)

 

Design

 

The I5's have a leading edge grind to prevent dig. They have a thicker sole that tapers from toe to heel. They also have a thicker top line. The I5's however have noticeably less offset that the I3+'s, and less bounce than the I3+'s. The mere fact that it has a leading edge grind, gives the I5's the victory in this department.

 

Looks

 

Esthetically, the I5's are a nicer looking club. The tunable weight port has the same finish as the tumbled look of the iron. Very good looking club. Ergonomically it is a toss up, but I think (as of now) the I3+'s win. If I had gone from my 690CB's to the I5's, I don't think I would even have blinked an eye when looking at the top line and offset. I remember going from the 690CB's to the I3+'s. I actually liked the fact that it had a thinner top line. The offset in the I3's gave me some confidence.

 

Ball flight

 

I am a low ball hitter. It is the reason that I went with the CS-lite shafts. I like these shafts, and I think they are a big reason that I am hitting my irons better. In the short irons, the ball flight in the I5's seemed a little lower than the I3's (a good thing). In the mid irons, the I5's seemed to have a slightly (and I do mean ever so slightly) higher ball flight. In the long irons, I though the I5's trajectory was perfect. Higher than the I3's, but not to high.

 

Distance

 

In all honesty, I did not notice any difference in distance on flush hits. Both seemed to travel the same distance.

 

Forgiveness

 

This is were the I5's REALLY shine. They are AMAZINGLY forgiving. Conditions today are very wet. It has been raining for days here in Orlando. As a matter of fact the range in my neigbourhood is the only one open today. Needless to say, these were absolutely perfect conditions to test the "anti-dig" grind of the I5's. With out a doubt, the I5 grind works…. and works well. Divots were noticeably shallower, and slightly fat shot went noticeably farther. Mis-hits were also noticeably longer and straighter with the I5's, than with the I3's. Without a doubt, the I5's win hands down here.

 

Conclusion

 

The I5's are keepers. The I3's will be on eBay this weekend. I REALLY like them. It is going to take some time to get used to the thicker top line, but I'm sure I will manage.

 

PS

 

I actually now have 3 sets. I bought 1 for my Father (Green dot, DGS shafts, +1/4", D0 SW) , and 1 for my sister (Orange Dot, CS-Lite R-Flex, -1/2", C8 SW). My dad is a 5 handicap, my sister a 2.

 

Also ordered:

 

9* G5 w/ Accra Tour 70 M4 (S) Flex - for me

9* G5 w/ Accra Tour 70 M3 ® Flex - for my sister

7.5* G5 w/ Accra Tour 70 M4 (S) Flex - for my father

15* G5 FW wood w/ Pro Launch S-flex

19* G5 FW wood w/ Pro Launch S-flex

 

They have not yet arrived. Hopefully next week.