Ping i15 Irons VS Ping G15 Irons

Category: Better-Player Irons
We tested: 3-PW with Ping AWT steel shaft

Company line: "We designed the i15 for better players who put a premium on control and shotmaking. It's a progressive design that features more forgiving long irons with added offset and more precise mid- and short irons."

OUR TESTERS SAY:
PROS: Top-rated model for forgiveness; long irons are easier to hit than the majority of irons in the test; very stable at impact; consistent, repeatable distance is the order of the day; stock grips feel just right; cleaner look at address than past models like the i10; alignment line on the clubface is useful.

CONS: Slightly muffled feel at impact is not as pleasing as some other irons tested; testers want more clubhead feel through the swing; more dig at impact than expected; progressive offset can be a distraction.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ Equipment Issue (February 8, 2010)
The multimaterial i15 is designed for players who work the ball. A progressive set, the longer irons are larger for more forgiveness, while the mid- and short-irons transition to smaller clubheads for added workability. The stainless steel iron features a tungsten toe insert to add forgiveness to the midsize design.

From Golf Magazine (December 2009)
Ping engineers crafted the i15 in response to demand for an iron that's less blade-like and more forgiving than the i10. The result is a progressive set with slightly bigger long irons designed to get shots airborne easily. Middle irons and compact short irons feature narrower soles and less offset. A tungsten toe insert provides more stability on off-center hits, and a redesigned "Custom Tuning Port" improves sound and impact feel.

 

Category: Game-Improvement Irons
We tested: 3-UW with Ping AWT steel shaft

Company line: "The club's ‘floating' Custom Tuning Port (CTP) moves more mass to the perimeter and increases MOI. Weight removed from the thin, light clubface is redistributed to the toe for added forgiveness. A wider sole contributes to higher launching shots. Stronger lofts (and the low, deep center of gravity) should lead to longer shots."

Our Testers say:
PROS: One of the top irons tested in its class; reliable, so simple-to-hit, forgiving and accurate; tight dispersion, no shot ever goes too far from its intended line; some testers find it to be longer, on average, than their current irons; straight-hitting sticks; handles shots from rough with style; produces repeatable distance (on mis-hits, too) and predictable high, straight ball flight.

CONS: Wide-ish sole and offset require an adjustment period; center hits and mis-hits feel too similar for some panelists; a few testers prefer a bit more shotmaking ability.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ Equipment Issue (February 8, 2010)
The technology in the G15 produces the high-launch, maximum-forgiveness benefits that most golfers rely on for consistency in their iron play. Stronger lofts and a lower center of gravity result in longer shots without sacrificing the higher trajectory required in a forgiving iron.

From Golf Magazine (November 2009)
The updated CTP (Custom Tuning Port) increases perimeter weighting and MOI while a wider sole produces higher launch angles. A thinner clubface (by 5 grams) is said to increase ball speed (1-2 mph faster equals 3-6 yards longer carry than the G10 iron). Strong lofts take full advantage of these high-launch characteristics for max carry.