Ping’s new i25 adjustable driver
Ping Golf’s i25 driver and metal woods each feature the company’s version of adjustable technology that is designed to help players of al skill levels.
Ping says the multi-material i25 has a high strength-to-weight ratio Ti 8-1-1 body joined to a variable-thickness Ti 6-4 face, ensuring “maximum energy transfer” for generating faster ball speeds for greater distance. High-density tungsten sole weights, according to the company, lower the CG (center of gravity) to reduce spin for a flatter ball flight and a landing angle that maximizes roll out.
Ping says strategic placement of the weights significantly increases MOI (moment of inertia) in the i25 driver (suggested retail price $440).
Using Trajectory Tuning technology, standard lofts are adjustable plus or minus one-half degree. The lightweight, adjustable hosel, according to Ping, maintains the same outer diameter and mass of its traditional fixed hosels and provides the benefits of adjustability without sacrificing the performance that’s often lost in clubs with bulkier designs.
The i25 adjustable fairway woods (SRP $275) each feature 17-4 stainless steel heads and sleeker frames desired by a lot of better players. Ping says a taller face with a thin perimeter design helps increase ball velocity for distance and versatility, while improved internal weighting bolsters MOI for accuracy. The lofts are adjustable plus or minus one-half degree.
A distinguishing characteristic of the i25 driver and fairway woods are subtle racing stripes on the crown, which Ping says improve the consistency of club face orientation at impact. The same width as a golf ball, Ping says the stripes offer a visual cue (consciously or sub-consciously) that can lead to multiple benefits. They can help the player aim the clubface accurately, align one’s body to the target, and assist in taking the club back on the proper path. All of which helps facilitate delivering the clubface squarely at impact.
To optimize performance with the i25 driver, fairway woods and hybrids, Ping has engineered what it calls an “industry-first” shaft series that offers different weights and flex profiles without altering the club’s swing weight. Called PWR (Performance, Weighting, and Responsiveness), the shafts are matched to golfers by the weight and flex that fits the motion of their golf swing and their desired shot shape.
“With adjustable clubs, fitting for shaft weight has been limited because of its effect on swingweight. The PWR Series overcomes that by varying the CG location of the different weights so we can offer options that optimize ball flight while providing a better-feeling, more-responsive shaft,” said Ping Chairman John Solheim.
