Early in 2014, Ping unveiled its new i25 line.
Complete with a driver, fairway woods,
hybrids and irons, the i25 series has opened to
positive reviews.
Let's dig into Ping's i25 Fairways and Hybrids:
FIRST REACTIONS
I thought that the i25 Fairway offer a great
look at address. The racing stripe
decals give a great alignment aide that seem
to really help get you square. The club
has a smooth feel along with a nice sound at
impact for confidence and feedback.
The new thinner, deeper face adds a
noticeable increase in both forgiveness and
ball speed compared to the i20.
The i25 hybrids are set up more offset than
the series' fairway woods. The new
hosel configuration is to account for the
stronger loft than the previous i20 hybrids -
- an increase of 1 degree. As a result, the new
i25 hybrids deliver higher ball flight
and added distance than their predecessor.
SPECS
The i25 Fairway was engineered to deliver
performance that would meet the needs
of a mid-to-low-handicapper. With a low
center of gravity, the i25 promotes a low
spin shot making an overall flatter trajectory.
Ping has kept the traditional 17-4 stainless
steel as their previous models but have
created a thinner and deeper face, which
promotes faster ball speeds across the
face. With the weight saved from the thinner
walls, Ping was able to increase MOI
by seven percent compared to the previous i20
model, according to the
manufacturer.
The i25 fairway woods have Ping's racing stripe
decals, unique tungsten weighting
on the sole, and a simple lightweight
adjustable hosel. Ping offers these woods in
three options: S3W (14 degrees), 3W (15
degree), and 5W (18 degree).
The Hybrid is more compact than previous Ping
models and has a reduced “bulge and
roll”. Reducing the “bulge and roll” means
reducing the curvature of the face which
give golfers more control over their trajectory.
The straighter leading edge and
squared toe help aide in alignment.
Ping also introduced a hosel axis that is more
forward than previous models. The
offset helps promote a high launch, which,
when combined with the reduced bulge
and roll, helps improve consistency of flight.
The center of gravity has also been
strategically-placed in the i25 Hybrids. In
lower-
lofted models, the CG is farther back to help
with a higher launch. The higher-lofted
heads have a CG that's moved forward, which
leads towards reduced spin. The end
result, of course, is better distance gapping
and more consistency and control with
these versatile clubs.
The Ping i25 hybrids are available in four loft
options: 17, 19, 22, and 26-degree.
Additionally, both the Fairway and Hybrid i25
models feature Ping's new PWR
(Performance, Weighting, Responsiveness)
shaft options, which match weights and
flex to a golfer's swing and desired shot shape.
The i25 Fairway Woods include the
PWR 55 (R, S, 48g), 65 (R, S, Tour S, Tour XS,
56-63g) and 75 (S, Tour S, Tour XS,
65-75g) while Hybrid options include the 80 (R,
S, Tour S, 76-80g) and 90 (S, Tour
S, and Tour XS, 85-90g), which are designed
to have a consistent swing weight
regardless of weight or flex.
CONS
With golf becoming a more personalized game
it would be nice to see a few more
custom options. The trajectory of this fairway
wood is very low, flying balls on the
green and having it stop would be a challenge
for some mid-to-high handicap
golfers. With the i25 Hybrid, adjustability and
customization are also limited.
FINAL THOUGHT
I would recommend both clubs for someone
who is looking for a solid fairway wood
or hybrid. The i25 Fairway is a great option for
off the tee or high ball hitters,
delivering great feel and sound, along with a
thinner face while the i25 Hybrid offers
all the benefits of a performance hybrid.
Ping i25 Fairways and Hybrids are available
now and retail at $249 and $219,
respectively.