50 Words or Less
The PING iDi driving iron is long and forgiving. Strong trajectory but a low CG helps elevate thin, imperfect strikes. Gives skilled ball strikers all the versatility and shot control they could want in the long game.
Introduction
The vast majority of the time, you should be hitting driver off the tee [complete data-driven explanation HERE]. However, there will always be holes that take driver out of your hands with a hazard, sharp dog leg, or unreasonably narrow fairway. When you step up to face those shots, it’s all about confidence, and, I’m always more confident looking down at a driving iron compared to a fairway wood or hybrid. If you need a club to help you tackle those tough tee shots, you should definitely consider the PING iDi driving iron.
Looks
At address, the PING iDi has a compact, powerful look. The top line is medium thick – on par with a game improvement iron – but the blade length is more in line with a players iron. I think this is an ideal compromise as the face size implies control but the thickness lets me know I don’t need to be perfect. While the black finish used on the iCrossover is more slimming, I prefer the traditional matte silver finish. Finally, the iDi has less offset than the i240 irons at the same loft.
In the bag, the iDi creates a lot of visual interest with its geometry. There is minimal branding – a modest “PING” on the toe and a tiny “iDi” in the heel – and the only colors are silver, white, and black. This lets the shape and texture of the two cavities take center stage, giving it a classic style that will look good in the bag for seasons to come.
Sound & Feel
One of the big strengths of the iCrossover [review HERE] was the improvement in sound and feel. That’s continued to be a focus with the PING iDi, and this club does represent another step toward a true iron-like impact sensation.
Starting with sound, the iDi remains above average in volume, but the character of the sound is more pleasant. Where older versions could be a little discordant, the iDi produces a crisp “snap.” One benefit of the louder impact sound is that it’s a stage for excellent feedback: the sound of centered strikes has a cohesion that mishits lack.
The feel of impact will have you strutting off the tee. Quality strikes feel like they could send the ball into the next town. There is strong feedback through the hands, too, as mishits feel firm but without the juice of centered shots.
Performance
Just as new players typically get training camps and practices before being thrown into the game, I usually give a new club time on the range and launch monitor before bringing it to the course. With the PING iDi, however, events conspired to throw it directly into the fire of competition.
My very first swing with the iDi came on a medium length par 4 that took driver out of my hands. It’s not a frighteningly narrow hole, but big misses are not an option. Despite imperfect contact, the iDi delivered the ball safely to the fairway within easy reach of the green – a great first impression.
Continued testing showed that the PING iDi has the sought-after combination of high peak ball speed, strong forgiveness, and easy launch. I tested the 17 degree 2I, the true driving iron, and had little problem elevating it from the turf. My shots weren’t soaring moon balls, but they launched high enough to optimize my carry distances. On center, the PING iDi has enough speed to keep up with most hybrids, and the combination of face technology and high MOI keep the mishits moving fast and in the right direction.
There are a couple very noteworthy changes from last generation’s iCrossover. First, PING removed the adjustable hosel. Golfers can still adjust the loft and lie – all 10 PING color codes are available – but the traditional hosel saves weight to make the club higher performing. Additionally, PING made the iDi “easier to turn over” by shortening the heel-to-toe length, minimizing the offset, shortening the shaft, and making it one degree flatter.
Less offset and a flatter lie angle are generally associated with clubs that want to curve right, not left, but I think these changes speak to the PING iDi’s target player. Many skilled ball strikers will get defensive against the hook when they see “too much” offset or feel an upright lie angle. By making the club more neutral or even fade biased, PING is allowing the stronger player to swing aggressively and pursue the draw.
While I’m not a Tour player by any stretch of the imagination, I found that all the changes make the PING iDi more versatile. My stock shot was a piercing straight ball that occasionally pushed right. When I wanted a draw, I could make that swing with confidence, knowing that the ball wouldn’t hook. I also drew a lot of confidence from the sole. It doesn’t feel as wide as it is – I could pinch the ball off tight lies easily – but the rounded leading edge kept it from punishing my fat shots too severely.
Finally, PING offers a variety of stock shafts to help players optimize their iDi. I chose the PING Tour 2.0 Chrome. In the iDi, I found that this shaft provided ample control and produced a strong, consistent ball flight. PING also offers the Tour 2.0 Black for a lower flight and the ALTA CB Blue for a higher trajectory. The Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black is another low launch, low spin option, and the Project X Denali Red is counterbalanced and higher launching.
Conclusion
The PING iDi promises long game versatility with the forgiveness that you need, and it delivers. Whether you opt for the 2I off the tee or the 4I to tackle long approaches, this club – when properly fit – will give you the confidence to hit the big shot in the big moment.
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PING iDi Driving Iron Price & Specs
