The first thing you notice about Ping's new i15 driver is its appearance. Not only is the crown black, but the face and sole have a sleek carbon finish that looks menacing—especially to your opponents. Stepping to the 1st tee with the fade-biased i15 is like driving up to a street race with a Ferrari; you had better be a good driver in both cases. The good part is that if you are, you’ll be richly rewarded.

With internal weighting that reduces spin and a hosel position farther from the face that produces a penetrating trajectory and more control, the i15 is suited for better players who like to work the ball. The traditional pear-shaped 460cc titanium head has a bulge-crown design and deep face that offers greater ball speed and a solid feel and sound.

“With most of the draw-biased drivers of today, I’ve struggled with being able to hit a fade,” says a 4. “But I could bend the i15 at will.”

Available in three lofts, 8–11 degrees
$405, ping.com

TESTING GROUNDS: Ping i15 driver (9.5 degrees, S flex)
BALL SPEED: 142 MPH
LAUNCH ANGLE: 15 degrees
BACKSPIN: 3087 RPM
CARRY DISTANCE: 236 yards