Club Test 2011: Ping Golf K15 Hybrids

From Golf Magazine (May 2011)
Category: Game-Improvement Hybrids
We tested: 3h (20°), 4h (23°), 5h (27°) and 6h (31°) with Ping TFC 149H graphite shaft

Key Technologies: This design evolved from the G15. The iron-style head with offset creates a more dynamic launch than previous models and helps to get the ball in the air more easily. Ping designers took weight away from the center and placed it in the heel and sole, increasing inertia dramatically for improved forgiveness.

OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the highest-rated hybrids in the test; excellent sticks for players who need help achieving higher flight; blends seamlessly with K15 irons.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Clear performance upgrade from a long iron; promotes a high draw; easy-to-hit clubs drive through deep rough.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Directional compensation might be its greatest strength; offset head with closed face prevents a slice without inflicting a hooking tendency.

DISTANCE: Predictable length; a few testers hit slightly longer shots than with their own sticks; pretty good distance on off-center hits.

FEEL: Lively, crisp impact sensation; responsive, well balanced; head stays very stable on off-center hits.
LOOK: Iron-like with a thick "topline" and silver-and-black color scheme; long face inspires confidence at address that you can't mis-hit it.

CONS
Overall look is hard to get used to for some testers; a few testers hit it shorter than their current hybrids.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ (February 7, 2011)
A multimetal iron design combines a large, lightweight titanium face with a 17–4 stainless-steel body to increase forgiveness and improve launch conditions. Weight saved from the titanium face is allocated to the sole and perimeter to achieve more accuracy and higher ball flights. The K15 hybrids are available in 3H, 4H, 5H and 6H. They rely on an extremely high moment of inertia and a patent-pending feature that creates lower-spinning, higherlaunching shots that fly longer and straighter.

$159, graphite

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