PING iDi Driving Iron Review: A Game-Changer for Golfers

So, let’s talk about long irons, shall we? For most golfers out there, the long iron category can be a bit tricky. Enter the utility iron—a slightly bulkier version of your regular long iron. But let’s face it, these clubs often don’t get the love they deserve. Why? Well, they’re somewhat challenging to hit and tend to be less forgiving than hybrids or higher-lofted woods. And sometimes, they can be downright frustrating.

But wait! There’s a shining star in the utility iron world: the PING iCrossover. This club isn’t like the others; it’s been a game-changer, winning multiple accolades in MyGolfSpy testing. Golfers who typically struggle with utility irons have found their “aha!” moment with the iCrossover, and even better players are loving its quality and performance. It bridges the gap between accessibility and functionality, making it a solid option for both amateurs and pros.

Image: PING iDi hero shot

However, the iCrossover had a bit of a rebranding issue. PING insisted, “It’s not a driving iron!” This was their way of positioning it as a versatile club. But in their quest to appeal to everyone, they potentially lost sight of golfers specifically looking for a solid driving iron.

Fast forward to the PING iDi. PING has rebranded this utility gem, officially dubbing it a “driving iron.” This change tells you everything you need to know. The iDi is part of PING’s i-series, known for its advantages tailored for better players. And while it’s now officially a driving iron, it still retains all the impressive features that set the iCrossover apart.

Sometimes, the best innovations come from keeping it real and calling things what they are, but I promise there’s a lot more to the iDi than just a name change.

What’s New with the iDi?

Alright, let’s dive into what makes the iDi the new cool kid on the block. One of the most noticeable changes? It looks sharper! PING has shortened the blade length by 5%, giving it a more compact look when you address the ball. It’s important to note that this feedback came straight from tour players. They wanted something that had a smaller appearance but still felt solid enough to inspire confidence.

But the shorter blade length is not just about aesthetics. PING has also widened the sole and fine-tuned the design of the bounce. This creates a hybrid-like shape that helps the club glide through the turf while still allowing for that downward strike golfers crave. With flatter lie angles, these changes eliminate left-right shot tendencies—especially those pesky hooks—leading to straighter, more predictable shots.

And get this: PING has shallowed the face profile, giving you the thinnest face design they’ve ever made for a utility iron. When paired with their forged C300 maraging steel face, that means improved ball speed and distance.

Image: PING iDi badge detail

Three Technologies Working Together

Here’s where it gets really cool. One of the standout features of the iDi is something PING calls “inR-Air.” Imagine an inflated air pocket that’s inserted before the cavity gets sealed up. Think of it like the air cushions in your sneakers, but it’s all engineered to tackle the vibration and sound challenges that often come with hollow-body clubs.

Replacing the EVA polymer previously used, the inR-Air system is devised to absorb unwanted vibrations while still allowing for flexibility in the face—a crucial factor contributing to the effectiveness of that maraging steel face.

Alongside this innovative system is the “iBEAM”—a clever framework connecting the back flange to the top rail. It sharpens the acoustics and feel at impact, creating what PING describes as a muted yet crisp sensation that iron aficionados crave.

Rounding out the technologies is the covered cavity, designed from ABS plastic and chrome-plated to match the club’s sleek look. While plastic can sometimes get a bad rap, keep in mind it’s much lighter than steel, allowing mass to be repositioned lower in the head for better overall performance.

Image: PING iDi toe view

Performance Across the Lofts

Now, let’s chat about how the iDi performs across its various lofts. PING offers this beauty in three lofts: a 2-iron (17°), 3-iron (20°), and 4-iron (23°). But hold on—each of these clubs is crafted for a specific role.

The 2-iron acts as the powerhouse of the trio; it’s been strengthened to 17 degrees, allowing for a lower flight and decreased spin. This is the club for those looking to dominate off the tee.

Next up, the 3-iron strikes a balance between distance and height, while the 4-iron has been slightly weakened (by half a degree, to be exact) to prioritize height and control. So, if you’re trying to make a case that one of them isn’t a true driving iron, you might want to argue that it’s the 4-iron!

What’s more, all three clubs have been shortened slightly to ensure a smoother transition from the iDi back to your iron set.

Image: PING iDi – 3 lofts

Fitting and Customization Options

PING has switched things up again by returning to a bonded hosel design, ditching the adjustable hosel found in the iCrossover. This makes fitting a smoother and simpler process, which any golfer can appreciate.

As for shafts, the standard is the 2.0 Chrome. However, for those game-changers out there ready to take it up a notch, PING is also rolling out the 2.0 Black 90. It’s a heavier, low-launch shaft designed specifically for the iDi. This bad boy is tailor-made for players with higher swing speeds wanting that perfect launch.

Image: PING iDi hero image

Performance Gains Worth Noting

Now, let’s talk performance—because that’s what it’s all about, right? The gains with the iDi are modest but meaningful. According to PING’s data, you’re looking at slight but significant improvements in ball speed across all lofts. The shorter, compact design helps maintain peak ball speed while ensuring better consistency with your shots.

From a dispersion standpoint, testing shows approximately an 11% tighter pattern overall, meaning fewer shots veering off-course. Say goodbye to those agonizing left-right shots that utility iron players often face!

When it comes to trajectory, PING nailed it. The 2-iron really shines with a noticeably lower flight, while the 3-iron holds steady on similar launch characteristics. The 4-iron, however, cranks up the height, making it an excellent choice for approach shots.

Despite the shorter lengths, the ball speed gains from the thinner face and improved center of gravity help you keep your distance while adding control.

Image: PING iDi face view

The Positioning Strategy

What makes the iDi even more intriguing is how PING is positioning it within the broader utility iron category. Instead of pushing it as a replacement for fairway woods and hybrids, PING views the iDi as the ideal choice for certain situations—like windy days or times when maximum distance control is essential.

If you’ve read up on my "two in the trunk" strategy, you know that the iDi might just be the perfect alternative for what’s currently in your bag.

The flat-faced design gives you more control over trajectory compared to higher-launch options. When the conditions call for precision—think into-the-wind situations or those tight fairways—the iDi comes through in ways that hybrids and fairway woods simply can’t.

Image: PING iDi stock shafts

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the iDi is all about refining a winning formula rather than completely reinventing the wheel. PING keeps the elements that made the iCrossover successful—high launch, excellent stopping power, and user-friendliness—while enhancing those features to attract more traditional driving iron players.

If you’ve been using the iCrossover, you’ll find the iDi familiar but with some sweet performance upgrades. And for those who’ve been eyeing up the driving iron category, the iDi is a strong contender that delivers the playability you’ve been craving, combining it with the lower flight and added control that makes all the difference.

Image: PING iDi alt hero

Mark your calendars: the PING iDi hits the shelves starting July 17, with fitting clubs available from July 8. The MSRP is $295, but expect to find it at a lower street price.

For those eager to learn more, check out PING’s official page at PING.com.

And there you have it, folks! The PING iDi is more than just another club; it’s a thoughtful evolution in the world of irons that every golfer should consider adding to their bag.