It’s easy to look at a driving iron and assume it’s only for the Tour truck or the ultra-low handicap crowd. However, after testing the new iDi driving iron at the Ping Proving Grounds with one of their Master Fitters, I’m here to tell you that this thing is legit.
Faster, higher, and more playable than my gamer i230 4-iron, the iDi was a standout from the first swing. It launched with ease, gave me more ball speed and landed softer. All without giving up that iron feel I prefer over a hybrid. And while it would be an easy 4-iron replacement for me personally, the iDi is much more than that.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all driving iron. PING built the iDi in three lofts to fit a variety of players and bag setups. Whether you’re replacing a 2, 3, or 4-iron. or looking for an alternative to a hybrid, the iDi gives you options.
As a fitter, I see real value in this club for anyone who wants a long-iron replacement that launches higher, is easier to control, and feels solid at impact.
Ping didn’t just reshape a long iron and call it a day. The iDi is packed with technology built specifically for better players who want more control at the top of the bag.
Key tech highlights:
The iDi 4i is a standout in the lineup, and not just because it’s the most “user-friendly” loft. It’s designed to be a true long-iron replacement, offering the kind of launch, spin and stopping power that can be tough to find in a traditional 4-iron.
In my testing, the iDi 4i launched noticeably higher than my i230 4-iron, produced 300+ RPMs more spin and landed with a 2-degree steeper angle, all of which made it far more capable of holding greens on longer approaches. That extra height and softer landing isn’t accidental. With more loft (23°), a lower center of gravity and a forged maraging steel face that’s fast but still spin-friendly, the 4i is built for height. The added spin not only helps with launch but also gives you the control you need when you’re coming into a firm green from 200 or more yards out.
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You’re not locked into a single-use case here. Whether you want something to gap under your 5-iron or need a reliable tee club on tight holes, there’s a version of the iDi that will fit your game.
This is where it gets interesting. Most players think driving irons are only for elite-level ball strikers. And sure, this club was designed with better players in mind. But the iDi’s speed, forgiveness and launch characteristics make it surprisingly versatile in a fitting environment.
Here’s who I see it working for:
i230, i240, and Blueprint players who want more height and forgiveness from their long irons without going full hybrid.
G430 or G440 iron players who prefer an iron look and feel but want an even easier launch option at the top of the bag.
Faster swing speed players who need a tee club with workability, but don’t love the shape or spin of a hybrid.
Hybrid-averse golfers who just want something that looks like the rest of their irons but gives them more help up top.
During my testing, the iDi 4-iron gave me a much better flight window than my current i230 4-iron; higher apex, more carry, and better stopping power. But it still allowed me to hit lower, flighted shots when I needed them. That balance is what makes this club fit across such a wide range of players.
If you’re already gaming something like the Ping G440 hybrid, the obvious question is: does the iDi replace it? Maybe, but it depends on how you play.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | PING iDi | PING G440 Hybrid |
| Launch | Mid to high (based on loft) | High |
| Spin | Lower | Higher |
| Forgiveness | Moderate to high | Very high |
| Workability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Off the Tee | Piercing, controllable flight | High, floating flight |
| Off the Deck | Needs a good strike | Easier to sweep/lift |
| Feel | Clean, iron-like | Softer, wood-like |
The iDi is for the player who wants precision, a more penetrating ball flight and that classic iron feel. It’s ideal for players who already have good speed and make solid contact but also want to shape shots.
I tried it: I wasn’t a hybrid guy, until the Ping G440 got in my bag
The G440 hybrid leans more toward forgiveness and ease of launch, especially from the fairway or rough. It’s a better option for players who struggle with long iron launch or prefer a wood-style shape.
From a fitting standpoint, having both in the matrix is a win. I’d never assume one fits better than the other until I see the player hit them side-by-side.
The PING iDi is more than just another driving iron. It’s a modern long iron replacement that’s fast, high-launching, forgiving and tuned to feel great. Whether you’re a better player looking for control off the tee, or someone searching for something more consistent than your current long iron, this is a tool worth testing.
And for me personally? The iDi 4-iron might be the easiest switch I’ve made in years. More speed, better height and control I can see.
Some driving irons are so low-spinning and firm-feeling that they turn into nothing more than a tee-only club — they launch low and run forever, but are tough to use into greens or from the fairway. Others try to soften things up but end up feeling too muted or clunky. The iDi finds a sweet spot in the middle. It gives you that penetrating, controllable flight off the tee, but still launches high enough and spins enough to be playable off the turf, especially in the 3i and 4i lofts.
What really separates it is the combination of ball speed and playability. You don’t have to step on it to get performance, and the inR-Air tech helps it feel clean and responsive without the harsh click that usually comes with hollow-body long irons. Simply put, the iDi doesn’t ask you to compromise; it just works.
If you’re dialing in the top of your bag and haven’t quite found the right gapping solution, give the iDi a shot. You might not miss your old 4-iron (or 3-iron or 2-iron) as much as you think. You may even find something more fun to hit than that trusty hybrid.
View Product
Ping iDi driving irons are available for pre-order starting Tuesday, July 8 and arrive at retail on Thursday, July 17.
All three loft options (17˚, 20˚ and 23˚) will be priced at $269.99 and come stock with the Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome 85 shaft with numerous custom options available.
Ready to see what fits best for your bag? Book your fitting with True Spec Golf.
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