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.
Under the hood: What makes the iDi stand out
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:
- inR-Air Technology
This is the big one. There’s literally a small pocket of air inside the head that is designed to tune the sound and feel. Long, hollow-body irons can sound harsh or clicky, but the inR-Air pocket softens that sound without adding foam or dampening the face. It still feels solid, but is cleaner and more familiar.
- Forged maraging steel face
The face is fast. It’s forged and super thin, which helps create more ball speed, even on slightly missed strikes. I saw a jump in speed over my gamer i230, which is already a really efficient head. Combine that with a lower CG and you’ve got a high-launching, high-speed long iron replacement that doesn’t balloon on you.
- Compact, confidence-inspiring shape
The head is slightly deeper front to back, but shorter heel to toe and has a flatter lie angle, so it sets up beautifully behind the ball. It’s one of those rare driving irons that looks easy to hit without looking bulky.
- Three loft options for gapping versatility
2i – 17°: A true driving iron. Low launch, low spin, made for the tee.
3i – 20°: Middle ground. More launch, more spin, playable from tee or turf.
4i – 23°: High-launching long iron replacement that’s still playable off the deck and can hold a green.
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.
Why improper distance gapping might be wrecking your gameBy: Kris McCormack
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.
Who it’s for
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.
iDi vs. G440 hybrid: Which one belongs in your bag?
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 bagBy: Jack Hirsh
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.
Final thoughts
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.
Price and Availability

PING iDi Custom Driving Iron
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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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Kris McCormack
Golf.com Contributor
Building on a career that has spanned more than 20 years in the golf industry, McCormack has spent the last six years of his career serving as the Vice President of Tour and Education for True Spec Golf. During that time, he curated the training program for the True Spec fitting staff and pushed for more continuing education curriculum. As well as managing their Tour department and building relationships with a multitude of OEM partners. Prior to joining the True Spec team, McCormack worked with several of the industry-leading manufacturers as a Master level Fitting Professional. In addition to being an instructor and partnering with the Golf Channel Academy as a lead instructor and brand-agnostic Fitting Professional. He has also worked with R&D teams to assist in product design, testing, and development for a variety of gear releases. He is a golf enthusiast and lives in the gear space!