Gregakin

Following....loved the 430 10K, hated the 440 LS; about to find out if the 440 Max can kick out the GT2...

Hit range balls today with a 7i. Not a scheduled full fitting, just walk-up to a fitter who had a few extra minutes. Off a mat, maybe 15 balls. For reference: 56 yo, 6 HC, 7i SS 85'ish. Recent clubs played: Apex Pro's, 243's, i525's, T150's and currently in Cobra King Tours. Shaft preference, graphite, S- / R+. Really like the address position, perfect sizing for my liking, ball framed nicely. Noticeably leaner than i530, making the i530 look like a Game Improvement head. Appears many don't care for the rear badging, but I like it. Seeing them in person and if you step back and think about it, the clean and everything is hidden look, is so copycat these days. Looks as if Ping went into their own sandbox, and put engineering ahead of marketing. 1st swing, 1st impression...."that was soft and quiet". Maybe I was expected something more like the i525, clicky, or just read too many comments. 2nd swing, "yeah, that feels really good, just fine, not harsh at all". Rinse and repeat, impressed. Consistent ball flight. One thin ball, which was penalizing. Confirmed by the fitter in his experience for thin shots - don't come out of it! For me, given the various clubs I've played, Forged Feeling is overrated. Play a premium ball and they all feel just fine, with their own unique sound and feel. Pack a lunch if you are going to argue against Ping engineering, forgiveness, and playability over other OEM's in this category. What it was not - ball did not jump off the face or feel hot leaving the club. Was not a piercing flight, but I mostly attribute that to the shaft and a soft mat surface. Would have liked to hit some off turf and see how it reacts to digging it out. Playability from the rough (FL bermuda) is a big deal for me. A few soles do it well for my angle of attack, most do not. i525's worked, will see how the i240's do.

Phil has 10X the talent CS ever dreamed of having, so even at 50+, he rolls out of bed better over the long haul. But I get your point.