FT-iQ, is there a modern equivalent?

[CarloGolfer]

Is there a modern equivalent? It was the straightest driver ever. Nothing was close. 
 

I’ve never replaced the magic.

 

The Ping G Max series were kinda close, but then again, not really. I’m considering trying a G430 Max 10k.

[NNJ]

4 hours ago, CarloGolfer said:

Is there a modern equivalent? It was the straightest driver ever. Nothing was close. 
 

I’ve never replaced the magic.

 

The Ping G Max series were kinda close, but then again, not really. I’m considering trying a G430 Max 10k.

Did you try the G400 Max? The Max 10k is also good

[philly2kuk]

Nothing ever came close to- it’s the worst driver I’ve ever owned! It was short off the tee, sounded like a tin can and never went straight. Every driver I’ve owned before or since was better than the FT-iQ I had.

 

Having been fit myself in Feb, I tried all the recent offerings and they’re all massively more forgiving. The ping didn’t work for me, the Gt1 with a standard weight shaft and heavier back weight is my current club of choice. Goes miles and I rarely miss a fairway.

[Hougz79]

Sounds more like it was a great fit for you at the time.  I had an FT-i LCG way back in the day, I have not missed it even one day since it was replaced.

 

A quality fitting session should get you something that works for you.  Quite literally every brand makes a quality driver currently, it’s just finding the one that performs the best and looks the best to you.  

[Johnny Biarritz]

Why not just get another FT-iQ if you hit it that well? 

[CarloGolfer]

My hope was someone who also loved the Ft-iQ might have a recommendation.

 

it was released a long time ago. Nbd

[ScooterMcTavish]

I mean I played a few of the geometric drivers back when they were popular, and some of the comments above are spot on.  Still hit my longest drive ever with a Wilson Staff Spine, but the thing would make eardrums bleed.

I think the suggestion of the G430 10K isn't a bad one, as it has the stable MOI of a "square" driver, but done much more attractively.

 

There was also some member testing for the new Cleveland HiBore XL driver which received pretty good feedback.  A little more triangular than square, but certainly geometrically interesting.

And as much as it looks like a boring modern driver, the member testing for the DS-Adapt Drivers highlighted how great the "Max-K" model was.  @adamwon84 was absolutely blown away by how good it was.

 

 

Edited July 28 by ScooterMcTavish

[rsballer10]

1 minute ago, ScooterMcTavish said:

I mean I played a few of the geometric drives back when they were popular, and some of the comments above are spot on.  Still hit my longest drive ever with a Wilson Staff Spine, but the thing would make eardrums bleed.

I think the suggestion of the G430 10K isn't a bad one, as it has the stable MOI of a "square" driver, but done much more attarctively.

 

There was also some member testing for the new Cleveland HiBore XL driver which received pretty good feedback.  A little more triangular than square, but certainly geometrically interesting.

And as much as it looks like a borning modern driver, the member testing for the DS-Adapt Drivers highlighted how great the "Max-K" model was.  @adamwon84 was absolutely blown away by how good it was.

Max-K is a great suggestion. Forget the look of the square driver, nothing will come close. The extreme forgiveness can be replicated however, in a more typical design.

 

I'd throw in Qi35 max as well. If op likes the Ft-IQ, they probably are OK with a little extra spin.

[ram01002]

I think 430 Max 10k is your best bet. 

[jarediogolf]

Didn’t they have a ton of backspin? Perhaps just loft up to 12* or 13* in your forgiving driver of choice. 

[9ironiscash]

The best/only memorable part of that driver was the cool-looking Fubuki shaft. 

[is1ander]

Cobra Max-K or Ping 10K, maybe Ping G440 SFT if you fight a fade. Modern drivers are better in every performance category, honestly.

[phizzy30]

I would recommend the G430 10K MAX.  It's super forgiving across the face although not the longest, however Ping didn't design it to have max ball speeds.  Haven't tested the GT1, but GT2 is forgiving as well.       

[bolsadecarne]

I thought i was the only one that loves that driver. I have the 11 version. When i play with some friends, they like to borrow it to do their drives. it really does a great job control and distance.

 

I was actually searching to see if any one had suggestions on reshafting it.  It have the original Fubuki 60 R on it.  Id like to give it a little upgrade and make over. 

 

I just got an used ping g425 max, i haven't gotten a chance to use it yet, but that is going to be my new club...i hope.  but im keeping the ft-iq in my bag.

 

My wife plays the ladies ft-iq in a 13

[mootrail]

The Smoke Mini is neutral biased, easy to hit straight, easy to move both ways, way more forgiving around the face and guaranteed to hit more fairways.

 

[adamwon84]

On 7/28/2025 at 1:14 PM, ScooterMcTavish said:

I mean I played a few of the geometric drivers back when they were popular, and some of the comments above are spot on.  Still hit my longest drive ever with a Wilson Staff Spine, but the thing would make eardrums bleed.

I think the suggestion of the G430 10K isn't a bad one, as it has the stable MOI of a "square" driver, but done much more attractively.

 

There was also some member testing for the new Cleveland HiBore XL driver which received pretty good feedback.  A little more triangular than square, but certainly geometrically interesting.

And as much as it looks like a boring modern driver, the member testing for the DS-Adapt Drivers highlighted how great the "Max-K" model was.  @adamwon84 was absolutely blown away by how good it was.

 

 

Can confirm, the Max-K is unreal and everyone should give it a swing

[bnperrone]

I had an FTi and liked it til it cracked. I’m happy with Ping and have been for a while. Maybe check out Ping as others have mentioned, but that being said, the entire world of equipment is different and it’s probably worth a fit.