GlassMan27:upgrade from the lvl62 R9 to the lvl80 R9, or just wait for the R11?
First off, the level 80 R9 is a lot longer than your current level 62; the 5 yards rating difference is irrelevant; I routinely hit it 300 yards or so under normal conditions. Into the wind, it is the longest driver (i use topspin into the wind), will easily outhit the R11 (by as much as 20 yards). Downwind, in particular, the R11 has some advantage, however it isn't that much different in terms of distance under most circumstances and into the wind, this is the BOMB. And, you have a WAYS to go before you can acquire it (the R11 driver).
It seems to me the main advantage of the R11 is more precision/forgiveness and a slower meter - however it does not match the meter speed of the R11 irons (which are faster), so that is a consideration. I would recommend you upgrade and have your driver and irons speeds match.
As for the new Ping driver - who knows? I will certainly rent it when it comes out (soon) but no one knows what to expect. If it is equal to or better on specs than the R9, with a slower meter, I may consider it - but also want to see how it matches up to the new higher level Ping irons...and whether or not it makes sense to acquire those as well. The level 80 R9 and Burner 2.0 irons are a deadly combination if you can routinely ding your shots (which you obviously can). Whether there is an intermediate set from Ping before you/we can have the R 11 set in our bag, well we should know soon.
I am at the same level (one rung up) as you and frankly have held off ranked rounds to avoid hitting from the parking lot until I have the R11 irons at my disposal. Driver wise, I could see staying with the R9 but also see advantages to the R11 driver (however plenty of legends have stayed with the R9).
We shall see whether new Ping clubs alter the landscape any...I did, btw try/buy the new level 59 G20's and found them to be a nice improvement over the G10's - on a good day I can throw darts wit em. I have em as backup when my reflexes slow a bit due to the third or fourth toddy when playing AS and I need to give my burners a rest... lol.
Personally, I would almost guess that the level 80's Pings will NOT be called G20's but rather i20's -specs to be determined, but better than the i15's.