The approach: PING continues to push forward with irons that offer a mix of distance and aesthetics, in turn capturing the imagination of golfers seeking to get a little bit more out of their irons without looking down to see a chunky profile. That’s the goal of both the company’s i500 and i210 irons—easier to hit with more distance, and in the case of the i500, a forged face. The result is high ball speed and great launch conditions.

“The i500s are almost like a metal wood with face flexing that give you an amazing combination of increased ball speed and high trajectory,” says Dave Marshall, PING Canada’s Product Specialist. “They have the look of a muscle back, but perform unlike what you expect from their appearance.”

The story: PING learned a lot from the development of its driver and fairway woods line—and has put it into play with the i500. Using hollow body construction, PING generated great distance with the line, but given the forged face of the iron, they still have the feel and look that strong players demand. Consider this an iron set aimed at the golfer seeking more distance from a players style iron. The i210, in the other hand, is a more traditional club with the aesthetics a good player demands, but with added forgiveness that is useful to every golfer.

Key technologies (i500)

Forged, variable-thickness, C300 maraging steel face insert

This gives the i500s a great feel, but allowed Ping’s engineers to get the face to flex like a wood, generating speed and the high ball flight that’s in vogue.

Aesthetics

The i500 has a traditional muscle-back look, which is appealing to better golfers.

Muscle-back geometry

Yes, these look like the kind of club the best PGA Tour pros play, but with hinging in the face increases ball speed and, in turn, distance.

Hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish

A key technology for PING, Hydropearl 2.0 repels water, keeps your irons looking great and improves turf interaction.

Key technologies (i210)

Activated elastomer

An insert in the irons that is 30% bigger than what PING has previously done, the elastomer creates a great soft feel. It also creates a softer sound at impact and returns more energy to the ball.

Refined turf interaction

The goal of the i210 is to have the club cruise through the turf, allowing for precise distance and workability for golfers playing at a competitive level.

Progressive design

PING’S irons progress from long to short, meaning the longer clubs are hotter and more forgiving, while the shorter irons provide the precision strong golfers demand. The irons also come with CNC machined face and grooves. Hydropearl is also utilized, making consistency a key, even when in wet conditions.

Who are they for?

i500 is for the golfer seeking distance, but demands the look of a traditional muscle back iron, while the i210 is a player’s iron aimed at those seeking precision and workability with a soft feel.

Glide Forged Wedge

One other new product from PING launched this summer is the new Glide Forged Wedge.

“There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to this wedge,” says Marshall.

He’s right. For a start, the key here is the word “forged,” meaning these wedges have the silky soft feel people come to expect, and the company has emphasized that by using 8620 carbon steel, creating a great feel in the process. They also come in a shape inspired by the best players in the game, creating a versatile club that allows for a variety of shots, including laying the face open. A CNC machined face creates lower launch and high spin, while the Gooseneck hosel allows the club to cut through the rough and sand. There’s also a personalization program, so you can put your mark on your Glide Forged wedge.