PING i25 Irons Review

Like its predecessor, the i25 has progressive amounts of bounce, offset and centre of gravity as you work through the set. This complements this iron’s theme of merging the workability of a players’ iron with the ball-speed-enhancing benefits of a game-improvement iron.

Cosmetically, the new model is much cleaner, but it will also feel slightly softer thanks to the use of the same softer insert found in the S55 iron. The long irons are slightly larger to raise the moment of inertia with a wider sole to assist the strike. The mid-to-short irons are more compact with thinner top lines and narrower soles to encourage a lower ball flight.

Another key element is the use of ‘stabilising bars’. On the long irons, the bars are thinner to enhance the way the face deflects at impact for more ball speed. In addition to more compact shapes in the middle and short irons, the bars are slightly thicker to control spin and trajectory.

Four wedges are available as part of the set with modified bounce.

The steel costs £90, while the graphite costs £110.

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Technology: The i25 iron has a cleaner look and a softer insert than its predecessor. Progressive size, bounce and stabilising bars create the most optimum launch for each iron. A tungsten weight in the toe helps keep the face stable on mishits.

Looks: Very much has a better player look. You could draw many comparisons with the S55; they have the same beautiful satin-chrome finish and similar amount of offset in the short and mid irons. Noticeable differences are a thicker topline, the long irons having more offset and the back of the sole visible at address, something I don’t like.

Feel/sound: As you expect from a Ping iron, superb. Ever-so-slightly harder than S55, but still doesn’t feel like a distance iron. The sound is more subtle than the woods – a good thing in my opinion.

Forgiveness: More on offer in the long irons, which will help those who don’t quite strike the ball consistently well enough to play S55. The wide sole and additional offset really helps the club glide through the turf and get the ball up. You’ve got to hit one really badly to know about it.

Performance: These irons are extremely inviting to hit. You can see these being popular to low, mid and high handicaps. Good ball strikers may consider switching from their current better player model in search of the forgiveness the i25s offer in a compact head design. Even the lob wedge has some heel relief to enhance the versatility of the set.

Price: £90 (s), £110 (g) Spec: Available in 3-9 iron, PW, UW, SW, LW.
 

Verdict: Compact head with added forgiveness will convert many better players. Easy to launch and flawless looks.