Gear Launch: Ping S55 irons

Gear Launch: Ping S55 irons

Ping has unveiled its new S55 iron, which offers more workability, control and forgiveness than its extremely popular predecessor, the Ping S56.

The new S55s - which are designed for the top-end golfer - were immediately put in use by some of Ping's most popular and high-profile staff players.

These new Ping irons have been designed to offer more distance and forgiveness, while retaining the workability and feel of classic-looking, shallow-cavity irons.

The thinner face on the S55 irons helps increase ball speed for added distance, and allows the centre of gravity to be moved lower throughout the set.

Improved feel comes courtesy of a custom tuning port made from thermoplastic elastomer, which softens impact sound and feel.

The 17-4 stainless steel head comes with tungsten toe weighting for increased MOI, while a vertical stabilising bar - narrower in the long irons and wider in the short irons - aids distance control.

"The S56 has contributed to more than 30 tour wins wolrldwide, including an Open Championship, and its record has generated a lot of anticipation for the follow-up model," said John A. Solheim, Ping's Chairman and CEO.

"We're motivated by pushing innovation, and we were able to elevate performance with the S55 in key areas.

"Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Angel Cabrera are some of the players who switched right away, and validation from the game's best players tells us that we got it right."

Watson's switch to the Ping S55 range was the first time he'd changed iron models since 2004.

Mahan, a two-time WGC winner, added: "After the first swing, I knew the S55 was going in my bag, no question.

"I love the control, the trajectory and the forgiveness. It's everything I want in a golf club."

Ping's new S55's will be available in shops from early November, with a RRP of £115 per club (steel) and £137 per club (graphite).