Ping i irons revealed

Ping has unveiled the new Ping i irons, which are more workable than the Ping i25 model they replace, without sacrificing any of its forgiveness

One of the most highly anticipated launches of the year has finally arrived, as Ping has taken the covers off the new Ping i irons.

The new better player irons will replace the i25 model launched in January 2014, and are joined by new game-improver Ping GMax irons, a new Ping Glide ES wedge and two new Ping Cadence TR putters as part of a big summer launch.

Arguably the biggest change Ping fans will notice is the lack of a numbered suffix, with the 'i25' being replaced by the simpler ‘i’, rather than the expected 'i30'. Ping has opted for this naming convention change to try and make things easier for golfers who are trying to work out which model is best suited to their game. The 'i' model has always been aimed at the mid handicapper looking for a blend of feel and forgiveness, distance and control. The new Ping i iron is certainly designed to continue that heritage.

Joining the new name and new look is plenty of new technology.

This includes the use of a higher strength-to-weight ratio 431 stainless steel that lets Ping make the head lighter and the face thinner, a combination that means it can move 4g of saved weight to the head’s perimeter to increase heel and toe forgiveness.

The Custom Tuning Port has also moved into a deeper position in the cavity so it aligns with the ideal impact area for a more solid sound and feel.

The Ping i irons' hosels have also been reshaped to allow for increased workability, but crucially without reducing the moment of inertia that delivers forgiveness.

Other subtle differences include progressive head sizes (above) and disguised toe weighting that make the long irons easier to hit.

The 3-9 Ping i irons are also ¼” longer than the i25 irons, while the 3-8 irons are 1° stronger than the clubs they replace, allowing Ping to increase distance with proper gapping and achieve higher trajectories for extra stopping power.

Another new development that Ping fans are sure to love is the addition of a selection of after-market shafts at no upcharge.

As well as Ping’s CFS Distance shaft in a range of flexes, for the first time you can also get the Dynamic Gold S300 and X100, Project X 5.0 and 6.0, XP 95 regular and stiff and the Nippon Modus³ 105 stiff and x-stiff at no extra cost.

Each of these options will cost £122 per club in steel, or £124 if you go for the CFS Graphite option.