PING already had one of the most comprehensive iron ranges of all the major manufacturers, but over the last year it has extended its offering thanks to the addition of of both the Blueprint T and Blueprint S models as well as the beautifully-crafted i530 and ultra-forgiving G730 iron. The variety in clubhead design and resulting performance is why PING remains a firm favorite among golfers of all skill levels and it is the versatility of its iron range that ensures it truly has an iron for everyone.
WATCH: Golf Monthly's Sam De'Ath and Nick Bonfield visit the PING European Fitting Center for a custom fitting
Ping Iron Line Up
Lower-handicappers will be in awe of the beauty and simplicity of the Blueprint T and S models. The Blueprint T is crisp and sharp, boasting modern features in an otherwise classic-looking blade. The compact profile frames the ball superbly well and the head’s design allows confident ball-strikers to work the ball with ease. There’s exceptional feel through impact, too, thanks to the forged construction from a single piece of 8620 carbon steel.
"The bladed Blueprint T irons look superb and my dispersion pattern improved significantly"
Sam De'Ath
The natural transition from the Blueprint T is into the Blueprint S model. This iron is forged from the same steel as the Blueprint T, but its clean cavity design just offers a touch more forgiveness for those craving a tour-inspired head with a hint more help on off-centre strikes. The precision pocket forging allows weight to be saved and redistributed in the longer irons for even more forgiveness.
The i230 and i530 are the perfect models for those wanting a slightly larger head than in the Blueprint range, without sacrificing feel and consistency. The i230 is tour-proven and allows for precise control and feel through an activated elastomer insert, which helps lower the weight in the head for more distance. A more rounded leading edge allows for smoother turf interaction and cleaner strikes from all kinds of lies.
The i530 will appeal to any golfer who wants a clean look at address and in the bag, while still seeking the forgiveness and performance of a hollow-bodied iron head. Its highly flexible maraging steel C300 forged face allows more distance and launch for golfers who aren’t quite such consistent ball-strikers, or who have slightly slower swing speeds. This additional height and power results in more stopping power when the ball lands on the green.
If you’re looking for some of the most forgiving irons, the G430 and G730 will be for you. The G430 is designed to sky-rocket confidence via a lower CG for an easy, high-launching flight, with its thin face promoting fast ball speeds. PurFlex technology provides seven flex zones behind the face for maximum ball speed wherever you make contact, and an extra 1° of bounce throughout the set improves turf interaction. The G430 HL model then has lighter toe and tip weights and a lighter shaft for more swing speed and greater consistency.
The PING G730 is designed for the golfer wanting maximum distance and forgiveness. It is the next step on from the G430 and perfect for those with slower swing speeds who want more distance, as well as those new to the game who will benefit from its larger head and greater offset. It boasts the same PurFlex technology as the G430, with the hyper 17-4 stainless steel thin face delivering exceptional ball speeds for those wanting the absolute most out of their irons.
The Custom Fitting Experience
In a bid to fully understand the latest technology in the iron range, Golf Monthly’s Sam De’Ath and Nick Bonfield traveled up to the PING European Fitting Center at Thonock Park in Lincolnshire, where they would both undergo a full custom fitting with some of the brand's expert fitting technicians. Nick had never experienced a custom fitting before and Sam hadn’t had an iron fitting for five years. Both were keen to see what performance gains they might enjoy with a new set of PING irons and which model, or models, in the range they would be fitted into.
After being greeted by the friendly PING fitting team, both Sam and Nick began their fitting process. Wrist-to-floor measurements were taken alongside each player's height in order to work out respective lie and length combinations and then both players began clipping balls away with their current irons in order for the fitters to gain an understanding of each player's ball and club data.
"I was blown away by the detail of the fitting, yet it also seemed so simple at the same time"
Sam De'Ath
Sam De'Ath: +3 Handicap
Despite being a +3 golfer, Sam hadn’t had an iron fitting for over five years and was keen to understand how new technology may help him become more consistent with his iron game.
“I was blown away by the detail, yet simplicity, of the fitting. After swiping a few, my fitter, Adam, knew straight away which model was going to suit me and presented me with the Blueprint T iron. These bladed heads looked superb, although I feared I would struggle with my strike in the longer irons. We had a play around with the Blueprint S, another excellent-looking forged iron, but because the ball flight was similar and we were splitting hairs between the two when it came to distance, I stuck with the Blueprint T as I preferred its looks and feel” said Sam.
After looking at the data comparing his current irons to the newly fitted Blueprint T irons Sam was clearly delighted with the numbers on the screen, adding: “Thanks to the power spec lowering the launch and spin, I was able to produce a couple more yards of carry than with my current clubs, with a total around the 171-yard mark with a 7-iron. My new combination has drastically reduced the dispersion pattern I was producing with my own irons, both from front to back and left to right.”
Nick Bonfield: 10 Handicap
Meanwhile Nick, a 10 handicap had never had an iron fitting as was currently still playing a set of Nike Vapor irons that were originally released in 2014. With the much more advanced technology on hand in some of PING’s latest irons, Nick found himself in shock with some of the gains he experienced as he went through the fitting process.
“I started off in the G430, and even though I’d always considered myself an average ball-striker, Paul, my fitter, felt he had seen enough there for me to also try the i530. My numbers with the G430 were very good, but I instantly fell in love with the looks of the i530 irons,” explained Nick.
Nick had come into the fitting looking for a touch more distance than what he was currently getting and it’s safe to say he was impressed with what the i530 irons delivered. “The performance was there to match, too. My front-to-back dispersion was far more consistent than usual and I was carrying the ball an average of 175 yards – some 20 yards longer than with my Nike 7-iron,” said Nick.
It’s fair to say both golfers were immensely impressed with the full iron range that is on offer from PING this year and couldn’t believe the improvements both the Blueprint T and i530, respectably, will make to each of their games after having a fitting.
If you’re in the market for a new set of irons this season, The whole PING iron range is seriously worth considering and even more so, going through a fitting with the experts at the PING European Fitting Center is a fantastic experience where you'll leave with full confidence in your new clubs. To learn more about any of the PING products or to book a custom fitting, visit the PING website.
