Ping G25 Vs i25 — (Golf Instructor’s Advice)

As the head golf coach at Tell Me More Golf, with over 50 years of golf coaching experience, I’m here to talk to you about one of golf’s biggest equipment brands. 

Yes, it’s Ping. In this article we’re going to look at two different models of Ping golf clubs, the G25 range, part of the g series and the i25 range, part of the i series. We’ll look at the different ranges and see how they measure up against each other. 

Ping G25 Set Benefits

Let’s start with the benefits of the Ping G25 golf clubs. Now, these clubs, which have been out for some time, are supposedly aimed at players of all abilities. 

However, these clubs are perhaps better suited to a beginner or an improving high-handicapper. Why? Well, they’re great when it comes to forgiveness, which is what most beginners and high-handicap players are searching for. 

Distance is another pro of these clubs. Players who’ve used the PING G25 reported that their distances were up slightly, especially with the long irons. This is likely due to the fact that the G25’s promote less spin. 

The high launch on the long irons is also a real plus point, again, especially for high-handicappers, who struggle to consistently get the ball up in the air with their longer irons.

To summarize the benefits: 

• Very forgiving 
• Extra distance
• Promote less spin
• High launching

Ping G25 Set Cons

Of course, there are a few cons to the Ping G25’s, such as the fact that they’re now quite old and are not easy to find. 

Another con would be the fact that many players have reported difficulty shaping their shots with G25 irons. 

In addition, now that there are many newer models out there, the Ping G25’s can’t really keep up in terms of feel, with many alternatives feeling superior. The G25’s also lack stock options. 

To summarize the cons: 

• In short supply these days
• Difficult to shape shots
• Limited stock options

Ping I25 Set Pros

With the irons especially, players reported that the i25’s have increased shot making and shot shaping capabilities compared to the G25’s. 

For good ball strikers, the i25’s can add extra distance, there’s no doubt about that. This is partly to do with the lower ball flight that they help to achieve, though it is worth mentioning that you need to be quite solid and consistent in the ball striking department to reap these distance rewards. 

Compared with the G25’s, the Ping i25’s are far slicker to look at, while their general appearance is an all round upgrade. 

Pros:

• Better players/low handicappers get extra distance
• Increased shot shaping capabilities
• Improved looks compared to G25’s

Ping I25 Set Cons

One of the cons if you’re a high handicapper is that the i25’s aren’t as forgiving as the G25’s. They’re not terribly unforgiving, but they don’t offer enough forgiveness to be ideal for mid-to-high handicap players. 

With lower CG and more offset, especially with the long irons, the i25’s are still more forgiving than say the i20’s. 

Cons:

• Not as old as the G25, but still not easy to obtain these days
• Less forgiving than G25’s 
• Not ideal in terms of forgiveness for high handicappers

Irons Compared

It all depends on what type of golfer you are. The more experienced, low handicap player would benefit from using the i25’s irons, which are much better for shot making. 

However, the G25 irons typically rank better in terms of forgiveness, so if you’re a high-handicapper looking for a bit more in the forgiveness department, then that’s the way to go. 

Drivers Compared

Again, when it comes to the drivers, forgiveness is a big thing. The G25 has always ranked a forgiving driver. Lots of mid-to-high handicappers that I’ve worked with have got along with the G25 just fine, citing its larger sweet spot as particularly pleasing, which helps to keep the ball on the fairway. 

Some of those same players have struggled to handle the Ping i25 driver, which features a clever racing stripe design to help with club head alignment, generally because it is a slightly less forgiving driver, so unless you’re consistently middling your drives, the i25 probably isn’t for you. 

Lofts Comparison

It’s worth noting that the lofts can be adjusted on the i25 woods and drivers, but this isn’t the case with the G25 clubs, so you’ll be stuck with the stock lofts, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you want some level of adjustability, you’ll be a bit stuck. 

Which Has Better Distance?

When it comes to distance, the i25 comes out on top, both in terms of drivers and irons. This is due to design features that promote not spin, but lower launch, thus adding distance. It’s not like you’ll struggle to get distance with the G25, but consistent ball strikers will typically hit the ball further using the i25. 

Which Has Better Forgiveness?

Out of the G25 range and the i25, the most forgiving option is the G25, for sure. It’s not that the i series clubs are not forgiving, because they still offer a more than reasonable level of forgiveness, they’re just more suitable for better ball strikers. For both forgiveness and game improvement, the G25 clubs, which perform well even on mishits, rate best. 

Handicap Range Compared

If you’re a beginner or high handicapper, you know, 20 and above, then the G25’s are the way to go, absolutely. Less advanced players tend to find these clubs easier to hit, they’re higher launching and they promote increased spin. 

If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper, someone who isn’t quite yet a very consistent ball striker, then the G25’s remain the best option for the same reasons. 

However if you’re a mid-to-low handicapper or a low handicapper, then the i25’s are probably the better option out of the two. 

Price Compared

Naturally, it’s been a while since both models were released, so neither are amazingly easy to obtain, though there is still some availability on both sides. As is the case with most Ping clubs, they haven’t plummeted tremendously in value, but are of course cheaper than newer Ping models. 

Right now, you can acquire a G25 driver for between $100 and $150, while you’re looking at something similar for an i25 driver. Of course, you can take plenty off of those prices for second hand models. A full set of either G25’s or i25’s, as such models are now several years old and were released around the same time, you’d be looking at around $500. 

Feel Compared

As is the case with most Ping golf clubs, both the G25s and i25s come out smelling relatively sweet in terms of feel. I’ve used both sets of clubs and there’s no real issue in that sense. 

However, while the G25’s feel pretty reasonable, the i25’s feel great, which is probably to be expected given that they are slightly newer. 

Shafts Compared

When it comes to stock shafts, the G25 comes with a TFC 189 Tour Stiff shaft. That’s it. However, the i series was designed to offer much more freedom, so although the i25 clubs come with the PWR 75 Tour Stiff as stock, there are different shaft choices and other fitting options. Then again, you’ll struggle to find options for both now as most stockists now focus on newer clubs. 

Spin Compared

If spin is what you’re searching for, or rather more spin, then the G25 is the winner. Hitting the G25 golf clubs should help to deliver more spin, while the lower launching i25’s won’t do this. 

Conclusion 

The main takeaway here is that the Ping G25 range and the Ping i25 range have stood the test of time. These are still excellent golf clubs, that’s for sure, so don’t overlook either option just because they’re not the most up-to-date models. 

In terms of which is better, it really does come down to personal preference. In other words, what do you require? If you’re looking for something that promotes extra spin, which many high handicappers are, then go down the G25 route, though lower handicap players may prefer the slicker-looking i25 clubs, which are more ideal for shot shaping.

Patrick Corley

From a golf scholarship to a Southern California University, to a private golf coaching career and an instructor position at a nonprofit organization, I’m here to help you get better at golf! With my 50+ years of golf experience; I bring you Tell Me More Golf. A golf coaching website that helps your game with instructional golfing content that’s ultimately geared toward making you a better golfer and having more fun!

Our golf instructor team brings it all to you, so enjoy!

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