
As the senior golf instructor at Tell Me More Golf, I’ve had the unique opportunity to observe the evolution of golf clubs over the years. One brand that has consistently caught my attention is Ping, a company renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality.
From the early Karsten models to the latest G series, we will explore the unique features, technological advancements, and the impact each has had on the game of golf.
Ping’s commitment to improving the golfer’s experience is evident in their color code system, a revolutionary approach to custom fitting based on a golfer’s height and wrist-to-floor measurement. This system and their pioneering work in perimeter weighting have set Ping apart in golf equipment.
We’ll delve into iconic models like the Ping Eye 2, known for its high launch and forgiveness, and the Ping i3 Blade, a favorite on the PGA tour.
We’ll also discuss the latest releases, like the Ping G430 and G425 irons, pushing the MOI and ball speed boundaries.
Whether you’re a high handicapper looking for game-improvement irons, a seasoned player seeking the precision of a player’s irons, or a golf enthusiast interested in the history of golf equipment, this irons review will serve as a valuable resource.
List Of All Ping Irons By Year
From the early Karsten series to the latest G430, this comprehensive list will provide a year-by-year breakdown of Ping’s innovative set of irons.
Let’s explore the legacy of Ping golf clubs, a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of golf technology.
Here is a comprehensive list of Ping Irons by year:
- 1969-1976: Karsten I, Karsten II, Karsten III, Karsten IV
- 1978: Eye
- 1982: Eye2
- 1984: Eye2 EZ Lite
- 1985: Eye2 Square Groove
- 1986: Eye2 BeCu
- 1989: Eye2+ No+
- 1990: Eye2+, Eye2 Dot
- 1991: Zing, Zing BeCu
- 1994: Zing 2, Zing 2 BeCu
- 1996: ISI Irons, ISI K, ISI BeCu, ISI Nickel
- 2000: i3 Blade, i3 O Size
- 2003: S 59, G2 HL, G2 L, G2 EZ, G2, i3+ Blade
- 2004: S 59 Tour
- 2005: i5, G5
- 2006: S58, Rapture Irons
- 2007: G10, i10, Rhapsody Irons
- 2008: Rapture V2
- 2010: i15, G15 Irons
- 2011: Anser Irons, Ping G20 Irons
- 2012: i20
- 2013: S55, G25
- 2014: G30, i25
- 2015: G Max Irons, i Irons, Ping Karsten Irons
- 2016: i Blade Irons, G Irons
- 2017: G400 Irons, i200
- 2018: i210, i500, G700
- 2019: G410, Blueprint Irons
- 2020: G710
- 2021: i59, Ping G425 Irons
- 2022: i525
- 2023: G430
Highlighting Famous Ping Iron Models
Over the years, Ping has released many golf iron models that have become famous for their innovative design and performance-enhancing features.
Here are a few that have left a significant mark in the golfing world:
- Ping Eye2: The Ping Eye2 irons became an instant classic when released in 1982. These irons were a game-changer, known for their high launch and forgiveness. They introduced the concept of perimeter weighting to the masses. In particular, the Eye2 Square Groove model gained fame for its exceptional spin control.
- Ping Zing: The Ping Zing irons were launched in 1991 and were known for their larger club head and extreme perimeter weighting. They offered golfers increased forgiveness on off-center hits. The Zing series, including the Zing 2 and Zing BeCu, remained popular for many golfers throughout the 90s.
- Ping i3 Blade: The i3 Blade, released in 2000, was a favorite among tour players. It offered a great blend of control and forgiveness, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of golfers. The i3+ Blade, released in 2003, further improved on this design.
- Ping G Series: The G series, including the G2, G5, G10, G15, G20, G25, G30, G400, G410, G425, and G430 models, has been a staple in Ping’s lineup since the early 2000s. These irons are known for their high launch, forgiveness, and consistency, making them ideal for golfers of all skill levels.
- Ping Blueprint Irons: Released in 2019, the Blueprint Irons are a testament to Ping’s commitment to innovation. These players’ irons offer exceptional feel and precision, making them popular among low-handicap and professional golfers.
Each of these models has contributed to Ping’s reputation as a leading innovator in golf equipment.
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What the Colored Dots on Ping Irons Signify
The colored dots on the hosel of Ping irons signify the lie angle of the clubs. The lie angle is the angle between the club’s shaft and the sole of the club in relation to its length.
Ping uses a color code system to help golfers find the proper club setup based on height and wrist-to-floor measurement.
Each color represents a specific lie angle, with the black dot being the standard lie angle for most golfers.
Here is a list of the Ping dot colors and their corresponding lie angles:
- Maroon dot: 5 degrees upright
- Silver dot: 4 degrees upright
- White dot: 3 degrees upright
- Green dot: 2 degrees upright
- Blue dot: 1 degree upright
- Black dot: 0 degrees upright, 0 degrees flat (standard)
- Red dot: 1 degree flat
- Orange dot: 2 degrees flat
- Brown dot: 3 degrees flat
- Gold dot: 4 degrees flat
The ideal color for a golfer depends on their height and wrist-to-floor measurement. By understanding the Ping color code system, golfers can select a set of clubs that best suits their game and helps improve their ball flight.
Getting your lie angles checked every couple of years is recommended, as changes in your swing or body can affect the lie angle you fit into.
Conclusion
The legacy of Karsten Solheim’s vision lives on in the diverse range of Ping irons available today.
Each model, from the early Karsten series to the latest G430, showcases Ping’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Compared to other premier golf manufacturers like Mizuno, Callaway, Titleist, and TaylorMade, Ping holds its own, offering a unique blend of performance, customization, and game improvement features.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Ping offers a selection of irons that can help elevate your game.
As we look to the future, we can expect Ping to continue pushing the boundaries of golf technology.
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