Sometimes releases are quite the surprise, other times, they’re the worst kept secret ever. File this one somewhere in between as the rumblings about PING’s newest irons has been ramping up for months now, including some rather interesting pricing discussion.
But let’s table that for now, shall we? Instead, its time to officially get our first looks at the new PING i59 irons.
A Core Story – PING i59 Irons
I’ll be honest, a new iSeries iron from PING is exciting to me. As someone who cut their teeth entering this game with the i20’s, any time something new drops with the moniker on it, my ears perk up. This time though, it’s been an interesting one to get, and keep, a pulse on. We have known these were coming for a long time now, but the details have been relatively tight lipped as far as the actual technology within them. Turns out, it might be because that tech is literally at the core of the i59.
The irons themselves are a forged body 1025 carbon steel with a 17-4 forged stainless face. Yes, you read that correctly, I used the word “forged” twice in one sentence when referring to a PING i-Series iron. The big story there though is what is in-between those two metals as internally there is an aerospace aluminum being utilized. Coming in at 1/3 of what stainless steel weighs, PING is claiming that utilizing this material at the core is letting around THIRTY grams to be saved and allowing the design team to use tungsten heel and toe weights to replace it at the perimeter of the head to increase MOI (Moment of Inertia).
Now, PING is being adamant that the feel is very real with these and that the aluminum actually adding to the solid feel at impact that golfers who tend to lean towards these smaller more compact shapes like the i59 demand. Not only that, that weight movement has apparently meant that the MOI actually matches the i59’s bigger sibling, the i210’s.
That “Alumicore Technology” is truly the main story here, and honestly, in a smaller profile like this iron if it has allowed them to maximize the perimeter weighting as the claims are telling us, then that is all they might need. That said, PING did want to also make sure they addressed spin consistency and thus the Hydropearl 2.0 finish (which is truly excellent at its intended job in wet conditions) and MicroMax grooves are part of the equation as well. Those grooves are fully machined and have steeper sidewalls and tighter gapping to allow for four more grooves on the faces. PING states that this helps reduce jumpers in the short irons and keep that spin up to maximize peak height as well as descent angle in the longer irons.
The i59’s will come standard with Project X LS shafts in steel (6.0, 6.5) as well as UST Mamiya Recoil 760 ES and 780 in graphite. As always, there is an assortment of optional stock shafts available from PING, eight options to be exact. Also, because I know many are curious, yes, “Power Spec” is an option here, as is what PING is now calling “Retro Spec” which should appeal greatly to those who have had their feelings hurt by stronger lofts. The sets standard loft will play off a 46° PW with Power Spec at 45° and Retro Spec at 48°. The i59’s will be available in 3-PW.
Last week we profiled another piece of equipment that had a price hike and it would be impossible to write this one without mentioning it. PING is about to raise the price on most of their current lineup (at the time of this writing) and this set comes in with a hefty price of $250 per iron for steel and $15 more than that for graphite. With the technology outlined and the sleek looks, does that change perception of the brand that has at least in recent history been slightly less expensive?
Do you plan on giving these a closer look? Does the story from PING move the needle for you? Let us know how you feel both below as well as on the THP Community!
Details
In Stores: 9/2
Cost: $250 per iron in steel and $265 per iron in graphite
I feel like "forgiveness" is a tricky thing to quantify – like is it a physics based total weight thing, a weight placement thing (low vs. mid. high), a COR thing, a turf interaction thing, a materials (steel, tungsten, titanium, unobtanium) thing…..OR is it more about the launch conditions and the persons perception.
I think the answer is that it’s all of these bits together and when they align for the given person’s swing/strike/launch patterns, the light rays of the golf Gods shines down upon them.
It would be interesting if there were no numbers on irons and your sole focus was how far each one went and how consistently one could hit those numbers. Like Lee Westwood does, there would be a fill in spot on each club where you could just write down how far each one goes. That would be interesting.
Im not sure if you watched the video I attached with MV, but he covers that a bit.
Typed the response above and watching video now. Should have watched the video first it seems!
They’re not as compact or demanding as blueprints.
My thought is, if they hadn’t chose to make it hollow, if it was just a consistent and more traditional cb, but with some kind of tech forgiveness story, that looked great, and was for better players, would the entire conversation be different? I think it would. I think the hollow part really skews the entire thing, because of it’s associations to this point. If people didn’t know it was hollow, it would just be what it is.
Maybe. But nobody really confused that with the Mizuno HMB line. It might have been a bit better explained, and certainly was priced differently however.
I think them being out in front of that definitely made a difference in expectations and preconceived ideas for sure. And they didn’t cost as much as some golf carts, so that probably helped. Lol
I’m honestly not sure why you’d need to. They’re no blueprint.
Also,
did they hurt you?? ?
Supposed to be replacing iBlade. Or depending on who you ask, both, or in between. I think the official is mostly iBlade replacement.
I hit the i59 today and was really impressed. Looks like an MB at address but forgiveness of an CB. These are more forgiving than my apex mbs.
Hit the blueprints along with it as well and while it felt great, the i59 is just more well rounded and versatile to offer a bit more flexibility on mishits. Great spin numbers and launch for me. I’d take the i59 over the blueprints anytime.
I also hit a bunch of other irons as well – t100, t200, 919t, apex pros…nothing came close to the i59.
It definitely has my attention, just not sure if it is worth the $250 per club tag.
I don’t know if I was still just cranky about the kitchen and I wearing most of my breakfast this morning after my omelet pan broke, or what, but I was not feeling them.
The freaking arccos grip was driving me INSANE. The omelet frustrations may have played a role in that because it doesn’t usually bug me that bad. As someone that plays +1/4" though, and anchors their left ring and pinky fingers like the jaws of death, the last 3/4" of the club wiggling is annoying. And I was smoothing everything except these, so that was doubly annoying.
The result was a very middling session where for the first time I didn’t really love them, and it probably wasn’t even their fault. I couldn’t get into a full groove with them though and the data lagged behind the others. Had me looking for things to not like. So, I will try to wipe it from memory… and fail. Strike one, i59!
reviews everywhere seem to be pretty underwhelming. I’m going to try find an outdoor place that has them to hit them again. This should tell me pretty quick if I like them or not.
For the cost they are at, I wonder if people have super high expectations for it to perform the way they are expecting.
High, maybe. I think people have the wrong expectations, and it’s probably mostly the fault of the manufacturer for lack of better communication on them. THe reviews that went in with the right expectations were favorable from what I’ve seen.
I’ve hit them indoor and out, and have liked them. It was incredibly frustrating today to not be able to have them keep up with others when they’ve done so just fine previously. I have no idea why the grip was bugging me so much today over other times. I’m going to go mash it again soon to get the taste of my mouth. The longer until they become available though, the better the chance I’ll move on to something else. I’m not know for my patience when it comes to clubs.
To second a previous comment, did I expect too much from these? Does knowing it’s hollowed out with aluminum change how I hit them?
I have no idea except a feeling of underwhelmed
It was fascinating having a previous post question what MOI / Forgiveness means and how it is quantified for each person.
What shaft pairs well, sole width, feel, how it looks at address, how much offset, does it perform, consistency of spin. Etc.
I loved the iblades. They spun a bit too much with DGS300 but I had better luck with PX 6.0
The i59 I hit had the PX I/0. My AOA is about 3-4 down on an iron and I feel iron play is the strongest part of my game. For some reason, I just wasn’t puring these.
Mizuno shaft optimizer indicates that i am between a stiff and x stiff with a 95mph 7 iron. I like a high launching window with good spin so I tend to go with the softer option.
As an equipment ho, I feel like there’s some designs that I want to hit well and love, but it wasn’t meant to be. This seems to be where I’m at with i59. (Hypothetically speaking, cost not considered)
I’ve done at least two iron fittings wanting to buy a specific club, and then realizing that what the Ping i210 gives me is exactly what is in my bag. What they give me is a ton of GIR, more than my share of stuffing it close, and a sense of confidence that I can repeat those results.
I aspire to cultivate the game necessary to have a set of Blueprints as my #1 over i59.
Great insight. that seems to be the trend with many that it was underwhelming. My biggest wonder for the i59 is if it is as forgiving as a blade and if it has similar forgiveness of the i210.
And it seems people who have played the iblades are the ones doing well with the i59.
I may need to hit the i210 and iblades to figure out the differences. I’m currently gaming the apex mbs.While I hit them well, I’m still searching for a bit more forgiveness.
I just. don’t. know.
I might have missed it but is there an i500 replacement coming out?
I was told spring, which could mean anywhere from Feb. to….. 2029 in this crazy world I suppose. Might not matter in the end as it sounds more in line with the past i500 than the i59 aluminum core design. Just adds to my unsureness about pulling the trigger.
Leaning towards doing it I think. Soon.
What is another set of irons to you . I am surprised you don’t have them already.
I’m really only thinking of doing it now because I might move on from some others. I like the look and shape and everything else I’ve said in this thread, but they don’t really jump out as must-haves at that price. Could be fun until the next long term set comes along though.
Just get it over with, looking forward to hearing how they stack up against your tcb’s
View attachment 9035693
Did it. Need to grab an MG3 gap wedge, but I think I’ll really like the look and feel transition between them. I feel like they’ll pair quite nicely.
Love it, can’t wait to hear how perform for u. What shafts?
Ooh can’t wait to hear your thoughts
The PX LS 6.0. It’s what I tested forever ago, and I enjoy it pretty well. They’ll surely change along the way though.
Feel like I’ve had a lot of thoughts in the various threads over time, but I will surely be adding more. I am definitely itching to get some more thorough and long term comparisons against other recent stuff for me ?
Some lazy pictures against my favorites. Definitely a little different progression.
I know you don’t need forgiveness but how would you compare to the zx7 or t100?
Oof. Loaded question. Lol It’s kinda like that MOI video and what forgiveness means to you. I honestly think from my time testing them that they’re fairly demanding compared to what we’re ‘told’ (as forgiving as the 210). I base that on my time with them and what I’ve seen from others hitting them. I’ve seen some pretty decent players struggle to find the consistency I have. I also saw a 12 cap smoothing then again and again, but I feel like he was outlier. As you know, individual strike and miss, and needs, always plays a role too. Like, if you climb, the ZX7 are way better than T100. If you’re thin, T100 have your back more. Etc, etc. As someone who doesn’t spin mid irons a ton, these seem to help and have been very consistent there. It’s been a while now since I really had these on grass though, so give me some rounds to refresh myself and I’ll have more thoughts there. I’m going to get after it pretty fast while the T100 are fresh in my mind.
Interesting. 5g was in the 5 iron, 6g in the 4i. Wonder what they’ll all be. I’ll have to check the rest later tonight.
7g in the 6i
5g in the 7i
6g in the 8i
5g in the 9i
5g in the PW
6g is the only one that’s solid. You could sneak a little lead in the tip of the others if you wanted.
I didnt see you ended up with a set of these.. Nice.. I guess it would be easier to see what you dont have. haha.
I actually feel like I exhibited a lot of self-control waiting this long. Lol
Should be fun. IF I can every get to the course today…
Today is looking terrible weather wise here. Tomorrow is looking marginal but I am going to try and bounce out tomorrow afternoon.
They sound crisp, did well in fairly tight wet turf today, and were really workable. Was able to move and flight them really well. Just noticably controllable.
Tee’d with the 4i some, hit a couple 5is, had a bit of a miss with a 6i into a par 5 from 200. Trying to work a mid draw from above my feet, pulled my hands in a bit and hit a toe-y push. Maybe 15′ right and a little short in the fringe. Easy 2 putt birdie from 30. Bunch of 9is and was able to work them well, just a little unfamiliar overall, and a couple weren’t affected by the wind as much as I expected.
Was good though. Scored my ass off but mostly from a hot putter, so trying to keep that in mind. Was a good start.
Playing the full set has me kind of doubling down on some thoughts I had in testing them that I couldn’t really share with more than a couple people at the time. My theory back forever ago in the poopshow that was this development and release what that the heads launched a fraction higher than they expected with the tech in the build. And that they worked some of the groove stuff and paired the shaft they did with it to bring them more in line with expectations of loft. And regardless of what I was told then and now, I still believe that. I think I casually mentioned it in one of the main threads while on monitor one day, but it’s been something I’ve noticed from the very beginning.
Not a big difference, and honestly some will want and love it in an iron like this. And they’ve been good. They’re crisp, really consistent for me, and have been pretty easy to play. The offset progression is over thing that jumps out at me. When you get to 4i, you (I) really notice some sudden and additional offset there. Hasn’t been an issue necessarily, but it feels like a draw club. I’m going to work it right a bit today and see how I do.
It rained a TON last night again, so I’ll get a chance to take them out in the mush at some point today and I think the soles will do well in it. Should be fun.
Posting this shot from today for multiple talking points.
1. I feel like the sound really comes through despite the wind and background noise. They sound and feel pretty crisp. It’s not a dull/soft sound, and it terminates quickly. Feel is pretty immediate. 1a. Cool morning has me really curious how the aluminum inside will feel in the cold.
2. I have noticed over the last week or so, that I am swinging them differently than my other clubs. Could be a combination of things and components, but I’ve felt it when I’m out there. I’m trying to control the flight. And I’ve had great success with it. They’re very controllable. It’s a little different than my typical stock-ish swing though. Little more shallow and slappy. My instinct is I’m reacting to the launch, or the soles through the turf.
3. So this is a 7i. Left wind. Couple yards downhill maybe. Regardless, that’s a pretty high 7i for me on a 3/4 swing. They have plenty of spin, which is great, but they do seem to get up.
4. That’s a 7i. From 192. With a 3/4 swing. I’ve seen some reviews where they’re getting far less in terms of speed compared to peers. I’ve haven’t seen that. I’ve seen a little less speed, less than 2mph, in a couple sessions, but they have also been done with a 5g heavier and ultimately different shaft. I have seen up to a degree higher launch and a little more spin too, which can add up to some yardage difference (more and/or less depending on person), but has been within 1/3 of club generally for me compared to others and right in line with the spin and other numbers. The ones I’ve seen of people getting far less, they have generally not hit them well.
5. 2 new people tried mine today. One thought they were pretty forgiving. One thought they were like blades. Lol I will try to pin down the type of swings and strike patterns that offer these different views.
God I love these irons- my game is presently in the dumps – except for the i59. Now, if they’ll release the i525 for the 5i, I’m set. Think I’m 13 outta 15 GIR with i59 presently
Good round, despite it being really cold, and having a real hard time getting loose and getting going. Ball wasn’t flying all day and I just couldn’t force it to early in the round.
i59 were good though. You can hear them a little more when everything’s cold, but they felt pretty much the same. No issue working them both ways and got more comfortable moving them as the round went on.
Plenty of spin in the short irons. Look and feel wise they match up with the MG3s better, but I might play them with my T22 a couple times for a spin transition comparison.
Has seemed like a real stable setup. Days shows a really even dispersion from the rounds so far, which is interesting. Mine always favor left a bit.
It was fun. Rock hard and fast greens and they handled them great. Blade-like handling even. Just with a little more forgiveness and wider sole.
Keyword headweight –
Mine are
4i – 246.1
5i – 252.5
6i – 260.5
7i – 267
8i – 274.5
9i – 280.6
P – 289.6
Since they have a little different toe weights, if I pull them all, they’re
4i – 240
5i – 247.5
6i – 253.6
7i – 262
8i – 268.5
9i – 275.6
P – 284.5
Got mine reshafted Recoil 110 F5 ssx1 – only need lead tape on the 9i to bring back the swing weight – otherwise effortless reshaft[golfworks ferrule works perfect]View attachment 9041577
Off to the range – finallyView attachment 9041867View attachment 9041868
Frost showed up today as well…..its time for the Sunshine state till spring
The short irons are a little different sole than I’m used to, but I’ve had good success with them. After yesterday and today I’m confident I could do most things I want with them. Misses have been small, and haven’t seen any dramatic gear effect so far. Mine all have between 5 & 7g in the toe, so nothing crazy.
Thomas talks about the differences he sees, and dispersion and stuff, but for people that just want to skip to the data.
View attachment 9042696
My instructor had a 7i in a stock shaft – was 35 loft (spec is 34) and 1/2 inch shorter. My spec is 37 inches for 7i. It was a stock graphite shaft.
But the 7i was consistent in terms of flight and yardage, and the look was great – compact blade, thin top line and feel was excellent. I was blown away.
Can’t wait to order those MP-22s – 223, 225 combo.
But I can see both sets by next Spring in the bag if all goes well. Impressive.
And things have gone well. They remain very consistent for me. On the number virtually every time. The spin window is nice.
Glad to hear you enjoyed them @Desmond !
I understand that for fitting purposes most retailers would like to keep the number of heads to a minimum. I like how Taylormade and Titleist have made their fitting irons somewhat similar to an adjustable driver tip in allowing different lie angles from the same head. I really wish Ping would do this. Being a taller person with short arms, it’s a different feeling of solid contact when my dynamic lie angle isn’t something like 5 degrees toe down.
It is also equally hard to try anything other than the 6/7iron for a fitting. For my purposes, the long irons of the i59 simply launch too low. And there’s no way to figure that out unless you hit them. At $250 a club, it seems like wasted money if they don’t work out. The way Globalgolf has the utry program is a step in the right direction. The sets are standard/stock everything though. I just want to try out a whole bunch of different products in real world conditions before committing my coin. I find myself paying for fitting "time" just to explore new product. /end rant
A combo set with an updated i500 for the 4i and 5i would be a lethal combination.
I recently read an article with the Ping Tour rep on Golf.com. He mentioned how the iblade and i59 could potentially co-exist due to different launch angles. I am not sure if Ping has discontinued iblade yet although I remember seeing it listed on the website recently. He was also hinting that this new manufacturing of i59 and discoveries associated with it would be a stepping stone for what’s designed next. This has me interested in a i500 update.
Now that you have had more time with them with your gamer shaft how do they stack up against the tcb’s? Also, how have they handled chatter? are they as durable as the iblades were?