Ping Irons By Year – A History of Excellence

Ping, one of the most highly touted golf brands in the industry, has been producing high-quality golf clubs for over five decades. Their irons, in particular, have become a popular choice among both amateur and professional golfers, thanks to their innovative designs and professional reliability on the course. Over the years, Ping has released various series of irons, which have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in golf equipment and furthered what golfers can do on the course.

Starting with the Karsten series in the late 1960s, Ping irons have come a long way, passing through notable models such as the Eye, Eye2, and ISI Irons. Each of these innovative contributions to the golf world has helped players enhance their game and improve performance on the course.

As we take a closer look at the list of Ping irons by year, we hope to give you a better view into the contributions Ping has brought to the golf industry. Ping’s innovations in their irons in 2023 dating all the way back to the 1970s show that they are a brand you can rely on for quality and trust every time you want to hit greens in your game.

Here’s a detailed view of all the irons that Ping has ever released:

Ping Irons By Year – From the 60s to Today

What Irons Has Ping Made in 2023?

Ping G430

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The Ping G430 irons are a new offering designed to provide significant distance gains without impacting the forgiveness that PING is renowned for. These irons feature a cascading sole design and more flexible face to increase launch and ball speed. The expanded custom tuning port and undercut cavity design further improve forgiveness, making these irons a great choice for game improvement in 2021.

Ping G430 HL

For golfers seeking higher launch and maximum forgiveness, the Ping G430 HL irons deliver exceptional performance. The high-launch version of the G430 irons are specifically engineered to provide an ideal combination of distance, forgiveness, and trajectory control. With a larger, more flexible face and perimeter weighting, the G430 HL irons offer the ultimate in game improvement for players seeking higher ball flights and increased stability on off-center hits.

Ping i230

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The Ping i230 irons represent a blend of feel, control, and forgiveness for players who seek improved performance. These irons feature a compact head design, minimal offset, and a thinner topline, appealing to golfers who prefer a players-style iron. The internal custom tuning port improves perimeter weighting, increasing forgiveness, while the precision milled face enhances spin control for added shot-making precision. The i230 irons are a fitting addition to the Ping lineup for those looking for a more traditional look without sacrificing forgiveness.

Ping G LE3

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Designed specifically for women golfers, the Ping G LE3 irons deliver impressive distance, accuracy, and control. These irons feature a lighter overall weight and optimized lengths to promote greater clubhead speed for increased distance. The co-molded cavity badge provides a superb feel, while the perimeter weighting and wide soles contribute to exceptional forgiveness. The G LE3 irons are the perfect choice for women looking to enhance their iron game with a set of clubs tailored to their unique needs.

Overview Of Ping Irons By Decade

Ping Irons In The 2020s

In the 2020s, Ping has continued its reputation for innovation and performance. The i525, released in 2022, is known as a Players Distance Iron and has been compared to the TaylorMade P790 irons. The G430s, launched on January 26, 2023, provide significant distance gains without compromising forgiveness that Ping is known for.

Ping Irons In The 2010s

The 2010s saw consistent evolution in the design and technology of Ping irons. The decade began with the release of Ping G15 and i15 irons, showcasing the brand’s commitment to precision and performance. Throughout the decade, subsequent releases such as the G30, i200, and G400 series further advanced forgiveness, consistency, and customization options.

Ping Irons In The 2000s

Ping continually pushed boundaries in the 2000s with irons that redefined distance and control. Starting with the i3 Blade and i3 O Size in 2000, the brand introduced a variety of groundbreaking features, including a multi-material structure for optimized performance. Ping’s S59 irons, released in 2003, gained a following for their precision and consistency. The 2000s ended with the G10 and Rapture V2 series, known for delivering a unique combination of playability and forgiveness.

Ping Irons In The 1990s

The 1990s marked a crucial period in the evolution of Ping irons, as they launched numerous models that catered to different golfer preferences and abilities. The decade began with Eye2+, Eye2 Dot, Zing, and Zing BeCu, emphasizing consistency and control. Later, in 1994, the Zing 2 and Zing 2 BeCu were introduced, alongside ISI Irons, ISI K, ISI BeCu, and ISI Nickel in 1996. These developments reflected Ping’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement throughout the 90s.

Ping Irons In The 1980s & Earlier

Ping’s iron history goes back to the late 1960s and early 1980s when Karsten I, Karsten II, Karsten III, and Karsten IV irons were released. The 1980s saw the launch of several iconic irons like the Eye in 1978 and Eye2 in 1982. The Eye2 Square Groove in 1985 and Eye2 BeCu in 1986 further gained prominence. By the end of the 1980s, Ping irons had become a staple in the world of golf, known for their innovative design, exceptional performance, and unmatched forgiveness.

How Did Ping Get Its Start In The Golf Industry?

Karsten Solheim, a golf enthusiast and inventor, started Ping in 1959 in his Redwood City, California garage. He created his first putter, the “PING 1A,” which made a unique “ping” noise when it hit the golf ball. This noise became the inspiration for the company’s name. In 1962, a Ping putter won a PGA Tour event for the first time, marking the beginning of the company’s success.

Solheim continued to design and produce innovative golf clubs, such as the Anser putter. This putter had an offset hosel, which allowed golfers to see the putter face better and improve their shot accuracy. Solheim also helped to create the Solheim Cup, a biennial competition between the best female golfers from the U.S. and Europe that started in 1990.

Ping has always been a leader in golf club technology. The company was the first to offer perimeter-weighted golf clubs, which increased the sweet spot of the club and reduced the effects of mis-hits. This technique is still widely used today.

Ping also achieved another breakthrough in 1972 when it introduced the color-code fitting system. Golfers could now buy clubs that matched their height and swing by looking at the colored dots on the club, which showed the lie angle. This innovative method of custom fitting added a new dimension of personalization to the sport.

Some of the most famous Ping clubs are the Anser putter, which has been used in more than 500 professional golf victories, and the Ping Eye 2 irons, which debuted in 1982 and are still among the company’s best-selling irons. Ping never stopped experimenting with new technologies and materials, launching successful club models like the ISI Irons in 1998 and the i3 (Blade & Oversized) irons in 2000.

Today, Ping is still a family-owned business with Karsten Solheim’s son, John Solheim, as Chairman and CEO, and his grandson as vice-president of engineering. Following Karsten’s vision of innovation, the company remains committed to making cutting-edge golf equipment that both professional and amateur golfers love.

What Advantage Do Ping Irons Have Over The Competition?

Ping irons offer several advantages over competitors like Callaway, Titleist, and Taylormade. One of the key factors that set Ping irons apart from their competition is the incorporation of perimeter weighting in their club design. This innovation, pioneered by Ping’s founder Karsten Solheim, shifts much of the clubhead’s weight to its perimeter, providing a higher moment of inertia (MOI) and better overall forgiveness on shots. This is particularly beneficial for golfers who may not consistently hit the sweet spot on their irons. No one is perfect, after all!

In addition to perimeter weighting, another core advantage of Ping irons lies in their commitment to technological advancements. Over the years, the company has consistently introduced new technologies to improve overall performance, such as the COR-Eye technology found in their G Max Irons. This technology encourages faster ball speeds, allowing golfers with slower swing speeds to achieve greater distance on their shots.

The quality and feel of Ping irons also stand out among other golf club manufacturers. With a reputation for producing high-quality, investment-cast clubs, Ping ensures that each club adheres to strict quality control measures. This, in turn, results in clubs that provide a superior level of consistency in terms of both feel and performance.

In a realm where the fitting process is integral to a golfer’s success, Ping was the first to offer factory fitting options, allowing golfers to receive clubs tailored to their specific physical characteristics and swing tendencies. The custom fitting process developed by Ping, which consists of over 100 data inputs and covers everything from driver to putter, remains one of the most comprehensive in the industry.

Overall, it is the combination of quality, feel, advanced technology, and commitment to custom fitting that sets Ping irons apart from other golf club manufacturers. Golfers seeking a distinct advantage over their competition should strongly consider incorporating Ping irons into their game.

Wrapping Up

Ping irons have demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation throughout the years. Considering a golfer’s handicap is crucial in determining the appropriate iron set to maximize performance. For high-handicap players, the G series irons offer more forgiveness, while for those with lower handicaps, the i59 series provides a combination of precision and control.

The PGA Tour has seen an increase in players using Ping irons, thanks to their advanced technology and attention to detail. With this in mind, golfers can feel confident that they are using clubs endorsed by professionals when selecting Ping irons. Rest assured, Ping will continue to be a relevant brand in the golf industry for years to come.