Equipment
Spotted: Ping iBlade irons
Ping’s new iBlade irons, the much anticipated successor to the company’s S55 irons, will make their debut at The Players Championship this week.
Ping isn’t releasing any details on its new blade irons until late summer, according to a company representative, but that won’t stop GolfWRXers from speculating. We snapped in-hand photos of each of the new irons (3-PW) here, and have added photos of the 3 iron, 7 iron and Pitching Wedge below.
3 iron
7 Iron
Pitching Wedge
See what GolfWRX Members are saying about Ping’s new iBlade irons in our forum.
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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golfraven
May 13, 2016 at 6:30 am
I like it when they show the 3 iron but who plays those appart from pros and folks who are playing for 30+years. Though I could see those in the bag but will stick with my i20s till something blows my mind.
Officer Smizzle
May 11, 2016 at 6:05 am
Someone hijacked Double Mocha Man’s name on another article and posted “69” when answering a question from Ron M. about his putter loft…. If anyone knows any details about who did this please let me or golfwrx know (preferably me)
KTM2000
May 11, 2016 at 3:39 am
Amazingly beautiful. If I had the game and wasn’t so fond of my i25 irons I would write the check right now.
Chuck D
May 10, 2016 at 4:01 pm
Let the Summer 2016 arms race begin!! Cleveland? Mizuno? Spalding? Ram? What say you? Even Northwestern “Target’s golf club of the moment” has new irons in the sports department.
Ca
May 11, 2016 at 12:18 am
What a total douche get this girl off the site now
Shank
May 10, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Why are these called “Blade”? Thought just about every blade was forged…
Oh well…marketing at its best!
Christosterone
Jun 23, 2016 at 5:53 pm
Ping uses deflationary protracted recession forging on some irons, especially at their Japanese foundry….
A blade is simply a colloquial term used to broadly define a style of club with a thin(ish) topline, minimal offset(respectively), and a lack of traditional cavity…
Historically it was assumed that a blade would be forged chrome and have very little in terms of angles and then search… That has obviously changed technology and God’s abilities of five decades…was assumed that a blade would be forged chrome and have very little in terms of angles and then search… That has obviously changed our golf sensibilities due to technology over the past 5 decades…
In short, a blade of today could be considered a game improvement iron of the 70s…
Hope that helps
-Christosterone
Insider
May 10, 2016 at 8:58 am
been product testing these for the past 3 months. super clean at address, soft feel, really workable. the leading edge of the club has a lot of turf response.
Billy
May 10, 2016 at 12:08 pm
Forgiveness wise how do they compare to the 55’s?
Insider
May 10, 2016 at 2:50 pm
ap2 type forgiveness/playability tungsten weight horizontally in back semi cavity helps with medium ball flight. improves forgiveness, and just lets the angle of the club face contribute to the flight of the ball.
Insider
May 10, 2016 at 2:54 pm
you obviously play at a pristine country club with a moisture controlled fairway. If you ever play in a dry/hard packed fairway as in desert or river bed areas you will like knowing that the leading edge of the club will enter the turf, and the bounce will bring it back up.
Insider
May 10, 2016 at 11:30 pm
I’m just messing with you. Not even a product tester lol no offense buddy.
Officer Smizzle
May 11, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Lol. Love it!!
Unfortunately I gotta be serious… I’m working Mocha-gate. It’s a case from another article I took over from “deano the hall monitor”… Appreciate any help
SD
May 10, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Smizzle is a douche nozzle
KK
May 9, 2016 at 8:13 pm
Mizuno designers: “Dayum, these suckers are clean.”
KCCO
May 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm
These are insane….wowwww
Pool Party
May 9, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Sorry Bob Parsons!!!
Pool Party
May 9, 2016 at 7:08 pm
🙂
Kevin
May 9, 2016 at 4:35 pm
Perfect, I was looking to snag a set of s55s in the next few months. Ill have to check these out, or get a sweet deal on the s55s.
Nath
May 9, 2016 at 4:30 pm
i like
cgasucks
May 9, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Me likey!!!!
SmokingGun
May 9, 2016 at 1:12 pm
S55 with blank cavity!!! Nothing like forged irons!!!
Benseattle
May 9, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Uh….. Sorry but Ping has never made a forged iron. Where do you get the impression that they are starting now?
KCCO
May 9, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Ummmmm…..not true, anser?
matto
May 9, 2016 at 8:01 pm
-1. Wrong.
David Labbe
May 10, 2016 at 10:31 am
@Benseattle
Do your research.
Benseattle
May 11, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Sorry about that.. it must be what they call “early onset” or a senior moment. What I should have said was “where are the forged Ping Anser irons here in 2016?” Not on the Ping website.
Tim
May 9, 2016 at 12:40 pm
I’ve never been a Ping guy (except I’ve liked a few of their bags and accessories – like my trusty rain hood), but these look awesome. If they don’t add any weird colors or rubber pieces, I’d at least demo them. Ping stuff has always looked a little more industrial than I prefer, but these are stylish while still being clearly “Ping.”
SPANKY
May 9, 2016 at 2:19 pm
sure tool
KK
May 9, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Yup. Tim, you’re that guy.
Nice
May 10, 2016 at 3:02 am
HAHAHAHA ya got her where it hurts! Nice.
Scooter McGavin
May 9, 2016 at 12:04 pm
Several of the FB comments saying how they look just like Glide irons… but that’s what people wanted…
iC
May 9, 2016 at 11:49 am
You mean iCavity.
Not a blade.
Next!
christian
May 10, 2016 at 12:16 am
Ha ha, exactly my thought. And they they will test them agains real blades and marvel about the “forgiveness” they have. Like when they test S55s against blades in the “better player category”
cody
May 9, 2016 at 11:19 am
guessing around a $1200 for 8 club price tag.
Chris
May 9, 2016 at 11:12 am
S55 without the cavity lines and different badging. Not exactly earth shattering
Tyler
May 9, 2016 at 10:33 am
I can’t image the one that comes to retail being this clean. Hopefully they don’t put anything in the cavity/empty space area
JS69
May 9, 2016 at 9:54 am
Meh…
digitalbroccoli
May 9, 2016 at 9:47 am
I’m diggin them. Clean, understated…everything I like about Ping.
iC
May 9, 2016 at 11:50 am
Haha, that was funny
Konklifer
May 9, 2016 at 9:36 am
Did GolfWRX credit @jonathanrwall for this pic?
Greg
May 9, 2016 at 2:31 pm
It wasn’t Jonathan’s photo. The 1st photo posted was a stock photo that Ping sent to all the golf media people
Chuck
May 9, 2016 at 9:35 am
Hope to get specs soon. Lofts, and especially offset #’s.
By late summer, Ping should have full rights to offer DG AMT, right?
Ryan
May 9, 2016 at 9:21 am
So why not the s blade to keep the lines simple? It looks great though. Hopefully they expanded the custom shaft offerings. You couldn’t put a DG in the S55 without an up charge.
Makuakane_Bear
May 9, 2016 at 8:57 am
WOW!!! They look fantastic! If it performs better than my S55s they can take my money!
Christosterone
May 9, 2016 at 8:49 am
soooooo, where do I send my money??
SPANKY
May 9, 2016 at 2:19 pm
why would a hack want those?
Jacob
May 9, 2016 at 8:45 am
Now Apple will have to think up a different name if they start making irons.
MBA-J
May 9, 2016 at 8:39 am
It looks as if they didn’t stray too far away from the aesthetics of the S55, and that’s a good thing. These look fantastic!