Equipment

Greatest Ping irons of all time

Published

6 years ago

Apr 20, 2020

Ping Golf started as a family putter company simply working out of a garage. Today, it is one of the most forward-thinking, technology and data-driven golf companies in the world producing clubs in every category—all while still being 100-percent family-owned and operated. That’s something that can’t be said about any of the other major golf OEMs.

From a garage to an entire campus, which is what Ping likes to call its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, the company has produced some of the most iconic sets of irons ever made, and essentially invented game improvement clubs. And Ping still owns the title for producing the top-selling iron of all time. To look back at the history of Ping irons is to look at a timeline of constantly improving products and technology—and just like our other lists, some models stand out from the crowd.

These are the greatest Ping irons of all time.

Ping i3 (Blade & O-Size) – Released 2000

The Ping i3 makes its way onto this list for several reasons. It was the very first Ping iron to incorporate the CT—Custom Tuning Port—something that has become a staple in Ping designs. It was also the first series to offer both a smaller players version and a game improvement club in the i (eye) series with the i3 Blade and the i3 O-Size. The O-Size moniker was eventually retired with the introduction of the G series and the G2—a name that has become synonymous with easy-to-hit clubs.

As an “engineering” company first, the CTP allowed Ping to precisely control the clubhead weight without having to use tip weights in the hosels and up the shaft. Although it is common practice in club building, using tip weights shifts the center of gravity of the head closer to the hosel of the club (it is in no way a practical shift) or even noticeable, but from a design perspective, it exists, and Ping went the extra mile to reduce the effects.

The other thing the CTP did and still does to this day: eliminate unwanted vibration to improve the feel of the club. The i3 design was so popular, Ping only tweaked it with an improved sole when the i3+ launched two years later. The “Blade” head profile found a third life when it was brought back again years later with the i10.

Ping S59 – Released 2003

The S-Series forever changed the way better players viewed Ping irons. The irons that kicked off the revolution were the Ping S59‘s—one of the smallest, lowest launching, most workable Ping irons ever made (until the Blueprints came along).

It’s not that lower handicap players didn’t like previous Ping irons, because they had full PGA and LPGA Tour rosters that had no issue, but what drove the S59’s development was a demand from younger players who were part of Ping’s substantial college program for a more blade-like design—something Ping had never done before.

The key design element of the S59 is the stabilizing bar across the cavity above the CTP. It helps with producing a solid feel and precise distance control. Not long after the original S59, a newer version came along that was essentially the same club but with different aesthetics including a buffed sole and back along with for the very first time on a Ping iron—a ferrule!

A couple of fun facts on the S59s

Bubba Watson famously used them for over a decade on tour. As a player with no shortage of clubhead speed that loves to work the ball, he found no advantage to the newer models that boosted MOI until the S55.
In 2004, Ryan Moore used S59s irons to accomplish one of the most impressive seasons of amateur golf in the modern era when he won the U.S. Amateur (USGA), the Western Amateur (WGA), the U.S. Amateur Public Links (USGA), and the NCAA individual championship.

Ping ISI – Released 1998

The Ping ISI represents a bygone era of Ping irons. They were one of the last designs released before the CTP was introduced, and they were also the last series of irons that were produced in three different materials at varying price points: stainless steel, nickel, and BeCu beryllium copper.

The starburst pattern in the back cavity created extra stability behind the thinner face to improve feel, and there are subtle design cues to the Zing with the oversized toe and heel pieces to boost MOI.

There was a second version, the ISI K, which only came in stainless steel and was a larger head shape to the standard ISI. There are still one of the most popular irons of that era, but like many Ping irons of the ’90s they forever lived in the shadow of the Eye 2 and the many versions that were launched.

Ping Rapture – Released 2006

The Rapture irons earn their place on this list for what they represent in Ping’s iron and company history. The Rapture irons were the very first Ping irons to utilize a multi-material construction by combining a stainless steel body, thin titanium face, and tungsten toe weight to create the highest MOI iron Ping had ever produced to that point. The entire Rapture line was introduced as a separate premium line of clubs in 2006 and also showcased Ping’s first carbon composite crown driver.

From a company history perspective, the Rapture irons were also the very first irons to be made overseas. Up until 2006, every single Ping iron was produced in Ping’s own privately owned casting facility Dolphin, Inc (side note they manufacture products for several industries outside of golf and recently moved into a new facility just a couple of years ago when their previous plant was in the way of highway expansion).

Technology in the Rapture irons eventually trickled down to other club designs—like the S57’s, released in 2009, which had the same tungsten toe weighting to increase MOI in the much smaller shaped S-Series iron.

Ping Eye 2 – Released 1982

Buckle up for this history lesson!

The Ping Eye 2 is the best-selling set of irons of all time…period. I could write pages on this iron design and the simple brilliance of it. It was also the first Ping iron to be offered in beryllium copper (see title image).

The design was originally introduced in 1982 as the follow-up to the original Ping Eye iron, which got its name from the eye-shaped cavity that created the perimeter weighting. The Eye 2‘s were produced for over a decade and went through several iterations in shape, sole profile, and groove designs—the first being in 1984 when they upgraded from V to U grooves to increase spin consistency.

Then in 1985, Ping introduced what is known as the “square groove model.” The groove design itself is identical to the “U groove” with the only changes occurring in the spacing of the grooves on the face and a slight radius added. This reduced the surface area between the groove but did not change the distance between the inside edges of the grooves, which Karsten believed as an engineer was the proper way to measure groove spacing and not at the top of the radius—it was well within the rules of golf.

Unfortunately, the USGA and Karsten didn’t see eye to eye (no pun intended) on the grooves and this created one of the most monumental lawsuits in the history of golf. Here is the CliffsNotes version

After already being in production for several years with tens of thousands of sets sold, it was well documented that Ping Eye 2 irons seemed to spin a ball more than other irons. At the timem USGA regulations for golf equipment didn’t have a specific method to measure grooves, and Karsten measured from their vertical walls (see above graphic), while the USGA measured the groove from where the groove radius met the face. The variance between the two measuring methods was .005 inch, but the USGA still wanted to deem then non-conforming.
The famous shot that really caused this to get out of hand was an 8-iron from the rough hit by Mark Calcavecchia at the 1989 Open Championship at Troon that not only hit the green but almost sucked back—out of the rough!
Karsten decided to take the USGA to court and in August, 1989, sued the USGA and the R&A for $100 million on the grounds of restraint of trade. Karsten Manufacturing (Ping) settled out of court with the USGA in 1991.
Karsten brought a similar $100 million lawsuit towards the PGA Tour in 1991 after they attempted to enact a local rule that Eye 2’s could not be played on tour. Both Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer (who we should note didn’t use Ping irons) were on the side of the Tour. The Tour was seriously concerned about the financial damage the lawsuit would have if they lost.
Most of the golfing world had sided with Ping in the court of public opinion, and only six days before the lawsuit was scheduled to go to trial, Karsten Solheim changed his mind and agreed to settle out of court. No money, beyond lawyers fees, was ever paid, and in return Karsten only required the USGA along with the PGA Tour grandfather in the Eye 2 model in question, made from 1985 to 1989. This is why when the USGA officially changed the groove rule in 2010 some players went back to the last ’80s model Ping wedges because they were still conforming based on the 1991 lawsuit.

During all of this, Ping Eye 2 irons continued to sell extremely well, which is why, to this day, it’s difficult not to come across a set at either a local muni, used club rack, or even the odd club at a swap meet. They were seemingly everywhere and helped make Ping the company it is today.

Soon after, the Eye 2+ (Plus) model was introduced with an improved sole design, and with it one of the most famous wedges of all time was born. Check out the video below for the full explanation by yours truly.

GolfWRXers, what is your favorite Ping iron of all time?

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Ryan Barath

Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

31 Comments

one word

Oct 7, 2023 at 6:36 pm

Great post! I’m a big fan of Ping irons and have tried a few over the years. I think my favorite is the PING G5.

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Yes Or No Spinner

Jan 31, 2023 at 7:06 pm

Great post! I’m a big fan of Ping irons and have tried a few over the years. I think my favorite is the PING G5.

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Jeff Hoagland

Jan 23, 2023 at 4:15 pm

Love my i3 blades. Just started playing with them again and wondered why I ever stopped! Bought them when my oldest daughter was born 19 years ago. Both are fantastic!

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Bob

Oct 11, 2022 at 11:36 pm

The ISI is the sum of Karsten Solheim’s work in irons and wedges to the mid 90’s. He died in early 2000. It combined all the best features of the Eye and Zing series into this final design.

I have 3 sets of irons that I will never sell and the ISI is one of them.

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- Jack
  
  May 6, 2023 at 3:04 pm
  
  What are the other two set?
  
  Reply Report comment
- P.T.Deming
  
  May 28, 2023 at 12:59 am
  
  I still love my ISI-K irons. I have hit newer Callaways , Taylor Made’s and newer Ping’s. The newer clubs are nice but gimme my good old Ping ISI-K’s please!!
  
  Reply Report comment
tungsten rings

Apr 18, 2022 at 4:50 am

I got this website from my buddy who informed me about this
website and now this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative
content at this place.

Reply Report comment
Mark Woytalewicz

Jul 7, 2021 at 10:30 am

Shot my best round ever (69) with the ISI-S Nickel irons in the late 90’s. I have a set of the be-cu ISI-S for the last 10 years, sent them to Ping to be re-shafted, gripped, and cleaned up, I take them out once in a while, last time out shot 73 with 30 year old irons, not the arrow, it’s the Indian.

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Donn Rutkoff

Mar 19, 2021 at 2:29 pm

Quick question. I have a ISI 5 iron, it is copper color but does not say BeCu anywhere. did Ping put “BeCu” anywhere on the ISI copper heads? It is genuine Ping, a z-Z65 shaft and old Ping stripey grip.

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mick

Apr 27, 2020 at 1:45 pm

PING I3 Blades. Still awesome !!!

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Growing in Ping Appreciation

Apr 21, 2020 at 8:45 am

I was never a fan of Ping irons growing up and thought they should be illegal. However, since seeing the progression of the iron development over the years and going to Phoenix to see the facilities, I have a tremendous appreciation for the family, the company and the engineering of the designs. I liked several models since 2000 but loved the i10 with ZZ lite. At the time, it was one of the best irons I had ever played. The S57, S56 and S55 were tremendous as well. Now, the iblade is my all time favorite iron! The iblade looks wonderful, is solid, soft, and glides through the turf exceptionally well for me. The trajectory is beautiful and the ball stops great. other than the fact I love to play blades and test new things, it will be hard to get these out of my bag. I may have to get a back-up set!

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BillyG

Apr 20, 2020 at 11:32 pm

When was the micro taper offered as the stock shaft in the Eye 2?

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- Shallowface
  
  Apr 21, 2020 at 7:56 am
  
  It never was the stock shaft, but it was an option they offered for years.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - BillyG
    
    Apr 21, 2020 at 8:40 pm
    
    Thanks! I had a set of copper Eye 2 that had that shaft. I did not know the year because they were used. Thought maybe the shaft offering could help. Wish I had not sold them because they were 1-LW. Even had an old Dale Head Anser.
    
    Reply Report comment
M.Coz

Apr 20, 2020 at 4:22 pm

Without the K-1 there may have never been any Ping iron business! They were dramatically different from anything ever made up to that point. Nothing was even close. Popularized investment cast irons, first really successful offset iron. The first playable and well used 1-iron that by itself found its way into golf bags everywhere especially on Tours round the world. I still have my set of K-1s that I used in College, mine are the flat soled Pre-Dot model. I haven’t played the set in over 46 years, although I continued to carry the 1-iron for many years afterwards. They had really light swingweights and they were a club longer than any other clubs at that time. Interestingly the Eye 2s were actually shorter in distance.

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Mark

Apr 20, 2020 at 2:32 pm

I had Ping Eye-2 Red Dot 1-SW back in 83-88. If I remember correctly, I had to wait for them since Ping was backlogged. I eventually sold them to my friend who still has them. I go over to his house just to look at them from time to time.

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Chilidip68

Apr 20, 2020 at 12:35 pm

Interesting that you have the S59 2 iron pictured. I have a set of the S59’s I played from ’03-’13. That 2 iron has “negative” bounce and I found it unplayable. The 3 iron was fine for me. I emailed Ping at the time and they said it was to help get under the ball but I think as a design it was a fail. Interested to hear anyone else’s experience with that. I get the concept but just don’t think it works.

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- Stanley
  
  Apr 30, 2020 at 9:24 am
  
  That’s pretty interesting. Unfortunately, I don’t have have experience with these. But I can say that delofting a club tends to take away bounce. I wonder if the sole was designed specifically for the 2 iron
  
  Reply Report comment
Stump

Apr 20, 2020 at 12:25 pm

When I started golf, the Eye2 was the HOT club…I could barely afford a no name set of clubs and I longed to have a set of Eye2s. After 30 years, I finally bought a set of the old Eye2s. They are fun to take out occasionally.

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CaryK

Apr 20, 2020 at 11:33 am

One of the more interesting stories not mentioned is the Ping Eye2 +/no/+ model that had the highly desired square grooves with the new and improved Eye2+ sole and rear cavity design. They were only made from Nov 1989 to Mar 1990. So it was a VERY limited run. This model does NOT have the “+” symbol in the back cavity. It might be the holy grail of Ping irons. And it’s all part of the Ping lure.

As an FYI, I still have a brand new (numbers matching; 1-LW) set of these historic irons in my closet!

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MikeB

Apr 20, 2020 at 11:04 am

Ping Zings were my very first set of brand name irons, even had the Zing2 driver. Also owned all three versions of the ISI irons, stainless, copper and nickel. The BeCu ones I had the longest, and shot my lowest round, 5 under 67 in the late 90’s. I remember playing on sand based soil for the first time, with the BeCu, in Santee, SC, and about cried when the softness of the copper met sand, oh my the “gouging” on the face! Being anal isn’t very relaxing, kept plenty of Coca-Cola on hand to keep them nice and shiny. Recieved a matching numbers set of EYE2’s BeCu as a birthday gift back in the early 2000’s, played them one time, then returned them. With the grooves, didn’t like the enhanced spin because everything kept coming up short, aside from that, they felt great but didn’t replace the ISI’s. Played the TiSI driver, cringed at the time paying I think $200, until the face caved, and was sent the TiSI Tec as a replacement. Was definitely a PING fanboy back in the day, still use on occasion for fun the 1A putter, and have Glide 2 wedges in the bag.

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David G Scheiffele

Apr 20, 2020 at 10:15 am

Still gaming the I3 Blades after 20 years. I may need to switch shafts soon, but they don’t look any different than after the first season of play.

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Bob Jones

Apr 20, 2020 at 9:46 am

When I bought new irons in 2000, it came down to the Ping i3+ and the Hogan Apex blades. Hogan won, but only because of looks. The i3+ were really good irons, too.

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- Mike arnokd
  
  Apr 20, 2020 at 8:35 pm
  
  They are Tanks. Great USA made irons.
  
  Reply Report comment
Keith Finley

Apr 20, 2020 at 9:43 am

ISI is not well-liked generally. It was supposed to unite the playability of the eye 2 and stability of Zing 2. It did not.
For many people, the G10 and S58 are benchmark irons – and the last made in USA.
My list (having owned 27 sets of Pings over the years… )
Karsten 1 – ridiculously playable still, started it all.
Eye 2 + – subtle improvements to the icon.
Zing 2 – less ugly than Zing, still fun to play.
G10 – loft to loft practically indistinguishable from new G series for most players.
S56 – finally got the S formula right.
Blueprint – just because.

Reply Report comment
- Colin K
  
  Apr 20, 2020 at 12:18 pm
  
  I don’t agree at all on the ISIs. In fact, I think many people (including, the story goes, Karsten S himself) regarded them as the very best of the ‘classic’ Ping irons. They were a huge improvement on the toe-heavy Zings and the super-thick topline Zing 2s, and were the only Ping iron ever to be released in steel, BeCu and BeNi (as well as oversized, although the ISI-Ks were as clunky as the Zing/2s.
  
  Reply Report comment
Geoffrey Holland

Apr 20, 2020 at 9:29 am

I’ve had sets of k2s, k3+, and isi nickel. The best Ping club I’ve ever had though is your basic eye 2 1 iron, either steel or beryllium.
I’ve never owned a Ping wood but I did probably hit the longest drive I ever hit the very first time I ever swung an old laminated eye 2 driver. Just ridiculously long.

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JB

Apr 20, 2020 at 8:59 am

How in the world are the S55’s not on the list???

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- Clay
  
  Apr 20, 2020 at 8:51 pm
  
  I have to agree here, I still have a set of S55’s in great condition and haven’t found anything that beats them. A limited few irons are as good, but not better.
  
  Reply Report comment
- gallas2
  
  Apr 21, 2020 at 9:18 am
  
  agree. S55’s are still used on tour (Mackenzie Hughs and others) and Champions tour (Scott McCarron). Also conspicuous is their absence are my all time fav Ping i5’s. Used by many tour pros including Calcavechia (who used them in part to set the tour record 9 birdies in a row at Canadian Open I believe….)
  
  Reply Report comment
Shallowface

Apr 20, 2020 at 8:52 am

I have a soft spot for the older Pings, particularly the EYE and the Karsten II. I just preferred the shape of those heads to the EYE2.

I still regularly use the I3 O-Size irons and the original EYE2 Sand Wedge.

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

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.

Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

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”

Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

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