PING s55 Irons: paint peeling off toe of 4/7 irons

[babycuts]

Hey guys,

I purchased my s55 irons through my golf club about 6 years ago. I don't remember exactly when the paint started to peel, but it was definitely under a year after I bought them. My set is 4-PW, and the 5,6, 8, and 9 irons are all bubbled and peeled at the toe, I'm not really sure why I didn't do anything about it when I first noticed to be honest, obviously the finish shouldn't be bubbling and peeling after a year. ANYWAYS, its been 6 years.. but now they just look horrible and my 7 irons has begun to bubble as well. I had G25 irons previously and never had this problem.

Do you guys think PING will fix or replace my irons after this much time? Would they only replace the defective clubs or the whole set?

 

Thanks!!

 

[erikro]

I’d be surprised if they did but all you can do is try.

[DFS PFD]

Had you contacted them 5 years ago I'm sure they would've addressed it. 6 years later however, i doubt they'll feel inclined to do anything...

[Reds]

Ping has great customer service and I remember in the past they had de-lamination issues with ceartain irons. The 55s may have been one of them. Id give them a call. I bet they help you somehow.

[BCULAW]

Can't hurt to call. If it is the chrome, then I would guess they will still address it.

 

[2Down]

what paint is there on an s55. I remember it being kinda clean.

[babycuts]

its like a satin chrome. Ive seen various posts about this kind of finish peeling and bubbling, especially with the S55

[2Down]

Thanks. Went and looked at one. (2nd swing is my illustrated encyclopedia) I thought of that as more of a glued on thingy. Seen more than a few pings where a bit of plastic badging or wieght port thing was missing.

 

[cardoustie]

They should look after it

[Nessism]

You want Ping to warranty a 6 year old set of irons due to a cosmetic issue? Ping has good customer service but personally I'd be embarrassed to even ask at this point. Back in those days Ping was having some issue with peeling chrome on various sets and they did replace a bunch of heads and/or sets under warranty, but that ship has sailed a long time ago.

[sdandrea]

They just don't make them like they used to. The move from the Phoenix foundry to China changed everything. The less-than-two-year-keep-up-with-TM-and-Callaway-product-cycle changed things too. I think quality has dropped. I'm enjoying collecting and playing PING's older indestructible models. They perform well for me and they still look great to my eye.

[alexdub]

I had a set of s57s that had the delamination issue and contacted Ping about it. Sent in my set and they ended up replacing 3 of the irons free of charge. This was back in January 2017, so about 8 years after the 57s were released.

I wouldn't go in expecting that they will warranty them, but it doesn't hurt to make a call. Worst they can say is no!

[Bad9]

I think the move away from 17-4 stainless to softer steels and the increased use of coatings, badges, etc has far more to do with it rather than where they are made.

[sdandrea]

I agree. I guess my point is their drive to keep up with other OEMs, caused them to move away from some of the guiding principles that made them unique. I miss the old PING.

[cardoustie]

I did have two of my s57 irons de-laminate on the toe ... Ping replaced

no issues with the s56 and s55's

[babycuts]

I just contacted PING and they have asked me to send my set to them. If they deem them to be defective they will send me a new set. Unfortunately they will not be replacing them with S55, and have said in the case they are defective, would replace them with the closest product to date (iblade?). I understand its cosmetic, but spending 1200 on a set and having a 2 inch piece of chrome falling off the 5-iron toe is insanity, regardless of whether they were bought 6 years ago or not. My friend (who plays significantly more than me) has AP2's from 2010 that look newer than my s55's. I am a huge PING guy (13/14 clubs) and I really hope they stand by their word. I went for the s55 because I loved the idea of durability compared to forged irons, and so far, that just has not been the case. Will keep you guys updated,

cheers.

[Zigzog]

They will look after you.

I have to say though I would rather have the S55s than a set of Iblades - just my preference having played with both. I am using my S55s at the moment, they are an all time great for me.

[babycuts]

I bought these irons when I was in my last year of junior competition and club eligibility. Since then I have barely been able to play (maybe 5 rounds a year). Yes, it has been 6 years, but, I would say they have about 30 rounds on them in the 6 years. When I would return home from school after 3 months, the bubbling would start on another club that was just sitting in my basement. I don't think there is anything embarrassing having defective clubs replaced. And even if it was, what?? I'm not trying to get engaged to "Cindy" from ping customer support... She was very helpful and nice however...

[babycuts]

I completely agree, I asked if they could just fix the affected irons instead but they said they don't do that anymore. LOVE my s55's, and older pings in general, i still play the tour S wedges, g25 driver, g20 3 wood. I have tried new gear but nothing compares for me. iblades wouldn't be the end of the world but the s55's are just CLASS

[babycuts]

just to update you guys and give ping some credit, they have sent me a brand new set of iblades and even reached out to ask if I would like to customize the lofts/lies/lengths free of charge. While I am disappointed the s55's didnt work out I am thrilled with the customer service. PING is the bomb. Im not sure if the iblades will be as dope as the s55's but at least they won't look shredded. Cheers guys.