In hand photos of the Ping i500 irons (MERGED)

[vinprun71]

Whaaat? Can you clarify what you said, because I keep reading it and thinking... huh?

 

He's saying, it's common to think i500s for shorter irons given their design, but because of them being smaller and less offset, it would be smarter to go i210s on the shorter irons and i500s on the longer. Make sense?

 

Ya, that is a lot more clear, and in line with convention. Thanks.

 

As above, the opposite. People often say they don't like offset, but it helps a vast majority of people make better contact. The i500s have very little offset, same as the iblade, and similar to the callaway apex MB/titleist 718 MB. Ping does not consider the i500 more forgiving than the i210, in fact the i210 has a higher MOI. A lot of people have trouble with the i500 long irons. I suspect the small blade size and minimal offset plays a role. In our database of fittings, most people hit the i210 long irons better (which again should not be a surprise, the i210 has a higher MOI, larger blade and more offset...) So yes, people that go by the numbers more often go i210 in the long irons (compared to i500), but even more go g700 for long irons (which are a huge step up in forgiveness in what is still a pretty good looking package).

 

Just re-read my original reply. I must've been drunk or something. The original statement was i210 in longer irons i500 in shorter, even though people would think the opposite. The blade length and offset make the 500s easier to hit in the shorter irons. Sorry for the mix up, but a couple of you were there to correct my statement. Thank you.

[High Draws Low Fades]

Whaaat? Can you clarify what you said, because I keep reading it and thinking... huh?

 

He's saying, it's common to think i500s for shorter irons given their design, but because of them being smaller and less offset, it would be smarter to go i210s on the shorter irons and i500s on the longer. Make sense?

 

Ya, that is a lot more clear, and in line with convention. Thanks.

 

As above, the opposite. People often say they don't like offset, but it helps a vast majority of people make better contact. The i500s have very little offset, same as the iblade, and similar to the callaway apex MB/titleist 718 MB. Ping does not consider the i500 more forgiving than the i210, in fact the i210 has a higher MOI. A lot of people have trouble with the i500 long irons. I suspect the small blade size and minimal offset plays a role. In our database of fittings, most people hit the i210 long irons better (which again should not be a surprise, the i210 has a higher MOI, larger blade and more offset...) So yes, people that go by the numbers more often go i210 in the long irons (compared to i500), but even more go g700 for long irons (which are a huge step up in forgiveness in what is still a pretty good looking package).

 

Ping does consider the i500 more forgiving than the i210. That's how they list it on their chart showing forgiveness and distance. The blade size is definitely longer in the i500 long irons. I play the i210 4-pw and i500 3 iron. Noticeably longer blade in the i500. Yes, there's less offset, so that could give people problems. As well as less loft, which could also give people problems in elevating the club. I find the i210 long irons easier to get airborne, but not more forgiving. The misses with the i500 don't feel as good, but I would say they turn out better than with the i210.

[jjfcpa]

Been playing the i500's for about a month and half and really enjoying them. Previously, I played the Callaway Apex CF16's.

 

While the i500's seem to be about a 1/2 club longer except for the W, there seems to be a gapping issue with the W vs 9i. I'm not a long hitter and I'm 70 years old so my distances may seem underwhelming, but it is what it is.

 

Club Distances

W 80 - 90

9i 100 - 110

 

There seems to be a gap between the W and 9i I can't explain other than the W seems a little more lofted than it should be.

 

So how do I fix this so I can get another 10 yards out of my W? I could put my CF16 W back in the bag, but the feel is different enough that I don't really want to do that.

 

Do I go with a i500 W in power spec, i210 W in power spec, or G700 W in power spec to overcome this gapping issue. Suggestions appreciated.

[matchavez]

Been playing the i500's for about a month and half and really enjoying them. Previously, I played the Callaway Apex CF16's.

 

While the i500's seem to be about a 1/2 club longer except for the W, there seems to be a gapping issue with the W vs 9i. I'm not a long hitter and I'm 70 years old so my distances may seem underwhelming, but it is what it is.

 

Club Distances

W 80 - 90

9i 100 - 110

 

There seems to be a gap between the W and 9i I can't explain other than the W seems a little more lofted than it should be.

 

So how do I fix this so I can get another 10 yards out of my W? I could put my CF16 W back in the bag, but the feel is different enough that I don't really want to do that.

 

Do I go with a i500 W in power spec, i210 W in power spec, or G700 W in power spec to overcome this gapping issue. Suggestions appreciated.

 

Does your old 9-iron come in at 90-100?

 

I'm guessing you'll probably have to go at least 1 degree, and maybe two. Are you in a position where you could have a shootout with pitching wedges between yours and a 210?

 

I could give you lots of suggestions, but do you also have the 500 UW? If not, what is that first wedge?

[vinprun71]

I'd at least get the lofts checked, if you haven't already, and confirm all of the irons fall within the spec sheet. It's common for lofts and lies to be off when clubs arrive to you. Worst case, you could always strengthen the wedge or weaken the nine iron. You'll just want to confirm the wedge gaps after your PW if you strengthen it, or confirm the eight iron gap if you weaken the nine.

[Jordan Speeth]

Finau hit his i500 3-iron 306 yards on the opening shot of the Ryder Cup today. I wonder how far he can hit that 3 wood. 306 yards....wow

[bunta]

Finau hit his i500 3-iron 306 yards on the opening shot of the Ryder Cup today. I wonder how far he can hit that 3 wood. 306 yards....wow

 

and hes doing it with a backswing shorter than Snooki.

[matchavez]

Finau hit his i500 3-iron 306 yards on the opening shot of the Ryder Cup today. I wonder how far he can hit that 3 wood. 306 yards....wow

 

and hes doing it with a backswing shorter than Snooki.

 

I think you're going to find that teaching turns this way... it's clearly evident that backswings longer than that are very inefficient and don't do anything to move the ball further. These guys are pounding it, and while the i500 is killer, that ain't all of it. Also, see Rahm.

[Jordan Speeth]

Finau hit his i500 3-iron 306 yards on the opening shot of the Ryder Cup today. I wonder how far he can hit that 3 wood. 306 yards....wow

 

and hes doing it with a backswing shorter than Snooki.

 

I think you're going to find that teaching turns this way... it's clearly evident that backswings longer than that are very inefficient and don't do anything to move the ball further. These guys are pounding it, and while the i500 is killer, that ain't all of it. Also, see Rahm.

 

It's a lot easier to synch up the arms with a short backswing like Finau and Rahm's....the secret to effortless distance. They've got it figured out, for sure.

[Emerich]

I've been playing with G700 irons (4-P) and Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges 50 and 56 this summer and have been pretty good, but just a few too many strong draws and hooks with the 4,5 and 6 irons.

 

Just for the hell of it ordered the i500s today 4-P and new wedges 50, 54 and 60.

[bunta]

Finau hit his i500 3-iron 306 yards on the opening shot of the Ryder Cup today. I wonder how far he can hit that 3 wood. 306 yards....wow

 

and hes doing it with a backswing shorter than Snooki.

 

I think you're going to find that teaching turns this way... it's clearly evident that backswings longer than that are very inefficient and don't do anything to move the ball further. These guys are pounding it, and while the i500 is killer, that ain't all of it. Also, see Rahm.

 

its incredible how a backswing that short, gives him enough time to shift his weight, let alone gather any speed at all..

[awtryau89]

I'm almost 2 months in with these i500s. Still the same feelings as before. Not my favorite sound or feel. If I prioritized those 2 aspects, they would not be in the bag and I do. Even so, the performance and looks so heavily outweigh any negatives, they will not be leaving anytime soon. I'm guessing my next set of irons would be i510s. From 8 iron though 4 iron, these i500s have just changed my game. The confidence I have from 200-210 yards is amazing and knowing I can hit a shorter iron in most cases just makes the game easier. For me, (YRMV) this has been the biggest game changer in equipment since the titanium driver and moving to the 460 heads. I have hit other irons nearly the same distances but not with nearly the height and forgiveness.

[Taylormadegack]

I'm almost 2 months in with these i500s. Still the same feelings as before. Not my favorite sound or feel. If I prioritized those 2 aspects, they would not be in the bag and I do. Even so, the performance and looks so heavily outweigh any negatives, they will not be leaving anytime soon. I'm guessing my next set of irons would be i510s. From 8 iron though 4 iron, these i500s have just changed my game. The confidence I have from 200-210 yards is amazing and knowing I can hit a shorter iron in most cases just makes the game easier. For me, (YRMV) this has been the biggest game changer in equipment since the titanium driver and moving to the 460 heads. I have hit other irons nearly the same distances but not with nearly the height and forgiveness.

 

How do you like them compared to your JPX’s? Do you have the forged or hot metal?

[Jordan Speeth]

I'm almost 2 months in with these i500s. Still the same feelings as before. Not my favorite sound or feel. If I prioritized those 2 aspects, they would not be in the bag and I do. Even so, the performance and looks so heavily outweigh any negatives, they will not be leaving anytime soon. I'm guessing my next set of irons would be i510s. From 8 iron though 4 iron, these i500s have just changed my game. The confidence I have from 200-210 yards is amazing and knowing I can hit a shorter iron in most cases just makes the game easier. For me, (YRMV) this has been the biggest game changer in equipment since the titanium driver and moving to the 460 heads. I have hit other irons nearly the same distances but not with nearly the height and forgiveness.

 

Amen Brutha! I am 100% with ya on that. That loss of distance that's been ruining my life for the last 10 years has vanished and I don't have to play with a huge, inch thick golf club to accomplish it. It has been a game-changer for me too. I hit two five pars in two yesterday (actually flew one of them)....haven't done that in a long time. And TWICE their trajectory got me out and over tree trouble, turning "whatever" into pars.

[Geaux Gators]

I actually put my iBlades back in the bag. I am having the i500s reshafted with a different shaft. I was fit for the modus 105stiff. But the fitting session and my game is apparently not the same. The 105 is too light and not quite stiff enough for me coming from a PX6.0. So I got a set of 120 X flex and I am going to soft step them. My timing with that shaft has to be absolutely perfect or they are left and or right. And they are spinning way bad. So going to try that and if it doesn’t work I will try 6.0s. If that doesn’t work. Will put the 105s back in and let my son have them. And I will just wait for the iBlade replacement. I mean let’s face it, I was going to get them anyway. Lol #ihaveaproblem

[Geaux Gators]

Update: got the clubs built again by ping. And i again put the iblades back in the bag. I just do better with them.

[Jordan Speeth]

I just returned home from Phoenix where I had a VIP fitting for another set of i500's. This time, we're going to go with a lightweight counterbalanced graphite shaft and, along with weighing out some heads, we should be able to get nearer to D3/4....hoping. The VIP fitting was a great experience, especially the putter fitting. That makes sense since, after all, Ping was a putter company first. I've had many Trackman fittings like this one, but the putter fitting equipment was pretty incredible. They made it seem like you're visiting their home for dinner. The whole staff there is in touch with the company ethos, which is awesome. I was in the good hands of Pat Abshire and it was a great day. I trust that he's going to do everything possible to get me a set of clubs that'll work for me. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well and was experiencing weakness in my hands and forearms but I trust that he got the information he needed. If anyone ever has the opportunity, take it. It was a great day.

[Kmac]

I still have my i500's but keep thinking about off'ing them. But then again I think thats a bad idea. Who's still loving them?

[BeerPerHole]

Had a fitter put one of these in my hands the other day and told me to hit it. Loved it. Awesome. Been haunted every since...haha...

[Kmac]

Time to do the wrx thing and just buy them even though you dont need them.

[Kenny Lee Puckett]

enjoying the addition of an i500 4 iron to the bag.

[matchavez]

enjoying the addition of an i500 4 iron to the bag.

Cannot agree more. The 4-iron for me is as long as my 5-wood, and then some. I had a measured shot from the rough today of 214m. I had to use an iron there, so I gave it everything and wow does that thing deliver. It's normally my 175m stick, but the reserve in this club is stunning.

 

Gator, I think you're going to find you want to keep that 4 in your bag with the blades. The 4, and the 400LST Driver are just legends. They're the only two I'd run back into a burning house for.

[Jordan Speeth]

I still have my i500's but keep thinking about off'ing them. But then again I think thats a bad idea. Who's still loving them?

 

I'd still have them if they could have made me a set that's lighter than D7. Even D2 would have worked. I just can't swing a heavy club anymore. Besides my overall weakness or the numbness and weakness in my extremities make light club necessary for me to even swing it. The design of the i500 makes it impossible, especially at an inch over.

[Kenny Lee Puckett]

enjoying the addition of an i500 4 iron to the bag.

Cannot agree more. The 4-iron for me is as long as my 5-wood, and then some. I had a measured shot from the rough today of 214m. I had to use an iron there, so I gave it everything and wow does that thing deliver. It's normally my 175m stick, but the reserve in this club is stunning.

 

Gator, I think you're going to find you want to keep that 4 in your bag with the blades. The 4, and the 400LST Driver are just legends. They're the only two I'd run back into a burning house for.

sneaking into your profile a selfie of standing in the vault, very clever. hope you had white gloves on while taking the the picture. :)

[matchavez]

enjoying the addition of an i500 4 iron to the bag.

Cannot agree more. The 4-iron for me is as long as my 5-wood, and then some. I had a measured shot from the rough today of 214m. I had to use an iron there, so I gave it everything and wow does that thing deliver. It's normally my 175m stick, but the reserve in this club is stunning.

 

Gator, I think you're going to find you want to keep that 4 in your bag with the blades. The 4, and the 400LST Driver are just legends. They're the only two I'd run back into a burning house for.

sneaking into your profile a selfie of standing in the vault, very clever. hope you had white gloves on while taking the the picture. :)

 

You're the first one to notice...

[hudsonrod]

Was reading this thread last night as I recently purchased a set of i500s. I inspected them this morning and have the same issue. 5-8 irons seem to show weld defect. The 5 iron has a crack near the toe.