In hand photos of the Ping i500 irons (MERGED)

[braincramp52]

All of them except the recoils.

[BMuller23]

I play modus 105s in my ie1s and I demo’d the 500s with the same shaft and just didn’t get the spin I needed. The 500s were about a club 1/2 club to club longer than my ie1s but I wasn’t noticing the springy face some ppl have mentioned more or less consistent distance just lack of spin that concerns me. Any suggestions for other shafts to try in these?

[Geaux Gators]

I have mine now and honestly I am not seeing any distance gained in real life over my power spec iBlade. The flight is MUCH better and the spin is fine. Stops no problem but my 7 iron is my 7iron and the 8 is the 8. Not really a change. My swing was pretty off this weekend. So some of that may change. I also think they feel fantastic with a real golf ball.

[bunta]

I have mine now and honestly I am not seeing any distance gained in real life over my power spec iBlade. The flight is MUCH better and the spin is fine. Stops no problem but my 7 iron is my 7iron and the 8 is the 8. Not really a change. My swing was pretty off this weekend. So some of that may change. I also think they feel fantastic with a real golf ball.

 

Gators,

Report back when your swing returns to norm. Im highly interested in power spec iblade. Im very much enjoying the distance of the i500 just not the sound. It just seems unlikely for the iblade (powerspec) to have similar distance.

[st_pedro]

Ping i500 4-W fitted with DG120 X100 and GolfPride Tour Velvet Align

Swing weight 4&5 iron at D3

6&7 iron at D4

8-9-W at D5

 

Having tested both indoor with GCQuad and outdoors on the range and on course, the “low” spin numbers on the launch monitor don’t really translate to the actual shots. There are so many variables from swing mechanics, range or proper golf balls, etc.

Yes the i500 launches higher despite the strong loft and low spin numbers but the decent angle is relatively steep to stop the ball on the green.

Greens tested today were decent, running at 9.5 on stimp meter on bermuda grass.

 

I also tested against my Gen1 PXG 0311 T with DG AMT X100 and TM P790 with DG 105 Stiff hard stepped and purposely bend the loft so all irons are identical to the i500.

 

On short to mid irons, they were all comparable. P790 seemed to have lower launch and roll out more. The PXG does feel softer of the face, more forged feeling. I500 has the highest launch thus carry 3-5 yards further. Based on same loft, ball used were TP5X, all shots hit from the same distance to the flag.

 

It gets really interesting when comparing the 4-5-6 irons. This is where the i500 shines and out performed the others. The launch, carry and control was just simply amazing. Shot shaping is much easier with the longer irons. Whereas the mid to short iron, they just tend to launch high even on fully compressed shots.

 

These aren’t really apple to apple comparison but just to give an idea on how the i500 performs against other hollowed (or filled) player distance irons. Maybe i’ll Do some comparison with the new Miura IC601 since both are quite similar in specs and in hollow iron concept.

 

I’m planning to do more tweaking with different shafts. Just to see which would perform best.

 

Happy Golfing guys ??

[Geaux Gators]

I have mine now and honestly I am not seeing any distance gained in real life over my power spec iBlade. The flight is MUCH better and the spin is fine. Stops no problem but my 7 iron is my 7iron and the 8 is the 8. Not really a change. My swing was pretty off this weekend. So some of that may change. I also think they feel fantastic with a real golf ball.

 

Gators,

Report back when your swing returns to norm. Im highly interested in power spec iblade. Im very much enjoying the distance of the i500 just not the sound. It just seems unlikely for the iblade (powerspec) to have similar distance.

I sure hope its this weekend....

it was ugly sunday... UHHH Gaaah LEEE

 

I hit one good shot.. 5 iron from 200 to 10 feet, ball was 8-10 feet from its pitch mark probably...

I think these, as a 6 handicap, are a good fit, if I can adjust to them. My driver speed is about 110max, used to be 115 just a year and a half ago, so I am loosing speed at 43 with back problems... but my power spec iblade has always been 175 when hit solid... I actually havent hit the 7 iron sold yet with the 500 to see 175 yet... but my 8 iron is still around the 160-165 range that the iBlade is.. did have some other people hit the 7 and they NUKED it..

so i am hoping it is my swing.

[braincramp52]

I have mine now and honestly I am not seeing any distance gained in real life over my power spec iBlade. The flight is MUCH better and the spin is fine. Stops no problem but my 7 iron is my 7iron and the 8 is the 8. Not really a change. My swing was pretty off this weekend. So some of that may change. I also think they feel fantastic with a real golf ball.

 

Gators,

Report back when your swing returns to norm. Im highly interested in power spec iblade. Im very much enjoying the distance of the i500 just not the sound. It just seems unlikely for the iblade (powerspec) to have similar distance.

I sure hope its this weekend....

it was ugly sunday... UHHH Gaaah LEEE

 

I hit one good shot.. 5 iron from 200 to 10 feet, ball was 8-10 feet from its pitch mark probably...

I think these, as a 6 handicap, are a good fit, if I can adjust to them. My driver speed is about 110max, used to be 115 just a year and a half ago, so I am loosing speed at 43 with back problems... but my power spec iblade has always been 175 when hit solid... I actually havent hit the 7 iron sold yet with the 500 to see 175 yet... but my 8 iron is still around the 160-165 range that the iBlade is.. did have some other people hit the 7 and they NUKED it..

so i am hoping it is my swing.

 

It's never the swing man! You need new clubs!! :)

[Geaux Gators]

 

It's never the swing man! You need new clubs!! :)

 

I just might.... but unfortunately, I know it wasnt the swing... it was the back... was all kinds of stove up

 

I didnt hit fairways, and everything was off...

[adh2k1]

Haven't read the entire thread, but curious if anyone has power spec'd the 3 iron to use as a driving iron?

 

I have my 3 in 17 degrees and while it isn't quite as forgiving as a driving iron, it is super easy to hit off the deck. I have a bunch of DIs and this one is the easiest to hit off the deck, probably because it is just an iron. It isn't nearly as long as some of the other DIs out there, but its very accurate and pretty forgiving. I'll take my 15-20 yard loss of distance to be able to hit it off the deck on a regular basis.

[bunta]

I have mine now and honestly I am not seeing any distance gained in real life over my power spec iBlade. The flight is MUCH better and the spin is fine. Stops no problem but my 7 iron is my 7iron and the 8 is the 8. Not really a change. My swing was pretty off this weekend. So some of that may change. I also think they feel fantastic with a real golf ball.

 

Gators,

Report back when your swing returns to norm. Im highly interested in power spec iblade. Im very much enjoying the distance of the i500 just not the sound. It just seems unlikely for the iblade (powerspec) to have similar distance.

I sure hope its this weekend....

it was ugly sunday... UHHH Gaaah LEEE

 

I hit one good shot.. 5 iron from 200 to 10 feet, ball was 8-10 feet from its pitch mark probably...

I think these, as a 6 handicap, are a good fit, if I can adjust to them. My driver speed is about 110max, used to be 115 just a year and a half ago, so I am loosing speed at 43 with back problems... but my power spec iblade has always been 175 when hit solid... I actually havent hit the 7 iron sold yet with the 500 to see 175 yet... but my 8 iron is still around the 160-165 range that the iBlade is.. did have some other people hit the 7 and they NUKED it..

so i am hoping it is my swing.

 

 

Well in all fairness, the powerspec iblades lofts are only about 1 to 1.5 degrees weaker than the i500. Im just wondering if the hollow construction and higher carry actually gives more distance loft for loft.

 

i hope you return to your form soon, and possibly do some error-free direct iron comparison between the powerspec iblades and i500. i am highly intrigued. i dont know of anyone with powerspec iblades, otherwise i would do it myself.

[J_Tizzle]

Interested to see the play-ability out of the rough on these. Thats one of my concerns with these irons is that with them being inherently low spin, that you can catch some crazy fliers out of the longer stuff. Any experiences would be appreciated.

[Geaux Gators]

I spent ALL DAY SUNDAY in the rough... nothing crazy for me.

 

I would like to know what its like from the fairway... lol

[chamgel2]

Haven't read the entire thread, but curious if anyone has power spec'd the 3 iron to use as a driving iron?

 

I have my 3 in 17 degrees and while it isn't quite as forgiving as a driving iron, it is super easy to hit off the deck. I have a bunch of DIs and this one is the easiest to hit off the deck, probably because it is just an iron. It isn't nearly as long as some of the other DIs out there, but its very accurate and pretty forgiving. I'll take my 15-20 yard loss of distance to be able to hit it off the deck on a regular basis.

 

How high does it hit compared to other DI’s? Do you find the carry distance is close with other DI’s and your distance loss is due more to roll? And one more question, did you match your shaft to your irons or did you go with something lighter? I’ve got Steelfiber i95s in my i200s was debating on just going the same if I ordered a power spec’d i500 3 iron....

[adh2k1]

Haven't read the entire thread, but curious if anyone has power spec'd the 3 iron to use as a driving iron?

 

I have my 3 in 17 degrees and while it isn't quite as forgiving as a driving iron, it is super easy to hit off the deck. I have a bunch of DIs and this one is the easiest to hit off the deck, probably because it is just an iron. It isn't nearly as long as some of the other DIs out there, but its very accurate and pretty forgiving. I'll take my 15-20 yard loss of distance to be able to hit it off the deck on a regular basis.

 

How high does it hit compared to other DI's? Do you find the carry distance is close with other DI's and your distance loss is due more to roll? And one more question, did you match your shaft to your irons or did you go with something lighter? I've got Steelfiber i95s in my i200s was debating on just going the same if I ordered a power spec'd i500 3 iron....

 

Suprisingly.. I didn't see the higher flight. I would say the flight is comparable. It is a boring trajectory and I naturally have a 10-15 yard draw. Even when hitting off the deck my i200's have a noticeable height difference for me (I matched lofts as best as I could other than the 3iron which I got Power Spec'd). I matched shafts with my regular set which was AMT 2.0 Pings, so they get a hair lighter in the 3-4-5 irons. I would say that the loss was not in carry and was probably mostly roll. It's a little hard to tell because the holes that I primarily hit iron off the tee on, I can't see the ball land. I will try to hit it head to head against my MMC Fli-Hi and see where they end up in consecutive swings.

 

I really like them. They are punishing enough on mishits where I can tell when I don't hit them well. They seem to fly straighter off the deck then other DIs. I have no problem elevating them, and they definitely do not balloon on me.

[chamgel2]

Haven't read the entire thread, but curious if anyone has power spec'd the 3 iron to use as a driving iron?

 

I have my 3 in 17 degrees and while it isn't quite as forgiving as a driving iron, it is super easy to hit off the deck. I have a bunch of DIs and this one is the easiest to hit off the deck, probably because it is just an iron. It isn't nearly as long as some of the other DIs out there, but its very accurate and pretty forgiving. I'll take my 15-20 yard loss of distance to be able to hit it off the deck on a regular basis.

 

How high does it hit compared to other DI's? Do you find the carry distance is close with other DI's and your distance loss is due more to roll? And one more question, did you match your shaft to your irons or did you go with something lighter? I've got Steelfiber i95s in my i200s was debating on just going the same if I ordered a power spec'd i500 3 iron....

 

Suprisingly.. I didn't see the higher flight. I would say the flight is comparable. It is a boring trajectory and I naturally have a 10-15 yard draw. Even when hitting off the deck my i200's have a noticeable height difference for me (I matched lofts as best as I could other than the 3iron which I got Power Spec'd). I matched shafts with my regular set which was AMT 2.0 Pings, so they get a hair lighter in the 3-4-5 irons. I would say that the loss was not in carry and was probably mostly roll. It's a little hard to tell because the holes that I primarily hit iron off the tee on, I can't see the ball land. I will try to hit it head to head against my MMC Fli-Hi and see where they end up in consecutive swings.

 

I really like them. They are punishing enough on mishits where I can tell when I don't hit them well. They seem to fly straighter off the deck then other DIs. I have no problem elevating them, and they definitely do not balloon on me.

 

Thanks for the info.. that’s exactly what I was looking for.

[Obee]

I got my new i500 irons, 5-PW with regular graphite shafts. I traded-in my iBlades with steel shafts.

 

My only comment is that I am mystified by the concerns about these clubs not feeling great. These clubs feel absolutely great to me, better than my iBlades. Off center hits aren’t quite as good, maybe, but anything near the sweet spot feels great to me. If this is due to the difference in shaft materials, so be it. Whatever it is, they feel and look perfect to me, clean and compact at address, and a rock solid feel.

 

I hit these at a Roger Dunn hitting bay, with not the greatest of balls, and I absolutely love the feel. The ball melted into the center of the face.

[WarEagleGolf]

I think the feel is great. Sound not as great, but not bad at all. Ping has always been different in feel, and I like it. Always know when you miss one with a ping. And typically where you missed it.

 

As for rough...they work great out of it. Yes, I had a flier or two out of the "teed up" type rough, but I don't think that's really uncommon. At least not for me. Hit some bombs out of fairway bunkers, which is great considering the launch and height.

 

Also played in very wet conditions, and they performed beautifully. I take some monster divots and even wet, didn't over dig or struggle with them. Again, I hope this isn't a honeymoon because it's so much fun hitting these.

[RodrigoNicely]

I’m a big fan so far. May slowly work the 700’s out of my combo set I like the 500’s so much

[n'play]

I am on my 6th round with my I500's I have 4-AW R300 shafts and a glide 2.0 ES 56 wedge

I came from P790's which felt real nice but always had a tendency to fade which these i500's do not

I play a course with mixed ruff and tight fairways and have to say they get the job done nicely very crisp and have no problem stopping them on many different green conditions.

The biggest difference I notice is on tee shots is the hollow crack sound which I kinda like.

I am one who likes the plain smooth look of this iron and have had zero remorse.

[skraly]

Interested to see the play-ability out of the rough on these. Thats one of my concerns with these irons is that with them being inherently low spin, that you can catch some crazy fliers out of the longer stuff. Any experiences would be appreciated.

I have 6 rounds on mine. No unusual problems with the rough. In fact due to the higher ball flight I was able to hold some greens that I most likely would not have with my previous i200’s.

[BlkNGld]

Since no one has brought it up, isafe to assume no issues around the green with chipping or bump & runs?

[matchavez]

This was interesting... one of Ping's master fitters talking about how the i500 in the long irons can actually launch *lower* than the 210s.

 

I had a double-take as well... starts at 3:56

 

[mallrat]

Took mine out to the range yesterday and course today. Love the way these react on the course and are over a full club longer than my Mizuno’s. Used to hit my 8 iron 150-155, had 156 uphill and stuffed a 9 iron.

 

Now, yesterday at the range I heard the click people have talked about. I did NOT hear it on the course with better balls.

[matchavez]

Took mine out to the range yesterday and course today. Love the way these react on the course and are over a full club longer than my Mizuno's. Used to hit my 8 iron 150-155, had 156 uphill and stuffed a 9 iron.

 

Now, yesterday at the range I heard the click people have talked about. I did NOT hear it on the course with better balls.

 

Another observation... hitting a ball on the course is not going to send sound back to the ears in the same way any reflective surfaces would at a range. Whether that's nearby concrete, bay barriers, a roof, whatever. I notice this a lot with my driver...

[Kenny Lee Puckett]

This was interesting... one of Ping's master fitters talking about how the i500 in the long irons can actually launch *lower* than the 210s.

 

I had a double-take as well... starts at 3:56

 

if it's James Lee saying it (and it is) than I trust him. that guy stands out on the PING Tour Dept range watching as much live ball flight as anybody. he'd definitely be one to see/discover any patterns developing between i500 and i210.

[adh2k1]

This was interesting... one of Ping's master fitters talking about how the i500 in the long irons can actually launch *lower* than the 210s.

 

I had a double-take as well... starts at 3:56

 

 

I saw this as well coming from the i200s. They are both great club choices. It really comes down to preference and what you are trying to do with your game. I feel as if I could play all i200s (or i210s) or all i500s and not really give up too much either way. Now only if Ping came out with a Caddyshack putter.....

[FOOTJOY16]

Well I got mine Saturday and played Monday night. I hit a lot of wedges and 7 irons, course was closed, but I just can't get into them. I'm coming from forged blades and I think the look is turning me off more than anything. I did hit a 4 iron from the tee box, but not teed up, on a par 4 that went just as far as the 17 degree hybrid I have used on that hole before. I have no doubt I would learn to like these but I have them posted for sale now.. I'm not patient and I didn't want to get them all scratched up if I'm not going to keep them. Really wanted to be crazy about them, I'm just not.

[awtryau89]

This was interesting... one of Ping's master fitters talking about how the i500 in the long irons can actually launch *lower* than the 210s.

 

I had a double-take as well... starts at 3:56

 

 

Launch maybe, peak trajectory same or higher. The i500 long irons are hitting windows for me that I only see from tour players.

[caloge]

I am an inherently low spin player, and have found they have plenty of stopping power on the greens with prov1s. Shorter irons and wedges have provided decent spin from the rough as well.

 

Havent tried a distance ball yet, and will be interested to see how they perform. I found my CF16s struggled a bit out of the rough with fliers with lower spin balls, and also had difficulty holding greens with marshmallows.

[doublehans]

checked out the mpf ratings on these things, the moi here his significantly higher than other comparable hollow irons out there, 790, tmb, etc.

 

I guess worth nothing that the overall mpf rating is crazy low, I dont know how much weight I put on the overall mpf, its more interesting to look at the individual category numbers, however it does suggest ping has decided to do sthg very different with these clubs (and to a lesser degree the i210 as well which also comes in a lot lower than you'd expect, not but nothing like the i500). looks like they've chosen to move the vcog up on both which apparently maltby frowns, but I'm sure ping has their reasons that they think it works with their designs, especially the i500.