In hand photos of the Ping i500 irons (MERGED)

[radiman]

Is it a crack or are we seeing the outline of the forged face? Is there a ridge there if you run your fingernail across it?

 

Either way I wouldn't be happy and would contact Ping ASAP

 

That's got to be the seam where the face is welded to the body. Probably cosmetic but still totally unacceptable

 

If it is cracking like that, that means the two pieces are moving independently from one another. Definitely not just cosmetic. I would guess that it would cave in after a few well struck shots. I had this happen to the Tour Edge CBX hybrid that I have. It caved in all the way around the face on the weld line. Started just like this and just got worse with each hit.

[swizbeatz]

Demoed these the other day.

Very impressed once the fitter put in the Ping stock shaft (AWT 2.0). Felt very smooth and fun to hit after that.

(Can I get that shaft or similar for my P790s?)

 

Looked superb behind the ball. Smaller then P790s but never felt too small to lose confidence.

Was able the work the ball easier than the P790s.

Sound was never a problem. The opposite as I liked the feel.

 

My only problem was spin. I'm a low spin player already and don't want any less spin than my current irons.

 

If I had to choose between the two and could afford switching and the spin was the same...lol... I'd go i500.

 

 

What was the spin difference with these and your 790s? Have your TM’s bent weak at all? I’m in the same boat, was thinking of getting these with retro specs might be perfect from a spin perspective.

[Arkrider75]

That's exactly what I think it is. Probably just overlooked in quality inspection. I'll reach out to Ping and find out what they think. I'll post an update very soon.

Is it a crack or are we seeing the outline of the forged face? Is there a ridge there if you run your fingernail across it?

 

Either way I wouldn't be happy and would contact Ping ASAP

 

That's got to be the seam where the face is welded to the body. Probably cosmetic but still totally unacceptable

That's right on the weld line. Well damn. Mine should be here this week and now I'm questioning my decision. I'm sure Ping will take care of yours, but is this a larger issue with the weld?

[Pleasedwith3putts]

 

Either way I wouldn't be happy and would contact Ping ASAP

 

As is often said here, Ping customer service in AZ is outstanding. Offer to send some photos across and I'm certain they will make this right in the fastest possible way. I would definitely call them direct rather than going straight to the retailer, even if that is where they subsequently refer you to.

 

Contrast that with Ping UK where I reckon they would probably tell you it is a design feature ………..

[Tyler K]

I210s are on the way so I decided I need my driving iron to match. Planning on ordering a i500 3 iron wothbpower spec. Anyone else do this yet?

 

I did but ordered the standard 18* with DG120 to match the rest of my irons. Felt standard loft may be ever so slightly easier to hit off the turf.

[Techgolfer1]

That's exactly what I think it is. Probably just overlooked in quality inspection. I'll reach out to Ping and find out what they think. I'll post an update very soon.

Is it a crack or are we seeing the outline of the forged face? Is there a ridge there if you run your fingernail across it?

 

Either way I wouldn't be happy and would contact Ping ASAP

 

That's got to be the seam where the face is welded to the body. Probably cosmetic but still totally unacceptable

That's right on the weld line. Well damn. Mine should be here this week and now I'm questioning my decision. I'm sure Ping will take care of yours, but is this a larger issue with the weld?

 

Ping CS is wonderful. Call them. Last year when I was out there I needed to have my irons bent and more upright. I took them over there and they had em ready in 2 hours at no charge to me and color coded. I just drove back over and picked em up. Pretty awesome.

 

I’ve also had a ie1 refinished a couple years ago and they charged me $18 total. I’m not totally sure they didn’t put a new club head on there lol!

[skraly]

I was curious if anyone who has logged a few rounds with the I-500's can comment on the overall forgiveness of the clubs. I was looking at the clubs again today and they really look intimidating almost blade like with the minimal amount of offset. They look awesome behind the ball.

 

Thanks in advance.

Very easy to hit. Quite forgiving for the design. More forgiving than the i200's I had and they were pretty easy.

[RestonGolf]

After the range I was inspecting the faces of my irons since my 8 iron cracked. I am now noticing a subtle outline of the welding on the toe side of my 9 iron and 6 iron. When Ping gets back to me I think I will ask if I can return these and get the i210s since now I don’t even feel confident in hitting them without looking at the face after every shot.

[Jordan Speeth]

I think this is probably Bob Parsons sending in photos of i500s they've hit with their robot turned up to 150 using rock hard range balls....you know, just to see if people are all that loyal to Ping. Without question, if these are failing, it's a production issue rather than a design problem. They test the hell out of these things before releasing them. Something went wrong here, without question, especially since we've already heard of several similar reports in this thread alone. Thankfully, I've had no issues with mine. Were these damaged when hitting range balls by any chance? Shouldn't matter but it'd be interesting to know. It'd also be nice to hear how Ping handles the problem.

[kcsf]

It is a little curious that the only 2 failures have been new members that have only posted about that failure. Not saying it didn't happen, it's just coincidental, right??

[radiman]

It is a little curious that the only 2 failures have been new members that have only posted about that failure. Not saying it didn't happen, it's just coincidental, right??

 

One of the posters has been a member here longer than you have...

 

Mine have the same thing going on... except it's more of an outline. Interested to see what they say about it...

[new2g0lf]

Ping has had some finishing issues in the past with the i20 or i25 irons as well so it's likely the problems with the i500 are legit. I haven't played that many rounds with my i500's but I also have nowhere near a 90 mph swing speed with a 7i so I'm not that worried about it.

[radiman]

Ping has had some finishing issues in the past with the i20 or i25 irons as well so it's likely the problems with the i500 are legit. I haven't played that many rounds with my i500's but I also have nowhere near a 90 mph swing speed with a 7i so I'm not that worried about it.

 

Oh, the old delamination issue. I had a set of i20's that had that issue. They replaced a handful of clubs from that set. After playing the replacements 2 times then storing the clubs for winter, even the replacements started showing it. They upgraded me to i25's and I never had another problem. My buddy had S56's that had the same issue. He just never bothered to send them in.

 

At least that issue was just cosmetic. This would be much more concerning since the club is useless once the face cracks. In the past, you had to go through a retailer to get warranty. Have to send the club in and wait for a replacement. That would be a tough pill to swallow when there is still a lot of golf to be played. Not knocking Ping's customer service, especially since they have been pretty good to me. But, on an issue like this, I would like to see an advanced replacement sent out vs. being without a club waiting for it to ship back and forth.

 

Hopefully it is a rare issue and not as wide spread as the delamination problem.

[RestonGolf]

I just called Ping about my 8 iron and they deemed it a failure, but the CS didn't have any additional info and said no one else as reported anything to their knowledge. They are sending me a new clube today. Yes, it maybe a fluke. Maybe, it's only an issue with LH clubs. I just wanted to let people know the issue I was having, and to see if anyone else was having the issue. I've played mainly Ping clubs from the top to the bottom of the bag for years. Anyway, here are pictures of my 6 iron and 9 iron of where I believe I can see the welding coming through.

[radiman]

I just called Ping about my 8 iron and they deemed it a failure, but the CS didn't have any additional info and said no one else as reported anything to their knowledge. They are sending me a new clube today. Yes, it maybe a fluke. Maybe, it's only an issue with LH clubs. I just wanted to let people know the issue I was having, and to see if anyone else was having the issue. I've played mainly Ping clubs from the top to the bottom of the bag for years. Anyway, here are pictures of my 6 iron and 9 iron of where I believe I can see the welding coming through.

 

They are sending it directly to you? Good on them. Keep an eye on that 6 and 9 iron though. Wouldn't be surprised to see them crack as well.

[RestonGolf]

I just called Ping about my 8 iron and they deemed it a failure, but the CS didn't have any additional info and said no one else as reported anything to their knowledge. They are sending me a new clube today. Yes, it maybe a fluke. Maybe, it's only an issue with LH clubs. I just wanted to let people know the issue I was having, and to see if anyone else was having the issue. I've played mainly Ping clubs from the top to the bottom of the bag for years. Anyway, here are pictures of my 6 iron and 9 iron of where I believe I can see the welding coming through.

 

They are sending it directly to you? Good on them. Keep an eye on that 6 and 9 iron though. Wouldn't be surprised to see them crack as well.

 

Yeah, I asked them to drop ship it which they were nice enough to do. Will definitely keep an eye on them, but may bring them in to Dick's to see what he thinks. I just stinks as I was super excited for these clubs.

[GreCra83]

I just called Ping about my 8 iron and they deemed it a failure, but the CS didn't have any additional info and said no one else as reported anything to their knowledge. They are sending me a new clube today. Yes, it maybe a fluke. Maybe, it's only an issue with LH clubs. I just wanted to let people know the issue I was having, and to see if anyone else was having the issue. I've played mainly Ping clubs from the top to the bottom of the bag for years. Anyway, here are pictures of my 6 iron and 9 iron of where I believe I can see the welding coming through.

[GreCra83]

I have noticed the same outline on my 5-8 irons as well. Just appears cosmetic and no issues with performance. Mine are also left handed.

[new2g0lf]

Ping has had some finishing issues in the past with the i20 or i25 irons as well so it's likely the problems with the i500 are legit. I haven't played that many rounds with my i500's but I also have nowhere near a 90 mph swing speed with a 7i so I'm not that worried about it.

 

Oh, the old delamination issue. I had a set of i20's that had that issue. They replaced a handful of clubs from that set. After playing the replacements 2 times then storing the clubs for winter, even the replacements started showing it. They upgraded me to i25's and I never had another problem. My buddy had S56's that had the same issue. He just never bothered to send them in.

 

At least that issue was just cosmetic. This would be much more concerning since the club is useless once the face cracks. In the past, you had to go through a retailer to get warranty. Have to send the club in and wait for a replacement. That would be a tough pill to swallow when there is still a lot of golf to be played. Not knocking Ping's customer service, especially since they have been pretty good to me. But, on an issue like this, I would like to see an advanced replacement sent out vs. being without a club waiting for it to ship back and forth.

 

Hopefully it is a rare issue and not as wide spread as the delamination problem.

 

It could be cosmetic, in that the coating isn't thick enough to hide the 2 piece construction after use, similar to hiding a wall seam if you don't prime and paint with 2 coats. If it's just visual I'd say it's cosmetic, if there is a slight indentation on the face or a ridge between the face and rest of head then I'd consider that a crack.

[radiman]

Ping has had some finishing issues in the past with the i20 or i25 irons as well so it's likely the problems with the i500 are legit. I haven't played that many rounds with my i500's but I also have nowhere near a 90 mph swing speed with a 7i so I'm not that worried about it.

 

Oh, the old delamination issue. I had a set of i20's that had that issue. They replaced a handful of clubs from that set. After playing the replacements 2 times then storing the clubs for winter, even the replacements started showing it. They upgraded me to i25's and I never had another problem. My buddy had S56's that had the same issue. He just never bothered to send them in.

 

At least that issue was just cosmetic. This would be much more concerning since the club is useless once the face cracks. In the past, you had to go through a retailer to get warranty. Have to send the club in and wait for a replacement. That would be a tough pill to swallow when there is still a lot of golf to be played. Not knocking Ping's customer service, especially since they have been pretty good to me. But, on an issue like this, I would like to see an advanced replacement sent out vs. being without a club waiting for it to ship back and forth.

 

Hopefully it is a rare issue and not as wide spread as the delamination problem.

 

It could be cosmetic, in that the coating isn't thick enough to hide the 2 piece construction after use, similar to hiding a wall seam if you don't prime and paint with 2 coats. If it's just visual I'd say it's cosmetic, if there is a slight indentation on the face or a ridge between the face and rest of head then I'd consider that a crack.

 

This is true. Time will tell I suppose.

[PT1911]

I have had mine since August 3rd. I've played them probably 10 rounds or so. I just went and looked at all of mine and my 4 iron has a witness mark on the toe area. I have been KILLING my 4 iron....but that has me worried.

[kcsf]

Just received my set today and on every club the weld line is noticeable, some clubs more than others. Fingers crossed the visual line won't become an issue going forward. I love the forgiveness and ball flight but the clicky sound will take some getting use to.

 

Here's my un-hit 9 iron for reference.

[matchavez]

I imagine that if you know what you're looking for, you'll be able to see the weld line whether it's failing or not. There is a material (literal) difference between the welded face and the rest of the club. Seeing that wouldn't on its own be a structural failure.

 

That said, if you can rub a finger across and feel a scratch, don't hit it anymore.

[SeaIsland]

I noticed my 8 iron had a hairline crack on the face perpendicular to the grooves. I wonder if the maraging failed. Called Ping CS and they wouldn't deal with me directly and said I had to go to an authorized dealer. I'm just annoyed Ping wouldn't' deal with me directly, and I hope it gets resolved quickly.

I agree with your comment on Ping CS --and I hope they see this message. If they've got a quality issue, especially with a new product as hot as the i500, the CS department should be shepherding the process to resolution. They should be all over it. PING CS is better than most, but it is too quick to punt everything to its dealer network. You can sometimes ask yourself, what do they do other than say, "see your fitter," or "talk to your retailer..." In my experience, those are fair questions --and I'm a big Ping fan (my bag is 90% Ping).

[kcsf]

It is a little curious that the only 2 failures have been new members that have only posted about that failure. Not saying it didn't happen, it's just coincidental, right??

 

One of the posters has been a member here longer than you have...

 

Mine have the same thing going on... except it's more of an outline. Interested to see what they say about it...

 

And all of their posts have been about this. What's your point?

[62@Oakmont]

Some surprising results from TXG testing on the Standard vs Power Spec vs Reto Spec lofts on the i500’s

 

[torbill]

I noticed my 8 iron had a hairline crack on the face perpendicular to the grooves. I wonder if the maraging failed. Called Ping CS and they wouldn't deal with me directly and said I had to go to an authorized dealer. I'm just annoyed Ping wouldn't' deal with me directly, and I hope it gets resolved quickly.

I agree with your comment on Ping CS --and I hope they see this message. If they've got a quality issue, especially with a new product as hot as the i500, the CS department should be shepherding the process to resolution. They should be all over it. PING CS is better than most, but it is too quick to punt everything to its dealer network. You can sometimes ask yourself, what do they do other than say, "see your fitter," or "talk to your retailer..." In my experience, those are fair questions --and I'm a big Ping fan (my bag is 90% Ping).

 

What personal experience do you have with Ping customer support that you have felt was inappropriate to your situation? If you are going to criticize them at least you could at least provide some evidence to support your statements.

[Taylormadegack]

Some surprising results from TXG testing on the Standard vs Power Spec vs Reto Spec lofts on the i500’s

 

 

Newish to golf. Learning lofts, decent angles, ball speed, spin etc. after watching this review ( and many others) I’m trying to figure out, if you hit your 6 iron 205 yards based on power specs how do you gap p-7 irons? Seems like your gaps would be huge and your 5 & 4 iron would not be played?

[specimania]

It is a little curious that the only 2 failures have been new members that have only posted about that failure. Not saying it didn't happen, it's just coincidental, right??

 

One of the posters has been a member here longer than you have...

 

Mine have the same thing going on... except it's more of an outline. Interested to see what they say about it...

 

And all of their posts have been about this. What's your point?

 

I know this to be inaccurate. These things happen. I had the delam with 55's. Now it appears there are defect with the welds. I am happy, I did not know I have super human speed and power to crack a hollow iron face. Alas, it is what it is. Ping will make it right, they have great customer service. This product is really good too.

[radiman]

It is a little curious that the only 2 failures have been new members that have only posted about that failure. Not saying it didn't happen, it's just coincidental, right??

 

One of the posters has been a member here longer than you have...

 

Mine have the same thing going on... except it's more of an outline. Interested to see what they say about it...

 

And all of their posts have been about this. What's your point?

 

All of Specimania's 500 posts over the last 6 years have been about Ping i500 face cracks?