Help me choose irons - Ping G425 or i500

[twholbrook]

Hi all, does anyone have any direct comparisons between G425 and i500s for their game? I was fitted last year into a set of 425s and while I was happy with them, I didn't even get to try i500s. I played with someone who had a set and they were gorgeous and I actually liked the sound. From most indications they are similar but maybe a bit less forgiving, and they both really launch balls. 

 

About my swing  About 95mph driver SS, fast tempo with a quick transition, and steep AoA. fitted into Project X 5.5 LZ iron shafts (this one is non-negotiable!). I tend to hit thinner soled clubs better, and would greatly benefit from hitting balls higher as I have a lower than usual trajectory and don't remember stopping a 7I on a green in a long time.

 

Would love to hear people's opinions comparing these sets. I have a G425 set on order for what seems like forever, and a great local used set of i500s came up that has me tempted.

[animalgolfs]

1 hour ago, twholbrook said:

Hi all, does anyone have any direct comparisons between G425 and i500s for their game? I was fitted last year into a set of 425s and while I was happy with them, I didn't even get to try i500s. I played with someone who had a set and they were gorgeous and I actually liked the sound. From most indications they are similar but maybe a bit less forgiving, and they both really launch balls. 

 

About my swing  About 95mph driver SS, fast tempo with a quick transition, and steep AoA. fitted into Project X 5.5 LZ iron shafts (this one is non-negotiable!). I tend to hit thinner soled clubs better, and would greatly benefit from hitting balls higher as I have a lower than usual trajectory and don't remember stopping a 7I on a green in a long time.

 

Would love to hear people's opinions comparing these sets. I have a G425 set on order for what seems like forever, and a great local used set of i500s came up that has me tempted.

The main difference, is your steep aoa - should fit the i500 much better. I also don't think hitting G425 up a groove or 2 is beneficial - by chance were you fit on grass?

[twholbrook]

 

2 minutes ago, animalgolfs said:

by chance were you fit on grass?

 

Nope, I was fit on an indoor trackman setup. Which could mask some chunky fat shots, possibly. 

[animalgolfs]

2 minutes ago, twholbrook said:

 

 

Nope, I was fit on an indoor trackman setup. Which could mask some chunky fat shots, possibly. 

IMO i500 perform the best when hitting down & through - i59 have this trait 

 

Hopefully I can add the i525 5 & 6 irons - soon

[Nessism]

All Ping irons are best struck "down and through."  It's the way the bounce is set up. 

 

i500's are smaller and less forgiving.  If you hit the center of the face most of the time this won't matter though.  Regarding sole width is concerned, I doubt there is enough difference to matter because the 425's have a relieved sole.  

 

Bottom line: play the set that gives you the most confidence.  That's what I would do anyway.

 

 

[WarEagleGolf]

I500 have done me well, but definitely require a good strike.  More forgiving than I59, but workable like a players iron.  Distance wise, loft for loft...about the same, get a little extra distance higher on the face when teed up.  Spring effect...less spin, higher, further.    Raised descent angle helps hold greens but don't think you'll be backing anything up...

 

Never played the g425 truthfully, but most GI irons just fly high and straight.  Not built for the high, low, cut, draw play most lower cappers tend to have in the bag. Whether used or not will be a long, uneccessary debate.

[twholbrook]

If it’s any clue, I currently game a set of 718 AP3s and most of my strokes are lost with short game and driver. So I think I’m capable of gaming players irons…

[Mickesgolf]

Play I500 3-PW and they are fantastik. Good distans and feedback. Have tested I425 and they are more forgiving. But I500 is way nicer to look at at adress and in the bag 😁

[twholbrook]

@Mickesgolf, how does the finish hold up? The used set I'm looking at has some scuffs, which I'm fine with because they're golf clubs. I do have some refinishing experience but would be hesitant to remove/alter the hydropearl finish.

[animalgolfs]

29 minutes ago, twholbrook said:

@Mickesgolf, how does the finish hold up? The used set I'm looking at has some scuffs, which I'm fine with because they're golf clubs. I do have some refinishing experience but would be hesitant to remove/alter the hydropearl finish.

Finish holds up just fine - in fact it actually gets better over time.... 8i

[Mickesgolf]

250 + rounds and a lot of practice 😁

[twholbrook]

Also encouraging is the face welds are still in good shape. I've seen some (rare) reports sometimes those can show some wear. 250 rounds is a good sign!

 

The more i500 photos I see the more tempted I am...I just know they're a pain to reshaft and I plan to reshaft them. 

[dmeeksDC]

The only knock I’ve ever heard on the i500 is they can sound clangy, but opinion seems divided. Some say too noisy to play, others say they sound and feel like other Ping irons. They are great looking. I think a lot of players are waiting on the 525 to see what updates Ping has made, but that can mean good deals on the 500 if you like them. 

[twholbrook]

Of note: my hearing is damaged and I actually loved the sound when I played with a guy who had a set. Maybe not having the best hearing actually helps me!

[animalgolfs]

1 hour ago, dmeeksDC said:

The only knock I’ve ever heard on the i500 is they can sound clangy, but opinion seems divided. Some say too noisy to play, others say they sound and feel like other Ping irons. They are great looking. I think a lot of players are waiting on the 525 to see what updates Ping has made, but that can mean good deals on the 500 if you like them. 

My only real complaint was the high toe mis-hit.....it was possibly one of the worst feeling mis-hits in my 35yrs of golfing- Could not believe how bad that felt & the results it produced 

 

If your miss is toe side, especially high toe.....i500 aren't friendly imo

[ColinKelvin]

10 hours ago, dmeeksDC said:

The only knock I’ve ever heard on the i500 is they can sound clangy, but opinion seems divided. Some say too noisy to play, others say they sound and feel like other Ping irons. They are great looking. I think a lot of players are waiting on the 525 to see what updates Ping has made, but that can mean good deals on the 500 if you like them. 

 

I bought a set of i500s not long after they came out to replace i200s.  I am a 10 handicap, decent ball striker, but my miss is a thin.  I thought they sounded awful - a loud CLINK on well-hit shot, and a CLANK on mishits off the bottom of the face or towards the toe.  Playing partners were asking me why they sounded so weird after what looked like a decent shot.  They also had a tendency for me to produce random big fliers, like 20 yards further than expected.  Basically, they are hollow irons and you can clearly hear and feel that.

 

They do look amazing in the bag and from address, but I only kept them for 6-8 weeks and got iBlades instead (which are wonderful - and sound and feel nothing like i500s). 

[tagermo]

Played I500's for over a year with Modus 105 shafts and they were really good.

Less offset in the I500 than the G425 so when I missed I missed right with the I500 and missed left with G425.

Feel no comparison the I500's felt great, also prefered the turf interaction of the I500 versus the wider sole of the G425.

Sound of the I500 is better. 

G425 is moree forgiving and has higher launch. 

Switched to Srizon ZX5 for a more forged feel but if I went back to Ping irons would not hesitate in gaming I500's again. 

 

[LongStaff]

I’ve owned my i500s for 2 years now. I really enjoy them. They offer extra distance while still able to work the ball. They still look great after 2 seasons. I like the sound and feel that some complain about. I own the 3 - uw. Great irons