The main difference between the Ping Eye 2 and Eye 2+ irons is that the Eye2 iron was made from 1982 to 1984 and has a patent-pending design featuring “V” or the later “U” grooves. However, Eye2+ features a “scalloped” sole, a modified bounce and grind, a slightly thinner topline, a slight increase in clubhead size, a somewhat higher and more rounded toe, and slightly stronger lofts.

The increased groove width makes the Eye 2+ stand out from the entire Ping Eye 2 series. The Ping Eye irons were generally first introduced in the 1980s, which inarguably set the quality and performance standard for today’s cavity back irons.

If you’re torn between the Ping Eye 2 and the Eye 2+ and want to know what makes them different, this post is for you.

In the rest of this article, you will learn the key specifications, features, pros, and cons of each irons to help you further decide which is best for your game.

Ping Eye 2 vs Eye 2+ (Plus) Specs

After the R&A and PGA banned the original Ping Eye2 grooves for being too close together, Ping introduced the Ping Eye2+ with approved changes.

These new clubs have a + or dot and different groove spacing while keeping the square grooves.

Unlike the older Ping Eye models, they don’t have V grooves. Here are the specifications that differentiate the two irons:

Ping Eye 2: Iron Key Features

• Ping JZ series steel, Ping 350 series graphite
• V-shaped (1982), U-shaped (1984–1985), box groove (1986 onwards)
• Offset and Cavity Back
• Extreme-Perimeter Weighting
• Enhanced by Perimeter Weighting and Offset Design
• Emphasizes speed and forgiveness
• Patented design with a top rail undercut
• Tungsten (for increased perimeter weighting)

Ping Eye 2 Plus Iron Key Features

• Clubs are tailored to your height and wrist-to-toe length, marked by colored dots.
• Pick between lightweight and medium-weight shafts for flexible play and more powerful shots.
• Get clubs from 2 to 9-iron, plus an attack wedge for precise close-up shots.
• Easy-to-use cast iron clubs, professional-grade stainless steel irons, and beginner-friendly graphite options.
• Focus on top-notch grip quality for better control and feel.
• Smooth soles reduce turf drag, boosting speed and distance for each shot.

Ping Eye 2 vs. Eye 2+ (My Review)

I really appreciate the perfect balance in the perimeter weighting of the Eye 2+ irons, making shot control a breeze, which is the opposite experience for the original Eye 2.

However, when it comes to shaping shots in both directions, it can get tricky.

The offset feature of the Eye 2+ is a plus for hitting the ball right to the left, but even as an older player, I’ve managed to handle shot shaping quite nicely.

One standout feature for me is the consistent loft progression throughout the set. Unlike newer clubs that might mess with loft characteristics, each iron in the Eye 2+ set maintains its intended loft.

This is crucial, especially in long irons, where hybrids often fall short.

Sticking with the + PW, SW, and LW ensures a smooth progression, with every club looking and setting up the same way.

I particularly love the versatility of the wedges for various shots without causing excessive damage to the ball cover.

Now, there’s a downside worth mentioning regarding the original KT shafts. These are known for their thin walls and durability issues.

If you’re in the market for used sets, I’d strongly advise steering clear of KT-equipped irons unless the shafts are original and have that distinctive “white” Ping epoxy.

On the flip side, the JZ shaft in my BeCu Eye 2+ irons has proven to be more reliable. The ZZ65 shaft in stainless-eye 2+ irons is acknowledged as excellent, and I still regret letting go of a set with this configuration.

If you’re ordering new Eye 2+ irons directly from Ping, the significant part is that you get to choose your preferred shaft, adding a personalized touch to your clubs.

I’m a big fan of the Eye 2+ irons, and I recommend them over the Eye 2.

Despite other good options from Ping, there hasn’t been much improvement in the golf industry since the success of the Eye 2 and Eye 2+ lines from Karsten.

Pros and Cons of Ping Eye 2 Iron

The Ping Eye 2 allows you to outfit it with graphite shafts as well as the original steel shafts. However, I also observed that these irons have ridiculously weak lofts, which give them incredibly high launch angles.

Here are the pros and cons to keep in mind before using Ping Eye 2 irons.

Pros and Cons of Ping Eye 2 Plus

Like the Eye 2’s, you can’t find the Eye 2 Plus easily, even on the Ping official website. They are old, old clubs. That’s a significant downside. But there are good sides to this club as well.

Who Should Use the Ping Eye 2+ Iron?

Even though the Ping Eye 2+ is an older model compared to newer clubs from brands like Callaway and Titleist, it’s still a good choice for beginners.

If you’re on a budget, you can buy used Ping clubs for a much lower price than brand-new ones.

Brand-new sets can be expensive, reaching the upper three-digit price range.

Ping doesn’t sell them directly anymore, but you can find them through online resellers.

If you come across a well-maintained set of Ping Eye 2+ clubs, don’t miss the chance to buy them.

Pro Tip:

• Before making a decision, visit a golf equipment store and ask the experts there to help you choose the right color for your set.
• Ping has used a colored dot system for labeling their clubs for over 40 years, and getting the right color ensures that you get the best set for you.

Final Remark

I’ve used a variety of Ping golf irons over the years, starting with the Eye 2’s and progressing through different models like the +’s, Zings, Zing 2’s, ISI BeCu, BeNi, I3 Blades, and I3+ Blades.

Currently, I’ve been playing with the Eye 2+s for the past two seasons. And I can say it’s the best of the old Ping products I’ve tried.

However, I haven’t tried the newer Ping iron models like the G2, G5, S58, S59, I5, or I10.

But if you’re torn between the Eye 2 and Eye 2+’s, you should, by now, know what makes these two irons different.