The major difference between the Ping Zing and Ping Eye 2 is their design and performance focus. Ping Zing, with its midsize design and high toe area, emphasizes forgiveness and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Meanwhile, Ping Eye 2 boasts advanced features like a custom tuning port, catering to players seeking precise control, optimal launch, and distance mastery.

I recently tested the Ping Zing and Ping Eye 2 irons to refine my on-course experience. The Ping Zing pleasantly surprised me with its forgiveness, particularly around the toe region. Its smooth, rounded sole also proved handy in maintaining solid contact in challenging situations. Shifting to the Ping Eye 2, I encountered a more advanced set, where the cavity back design and custom tuning port significantly enhanced precision and allowed for optimal launch. Each iron brought distinct strengths, catering to different facets of my game and adapting to various playing scenarios.

In the rest of this article, I will explain the major differences between the Ping Eye 2 and Ping Zing to help you decide which to add to your collection.

Specification Comparison

When it comes to comparing the specifications of the Ping Eye 2 and Ping Zing, avid golfers often find themselves faced with a dilemma. So, to make things easier, let’s break down the key specifications of these two iconic golf clubs:

First Impression

As I unboxed the Ping Zing irons, the first thing that caught my eye was the distinct deep-cavity back design. It exuded precision and performance. When I gripped the club and took my first swings, I was immediately struck by how effortlessly I could connect with the ball. The deep cavity back seemed more than just a visual feature; it played a crucial role in making these irons remarkably easy to hit.

What stood out for me was the impressive shot dispersion. The Ping Zing irons consistently delivered tight shot groupings when my swings were reasonably accurate. It felt like the club was working with me to maintain control and keep the ball on the intended line.

Switching to the Ping Eye 2 irons, the differences in design and performance were apparent. I wasn’t a fan of the classic design and distinctive orange dot. The standout feature of the Ping Eye 2 irons was the cavity back design, which was notably emphasized as a key element contributing to forgiveness and accuracy. The weight redistribution to the clubhead’s perimeter caught my eye visually and promised enhanced performance.

The larger sweet spot created by the cavity back design was evident in my shots, providing confidence even on off-center hits. The Ping Eye 2 irons prioritize consistency, and the forgiveness offered by this design element was notable.

Ease of Use

Using the Ping Eye 2 irons felt super easy. The way they’re designed with that hollow-back thing makes them really forgiving. Even when I didn’t hit dead center, the shots went straight and far. It’s like they’re forgiving your mistakes, which is awesome, especially if you’re not a pro golfer. The weight around the edges helps, too; it keeps the club steady, so even if you mess up a bit, it’s not a disaster. These irons make golf feel less tricky, and that’s a big plus for me.

The Ping Zing Irons are also pretty easy to use. They might not have all the fancy stuff, but they’re forgiving. If you’re like me, still working on getting the perfect swing, these irons have your back. It’s not a big deal, even if you hit a bit off, especially around the toe. The club’s shape helps you out. And when dealing with rough grass, these irons slide through and let you hit the ball solidly. They might not be the flashiest, but they’re good for someone like me who wants to enjoy playing without too much fuss.

Performance

From my experience, the Ping Eye 2 Irons truly stand out regarding launch, trajectory, and distance control. The cavity back design and the carefully calibrated weight distribution worked seamlessly to promote a higher launch angle, making it remarkably easy for me to get the ball airborne. The meticulous center-of-gravity calibration ensured a consistent and desirable trajectory, providing the perfect balance between carry and roll.

What impressed me most about the Ping Eye 2 irons was their exceptional distance control. The custom tuning port technology allowed me to place the weight within the clubhead precisely, optimizing the center of gravity. This, coupled with the responsive feel of the True Temper Dynamic Gold Shaft, enabled me to generate maximum power efficiently, resulting in consistent and predictable ball flights.

On the other hand, my experience with the Ping Zing irons revealed a different set of strengths. The midsize design and high toe area offered forgiveness that was particularly reassuring around the toe region, protecting against mis-hits. The smooth, rounded sole design proved invaluable, especially in rough conditions, allowing me to make solid contact with the ball. While I found these irons ideal for beginners, the basic performance and the thick, unresponsive face presented challenges with ball speed, highlighting a trade-off between forgiveness and advanced features.

Surprisingly, the Ping Zing irons showcased good roll distance, even on topped shots. Despite lacking sophisticated technology, their perimeter-weighted cavity back design, groundbreaking in 1991, continued to assist with forgiveness. However, the basic performance and the thick, unresponsive face did raise concerns about ball speed for certain players, underscoring the balance between forgiveness and modern features.

Price

A brand new Ping Eye 2 costs about $107, depending on the shaft’s makeup, material, and flex. But you can get a used one for as low as $24. On the other hand, you can get a brand new Ping Zing for as low as $199.

Pros and cons

Like everything else, these two golf clubs have their upsides and downsides. I must share them with you so you can make a good decision about which to purchase.

Ping Eye 2

Ping Zing

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Ping Eye 2 and Ping Zing irons boils down to your priorities on the golf course. If you’re after advanced features, precise control, and a tailored experience, the Ping Eye 2 irons should be on your radar. Their cavity back design, strategic weight distribution, and custom-tuning port technology make them ideal for golfers seeking optimal launch, trajectory, and distance control. The True Temper Dynamic Gold Shaft further contributes to a responsive and stable feel, enhancing overall performance. However, be ready for a slightly steeper learning curve and possibly a higher price tag.

On the other hand, the Ping Zing irons might be a better fit if you value simplicity, forgiveness, and an easy-going golfing experience. Their midsize design, high toe area, and perimeter weighting make them forgiving and accessible, especially for beginners. While lacking some modern technology, they still provide good roll distance and help players navigate challenging conditions. If you prioritize an easy-to-use set that offers forgiveness without overwhelming you with advanced features, the Ping Zing irons are a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

Both Ping Eye 2 and Ping Zing have their own unique strengths, catering to different skill levels and playing styles. Your choice should align with what matters most to you on the course—whether it’s advanced technology and precision or simplicity and forgiveness. Whichever set you go for, both the Ping Zing and Ping Eye 2 irons offer reliable options to enhance your golfing experience.