Ping I20 Irons Specs

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The Ping i20 irons have a progressive set design that allows for a high launch with long irons and a controlled flight with shorter ones. These irons have a large cavity area and a low Custom Tuning Port (CTP), which provides forgiveness and a sleek, classic Ping vibe. Additionally, incorporating high-density tungsten toe weight enhances stability, resulting in a solid feel at impact for consistent ball striking.

Having used the Ping i20 irons occasionally on the golf course, I am always amazed by their impressive specifications. The progressive set design ensures consistent performance, allowing for a high launch with the long irons and controlled flight with the shorter ones. These irons have proven to be versatile in rescuing me from tricky situations.

However, on one memorable day using this iron, I unintentionally hit a shot that rebounded off a tree and landed closer to the pin than my intended target. The forgiveness of the i20s turned this unexpected mishap into a hilarious triumph, leaving me impressed and amused by their capabilities.

In this article, I’ll discuss the features and specifications of the Ping I20. I’ll also try to share my experience so you can determine if purchasing it is a good decision.

Ping I20 Specifications

The PING i20 iron set was designed for players seeking a balance of distance and shot-shaping control. Here’s an overview of the critical specifications of the PING i20 irons:

Iron Loft Angle Lie Angle Length Bounce Angle Offset Swing Weight
4 Iron 24o 60.5o Standard 0o Moderate D2
5 Iron 27o 61.5o Standard 0o Moderate D2
6 Iron 30o 62o Standard 1o Moderate D2
7 Iron 33o 62.5o Standard 2o Moderate D2

First Impression

When I first got my hands on the Ping i20 irons, their sleek design stood out the most. The cavity back is seamlessly blended with the classic Ping look. The new custom tuning port played a big role in this. The refined size, placement, weight, and appearance of the CTP gave the irons a modern feel, even though they were released in 2012. The previous bulky and not-so-attractive CTP design was completely transformed with the Ping i20, giving the irons an overall contemporary look.

As I started testing the Ping i20 irons, my impression of the iron solidified further. The easy launch capability of these irons was especially impressive. This would be a massive advantage for high-handicapped players who struggle to get the ball in the air. Even mid-handicap players would benefit from the steep descent angles around the green, making these irons versatile in all situations. Even though the 9-iron had a relatively weak loft of 41°, it still performed impressively.

Features and Performance

The PING i20 irons combine forgiveness and precision through a sophisticated blend of technology, making them suitable for a wide range of golfers. One notable technological update is the introduction of the “toaster” style tuning port in the cavity, replacing the elliptical PING logo badge found in previous models.

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The Custom Tuning Port (CTP) vertical design and stabilization bars within the cavity enhance the overall feel and contribute to a thicker impact area. The strategic placement of the CTP allows for a lower center of gravity (CoG), providing options for customized weight positioning and swing weights. This adaptability ranges from 3 to 28 grams, accommodating different shaft lengths and weights.

The cavity structure design of the i20 irons emphasizes their technological prowess. The cavity is cut perpendicular to the ground in long irons, pulling the CoG back to increase ball flight. Conversely, the cavity is cut closer to the face for shorter irons, moving the CoG down and forward, offering a more comprehensive range of trajectory options.

Including stabilization bars behind the face enhances the overall feel of the irons, ensuring consistent and precise yardages, a crucial aspect of distance control for skilled players. With their advanced technology, the PING i20 irons strike an impressive balance, delivering forgiveness and precision to enhance the performance of golfers at all skill levels.

Forgiveness

The forgiveness of the Ping i20 irons was noticeable in my personal experience, especially when transitioning from the long irons to the mid irons. The pronounced offset, which decreases as you move down the set, made the long and mid irons much more manageable. Testing with high-handicap players showed that aligning with the long irons became easier, leading to straighter flights and better-shot dispersion.

The set’s ability to mask inward misses was awe-inspiring, with shots made towards the hosel exhibiting straighter trajectories than expected. However, the dynamics changed when testing the scoring irons, particularly the seven iron, which had significantly less offset than its predecessor. This adjustment posed initial challenges, highlighting the need for adaptability as I moved through the set.

The Ping i20 irons exhibited a natural high launch, especially when tested with mid-handicap players. However, the narrower toe area of the shorter irons posed challenges in drawing the ball. Although the distance achieved with the 7-iron was average, peaking at 152 yards, the forgiveness of these irons offered a significant advantage, catering to the unique requirements of various handicaps within the set.

Comparison with Other Alternatives

The comparison of the Ping i20, i25, and i200 irons provides insights into the distinct characteristics of each series, catering to diverse golfer preferences.

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The Ping i20 irons feature a large cavity area and a low Custom Tuning Port (CTP), resulting in a high launch and a low Center of Gravity (CG). With high-density tungsten toe weight enhancing forgiveness and stability, these irons offer a sleek, classic Ping vibe. Suitable for both high- and mid-handicappers, the i20 irons maintain a modern appearance and are easy to launch.

Moving to the Ping i25 irons, a larger cavity area and smaller overall head size despite wider soles distinguish them from the i20. Less noticeable custom tuning ports in the mid and short irons balance game improvement with workability, appealing to mid- to high handicappers. Offering forgiveness and distance like the i20, the i25 irons boast a sleek and appealing design with a more game-improvement feel without sacrificing workability.

The Ping i200 irons focus on forgiveness, distance, and a soft feel. A 30% thinner face enhances ball speed, while weight distribution increases the Moment of Inertia (MOI) for improved forgiveness. The higher leading edge and more bounce on the sole make these irons easier to hit, and the hydro pearl finish ensures consistency even in wet conditions. The i200 irons, with a sleek appearance and a thinner face, provide a crisp feel at impact, emphasizing consistency over extreme distances.

To make things easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of some key features of these irons:

Features Ping I20 Ping I25 Ping I200
Cavity Area Large cavity area with a custom tuning port (CTP) for high launch and low CG. Larger cavity area with less offset throughout the set. Sleek appearance with a thin face and water-resistant finish.
Forgiveness With high forgiveness on mishits, shots launch high with ease. Game improvement feels good without sacrificing workability. It is forgiving with consistent performance.
Visual Design Sleek, classic Ping vibe with a modern appearance. Appealing design, trimmer heads, less noticeable CTP Sleek appearance, crisp feel.
Player Range Better players in the 10–5 handicap range. Mid- to high handicappers. Consistent performance for various skill levels.
Hand Orientation Right-handed and left-handed configurations. Right-handed and left-handed configurations. Right-handed and left-handed configurations.
Shaft Material It comes with steel shafts and graphite. It comes with steel shafts and graphite. Comes with steel and graphite.
Flex Options Available in Regular®, Stiff (S), and sometimes Extra Stiff (X). Available in Regular®, Stiff (S), and sometimes Extra Stiff (X). Offers various flex options (R, S, and X) based on custom fitting.
Set Composition The standard set includes 3–9 irons and, optionally, a pitching wedge (PW) or gap wedge (GW). The standard set includes 3–9 irons and, optionally, a pitching wedge (PW) or gap wedge (GW). Standard set composition with customization options.
Grip Options Various grip options are available, including proprietary grips and other popular brands. Different grip options are available, including proprietary grips and other popular brands. Different grip options are available, including proprietary grips.
Price Range $255-$618 $275 $356-$502
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Pros and cons

Before I wrap things up, I highlight the advantages and disadvantages I observed using the Ping I20.

What I liked

  • The i20 irons offer brilliant distance control, which is crucial for consistent performance on the golf course.
  • These irons provide remarkable consistency in terms of ball flight and shot dispersion.
  • The i20 irons exhibit forgiveness even on off-center hits, making them suitable for a wide range of golfers.
  • Ping offers custom fitting options, allowing players to tailor the clubs to their swing characteristics.

What I Didn’t Like

  • Some purists might find the non-blade styling a bit “chunky.” However, this aesthetic preference is subjective.
  • If you’re a traditionalist who prefers sleek blade-style irons, the i20’s appearance may not match your taste.

Who Should Use the Ping I20 Irons?

The Ping i20 irons are particularly well-suited for golfers falling within the handicap range of 20 to 12, offering a balanced set of features that cater to the specific needs of players within this skill level. The progressive CG is a notable advantage for better players in this range. The low CG in the long irons provides forgiveness, while the gradual increase as you move through the set enhances workability, making them an ideal choice for those looking to refine their game as they approach the green.

Due to this progressive CG design, mid-handicappers can benefit significantly from the Ping i20 irons. The forgiveness in the long irons ensures a forgiving launch. At the same time, the ability to manipulate shots becomes more pronounced with the mid-iron set, allowing for increased precision as players approach the green.

Even high handicappers stand to gain from the user-friendly characteristics of the Ping i20 irons. These irons’ easy launch and feedback are advantageous for players still developing their skills. The toe weighting effectively mitigates mishits, and the clubs support correcting common issues like slices.

Final Thoughts

The Ping i20 irons showcase Ping’s dedication to innovation and performance in golf clubs. These irons have proven their versatility, appealing to many players, including tour professionals and mid-handicappers. The i20’s progressive set design, which offers a high launch with a long and controlled flight with shorter irons, ensures reliability on the course. Whether it’s the ease of launch or the consistent ball striking, the Ping i20 irons retain their reputation as a reliable choice for golfers who desire a balanced blend of performance and playability.

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Fredrick

Hello, I'm Fredrick, and I have a genuine passion for golf. With over 15 years of immersion in the golfing industry, I've not only played the game extensively but also honed my skills in crafting informational guides on golf. Golf is not just a sport to me; it's a way of life, and I'm thrilled to share my expertise with fellow enthusiasts.