For more decades than I’ve been alive, Ping has delivered on their promise of helping players like you Play Your Best. The company was founded by the Solheim family in the spirit engineering quality golf clubs that help golfers of all playing abilities get the most out of their game and have fun.
When it comes to irons, Ping’s history dates all the way back to the Pin Eye and Ping Eye 2 irons which were the first perimeter weighted irons of any significance to hit the market. The Eye 2s were even made with copper beryllium and had square grooves to provide extra spin.
More recently, I remember playing the first generation of the i59 irons, the s58s in the mid-2000s. They were Ping’s player’s club at the time and to this day are considered some of the best irons I ever owned.
The i59 line has only continued to get better since then. The latest iteration has the look of a classic player’s club, but more than enough modern technology to provide players all the forgiveness they need.
Key Features
AlumiCore Technology allows weight to be redistributed to the toe and shaft tip to increase MOI and offer more forgiveness.
MicroMax Milled grooves are close together and allow for increased interaction with the ball at impact for more spin and control.
Hydropearl 2.0 finish repels water and reduces glare ensuring consistent contact.
Design and Technology
We’ll say it again, Ping has always been about forgiveness. In club tech parlance, we’re talking about extremely high MOI. That’s mostly realized in their game improvement irons.
However, they also cater to players that appreciate a more traditional look, like a smaller clubhead profile, yet still want plenty of forgiveness. Hence the i59 irons.
Are there clubs on the market with perceived “cooler” tech than the i59s? Sure. All you have to do is jump on the websites of TaylorMade or Callaway to read all the fancy terms marketing teams have come up with to sell their product. But the i59s have plenty of their own tech and design features too.
To start, AlumiCore Technology moves some 30 grams of weight from the club’s center to its perimeter, specifically the toe and shaft tip. This not only provides increased stability through impact, it increases MOI to match that of the larger i210 irons. In both robotic and human testing, heel and toe mishits performed much better than previous generations.
While grooves often go overlooked when it comes to club design, they’re all too important in terms of providing spin and control. Ping realized this and engineered the i59’s MicroMax Milled Grooves to be both sharper and closer together. This increases contact points with the golf ball at impact. The end result is more spin and not as many “fliers” out of the rough.
The i59’s head profile and finish were inspired by feedback from the Tour. Ping went to great lengths to gather feedback from the game’s best players. That’s reflected in a compact head with a thin top line that inspires confidence at address. Ping went a step further and employed their Hydroseal 2.0 finish that repels both water and glare.
In short, the i59 Irons have plenty of modern tech that’s designed to maximize performance, but not so much that it detracts from your experience in any way.
Ping i59 Irons
As we mentioned in the opening, Ping is known for making some of the most forgiving clubs in the game. They’re all about maximizing MOI, even to the point where some of their previous clubs have sacrificed distance.
With that said, the i59s are considered an advanced player’s club. Their sleek profile and small heads don’t have as big a sweet spot as some of their game improvement irons.
PROS
- Sleek profile and thin top line inspire confidence when the club is behind the ball.
- Ample stock shaft options give golfers plenty of choices.
- AlumiCore Technology distributes weight toward the toe for increased forgiveness and added stability through impact.
CONS
- Irons may be difficult for beginners and high handicappers to hit consistently.
- Price point is higher than other irons on the market.
- Some golfers say these irons aren’t as technologically advanced as similar irons from other manufacturers.
Our Experience
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Ping i59 irons when they first came out. Just like when I put the s58s in my bag so many years ago, I was more than impressed with the performance and feel of the i59s.
Just like I expected, the feel of the i59s was superior. Solid shots felt like I was hitting a forged club. At the same time, mishits were surprisingly forgiving.
I also think the i59s are some of the best looking irons Ping has ever made. While Ping is known for thicker top lines and a lot of offset in their irons, the i59s look much more traditional.
Just like Ping suggests, the added grooves on the i59s seemed to increase spin on the short irons and wedges too.
On the whole, my experience with the i59s was nothing but positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of the Ping i59 irons?
The Ping i59 irons feature a three-piece forged design that includes a 1025 carbon steel body, a 17-4 stainless steel face, and a lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum core. This construction allows for improved trajectory control and shot dispersion, along with added forgiveness compared to previous models like the iBlade.
How do the i59 irons compare to the previous iBlade model?
The i59 irons replace the iBlade and offer significant advancements, including a thinner sole, a new groove pattern for enhanced spin control, and a hollow body design that provides forgiveness similar to the i210 model. The i59's design is more modern, catering to elite golfers who seek both precision and playability.
What technology is used to enhance performance in wet conditions?
The Ping i59 irons are equipped with a Hydropearl 2.0 finish, which repels moisture to maintain consistent performance even in wet weather. This finish helps to reduce the impact of water on launch, ball speed, and backspin, ensuring reliable results throughout the round.
Are the i59 irons suitable for all skill levels?
The Ping i59 irons are primarily designed for elite golfers, offering features that cater to skilled players who require precision and control. While they provide some forgiveness, they may not be ideal for beginners or high-handicap players who might benefit more from game improvement irons.
What are the price points for the Ping i59 irons?
The price for the Ping i59 irons varies depending on the retailer and condition (new or used), typically ranging from approximately $665 to $1,080. This positions them as a premium option in the market, reflecting their high-quality construction and advanced technology.
Conclusion
More than any other company I’m a fan of Ping’s slogan – Play your best. It’s simple, unassuming, and to the point.
Ever since the company was founded by Karsten Solheim, it’s stuck to that principle and golfers of all different backgrounds, abilities, shapes, and sizes have reaped the benefits and enjoyed the game of golf thanks to the company’s equipment.
The s59 irons are just one of many shining examples. While they might not be the best option for rank beginners or high handicaps, they stand to benefit experienced players in ways they can’t imagine. We encourage you to see for yourself. We think you’ll like what you find.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
