Ping i230 Irons Review – Are They Forgiving & For What Handicap

Ping took a break from producing new clubs in 2020 but they’ve been prolific ever since. The newest Ping clubs to the market are the super sleek and sexy i230 players irons, which are set to grace the bags of tour players, pros and low handicappers in 2023 and beyond.

The i230’s are the upgrade of the i210’s which have been the most popular irons on tour since 2018, racking up an impressive 45 tour wins in that timeframe.

There is always a risk when upgrading a brand’s top irons which is why we see companies, including Ping, working with the best players and using their feedback to identify the areas which need improvement.

No surprise that the answer often comes back as more speed and distance with better sound, feel and control. Let’s take a look at how Ping has improved on the best with these excellently received new players’ irons.

Ping i230’s Irons Overview

The ping i230’s are already getting rave reviews and Ping has managed to squeeze even more improved performance from the factory onto the course with the following.

Heat Treatment

The club head now utilizes heat treatment which increases the strength and allows the face to be thinner. This helps to increase the energy exchange and ball speed.

5 Piece Construction

We now have a 4 piece cavity badge behind the face which helps to lower the vibrations, improving the sound and feel on impact.

The 4 piece cavity badge works in unison with an elastomer insert which saves weight in the club compared to the i210’s.

These weight savings are then reallocated, allowing Ping to lower the COG and increase the MOI by 3 – 5%.

More Compact Long Irons With Less Offset

While the short to mid irons are a similar size and shape as the i210’s, the longer irons have a more compact blade length.

This helps the best players with accuracy, consistency, and workability. It also gives the entire set a more player-friendly look and feel.

The Long Irons have slightly less offset to increase the players’ feel, consistency and workability.

More Rounded Leading Edge

The sole is going to be similar to the i210’s but the leading edge is slightly more rounded. This is giving smoother turf interaction and improved consistency for the top strikers.

The Lower COG has also slightly reduced the spin of the irons by 200-300 RPMs.

Hyrdopearl 2.0 Finish

The Hyrdopearl 2.0 finish in the irons ensures maximum performance, distance, and consistency across the set in any weather conditions. Another feature becoming synonymous with the Ping brand.

Micromax Grooves

The Micromax Grooves are great for lining up the ball at address and they also produce more grip, consistency, and workability in the clubs. Another feature we are seeing across the new Ping ranges of irons.

Consistent Gapping

The clubs have been designed to have about 11 yards difference from one iron to the next, eliminating gaps between the irons and giving the players the tools they need to hit any distance with ease.

The i230’s Overall

The i230’s are a worthy successor to the i210’s are we are likely to see top iron strikers such as Victor Hovland and Lee Westwood making the upgrade.

The biggest changes are a more player-friendly shaping in the long irons, lower COG, higher MOI, improved ball speed, distance, sound, and feel across the set.

These irons are going to set the best players only and don’t belong in the bags of higher handicap players.

The i230’s are set to dominate the pro golfing world in 2023 and beyond.