Ping GMax irons review

Golf Monthly's Ping GMax irons review, a progressive set that uses COR-Eye technology and a low and back CG to increase launch, distance and forgiveness

Ping GMax irons review
Ping GMax irons are Ping's most forgiving and longest irons to date
Golf Monthly Verdict

The target golfer for these irons is looking for a set that is easy to hit and will offer distance and plenty of help on poor strikes. The Ping GMax iron delivers this in a confidence-inspiring package. The lighter swing weight in the long irons aids both distance and even gapping while the unique, powerful sound will add to the hitting experience for most

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Forgiveness in abundance due to the size and head construction. Delivers on distance promise, the long irons are surprisingly easy to control

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    The unique sound and darker finish may not be to every golfer’s taste

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Golf Monthly's Ping GMax irons review, a progressive set that uses COR-Eye technology and a low and back CG to increase launch, distance and forgiveness

Ping GMax irons review

Key technology The clubface material on the GMax irons is 40 per cent stronger than on the Karsten irons they replace, which has allowed Ping to make them thinner for more flex at impact. This, along with the new COR-Eye design, helps to increase distance by up to five yards.

Longer blade lengths and wider soles have helped push the CG lower and further back for higher launch and more forgiveness. Greater trailing- edge relief and increased bounce aids turf interaction, while lighter swing weights in the long irons make them more accurate.

Shaft options Ping’s CFS Distance shaft comes as standard but Dynamic Gold, Project X, XP 95 and Nippon models are available with no upcharge

Will suit Golfers looking for maximum distance and forgiveness from their irons on top of a confidence-inspiring look at address.

Ping GMax iron cut-thru

GM verdict Game-improvers need as much help as they can get in order to find more greens and hit the ball further, and the GMax irons won’t leave them disappointed. The length from heel to toe, along with the wide sole and thick topline, inspires confidence, while the noticeable ‘ping’ sound matches the power you feel at impact.

Through the set, yardage is up there with any other distance iron and levels of forgiveness are equally impressive, with strikes out of the heel and toe carrying further than expected. Shots are very difficult to curve, something higher-handicappers won’t mind as the stable flight should mean fewer missed greens.

The standout feature of this set is the long irons. Traditionally the most difficult to hit, golfers have help from the extra offset and lighter swing weights to square the faces more frequently at impact.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x