Ping i200 Irons
If you're a low or mid-handicapper, these could be right up your street
The i200 takes elements of the iBlade and adds some of its own performance-enhancing technology to make it a prospect with much wider appeal. Single-figure golfers up to mid or maybe even high teen handicaps could potentially enjoy the compact profile that aids playability, but without losing out on forgiveness.
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An excellent all-round package that serious golfers will benefit from, regardless of whether they prioritise feel, forgiveness or workability
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Won’t necessarily provide the distance mid-handicappers with slower swing speeds are looking for
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Golf Monthly's Ping i200 irons review, a new slimline model with enhanced forgiveness and playability aimed at a wide spectrum of abilities
Ping i200 Irons Review
There’s much to like and admire about the new Ping i200 irons before even hitting a shot with them.
Ping has returned to including a number in the model name, which gets a thumbs-up from us as it provides a useful reference point in time and makes the product cycles easier to follow and recall.
The understated look may also be well received – it’s clear that Ping doesn’t see the need for flashy colours or unnecessary cosmetic features - the name alone is enough to draw you in and let the performance do the talking.
On closer inspection, you can see influence from the iBlade iron on the numbering style on the sole and the S55 model in the T-shape design on the back.
The i200 combines these design elements on a club that’s larger in size in all directions, but not to the extent where better players would be put off from using them.
Related: Ping i200 irons launched
Down behind the ball, clean lines, a mid-to-thin topline and minimal offset means there’s little to dislike. It inspires confidence to a degree, without looking chunky.
We tested it in the True Temper Dynamic Gold x100 steel shaft, one of many options available through a fitting with no upcharge.
It seems relatively effortless to hit these irons well – the length from heel-to-toe and extra leading edge bounce means you have to apply an especially bad swing for the ball to miss the green.
While the lofts are the same as the Ping iBlade (33° for a 7-iron) we found the i200 had the edge on carry distance by 3-4 yards, most likely down to the extra help on slight mishits from the size and perimeter weighting.
The feel from the face was comparable to iBlade too. In fact there are many comparisons that can be drawn with Ping’s most compact model, including the level of playability the i200 provides from different lies and workability in both directions.
As a Ping iBlade user currently, I am now struggling to justify my choice of having iBlade in the bag when the i200 seems to be a more user-friendly offering without losing out significantly in any other area of performance. The extra distance might take a little time to adjust to, but it’s minimal and only a minor issue.
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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content 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 or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.
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 2.8.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°
Putter: LAB Golf DF3
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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