Equipment
Ping G25 irons: Editor Review
Pros: The G25’s are more compact than the G20’s in every way — especially the short irons, which our reviewer called “downright svelte looking.” But despite the smaller size, Ping managed to make the G25 irons longer and more forgiving. The long irons also fly higher than previous models, and do so without adding too much spin.
Cons: The G25’s soles are narrower than the G20’s, but they’re still oversized. That means they’ll have a tendency to snag in the rough. And while they G25’s offer improved feel, we’re still talking about an oversized cast iron from Ping — not a buttery forging.
The Bottom Line: The G25 irons look, feel and perform better than the G20’s, which was no small accomplishment considering how many golfers love their G20 irons. These are worth the upgrade, particularly for better players. They’ll get a lot more performance from the narrower soles and higher-launching long irons, as well.
Overview
G Series irons from Ping are traditionally game-improvement irons, which means they’re designed to help average joes hit higher, farther and straighter shots.
But Ping’s last two renditions, the G15 and G20 irons, were trending toward the “super game-improvement” category. Their extremely wide soles and large amount of offset was too much for many golfers, particularly those who enjoyed the look of Ping’s smaller irons but didn’t have the game to play them.
That’s why this year’s G25 irons are considerable more compact than the G20’s. But here’s the thing — typically, when irons get smaller they also become less forgiving. But the G25’s actually perform better than the larger G20’s. In the words of our reviewer, they’re “rainmakers” that are “sinfully forgiving.”
Click here to read his full review in the forums.
The G25’s sell for around $700 for a set of a set of eight irons, and are available with Ping’s CFS shafts in Soft R, Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff flexes or Ping’s lighter, higher-launching TFC 189 shafts in Soft R, Regular and Stiff flexes. Check out the spec sheets below for more information.
Performance
Rarely are we able to say that a new iron has considerably more forgiveness and feel than a previous model, but that’s exactly what the G25 irons deliver. The biggest change Ping made to the irons was positioning the CTP, or custom tuning port, lower in the head. It was positioned so low, in fact, that Ping had to make it smaller because it now collides with the sole.
What that change did was line up the center of gravity with the line of force at impact, which results in a more efficient transfer of energy (aka more ball speed) on center strikes. But because Ping is Ping, and its engineers strive to make each iron as forgiving as the size of the head will allow, the G25’s also have more perimeter weighting.
Where did that extra weight come? Well, Ping made the faces of the G25 irons thinner. That didn’t necessarily make the faces any springier, but what it did do was free up a few extra grams of weight for Ping to sprinkle around the cavity, which makes the club more stable on off-center strikes to make those shots fly close to the same distance as solid hits.
Click here to read our full tech story on the G25 irons.
Our reviewer summed it up nicely when he said:
“These G25s are more forgiving than your favorite grandmother.”
But what might be more important to better players than the extra forgiveness and ball speed are the G25’s narrower soles, which will perform better from the rough and improve turf interaction on tight lies.
According to our reviewer, there’s even more good news for better players. The G25 3 iron is so long and high-launching that golfers might be inclined to trade out the troublesome hybrid in their bag.
Looks and Feel
The great thing about positioning more mass behind the line of force at impact is that it not only boosts performance — more mass behind the ball at impact boosts feel as well. But Ping went even further to dial in the feel of the G25 irons — engineers changed the materials, shape, size and adhesion of the multi-material cavity badge to soften the blow, resulting in subtle, yet powerful sound at impact.
Visually, the reduced offset, thinner top lines and more progressive sole widths look beautiful at address, and pair nicely with a graphite finish that makes the irons look even stealthier over the ball.
“Can I say the G25’s are more blade like than the G20’s in the short irons?,” our reviewer said. “It’s crazy to use that comparison, but much of what appeared to get in the way — a bit too much meat on the bone — has been redistributed out of the way. You’re unlikely now to see the back of the PW standing over it at address. The soles are narrowed significantly, and play effectively even narrower as there is an added trailing edge relief grind. The sense is, if we were to put the G25’s and the G20’s in a wind tunnel … the G25’s look like they’d win with a lower coefficient of drag.”
Click here to read his full review in the forums.
The Takeaway
The Ping G25’s aren’t the best looking irons on the market, and they’re not the best feeling, either. But that’s not what Ping was after.
Our reviewer found that his shots were often flying the right distance and on the right line, even when his contact wasn’t in the right place. In a game of misses, that might be the most a golfer can hope for, and that’s why Ping designed them that way.
Ping isn’t claiming that the Ping G25’s are going to fly farther than everyone else’s game-improvement iron, but they’re plenty long. And after hitting a few of these thin, on the heel and on the toe and still watching them fly long and straight, we know that Ping squeezed every ounce of forgiveness possible from the smaller size of these new irons. And that’s what modern iron design should be all about.
Click here to read his full review in the forums.
Reviewed by GolfWRX Moderator Todd Hibbert (Asleep in the forums)
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- Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X
3-wood: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Red 80 TX
5-wood: Titleist TSR2 (21 degrees @19.25, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 9 TX
Irons: Titleist T100S (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 620 (6-9)
Shafts: KBS $ Taper 130 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 50-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60)
Shafts: KBS $ Taper 130 (46) KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X (50, 56), KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 X (60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5.5 Proto
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
More photos of Max Homa’s WITB in the forums.
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Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver (11.5 degrees @10)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5
- Unconfirmed. We are working to gather details.
5-wood: Krank Formula Fire
- Unconfirmed. We are working to gather details.
Irons: Avoda Prototype (5-PW)
Shafts: LA Golf Prototype
Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 (46-12S @45, 50-12S, 56, 60)
Shafts: LA Golf Prototype
Putter: SIK Pro C-Series Armlock/LA Golf Proto
Shaft: LA Golf C2L-180
Grip: JumboMax JumboFlat 17
Grips: JumboMax UltraLight XL
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
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Accra Golf shafts have long been synonymous with fitting, and the new GX line of driver, fairway, and hybrid shafts continues that legacy.
Since 2004, Accra has been making high-end performance golf shafts that use the latest in materials and design philosophy. Their group of around 350 fitters are some of the best and most highly ranked in the world. While you might see other brands on professional tours more often, there are plenty of touring pros using Accra products and winning.
Accra’s new GX line of shafts is designed to offer a consistent and accurate shaft to a wide range of players. The GX line consists of 3 different shafts in driver, fairway, and hybrid designs.
The Accra GX shafts are designed for fitters to dial in golfers to the perfect shaft for their swing. Accra included a ton of technology into the GX line including their S3 profiling, DyMatch, and Constant Flex technology. DyMatch has been Accra’s quest to ensure that all shafts in a family feel and perform similar from driver to hybrid or iron shaft. Typically shafts get stiffer as they go up in weight, but Accra’s Constant Flex keeps the flex of the shafts consistent so fitters and golfers can dial in the weight that the golfer need without have to work around a stiffer or softer flex. Accra worked with Cool Clubs to build out its S3 Shaft Profiling system that not only allows a quick and easy EI profile of any shaft, it helps with quality control to ensure shafts come out of production exactly as they were designed.
Accra GX Red 300 Series
GX Red is lowest launching and spinning option in the GX line. Driver shafts have fewer options with just the 360 and 370 models that come in at 63 and 71 grams. The GX Red is made for faster swinging, or stronger, players who require a stiff (M4) or x-stiff (M5) shaft for their swing. Fairway and hybrid models are also on the higher weight side with the fairway clocking in at 80g and 90g for the hybrid. Accra designed this series with one of the stiffest tip sections of any Accra shaft in the current line, and while it is built to control launch and spin, the Red 300 Series will still offer that smooth feel.
Accra GX Green 100 Series
If your swing usually works best with mid-launch and spin, then the GX Green 200 series might be the right shaft for you. Offered in more weight and flex options, you can get a GX Green in 52 grams and all the way up to 70 grams in regular, stiff, and x-stiff flexes. GX Green will give the player a smooth feel and transition from the handle down to the tip section while still providing great stability and consistency. Accra also focused on the energy transfer of this shaft, and golfers can see some increased ball speed compared to other shafts.
Accra GX Blue 200 Series
While the GX Blue 100 Series is the highest launching and spinning option in the GX lineup, it will still give golfers the control and consistency they need. Starting off at 40g, the GX Blue series puts an emphasis on lighter weight to allow players to swing the club faster, promoting more distance. Accra touts the stability of the GX 140 Blue driver shaft by stating that some long driver competitors have put it in play to try and gain every MPH they can. Matching fairway and hybrid shafts are both on the lighter side at around 60g for the fairway and 65g for the hybrid depending on the flex.
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Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft:...
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Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5 Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver...
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HENRY GARBARZ
Aug 8, 2014 at 6:59 pm
I have played with Ping G5/15 irons and loved them. The G25s are awesome when it comes to hitting greens. The 8/9/w/gw make the game easy. I seem to lose distance with the longer irons but my dispersion pattern is very good. As senior golfer I love the weight of the shafts. My hccp is 15.
I would highly recommend these.
Terry Medlar
Nov 6, 2014 at 10:11 pm
I’m 63 and started playing (seriously) 3 years ago. I currently use TM RBZ irons and woods. I’ve taken lots of lessons, but have been struggling with consistency, especially with my fairway woods. I just tried and purschased a g25 3 wood and couldn’t be happier. I still made some bad shots but couldn’t believe how easy this wood hit off the tee and the ground. If the irons are as forgiving as this 3 wood, I want to buy a set. I just want to make sure they are worth the price.
Ken Christy
Jul 15, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Went in and got fitted. The golf shop sold me on the G25’s. I like the 8,9.W and U. The 7,6 and 5 blah. I told the retailer that I used to ‘play’. But had been raising my family but wanted to ‘play’ again. I told him I was as low as a 2 handicap but he said that I should use today’s technology. When my clubs arrived, they were blue dots and I questioned that because they were too upright. A waste of 800 bucks !! Bought a used set of old black dot Ping Eye 2’s for $100 bucks off Craigs List and had them regriped Hit them straight and 10-12 yards farther than the G25’s. So much for technology.
Bill Duryea
May 29, 2014 at 6:58 am
The new Scottsdale Craz-e true roll is awesome! I have made more putts this year so far than I have ever made. Keep up the good work.
Nick
Apr 20, 2014 at 3:26 pm
I have played many Ping irons the last 30 years (eye2, zing, isi, i3, …) and these are outstanding if you want a forgiving iron that looks ok. Extremely easy to hit and a soft feel for a cast iron. Only one downside, I find it difficult to control a fade with the g25.
Ted
Apr 11, 2014 at 4:08 am
You have to laugh when you read some of these comments. Ping Zings & Ping Eye Two are so far behind in technology and performance. I personally have owned Ping Zings, G15’s and now G25’s and the step in performance is sensational. Well done to the engineer’s behind the development of the newer clubs.
Brian Weller
Apr 8, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Played the the G25’s as a rental set at the Biltmore in PHX and I cannot believe how good these clubs are ! I am going home and buying a set ! Straight, true and forgiving. Have to to retire my Ping Eye 2 irons 🙂
Jason
Feb 3, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Extremely happy with my purchase. Went to the golf shop over the weekend looking to purchase new irons. This is my 3rd season of golf and had been currently playing a set of hand me down taylormade supersteel irons. Currently I range anywhere from an 11-17 handicap. I went in with an open mind for my fitting. I wanted to hit all the new irons and I did. Hit the new speedblades last years rocket blades, callaway x-hots and the x-hot 2’s. Also the new AP’1’s and the Ping G25’s. After a few swings I knew the callaways were not the clubs for me. Although the taylormade’s may be the longest irons I’ve ever hit just didn’t seem to be that consistent with them. I narrowed it down between the G25’s and the AP1’s. The AP1’s were the best looking club in the game improvement irons in my opinion. I just loved the explosion and feel of these G25s very forgiving on miss hits and get the ball up in the air in a hurry. Now I can’t compare them to the other pings as these were the only ones I hit. And they were not as long say as taylormade. But if your looking for great feel forgiveness and exceptional length I would recommend these irons to any mid to hi handicapper! I think it’s safe to say these irons won’t be leaving my bag anytime soon!
Pete
Dec 2, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Soon receiving a large retro check and need new irons. Are the Ping G25 worth it or something cheaper like the Mizuno JPZ 800?
Kav
Sep 10, 2013 at 3:45 am
I just got the G25, black dot. Steel Shaft.
I used to own a custom i15 but my entire golf bag got stolen!!
a few weeks back, i tried the G25 and i20’s.. i felt the G25 gave me a better feel and further distance.
i really miss my old i15’s. my handicap is about 20.
All i can say is, i can forsee myself getting better with the G25 as there is an increase in distance as before.
i would recommend this for people who want more distance. The feel is pretty good too.
SirShankAlot
Aug 4, 2013 at 10:42 am
I love my Raptures but am certainly interested in the G25s. Think i have to wait some time til the first G25´s go second hand cause i haven´t got the money for new clubs. Never had and probably never will 😉 Thanks for the review !
mfrank999
Jul 29, 2013 at 8:53 am
I just received my G25 irons in graphite sr flex.
They are red dot and 1/2 inch short.
On the mat in the store I hit them pure but when I went to the outdoor range and hit off the grass I never felt I hit the sweet spot although they went pretty much in the direction I was aiming.
I have always played standard lie and regular length even though I am 5′-7 1/2″.
Do I have to just get used to the shorter length, is it in my head????
By the way I am a picker.
purkjason
Jul 24, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Best Irons Ping ever made were and still are the Ping Eye 2’s. Mine are still working just fine and I have no reason to ever change. I do admit that the G25’s are the best looking irons Ping has ever created hands down.
Carrlos
Jul 22, 2013 at 5:41 pm
I would pay money to read a comparation; G25 “vs” PingZing2. I really belive there is no significant improvement.
Top class booth of them.
wrx143
Jul 5, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Bought the G25s with PXi shafts that brought the ball flight down a bit and lowered spin, not that the G25s spin too much. Yes, I love these irons and the main reason is the feel I get from a well struck shot. The ball seems to stay on the face for a split second longer, similiar to my MP30 Mizunos. Unlike my MP30s, there is a distinct crispness as the ball leaves the face in a hurry that is addictive. Also, the turf interaction is nothing short of perfection. I have one beef with Ping, and that is the lie on their irons rarely arrive to specifications. They are great about fixing the problem, but why not do it right the first time?
jim
Jul 5, 2013 at 2:07 am
There was a day when Ping made the best equipment in the business. Now though, they churn out new stuff like they are taylor made Jr…. mostly crap.
Jay Smith
Jul 2, 2013 at 5:53 pm
There is nothing special about them. If your a high handicapper it will not make a bit of a difference what !you play with. If your a good player you will hate the things. Sales and marketing
Bart
Jul 4, 2013 at 8:54 am
Hi,Jay,
I have to totally disagree with you. I own the Ping G20’s and after playing with them for a year I can say they deliver results as promised.
I have only been playing for 2 years and I currently have a 22 handicap. My first set was a basic starter set. Once I realized how much I loved playing I started replacing the clubs. When I was shopping for irons I tried irons on the driving range from titliest, Callaway, and tailormade. I couldn’t find one that stood out from the other. Then on a whim I tried the Ping G20. I had initially passed over them because I didn’t like the way they looked in the store. But on the driving range they produced a high and consistent ball flight. I thought maybe I was now warmed up so I shuffled the clubs around and randomly selected a brand. Every time it I kit the G20 it produced that beautiful consistent flight.
Next I took it on the golf course. And the results were confidence building. My favorite shot is hitting my 7 iron and seeing it land softly on the green. I have 2 friends who have since bought the G20’s whose handicaps are in the low teens .
Ping doesn’t make empty promises. They promoted the consistent gaping between irons, forgiveness across the face, and a higher ball flight. They deliver on all 3.
Jason Bice
Aug 13, 2013 at 10:27 pm
Clubs and engineering do matter. I too, was fitted at the PGA superstore for G20 blue dots. I ended up buying Mizuno JPX-800pros because of looks. I wasted a year with the Mizunos. I should have left with the G20s. I now sold the JPXs and bought the G25s and am really lowering my handicap.
Dwaine McKeen
Jul 4, 2013 at 7:43 pm
I don’t think so, fitted forged MX200 Mizuno irons for 5 years, 15 handicap, now Ping G25 steel shaft irons, straight, high, equal distance and forged feel….12 handicap.
Must be magic.
Dwaine McKeen
Jul 4, 2013 at 7:45 pm
I don’t think so, fitted forged MX200 Mizuno irons for 5 years, 15 handicap, now Ping G25 steel shaft irons, straight, high, equal distance and forged feel….12 handicap.
Must be magic.
Tommy
Jun 30, 2013 at 10:31 am
The G25 line from Ping is awesome! I have the G25 driver, 2 fairways, and G25 irons with graphite shafts.