Ping i500 Iron

We assess the looks and performance of the Ping i500 iron

Ping i500 Iron Review
Golf Monthly Verdict

The i500 is a beautiful looking iron from every angle that delivers the consistent speed and forgiveness club golfers are looking for. The look in the bag is what average golfers aspire to play, while the option of different specs as well as the comprehensive shaft range means nearly every ability of player can find a combination to suit their needs.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great aesthetics, exceptional distance and forgiveness with a pleasing sound and feel.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Lower-than-expected flight and spin reduced stopping power slightly.

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Ping i500 Iron Review video and article- GM Technical Editor Joel Tadman talks you through what performance i500 offers and the type of player it is aimed at

Ping i500 Iron Review

When it was released in 2018, the Ping i500 represented a new category for the brand, providing distance in a slimline profile that looks like a muscleback in the bag. You can read more about the technology here.

ping-i500-testing-web

We took the i500 to Foresight Sports HQ and tested it on the GCQuad launch monitor in the new stock Dynamic Gold 105 shaft option in S300, which comes in at 103g in this flex – considerably lighter than the 130g X100 we are used to playing. We also hit it on the range at West Hill Golf Club.

Looks

In our opinion, this is one of the best looking irons Ping has ever made. It has all the hallmarks of a muscleback from behind – from a distance you simply can’t tell it is actually hollow.

Related: Best Golf Irons

ping-i500-outdoor

There is minimal tech is on show and it is incredibly clean and simple. The lower handicappers will enjoy the lack of offset through the set. The sizing is generous from heel-to-toe (the blade length is the same as i210) without looking chunky or cumbersome. The sole is wide for forgiveness but can still create a hefty divot when required.

Related: Best Irons For Low Handicappers

ping-i500-address-web

Feel/Sound

Unlike other hollow irons from Ping, which can often sound more like a metalwood, the i500 has a much more iron-like sound, which we were relieved about. That being said it isn’t super soft and muted like an actual blade. It is noticeably explosive from the sweetspot, while being pleasing on the ears, and this doesn’t really tail off when you miss the middle either.

Performance

We tested the 7-iron in the i500 set, which has a standard loft of 30.5°. You could argue this steps on the toes of the G400 at 30°, but they are very different by design and the performance we experienced demonstrates these differences.

ping i500 ball data

The i500 may be modest in size, but it is built for speed. The average ball speed of 124mph is seriously impressive, generating a hefty average carry of 185 yards, which far exceeded what we experienced with the G400 (see below), although this data was collected in DG X100 shafts.

Ping G400 iron data

Much of this will be down to the low spin, which down at 4300 rpm is one of the lowest-spinning irons we’ve tested, slightly lower than G400. Coupled with the relatively low launch angle and ball flight, you could make a case to say the stopping power isn’t as high as some golfers might want it to be, but the ball flight we saw on the range looked to be plenty high enough.

Don’t forget with the i500 that golfers have the option of a higher-lofted Retro Spec, which should increase the launch/flight while producing more manageable distances for the high-speed player.

Overall we think the Ping i500, despite being a couple of years old, is still a top performing iron. After testing we think it most suits competent, mid-to-high swing speed golfers who want a smaller address profile without a loss of fire power.

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