New Ping G430 Irons, cheaper alternatives?

[loki993]

I currently game a set of Eye2, tried i3 blades for a while but didn't like them. Been considering new irons, so I went to hit a few. 

 

I am definitely in the game improvement category . I went in wanting to try JPX hot metals in steel and graphite. I did and didn't like the feel surprisingly, They felt very..hard, because going in I thought that's what I wanted. Then I tried the Srixon ZX4s I believe and the G430. The ZX4s were ok but the G430s just felt great, every shot took off like a rocket, they got in the air crazy easy even on bad hits and they were long. They maybe felt a bit too good because every hit almost felt like a flush and I knew they all definitely weren't. 
I also found out that new graphite shafts feel WAY better than the old ones but I did know that going in. 

 

My struggle is I've always played with used or hand me down equipment because the price of a new set of irons is a bit of a shock and has always kept me away. Ive always thought when it was time to get something newer I could get a set that was a generation or 2 old and be ok. 

 

So before I go drop 1100 to 1300 on a new set of 430s is there anything else I should look at that would be similar? Anything else new I should look at before I decide?

 

Should I try to find a good price on some g425s g410s or g400s maybe? My concern here is I cant hit them, so I dont know if they as good for me as the 430s are, I don't know how well they will work and I have less selection to get exactly what I need. 

 

I will say the idea of going in and getting exactly what I want and a club fit exactly to me does sound somewhat appealing, so dropping the money in the new set of 430s isn't totally out of the question. 

Edited April 25, 2023 by loki993

[Kyfra]

I’d have KE4 Max 7 or 8 built and see what you think. Great, forgiving iron and about a third the cost of the Pings

 

https://www.golfworks.com/maltby-ke4-max-iron-heads/p/ma0337/

[BirdieBob]

Cheaper?

 

Try these:  Don't like them then send them back minus 10%....KaBoom

Buy PXG Game Improvement Irons - 0311 Gen5 XP Irons | PXG

 

No?  Cheaper?

Buy PXG NEW 0211 Irons - Forgiving Golf Irons | PXG

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by BirdieBob

[loki993]

6 minutes ago, BirdieBob said:

Cheaper?

 

Try these:  Don't like them then send them back minus 10%....KaBoom

Buy PXG Game Improvement Irons - 0311 Gen5 XP Irons | PXG

 

those aren't really cheaper, they're coming up at 1100 with a PW and 1200 with PW and gap. I do have a PXG store near me where I can get fitted though. Price vs price though I would lean toward the pings unless there is a compelling reason to try the PXGs?

Edited April 25, 2023 by loki993

[Golfdoctor]

If you like the G430, then you'll like the G425. I don't see that much difference in the two, but a big difference in price. I play Ping G425 8-LW and found a set on eBay 8-SW that was less than a year old and excellent condition and only paid $371 for them. I did send them in to Ping for lie adjustment $40.

[BirdieBob]

1 minute ago, loki993 said:

 

those aren't really cheaper. I do have a PXG store near me where I can get fitted though. 

Look again....

 

CHEAPER!!

 

Buy PXG Game Improvement Irons - 0311 Gen5 XP Irons | PXG

 

 

[blt2280]

Do not buy PXG.  Tried to get them for dad and they felt like terrible. Did not perform.  Buy what you like. Sounds like you wont buy another set for 10 years anyway. 

Edited April 25, 2023 by blt2280

[loki993]

16 minutes ago, blt2280 said:

Do not buy PXG.  Tried to get them for dad and they felt like terrible. Did not perform.  Buy what you like. Sounds like you wont buy another set for 10 years anyway. 

 

Probably not which is why I would even consider spending the money on new clubs. I mean I guess if my game got a lot better and I thought I could use more workability or something, but that's a ways off and then I can just sell the 430s to recoup some of the money. 

[blt2280]

Go get the new clubs... move on from this... enjoy!

[eric61]

I've noticed the price of G425s has come down quite a bit, and you can still order them new. The lofts are slightly weaker on the G425s than they are on the G430s -- but that might be a good thing because it could save you a club. Honestly, though, in terms of differences in feel, having hit both of them, they're close enough to the same that if the G430s worked for you, the G425s will absolutely work for you too, and the good news is since they're still available for new custom orders, you can order them in the exact same specs that worked for you on the G430s. 

 

All of that said ... you're clearly thinking seriously about this, and you're planning on playing them for a long time. Is a couple hundred bucks over the decade or so you'll be playing these a huge deal? I know nothing about your financial situation, and respect that it might in fact be a huge deal! If so, I'd go G425s. But if not, if you can afford it ... seriously, treat yourself. You already know you love these G430s, and because Ping customer service is so great about adjusting things like lie angles, reshafting, regripping, etc., if your swing changes over time and you need tweaks, you can buy them with confidence that they'll work well for you for a very long time.

 

I do think the G430s are great irons. They're certainly not small, but I really like how Ping rounded the top line, and I like that they spin a bit more than other game improvement-type irons. Same is true of G425s. 

[this_is_golf]

I’m surprised you didn’t like the feel of the JPX 923 HM. I actually went from G425 to HMP for a few reasons, one of them was feel. Feel is subjective though so. 
 

Having said that, the G425s are a great iron and a pretty good deal right now. 

[ChipNRun]

2 hours ago, loki993 said:

I currently game a set of Eye2, tried i3 blades for a while but didn't like them. Been considering new irons, so I went to hit a few. 

 

I am definitely in the game improvement category ...  Then I tried the Srixon ZX4s I believe and the G430. The ZX4s were ok but the G430s just felt great, every shot took off like a rocket,

 

I see you are still playing Ping Eye2 irons (I see them on occasion at big corporate scrambles, sometimes played by 20-somethings. These are trans-generational irons!)

 

Given your Ping Eye2 favorites, and the fact that you have tried out several other iron models, you are clearly a thoughtful golfer. You don't buy a new iron set every season and cast it off before Labor Day.

 

That said, go back and give the G430s a second try. If the head and shaft work well, buy them. Go with clubs you've been fitted for. Let's say you play them for six seasons: $1200 / 6 = $200 a season - pretty good return on investment.  

 

Most of all, avoid this:

2 hours ago, loki993 said:

Should I try to find a good price on some g425s g410s or g400s maybe? My concern here is I cant hit them, so I dont know if they as good for me as the 430s are, I don't know how well they will work and I have less selection to get exactly what I need. 

 

I was in your situation in 1974. I had just returned from the Marine Corps, and was 20 pounds heavier than in my HS days. My old set of 1953 Spalding Syncro-Dyned irons had R-flex shafts, and I was starting to hook a lot of iron shots.

 

I went to see the pro where I used to caddy, and he offered me a set of MacGregor MT flatsole blades, with MT ① Stiff shafts. I hit a several shots and they really felt good.

 

Drawback: the cost was $160 for 2i-10i (1974 dollars). I went home and mentioned it to my mom. Without hesitation she said. "Buy them. You really enjoy golf, and you deserve a nice set of clubs."

 

I went on to play the MTs from 1974 to 1994.

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by ChipNRun
Syntax

[loki993]

25 minutes ago, ChipNRun said:

 

I see you are still playing Ping Eye2 irons (I see them on occasion at big corporate scrambles, sometimes played by 20-somethings. These are trans-generational irons!)

 

Given your Ping Eye2 favorites, and the fact that you have tried out several other iron models, you are clearly a thoughtful golfer. You don't buy a new iron set every season and cast it off before Labor Day.

 

That said, go back and give the G430s a second try. If the head and shaft work well, buy them. Go with clubs you've been fitted for. Let's say you play them for six seasons: $1200 / 6 = $200 a season - pretty good return on investment.  

 

Most of all, avoid this:

 

I was in your situation in 1974. I had just returned from the Marine Corps, and was 20 pounds heavier than in my HS days. My old set of 1953 Spalding Syncro-Dyned irons had R-flex shafts, and I was starting to hook a lot of iron shots.

 

I went to see the pro where I used to caddy, and he offered me a set of MacGregor MT flatsole blades, with MT ① Stiff shafts. I hit a several shots and they really felt good.

 

Drawback: the cost was $160 for 2i-10i (1974 dollars). I went home and mentioned it to my mom. Without hesitation she said. "Buy them. You really enjoy golf, and you deserve a nice set of clubs."

 

I went on to play the MTs from 1974 to 1994.

 

 

I've been playing golf on and off for the better part of 30 years, probably more off. I decide last year I was going to start playing more and get better. this year I plan on playing a lot more. Yes I will get more than my moneys worth out of new clubs. That said I can still get brand new 425s and save around 400 bucks maybe more because since the 430s are loft jacked Ill need an extra wedge that I wouldn't otherwise with the 425s. 

[jlbos83]

I would be tempted to try the Mizuno 923 Hotmetal HL again, if you have not.  They are actually not loft jacked, which is nice.  I have been playing G400s, and I liked the way the HLs felt better, almost from the first swing.  But, or course that's a totally personal thing.  They also cost a little less, for some reason, it was suggested that they actually advertise a little less.

 

All of that said, I think you may be getting close to paralysis by analysis!  😀

[loki993]

I didn't try the HLs, just the regulars HMs. I will give them a try, but at this point I think we may be splitting hairs. 

Edited April 25, 2023 by loki993

[Feelingofgreatness]

G430s will last you 15-20 years easy... Bite the bullet, get fitted and buy them.

[ChipNRun]

1 hour ago, loki993 said:

That said I can still get brand new 425s and save around 400 bucks maybe more because since the 430s are loft jacked Ill need an extra wedge that I wouldn't otherwise with the 425s. 

 

The stock G430s have stronger lofts than the G425. By jacked lofts, are you talking about the stock G430 lofts, or G430 set with Power Spec Lofts (even stronger).

 

Any chance you can hit a G425 somewhere to see how it flies?

 

Note: I got a rough fitting on the G425; a really good club, my decision to go with Mavrik MAX over G425 was basically a coin toss.

[BirdieBob]

Ping G430 vs G425

 

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by BirdieBob

[mantan]

If I bought clubs irons once every 25 years, I'd get what I absolutely wanted. Other wise you'll always wonder 'what if'.

 

Worst case scenario, wait 2 years and get the G430s when the G435s come out. There was a period in my golf life where my 'new gear' was the stuff being closed out for the new model.  I got my Srixon 565s when the 585s came out for less than half the price of new ones.

[sociojeje]

https://shop.touredge.com/products/certified-pre-owned-tour-edge-exotics-e722-irons

 

Certified preowned.. But resale value will be terrible.

[loki993]

2 hours ago, ChipNRun said:

 

The stock G430s have stronger lofts than the G425. By jacked lofts, are you talking about the stock G430 lofts, or G430 set with Power Spec Lofts (even stronger).

 

Any chance you can hit a G425 somewhere to see how it flies?

 

Note: I got a rough fitting on the G425; a really good club, my decision to go with Mavrik MAX over G425 was basically a coin toss.

 I am talking about the stock lofts and yeah same place I got the 430s have 425s. I could probably hit them at golf galaxy too. 

[PJE]

This is anecdotal, instead of evidence based, e.g., Trackman info., but sometimes a golfer gets along with a club very well: 

Since you liked them, get the G430s. They are fantastic irons. I think the G430s are the best game improvement iron Ping has ever made. They are ridiculously user friendly. You may need to vary your bag set up around the wedges because the lofts are pretty strong. 

 

I've owned the G425s, G30s, i15s, i10s, G10s, G5s, ISIs, and Eye 2s. My son has the G410s. I still have the G30s and I traded my G425s for the G430s. 

 

I would take the G410s over the G425s. I think the G425 is a very solid iron but for some reason, I hit the short irons poorly in the G425s. The G425 short irons just felt weird to me. I hit a lot of high spinny shots with them. I don't know why. I may be mental; lots of people love the G425s. I hit my son's G410 short irons well. 

 

The stronger lofts on the G430 took some some getting used to in picking a club for shots but I didn't find that to be a big deal. I  usually carry the G430s from 6 to their 45 degree club. I don't really need the 5 iron but sometimes I use it, depending upon the course. 

For the wedges, I use three, sometimes, four but not in Ping.  But that's because I have an old trusty 50 degree Taylor Made. I really like that Taylor Made over the 50 degree that comes with Ping.  

[braincramp52]

You lost me when you said you thought the 923 Hot Metals felt hard.

[BirdieBob]

4 minutes ago, braincramp52 said:

You lost me when you said you thought the 923 Hot Metals felt hard.

 

 

[this_is_golf]

Thin shots on the HM/HMP can be harsh (which I appreciate) but out of the middle is butter. 

[20footputt]

G410 G425 no brainer

[Maluka]

You will likely score the same if you have any ping g series iron.

But if you don’t buy the exact iron you were nailing when you tried them you’ll end up regretting it

just buy the 430s now and don’t visit golfwrx for 15 years.

[BirdieRoll]

PING fan here, but I'd at least check out the Titleist T300 before buying anything.

[Stonewalled]

Always a dilemma regarding buying new vs used.  Iv'e done both but prefer buying used. With the prices of new equipment being so high I like the fact that I can buy 2-3 sets of decent used irons. Swing away and then sell off the straggler's. 

 

Iv'e had a set of the 410's, and a numerous  other G irons. Sold off every set for some reason or another.  I also have the Ping Rapture J spec and Rapture J V2's. Iv's bought and sold numerous iron sets but those J specs are going no where. I prefer the Original J's. Touch smaller at address. The J's have less offset and are 1 degree stronger lofted than non J spec models.  Both of the J's feature Titanium faces, feel is a ton better than any other Ping G irons iv'e owned.  Seen a set of original J's on the bay, price from Japan is very reasonable.  Wish Ping would make a 2023 version of these J spec Raptures. I'm still Thinking these are (for my swing) the best feeling and best performing game improvement Ping iron's Ping has ever made. 

[ZipinZ]

I had a Ping fitting while in Palm Springs & ordered the G430 irons with Recoil Recoil ES 780S F4’s, best set of irons I ever owned, get fit for the right shaft & go play the best Ping irons ever.

 

I like the jacked up lofts got my distance back, it's not a big deal, same as the wedges I ended up buying & reshafting the 45, 50 & 56. I'm testing them out on the course, may not need the 45*, I can easily grip down on the P/W and get the same result.

 

I posted a fitting review & first couple of rounds on the course on WRX Club Tech's forum, check it out.

 

Cheers

 

D.