Moderator Review: Ping G25 irons -- more forgiving than your favorite grandmother

[Asleep]

Almost halfway through my second round with these new irons and nothing feels “right”. I'm just months into a complete swing overhaul, moving from one side of the spectrum -- very linear, new -- completely to the other -- very rotary, old school. Everything is different, from my grip to my stance to my swing thoughts all the way through to my finish. My grip size has gone from mid to under-sized, my lie angles are 3 degrees flatter, and I've traded my rigid-soled Puma Cell Fusions for flexi-soled Ecco Street & Biom Hybrids. And I'm 25 lbs. lighter. The only consistent thing in my life is I still have more hair growing out of my ears and nose than I do on my dome. sigh. I do all this because I'm insane. There's no other good reason.



The Leupold GX-3 confirms I have 149 yards left to the pin on the 9th hole at Memorial Park. With just a whisper of wind against, I pull a 9-iron, PW, 9-iron, PW ... PW and lean into, errrr, rotate through a towering shot right over the pin... and over, Sit down, ball... and over, Bite! My pitch mark is 7 paces past the pin and I'm shaking my head -- Wait, wut? Pitching wedge???

Welcome to the Ping G25 irons. I’ll say it up front -- these puppies are as long as your ex-girlfriend's memory. I don't hit 150+ yard pitching wedges. (That was a bit of a fluke, but still...) #7 Par 3 was playing 196 yards into the wind, back right pin with a carry over a long side-angled trap to access the hole. I pull a 5-iron and proceed to totally klank it off-center. I get the corresponding boingggg feedback and am sure I'm buried in that trap ... but it just carries and bounces forward a bit to 30 feet. By all rights I should have had a fried egg. I got eggs benedict, instead.

And that's the story here -- these G25s are more forgiving than your favorite grandmother. I spent days klanking shots all over the faces of the G25s, with the yardage penalty so minimal it was, at times, disgusting. I'm shaking my head after kloinking a 7-iron only to see I'm penalized a whopping 5 yards. I suck. And I'm putting. I'm still surprised over and over again when the G25s bless me with their forgiveness. But in reality I know why this happens. The sweetspot on these irons is darn near the size of a band-aid. Take a look at this comparison between the Anser Forged and G25 pitching wedges:


Look at how much more heel-to-toe length there is on the G25s. That's a lot of room for error.

It looks like Ping has organized more mass directly behind the flight line which should result in more energy transfer to the ball. It worked. The G25s launch high rainmakers that will hold a green better. If you need more height on your iron shots, the G25s will add that without your having to change your swing. Note I'm not talking about spinny high -- these shots are not eaten up by the wind. 6-irons into the wind just go and go, high and far. Remember when the KBS C-Taper shafts came out and we had that huge review thread on GolfWRX? And a goodly number of members were cooing about how the ball just seems to cut through the wind? This is what I've seen with the G25s -- wind cheating. Not to say you can't hit the G25s low -- I hit lots of 9-to-3 low PWs with ease -- but these irons are built for air time. One area where I do have more trouble with the G25 longer irons is getting my worm-burner recovery shots both low and on line. I've been missing one or the other ..... after missing fairwaysoff the tee.

The overall changes from the G20 irons to the G25s are incremental, but the end result/final product is significantly better than the former, in my opinion. They're less beefy than their predecessor with a more refined and unified design that is visually quite pleasing. The short irons are downright svelte looking in comparison, and the offset has been reduced a bit. Can I say the G25s are more blade like than the G20s in the short irons? 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 G25s and the G20s in a wind tunnel ... the G25s look like they'd win with a lower coefficient of drag. The smoky graphite finish is very classy. (My set with the heel grind does not get the cool graphite finish.) .

A bag full 'o love.

What most surprised me, though, is the improved feel. I'm conditioned to accept that SGI irons aren't going to make news on the sound & feel front. A solidly struck ball is rewarded with that pleasing thwack you hear on tour broadcasts. Marty and Mike and Dr.Wood have concocted some sort of elastomer goop combined with a smaller weight port made out of some other other secret goop in conjunction with head & face design to finally give an SGI performing iron sound and feel that approaches that of the best OEM offerings. Seriously. Center struck shots melt into the swing. Crazy for an iron in this class.

This is not to say that mishits reward in the same way. In fact, there's a nice distinction on mishits that informs you're still not tour worthy. I should know. Adjusting to 3 extra degrees of flatness and the new rotary swing left has me klanking and klinking and kloinking shots all over the place. At times, it's downright embarrassing. The price you pay for being an insane swing changer. If the output I received was what I deserved based on what I put in to these shots over the past dozen rounds, I'd be the belle of the ball for every scramble in southeast Texas with the added 6 strokes on my handicap. Instead, the G25s keep me in play, on the green, with a chance at recovery or better. That's what we all want/need, isn't it?

Think about it -- if you're playing for money, not fun money but mortgage payment/food on the table money ..... how important can 1 stroke be? How important is the difference between making and missing the cut? How important can 6 more yards be? Ask Tiger after he tripled 18 at the Memorial from in front of the green. It's why I met a handful of plus handicap or professionals at Ping who were gaming the G20s. They need that stroke. They need to be putting instead of pitching. Because everyone else out there can golf their ball, too.

So how many times -- in a round that counts for something -- do you mishit an iron shot? I'm not talking a klanker, but missing the sweetspot by fingernail? Once? Twice? What if your punishment for those misses was on the edge of the green instead of in the rough or short-sided in a bunker. What's the value of an 89 versus a 93? A 79 versus an 82? A 70 versus a 72? Are you playing for a little money? Or your Club Championship? Or the City Amateur? Nobody worth their salt is looking into your bag for excuses after you win. They're just looking at you/your name.

A couple of years ago at the Shawdowhawk Member Guest my friend Fred and I come up against a 24 hdcp. and a 12 hdcp., best ball. The "12" was a senior playing Callaway SGI irons with graphite shafts from the up tees. The "24" was a legit 24. The "12" hit 270 yard drives and peppered the pins with his approaches tallying 4 natural birdies and 5 pars in the 9 holes. Not one of his iron shots gave that thwack report you get from a compressed ball -- didn't matter, we played well and lost that match. Sandbagger or not, we went straight to the loser's bracket. We did not pass "Go", we did not collect $200 dollars. Note to self -- strokes matter, save as many as possible by any legal means possible.

 

 

Note the custom optional heel grind Ping put on my set.

Through the rough these G25s do as admirable a job as the G20s do. For me, that means very good performance up to the 6-iron ... and then some added hosel grab in heavier rough up to the 3-iron. In rough around the greens the lofted G25s are stupid easy to hit once you adjust to them. The bigger soles keep the head higher in the grass which reduces those maddening high on the face misses compared to blade like wedges. My buddy Bill's occasional chunky chips/pitches are forgiven as the head slides into the ball as long as he keeps things moving forward. No morechili-dips.

The 3-iron is a nice surprise, something I didn't request in the G20 review set. I tried the CFS shafts in extra stiff flex this time around, and have to admit they're a bit too stiff for me in the 3/4 irons to load and launch high. But I've been enjoyably launching low screaming cut missiles that go & go. I had 236 yards left into a long Par 5 with a narrow opening to a front pin. I leaned into, errrrr, pivoted around a 3-iron that cut off the left traps, found the opening and ended up just off the back of the green. I honestly did not expect to make it to the green. I think with some more input from SliceFixer I'll be able to create better launch conditions with these longer irons. My preference has always been a 3-iron over a hybrid, and this one would fit at the top of any set of irons. It is a hoot.

So overall my answer to your question -- the question I'm most often asked -- is yes. Yes, the G25s are enough of an improvement over the G20s to make the switch. Yes they go forever. Yes they're sinfully forgiving. And yes to the majority of golfers out there, these G25s make this very difficult game easier. And that, my friends, is noteworthy.

Tom and I are paired with a couple of serious golfers the other day who aren't much for talking ..... or even exchanging names. They played from the blues and were prepping for the Publinks -- we were having fun playing from the whites. One finally introduces himself, but the other was in game mode: focused, no chatter, all to himself. It just so happens I'm having one of those rounds where every yardage is spot on my club, so I have a lot of birdie putts and I made a few. Shot 33 on the front, and lost two balls on 16 & 17 off my driver when I totally lost the script of what I was supposed to be doing in my new swing. I two-putt for par on 18 and pull my hat off to shake hands when Mr. No Name jumps in front to shake and says, "Even par, nice round. Tell me your name, again ...?"


full disclosure: Ping provided the irons for this review

[HR Dave]

wow, great review, makes me want the clubs, sorry to hear about the hairy ears though....

[farmer]

There is a little power tool made specifically for the ear hair issue. So, would you say these are a serious upgrade from my G5's? The G5's make more of a kank noise, but I could adapt.

[TNTlefty]

Another nice write-up for the g25s.
So is the finish just removed from the heel/sole or is it not anywhere on the head?

[Sakman]

Nice write up Todd. A couple of my regular playing partners bagged the G25's this season and have had some of their most consistent rounds with them. Def a great set of GI irons.

[NWS Alpine]

I just got some G25s. First time using anything other than blade or muscle back. They are so fun to hit. I need to get the U wedge now because the PW is long. I only have a 5 iron at top then straight into 3 hybrid because the irons are so long. I play anywhere from 0-5 handicap throughout the years.

[Asleep]

[quote name='farmer' timestamp='1372392184' post='7339602']So, would you say these are a serious upgrade from my G5's? The G5's make more of a kank noise, but I could adapt.[/quote]

Yes, [i]serious[/i] upgrade. Sound & feel, sweet spot is much bigger, longer, higher. You must try them.

[quote name='TNTlefty' timestamp='1372416176' post='7340256']So is the finish just removed from the heel/sole or is it not anywhere on the head?[/quote]

No, they pull the custom grinds off the line before that cool looking graphite finish is applied. I'm not 100% sure I needed it, but our fairways can get 'Scotland' firm down here in the summer heat.

Here's the PW comparison...

[attachment=1755300:g25Wgrind.jpg]

[quote name='Sakman' timestamp='1372420861' post='7340444']
Nice write up Todd. A couple of my regular playing partners bagged the G25's this season and have had some of their most consistent rounds with them. Def a great set of GI irons.[/quote]

I agree, Sak, these G25s make the game easier. As simple as that.

[quote name='farmer' timestamp='1372392184' post='7339602']There is a little power tool made specifically for the ear hair issue.[/quote]

I'm exploring comprehensive alternatives to address the balding and ear/nose hair concerns. Will report back.

[attachment=1755308:combover.png]

[TNTlefty]

TNTlefty, on 28 June 2013 - 05:42 AM, said:

 

So is the finish just removed from the heel/sole or is it not anywhere on the head?

 

No, they pull the custom grinds off the line before that cool looking graphite finish is applied. I'm not 100% sure I needed it, but our fairways can get 'Scotland' firm down here in the summer heat.

 

 

 

wow - so you've got an unfinished/raw g25 set?

that'd be a cool option if available without a grind!

[bluequail]

Living in Texas how does the wind effect the ball flight, [color=#0000ff] [/color]

[dmalli]

Wow great review. Im not much of a Ping guy, but the review makes me want to go out and buy them right now. Kudos to you on the write up and to Ping for making a good set of irons.

[nitram]

Well said Todd .

I've knocked PING's around since the Karsten IV days (pre-Eye). I've bagged the S56's since they came out and still like 'em alot, although I'm using irons from GA at the present. But IMHUO, the G25's are the BEST irons to come out of Phoenix since '90. They seem to be what Mr. Karsten envisioned almost 50 years ago when he attempted to make the best club available for the masses. I think PING has accomplished this. Everyone should give them an honest try.

[pmccarten]

Great write up, been contemplating a switch to PING and this one definitely goes in the "DO IT" column.

[Night train]

I got all the specs/options I wanted on my G15's a couple years ago and really like them...............then I read this reviews on G25's


I really don't need them..............but I have the G25 fairways and hybrids and they are impressive.

[Asleep]

wow - so you've got an unfinished/raw g25 set? that'd be a cool option if available without a grind!

That's my understanding from past visits. I'm sure Brad or Mike or Marty will correct me if I'm wrong on that. Or Geo/Beruo will. :)

 

wow - so you've got an unfinished/raw g25 set? that'd be a cool option if available without a grind!

My opinion, the standard graphite colored finish is sexier. I really like it.

 

 

Living in Texas how does the wind effect the ball flight,

 

As you know, we've been having some unusually blustery winds over the last couple of months ... which encompasses the time I invested in this review. (12 rounds)

 

Unexpectedly for me, my high launched shots were not being hit by the wind as much as I expected.

 

I have a general rule of thumb for calculating how many clubs of wind I'm hitting into -- the G25s forced me to pull that back by one full club.

 

So if I'm at a 7-iron yardage and calculate 2 clubs of wind, for the G25s I'm pulling a 6-iron instead of the "expected" 5-iron.

 

Maybe it's lower spin due to X-Flex? Maybe the flatter lies are reducing spin? I dunno. I do know my divots are shallower, so that contributes.

 

 

The upshot is, you can fine tune your spin using Ping's fitting carts and InFlight software to achieve some wind-cheating launch conditions.

 

Note this: We would not see so many +/- scratch golfers on GolfWRX playing G25s if they were upshooting into the wind.

 

[sTmGolfer]

Coming from the i20's, I would have never thought I'd find a club that would perform as well as the i20's.

Fast forward ... made the switch the to G25's and am as happy as can be. Being also in the Houston area and firm fairways, I was a bit concerned about the sole but with no grinds or anything, they still perform great.

[Hstead]

I came an eyelash from ordering G25s this week. I ended up ordering i20s instead, mostly due to the launch monitor suggesting that I was spinning the G25s a touch too much, but I did not have a C-taper to test to see if I reduced the spin any. I remember the first 7 iron I hit on the range with the G25, I just about poo'd my pants. It flew way high, slight draw, and way long. They are incredibly forgiving. I almost split the i20s and ordered the G25 3 and 4 irons but instead went all i20. I can;t wait to get them.. Both are great sets.

This is coming from a guy that has played blades for the past ten years, 3 HC right now. I never thought I would hit anything other than a blade. I thought I was going to buy S56's on demo day until I hit the i20 and G25.

[mchamden1]

Great review. You somehow managed to make me love my G25s even more

[chickenpotpie]

I've got Rocketbladez now, and I love them, and have shot the lowest scores of my life with them, but reviews like these always have me wondering if I'm missing something.

How "Ping-y" are they in feel compared to their other G or I models?

[J_Tizzle]

They are just fantastic clubs.

As for what you said with the wind I am noticing that as well. The wind just doesn't seem to bother the ball near as much as it did with my my i5 / s400 combo I've bagged for the better part of 7 years. Not sure if its the heads or the C Tapers or a combination of the two. All I can say is if you want a set of irons that makes you enjoy and relish the opportunity to hit a mid iron, these are the clubs for you.

[Asleep]

How "Ping-y" are they in feel compared to their other G or I models?

 

I prefer the feel of the G25s over the i15 and i10 irons by a good bit, by miles over something like the Raptures.

 

Feel is improved over the G20s -- more solid, in my opinion. Neck & neck with the i20s, I think. Different feels, both good, both capable of reporting with that professional thwack on a properly struck ball.

 

To clarify, when I talk about feel it's sound & feel. Sound & feel go together like smell & taste.

 

...All I can say is if you want a set of irons that makes you enjoy and relish the opportunity to hit a mid iron, these are the clubs for you.

 

Well said.

[rab6]

Awesome write up. Really looking forward to trying these out in the future now.

[Cwing]

Great write up. Loving my g25's with dg XP s300 at + 1/4" after playing i20's last season. No desire to hit anything else and i am actually considering putting a 4 iron in yhe bag the 5 and 6 are so good. I shot at 1 under 35 coming in last Sunday.

[Sean2]

Very well written Todd! What I found funny, was the gentleman who said narry a word knew your score. :-)

Nice round!

[MtlJeff]

I came very close to buying these, they are the sexiest G series in years and hide their bulk well. To use Asleep's affinity for metaphors i'd say they hide their bulk better then the girls i met at bars in college after a few beers.

That being said after demo'ing both i preferred the JPX825's, The natural sole grind on the Mizuno's is pretty unique for an SGI and they felt super smooth too. Plus there was zero upcharge for the S300's as oppose to the Pings

Considering every other club in my bag is a ping, i wanted the G25's. But things worked out how they did. Great sticks though

[Asleep]

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1372467464' post='7345038']What I found funny, was the gentleman who said narry a word knew your score. :-)[/quote]

[i]I[/i] didn't even know my score at that point. I use iPhone/SkyGolf App for keeping score. I sorta cocked my head when he said and, and he just smiled.

I was just surprised he could speak.

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1372467493' post='7345040']I came very close to buying these, they are the sexiest G series in years and hide their bulk well.[/quote]

Coming from [i][b]the[/b][/i] [url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/343089-my-honeymoon-with-sgis/"]original gangster who started all of this SGI movement[/url] .... good luck with your new set.

[Nessism]

Nice review.

Not understanding the "raw heads" comments. Photos seem to show the heads have the dark finish, but only it was removed during the sole grinding operation.

Surprised by your comments that CFS XS is too stiff for you. Especially since you have the power to knock a 3-iron over the green from 236?
I'm playing CFS XS and don't have that kind of length, but love the shafts.

[NWS Alpine]

The finish isn't removed. The heads are pulled before the tumbling so that the whole head matches. The tumbling process was covered on the extreme factories show. Really cool to see the G25 process from start to finish.

[Nessism]

[quote name='NWS Alpine' timestamp='1372520512' post='7349260']
The finish isn't removed. The heads are pulled before the tumbling so that the whole head matches. The tumbling process was covered on the extreme factories show. Really cool to see the G25 process from start to finish.
[/quote]

I don't understand. The G25 heads look dark in the photos, except where the grind was put on the heads. What am I missing here? Is it just the photos? Catching the light in the wrong way, thus fooling me? BTW, Ping doesn't use the "tumble process" anymore.

[Little Ned]

Can anyone compare these to the G2's?

[ogrehack]

Nice write-up. Am now reconsidering returning the G25s (with others' input too), even after just buying a matching "U" for my G15s. Although I've yet to realize the difference on-course, seems a significant upgrade over the G15s. My wife's not too pleased though.