Ping i230 Irons vs i525 Irons Comparison

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of Ping i230 irons vs i525 irons.

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 7 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

I had both sets for 2 weeks but tested them months apart. The i230s and i525s left distinct, but different, impressions on me.

Summary: Ping i230 irons are the clear winner in my book. Better performance with superior feel and traditional lofts. The hitting experience with the i230s reminded me of the G425s and G410s – which I loved.

In this comparison of the Ping i230 & i525 irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which iron set I’d buy.

Ping i230 Irons

Ping i230 Iron Lofts

Club	Length	Loft	Lie	Offset	Swingweight
PW	35.5″	45*	64.1*	.03″	D2
9-iron	36″	41*	63.5*	.05″	D1.5
8-iron	36.5″	37*	62.8*	.07″	D1
7-iron	37″	33*	62*	.09″	D1
6-iron	37.5″	29.5*	61.3*	.12″	D1
5-iron	38″	26*	60.5*	.14″	D1
4-iron	39″	22.5*	59.8*	.17″	D1

Ping i525 Irons

Ping i525 Iron Specs

Club	Length	Loft	Lie	Offset	Swingweight
PW	35.5″	45*	64.1*	.02″	D2
9-iron	36″	40*	63.5*	.04″	D0.5
8-iron	36.5″	35*	62.8*	.06″	D0
7-iron	37″	30.5*	62*	.08″	D0
6-iron	37 5/8″	27*	61.5*	.11″	D0
5-iron	38.25″	24*	61*	.13″	D0
4-iron	38 7/8″	21*	60.5*	.16″	D0

Testing the Ping i230 & i525 Irons

The bulk of testing for both sets happened on the golf course. I did get a little range time in, but that’s just the way it worked with the weather and scheduling and whatnot.  

Almost forgot – I did do a lot of work with the i230s at home on my new hitting mat in front of my new favorite launch monitor.

Are there big differences between Ping i230 & Ping i525 irons?

Oui

Performance – The major difference is the superior sound and feel of the i230 irons. Especially on mishits. You can check out my i525 review here.
Cosmetics – Obvious from images above. more on this below.

Looks

i525 clubheads are more compact and minimal, which gets them the win in my book. Topline and sole are about the same. The i230s have longer blades. The both look great behind the ball at address

Winner – i525s by a hair

Sound/Feel

i230s are the clear winners. Soft and solid feel with pleasing sound on impact. i525s felt and sounded harsh to me.

Winner – i230s

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy

i230s are better here too. Tight, high draws on a powerful trajectory. i525s perform well, just not as well as the i230s

Winner – i230s

Forgiveness

They’re both forgiving, but i230s feel better on mishits.  

Winner – i230s

Distance

i525s are about half a club longer for me. But the i230s are not short by any means.

Winner – i525s

Verdict on the Ping i230 irons vs Ping i525 irons

I’m a sucker for soft, solid-feeling irons that fly the ball on my preferred trajectory – high & tight draw.

So, the i230s all the way for me.

The i525s remain highly rated nearly a year after their release, so…opinions vary.    

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Ping i230 irons vs i525 irons.