PING i230 Irons Review

This is our PING i230 irons review. Fresh for 2022.

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 spent 2 weeks with the i230s – mostly on the course and on my launch monitor at home. And, just a touch at the range with range balls.  

Summary: PING i230s have superb feel, flight, distance, playability, and consistency with ample forgiveness. They felt as good to me as the G425s but in a player package. Solid ball-strikers from about a 10 handicap on down should give them a look.

In this review of the PING i230 irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features, and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

PING i230 Irons Overview

The i230s are designed to appeal to players who don’t mind added forgiveness at address and in performance. You need to be a strong ball-striker, but the larger sweet spot let’s you get away with a little less consistency.

Why Consider the i230s

You can play any shot you need. Hit your distances consistently for superior scoring. Get beautiful ball flight with excellent control. And, they feel great while doing it. If you like their looks, you’ll love their performance.

PING i230 Features & How they Benefit You

1) Four-layer cavity badge with elastomer insert & 431 stainless steel head

• The i230’s good feels didn’t happen by accident. PING uses an elastomer insert to dampen harsh frequencies for softer & better feel at impact. (My big gripe with the i525s & i59s is their harsh feel)
• The elastomer insert braces the clubface for consistent bending and energy transfer so you get consistent distance for better scoring.
• And, the insert saves significant weight so PING moves more weight lower and to the perimeter via tungsten toe & tip weights for increased forgiveness and distance.

2) Rounded leading edge

• The leading edge of the i230s interacts better with the turf for better contact and less distance-robbing digging.

3) MicroMax Grooves

• Contributes to consistent launch and spin for better distance and trajectory control – More accurate = Better scores.

4) Consistent Gapping (a personal favorite of mine)

• The i230s have 4-degree gaps between clubs from PW to 7-iron, then 3.5 degree gaps from 7-iron to 3-iron. I think this helps a ton with distance control and scoring.

Ping i230 Iron Specs

Club	Length	Loft	Lie	Offset	Swingweight
UW	35.5″	50*	64.1*	.02″	D2
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	38.5″	22.5*	59.8*	.17″	D1
3-iron	39″	19*	59*	.20″	D1

PING has what they call “Power Spec Loft” & “Retro Spec Loft” options too. Above are the specs I played. See below for the exact set I played.

Set Tested – 4-PW Right Hand, Black Dot Standard
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 S300 Steel Stiff Flex

My Experience with the PING i230s

“The blades are a little long” was my first thought when I opened the box and saw the i230s for the first time. But, I like PING’s minimal design for the i230s (I’m a large fan of minimal). They look great behind the ball at address and inspire confidence.

I hoped they felt like the G425s or G410s (2 great mid-handicap iron sets) and I was not disappointed.

I took them straight to my new launch monitor on my back patio first – It was a chance to test them both. The first strike with the pitching wedge told me sound and feel were good to go. Solid and muted – just the way I like it.

They were plenty long and my shots went high and straight or with a slight draw. Dispersion was tight with my misses which is crucial for good scoring.

My results on the course bore out my launch monitor experience. Good distance and accuracy with minimal punishment for minor mishits. Just what you expect out of player irons.

I played two rounds and was not in particularly good form. But, I was all around or on the green for both of them. I hadn’t played in 5 weeks and was rusty, so my scoring wasn’t great – but that’s on me.

Review of PING i230 Irons

Looks: Solid (A) I love the i230’s minimal design and clean lines. The blades are a little longer than I’m used to, but nothing crazy. Handsome clubs, overall. 

Sound/ Feel: (A) Touch of softness and solid with good contact. Nice feel in the hands (and soul).

Distance: (A) Nothing crazy, but plenty long. The i230s have close to traditional lofts, which I prefer.

Forgiveness: (A) i230s do a great job of keeping your marginal contact around your target and in scoring reach. Exactly what I like.

Flight / Playability: (A) High and straight is the norm, but they can do it all. Serious playability.  

Customer Reviews

100% 5-star reviews with 11 reviews at pinggolf.com

Who are the i230s for?

Low handicap: (Yes) 100% you can play these with pride
Mid handicap: (Yes) If… you are close to a single-digit handicap. Check out the G425s if you value/need more forgiveness.
High handicap: (No) You can look at the G425s as well.

Potential Alternatives

Our Verdict on PING i230 Irons

They’re built for elite performance and consistency and they deliver.

They felt great.
They hit great.
And, they look good while doing it.

As I said above – If you like their looks, you’ll love their performance.

My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on them 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 our PING i230 irons review and let us know how they work for you.