Ping i59 Irons Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ review of the Ping i59 irons.

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

I tested the i59 irons (and i525 irons) over the course of a week during 3 range sessions and a round of golf. 

Summary: The Ping i59 irons excel on the course. They are about half a club longer than my Hogans and are consistent shot to shot. I was pin high all day once I got used to the distance, which didn’t take long. They are more forgiving than they look and can deliver any shot you dial up. 

In this Ping i59 irons review, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

Ping i59 Irons Overview

Ping i59 look and play like blades, but are surprisingly unintimidating at address. I swung them with complete confidence and find them long, playable, and consistent. 

Why Consider the Ping i59 irons

The Ping i59 blades are great clubs for low single digit handicappers and shot makers. But, I think higher single digit handicappers can play them thanks to their added forgiveness. (I noticed a few mid-handicaps remarked how easy they were to play while reading reviews at pinggolf.com) 

Features & Benefits

1) AlumiCore Aerospace-grade aluminum insert

• The AlumiCore insert let Ping move ~30g of material from the center of the clubhead to the toe and shaft tip to increase MOI (to match the Ping i210 irons). This means more forgiveness and allows for flighted trajectory better players prefer. 

2) Micromax face grooves

• The grooves are cut closer together to allow for an additional 4 grooves to be added to the clubface, which reduces fliers in short irons and preserves spin in long irons

3) Tour-preferred styling

• Compact clubhead, thin topline and sole, and minimal offset for a streamlined look. 

4) Hydropearl 2.0 finish

• Repels water for predictable results in wet conditions

Ping i59 Irons Specs

Testing the Ping i59 irons

I tested the i59s at the same time I was testing the i525s. On the range with a couple buckets of range balls a day for 3 days. My swing isn’t always on, so it takes longer to give clubs their proper due sometimes.

I had them on my Swing Caddie launch monitor pretty much the whole time. I also got the i59s out on the course before writing this final review. Glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed playing them. 

My Experience with the Ping i59 irons

I hit the i59s better on the course than on the range. I get dialed in better when there are stakes. They feel solid and give harsher feedback than my Hogans.

I noticed pretty quick that they were about half a club longer than my everyday clubs (maybe a touch more). They look beautiful behind the ball and inspire confidence. Not something you can say about most blade irons. 

Review of the Ping i59 irons

Looks: (A+). Gorgeous irons. The best Ping has produced and it’s not close. Look great at address too. 

Sound/ Feel: (B+). I’ve been playing Ben Hogan irons for over a year now, so I’m biased toward soft carbon steel faces. Ping i59s feel harsh in comparison. 

Distance: (A). I was hitting a half club longer with the i59s than my Hogan’s on the course. The long irons run like scalded dogs. 

Forgiveness: (A). It’s not why you buy these clubs, but they aren’t overly punishing on mishits. 

Flight / Playability: (A) You can dial up any shape or flight you want with the i59s.    

Customer Reviews

16 of 17 buyers would recommend Ping i59 irons to a friend. 

Who are the Ping i59 irons for?

Low handicappers – Yes. The i59’s are perfect for better players. Consistent from shot to shot with a little added forgiveness and help with distance

Mid handicappers – Maybe. There are clubs better suited to your skill level, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Try them and you’re going to want to keep them. 

High handicappers – No. Ping and many other manufactures have better selections for high handicap golfers. 

Potential Alternatives

Our Verdict on Ping i59 Irons

The Ping i59 irons deliver on all promises at a hefty premium price. But, so does all the competition. They are player irons and are meant for scoring.

My #1 suggestion is to test 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 i59 irons review and let us know how they work for you.