“Take my money”
A serious distance iron that fixes the G430's ugly looks while getting even faster, with big carries that still keep enough spin and height to be playable.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 2 cons− the facts
- +Huge speed and carry: 135 mph average ball speed 7-iron flying over 190 yards, 231-yard 5-iron
- +Spin held up for a distance iron, high 5000s with the 7-iron
- +Much better looking than the G430, chrome cavity badge and blue accent
- −Chunky bendable neck still looks awkward
- −Progressive offset and size not for better players, and not a club for him personally
For: Golfers who want maximum distance, elevation, and forgiveness in a game-improvement iron
Mark Crossfield
Coach, famously hard to impress
“Would you change from the prior model if you've got them? Absolutely not.”
A game improvement iron that blurs the lines: packed with help yet looks simple and feels genuinely solid, though it's only a tiny shift from the prior model.
+ the facts · 6 pros · 3 cons− the facts
- +Feels really solid and responsive for a game improvement iron, not tingy or over-juiced
- +Clean, simple looks despite the tech; not too jazzy for a game improvement club
- +Strong true numbers: 185-yard 7 iron carry at around 5,000 rpm, launching nicely at 16 degrees
- −Absolutely not worth changing from the prior model; a tiny shift of the envelope
- −Won't satisfy players wanting bladed looks or a forged feel
- −Noticeable offset in the long irons if that puts you off
For: Golfers who want as much help as possible from irons that still look and feel solid
2nd Swing Golf
Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing
“the Ping is appearing to be slightly more consistent across the board”
The G440 hybrid was slightly more consistent than the GT3 with a touch more distance and stopping power by default, but offered less dynamic range for shot-making, so the pro chose the Titleist.
+ the facts · 3 pros · 2 cons− the facts
- +Most consistent spin of the test, three swings within about 300 rpm
- +About 5 yards more max carry than the Titleist
- +Defaults to more height and stopping power
- −Less dynamic range; hard to add big spin or height on demand
- −Workability trailed the GT3 for this shot-maker
For: Players who want set-it-and-forget-it consistency over manufactured shots
Golf Monthly
UK magazine, season-long testing
One of the longest and easiest to launch on test with a firm, fast feel.
+ the facts · 3 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +High launch with strong peak height for stopping power
- +195 yards of carry, among the longest tested
- +Fast, firm feel off the face
- −Firm, clicky feel won't suit players who want softness
For: Players wanting easy launch and distance with a firmer feel
“there were very few things that I could fault them on”
Really impressive premium-looking game-improvement irons with huge distance and surprisingly good short-iron stopping power, let down only by their look at address.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 4 cons− the facts
- +9% thinner face than G430 adds trampoline effect and ball speed, with a strong 148-yard carry 7-iron and 173-yard 5-iron
- +New PurFlex badge helps ball speed, acoustics and gives a premium, futuristic look
- +Short irons stop quickly on greens, unusually good control for game-improvement irons
- −Chunky, bulging heel makes the 8 and 9 iron look odd at address
- −Low spin in the 5 and 7 iron made them hard to stop on greens
- −Consistent draw/left bias to be aware of
For: Game-improvement players who want distance and forgiveness in a sleeker, more premium package