2nd Swing Golf
Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing
“It does the right things, but it's also really consistent.”
Voted best game improvement iron of 2026 by 2nd Swing's fitters; the wide sole and perimeter weighting deliver a big sweet spot, and in testing it launched 18 degrees with 5,600 rpm despite strong 29-degree lofts.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +Fitters' choice winner in the game improvement category
- +Wide sole and perimeter weighting enlarge the sweet spot and boost launch
- +Still launched high with plenty of spin despite strong lofts
- −Long blade length and large profile are not for players wanting a compact look
For: Golfers who need forgiveness and distance, including fast-swinging newer players coming from other sports
Alex Etches
Custom fitter, gear deep-dives
“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
Michael Newton Golf
On-course, season-long club tests
“another cracking line up from ping”
Michael calls the G440 another cracking lineup from Ping: a more premium-looking game improvement iron that still produces refreshing spin and strong stopping power despite a 29-degree 7-iron.
+ the facts · 7 pros · 3 cons− the facts
- +Much more premium look than the G430, with polished chrome at the back and a satin finish
- +New Pure Flex badge fills in the old deep cavity and tidies up the appearance
- +Spin held around 5,800 to 6,700 despite the strong loft, so land angles hit 49 to 51 degrees
- −Sound is on the loud, clicky side despite the damping badge
- −Still a groove in the cavity that will collect dirt
- −Strong lofts push the pitching wedge to 42 degrees, so you may need five wedges
For: Mid to high handicappers wanting forgiveness, confidence and a bit of power
Club Champion (TXG)
Tour-level fitting studio
“it's going to be really hard to beat within its category”
A distance game-improvement iron that matches peak height from pitching wedge to four iron with absurdly tight dispersion, and looks premium enough that better players can play it too.
+ the facts · 9 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +Peak heights nearly identical from pitching wedge through four iron
- +19-degree four iron got up to 112-113 feet and carried 220 even on toe, thin and heel strikes
- +Ridiculously tight standard deviations on speed, spin and launch
- −Strong lofts throughout, 29-degree seven iron and 19-degree four iron won't suit traditionalists
For: Almost anyone in the game-improvement bracket, plus juniors, ladies, the aging demographic, and lower handicaps who go retro spec
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
Golfalot
Independent UK equipment reviews
“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
