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Ping · Irons · 2026

Ping i530

2 reviewers tested · unanimous

The takeaway

Raw-power distance iron with elite ball speed.

They agree

  • +Huge ball speed and distance
  • +Excellent ball speed retention on mishits
  • +Beautiful thin top line

The knocks

  • Flatter, lower flight
  • Firmer feel

Buy it ifyou want raw power and a penetrating flight

Skip it ifyou want a higher, softer landing

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The verdicts.

2nd Swing Golf

Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing

Liked it

The predecessor still brings beautiful looks and huge ball speed (218-yard 7-iron carries), but flies flatter and leaked right next to the i540.

+ the facts · 3 pros · 2 cons
  • +A lot of ball speed; carries up to 218 yards with a 7-iron
  • +Thin top line rare in a distance iron
  • +Beautiful players-style appearance
  • Flatter flight and lower landing angle than the i540
  • Dispersion showed a right miss and turnover versus the new model

For: Distance-iron seekers happy with a flatter flight, especially at used prices

Golf Monthly

UK magazine, season-long testing

Liked it

It was exceptional on ball speed retention

The raw power option, exceptionally stable with the best ball speed retention he saw, rarely losing more than 1.5 to 2 mph on questionable strikes.

+ the facts · 4 pros · 1 cons
  • +Exceptional ball speed retention, rarely lost more than 1.5 to 2 mph on mishits
  • +Off-center strikes gobbled up and flattered, very stable
  • +Ball explodes off the face with no issues on raw yardage
  • Firmer feel that traditionalists may not love

For: Players coming from game improvement irons who want an utter feeling of raw power