How do you squeeze every yard of distance out of an iron while maintaining a relatively classic shape? For Ping the answer is by using a hollow structure with a forged, heat-treated maraging-steel face insert. This combination allows for five times the bending of the face at impact compared to a standard cast iron. It’s a technology the company first used in its Crossover utility irons to create a distance boost with a higher launch angle. Increasing the launch is especially important. The i500 irons have lofts that are 2.5 degrees stronger than Ping’s i210 players iron, but the i500 produces the same apex farther downrange. The result is more carry with plenty of shot-stopping ability. (Also, a “Power Spec” version with lofts that are 1 and 1.5 degrees stronger is available for golfers who want even more distance.) One benefit of the thinner face insert is weight savings, some of which is used for a tungsten slug in the toe that helps to minimize the loss of distance on mis-hits. Finally, don’t overlook the HydroPearl Chrome 2.0 finish. It repels water, providing more consistency out of the rough or for those playing early morning dew-sweeper rounds. Read more >>