PING i20
On test: 10 of the latest irons for the better player. Results were close but one club emerges as winner
Brand: PING
Player iron: i20
RRP: £540 Best price: £399
Loft: 30-degree Lie: 61.5-degree Length: 37.25”
Shaft: CFS stiff Grip: PING ID8
Summary: The PING i20 offers a progressive set design featuring high-launching irons and penetrating short irons. Every club in the i20 set comprises high density tungsten toe weights and variable cavity pull direction to drive up MOI and allow CG to be positioned for optimal performance.
Appearance: The foggy chrome non-glare finish and silver colour scheme oozes class. It’s not got the typical looks of a player iron in the sense there’s a relative thick topline and large head size. The chassis of this iron is very similar to that of the i15 with the exception of the sole near the toe a little narrower but there is no question the i20 has a much better look about it. 8.5
Feel: Soft-yet-solid feel at impact is consistent and rewarding. The thick face in the impact area with dual stabilising bars aided the softness, as well as good distance control. The big difference in relation to the i15 comes in the revised custom tuning port in the back of the head that slots neatly behind the face and works with the stabilising bars to increase forgiveness. Sound at impact was sufficient but not the best in providing feedback. The PING CFS shaft presented me with a penetrating ball flight. 9
Performance: One of highest 6-iron lofts in this test at 30-degree, the i20 understandably produced a slightly higher launch than some of the others. That by no means detracted it in the distance stakes, however. The i20 was also easy to hit and one of the most forgiving in the test. 9
Verdict: While the i20 is certainly more forgiving than irons aimed at very low handicappers, they’re not so forgiving in the sense you feel like you’re addressing the ball with a shovel. All in all, a superb iron that suits anyone from Lee Westwood to the mid-capper. 26.5
Pro Verdict: The i20 is a much sexier club than I would normally expect from PING. The silver finish, moving away from the typical matte grey, is attractive. The big cavity back will suit the mid-handicapper who wants forgiveness and the good bit of weight behind the head will help get the ball in the sky. The big clubface also means I am not worried in the slightest about missing it. A slight negative is that I can’t feel too much, but I would certainly sacrifice feel because of its forgiveness.
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Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
