Ping’s design team, led by Marty Jertson, set out to improve upon their highly successful and tour validated i20 irons. Improved workability. Even greater forgiveness. Distance control in a cast iron. Higher launching long irons, almost hybrid-like in performance, without higher spin. The i25 is an “every man’s” iron, played by top touring professionals, elite amateurs and even high handicappers.

The custom tuning port sits lower in the head, optimizing feel and trajectory control.

“Golfers of all levels will achieve higher ball speeds, more distance and greater height with less spin from the 7-iron on down”, Jertson said.

The scoring irons at address closely resemble the S-Series (s55) with shorter blade lengths and narrower soles. The longer irons, while freakishly forgiving, maintain enough of a players look to appeal to those who play the game for a living. In the bag, the satin “foggy chrome” look is stunning. Ping has really nailed it here - glare free - and very scratch resistant. The soles of the irons shouldn’t be overlooked; They allow for maximum playability from all types of lies. Compared to their tour-leading blade offering (s55), the i25’s feel less “clicky” and even a tad bit softer. The long irons do have a thicker top line, but the performance of the iron quickly makes up for any lack of visual appeal.

The foggy chrome finish and clean cavity design on the i25 irons creates visual appeal.

Having been a frequent “tinkerer” of equipment, I have tried various blade and cavity back forged offerings over the past few years. The recent trend in the game has been towards technology you can experience but not see, with hidden cavities, speed slots, and spring-like effects transferred from metal wood designs into more top irons. Ping has packed a ton of technology into this iron, while maintaining their tour-inspired clean looks. From the CTP (custom tuning port) in the cavity, the tungsten plug in the toe (something Ping introduced before any other OEM), right down to the spacing of the stability bars which create a livelier face. This iron screams performance. It looks traditional, falling in the players Iron category, yet gives you everything needed to turn your good shots into great shots. And don’t forget about feel. Having tried the 2013 Anser Forged, I found these to feel slightly better. When you combine all the attributes of this iron, the only thing keeping it from being labeled the best iron ever made may just be the fact that it’s cast and not forged.