50 Words or Less
The PING i200 irons are amazing. Like the iBlade in almost every way but with more forgiveness.
Introduction
One day PING is going to put out a press release saying, “What more do you want from us? We’ve made the i series as good as it can be!” Thankfully for us, today is not that day. As good as the i series iron was, the i200 surpasses it in every conceivable way.
Looks
Looking at the i200 irons, it’s hard to believe it’s a set that’s built to provide forgiveness. The top lines are thin, the soles are modest, and there’s very little offset (almost none in all but the 3 and 4 irons). Their cavities are as clean as can be with nothing but simple “i200” badging in them.
My primary curiosity, as someone gaming the PING iBlades, was how different the two sets look. When you set them next to each other, it’s not too hard to tell which is which (you can see comparison pics in the slideshow at the bottom of the review). On their own, however, I had a hard time knowing whether I had an i200 or iBlade in my hands. The only exception is the 4I which does have noticeably more offset than the iBlade, which is a good thing for 99.9999% of golfers.
Sound & Feel
Last generation’s i irons made a significant leap forward in terms of feel, and that progress continues with the i200 irons. By using the same activated elastomer in the cavity as the iBlades, PING has made the i200 feel every bit as good as their top-of-the-line player’s iron.
Impact feels soft and solid with excellent feedback. The sound is robust and mid-pitched which enhances the solid feel.
Performance
PING brought a raft of upgrades to the i200 irons. First, the face is 30% thinner which translates to higher, more consistent ball speed. The weight they saved was used to make the MOI 7% higher, meaning more forgiveness. PING also redesigned the sole with a higher leading edge and more bounce, and coated it with a water-resistant hydropearl finish. In short: longer, more forgiving, easier to hit, and more consistent in wet conditions. Sound good to you?
After discovering how good the i200 looks and feels, I put them head-to-head with my iBlades to see the performance differences. The specs are similar – the i200s are the same length and just 1 degree stronger throughout the set. The first thing I noticed was that the i200 produces less spin than the iBlade. This is helpful in creating more distance and straighter shots. More impressive was the consistency, especially in the long irons. I pured my iBlade 4I and got 129 MPH ball speed. When I mishit it, the ball speed dropped markedly. With the i200, I got 127 and 128 ball speed on mishits and 130 on a centered shot. It also launched about half a degree higher which resulted in 4 yards more carry.
There are two other things worthy of note. First, PING is offering “Power Specs” on the i200 irons for those that want more distance or a stronger ball flight. The Power Specs make the lofts stronger (as much as 1.5 degrees) while trying to maintain proper gapping. Second, PING is again offering a huge variety of shafts at no up-charge. Options range from heavy steel (Dynamic Gold, Project X) to light graphite (CFS) with AWT 2.0, KBS Tour, Nippon Modus, and True Temper XP in between. Take advantage of this and get fit!
Conclusion
As much as I love my iBlades (and I really love my iBlades), PING has made me think long and hard about puting the i200 irons into the bag. There’s no sacrifice when it comes to feel, and the look is nearly identical. When it comes to the all-important aspect of performance, the i200 is simply more consistent. If you love the iBlades but need something more playable, PING has created the perfect club for you.
Buy PING i200 Irons HERE
PING i200 Irons Price & Specs
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Great review, I tested these up against jpx 900 forged which I had been fitted for (they beat out callaway apex pro and srixon 765s for me). The Pings feel just as good to me and look and perform even better.
PING brought a raft of upgrades to the i200 irons. First, the face is 30% thinner which translates to higher, more consistent ball speed. The weight they saved was used to make the MOI 7% higher, meaning more forgiveness. Compared to what? I currently play i25 how do these compare?
Mitchell,
Great question, I should have been clearer. Those improvements are comparing the i200 to the i Series iron (previous generation).
The i25 is now two generations old, so the i200 is an even bigger improvement over those irons (which were and are great, I gamed those for a long time). The i200 will be longer and more forgiving, plus it has the hydropearl finish. As always, I recommend taking your clubs to compare head-to-head to see if the differences are noticeable to you.
Best,
Matt
Wish i could trade my j15cb for those with no money out of my pocket. They look perfect.
I hit the i200 today in the cold in michigan. the feel felt hard like hitting stones. best part is i could not miss with this club . this club covered up even bad swings. could the hard feel have been the shafts ? The minimal offset the results of each shot was right on i just wish this club had a feel like the apex pro or titliest 716CB
Curtis,
The cold and the shaft are certainly two factors in feel. There’s also an element of subjectivity. To me, there’s nothing in the Titleist iron line up that feels good.
Best,
Matt
How would you say these compare to the other irons in their category (apex cf 16, jpx 900 forged, and srixon 765)?
Tim,
The i200 is among the best irons in the category. I wouldn’t buy a set of players irons without testing them.
Best,
Matt
I am playing the G30’s and I am a 12-14 handicap but just think they are a it bulky. I have the i25 driver and I used my buddies i25 irons and I hit them pretty good. they actually went through the grass much better than the g30. Is this a club I should look at or is it to good a club for my skill level. I don’t have great swing speeds. I hit my 7 iron between 145 and 160 depending on the weather. I play in Seattle area a lot and its cold and rainy. Which is partly why I got the G 30 as they launch the ball high and need carry distance over roll.
Don,
I think 12-14 is a fine range for the i200. Certainly worth a try.
Best,
Matt
Tested i200 against Srixon x565 and z765. All had similar soft feel but the i200 seemed to fly higher, infact too high when testing the 7 iron. Went with Srixon.
Matt… would you say that a high handicapper on the cusp of becoming a mid hc could use these? Or would they do more harm than good. Hit them once and they were amazing! All of the data was far better than my gamers
TJ,
While I think that more forgiveness is usually a good thing, I’ve never told anyone that choosing a more “aspirational” club will hurt them. If you tested them and the data is good, go for it!
Best,
Matt
I’m hearing such awesome things about these irons. Sadly, I’m huge on the look aspect of the club as I’ve always played the smaller head. I currently game the JPX 900 tours. What is your take on this? Were you originally a non-Ping person? Or is the head compact enough that it doesn’t affect look of the club at address?
CK,
“Compact enough” is entirely a personal judgment, so I can’t say whether it will be small enough for you. I think these are great irons that balance a good look with really good forgiveness. They’re certainly a world different than the JPX 900 Tour in terms of ease of play.
Best,
Matt
Ping I200 vs Callaway steelhead pro XR
I have read your reviews on these 2 irons and was curious if you had a preference? I am currently a 8.5 index and I play Ping G20’s. I carry my 7 iron about 140 sometimes a little more. Or should I stay with something like the G400?
Randy,
My preference runs toward PING, but I think they’re both solid clubs.
I think if you test the i200, you’ll find them as forgiving as your G20. The G400 will be noticeably more forgiving. If you don’t mind the offset and the thickness, I’d suggest taking the extra forgiveness.
Best,
Matt
How do you feel about the Titleist 718 AP1?I know you were not too fond of the AP3 based on your review. I thought the G400 seems real clicky sounding but the numbers were good. For me they were definitely better than I200, which number wise was very similar to my G20s.
Randy,
I think the AP1 is ok, but not great. I don’t think the forgiveness is on par with irons like the G400, and the “benefit” in terms of look and feel isn’t significant to me. Obviously those are two subjective areas, so others may disagree.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I am a fan about your site.
I do Need some help.
I was planning to buy a mizuno mp 18 sc set,but I read your test and was thinking better to Switch to the ping i200.
Which one would you prefer for an 10 handicapper. clubspeed 90 mph.
For me also is the feel and accurary very important
It would be great to get an tip from you.
best regards
michael
Michael,
The i200 is worlds ahead of any Mizuno MP18 iron in terms of forgiveness. If that’s a priority, go with PING.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I currently play the Ping i e1 irons and absolutely love them. However, reading about the new technology in the i200 irons is making me consider upgrading to them.
What do you think? Is it worth it or should I just stick with the Ping i e1 irons?
Thanks!
Trevor,
I think there was a noticeable jump in forgiveness from the i e1 to the i200, so I would recommend going somewhere where you can test them head to head to see for yourself. No bad choices between those two!
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I know Ping’s philosophy is “bounce is your friend” and they beefed up the bounce and raised the leading edge a little higher on the i200. Do you think this could pose a problem for someone who “picks” the ball like myself?
Thanks!
JW,
I’m a “picker” and I gamed the i200s very happily for a long stretch. Hope that helps.
Best,
Matt
Have you tested the regular loft vs the power specs. Was there a difference in turf inner action, distance, spin and ball flight. Only reason I ask is due to only being able to demo the regular spec and not the power.
Joe,
No, I’ve only played the standard lofts. I wouldn’t worry about the difference in turf interaction. Spin will be slightly lower which will make distances greater to a point of diminishing returns (when the ball is launched too low for your speed).
-Matt
Matt
8 handicap and love the feel and the look of these very much and bought them in Stiff graphite to help the old bones. The feel a little light this way and maybe just slightly shorter distance than I hoped for and from my previous irons. Any thoughts? Still love them but maybe need to beef them up a little.
Tom,
If the lost distance is a concern, take them to a Club Champion and work with them to optimize the shaft choice and get the lost distance back.
Best,
Matt
Matt, Along with your review and others, i was convinced to at least try Pings i200. Went to a fitter i have confidence in when he handed me the seven iron, it was almost instant envy. It look really sweet he put me in KBS steel shaft mostly because with my Steelheads and the shaft the trajectory is too high. Four or five strikes later I was pretty sure I had to have a set. Ordered them with the power spec lofts with KBS shafts. The only setback is the courses in Wisconsin are closing for the season, have to find a range with heated practice stalls, I guess. Very convincing review!!!
Currently hit G25 with steel shafts but suffer from sore elbows. Tried graphite shaft Rbz and not only felt better but the club seems to go through turf better without digging in. I suspect more bounce on Rbz ? How would i200 compare?
Jeff,
I’m not sure if the RBZ or the G25 has more bounce. I would say it’s more likely that it’s the shaft difference.
The i200 is comparable in MOI to the G25, but with a thinner sole and top line and less offset.
Best,
Matt
I was fit into these and they feel great. I got kbs tour S and was just wondering these are going very high, but seemed to penetrate. I do tend to hit it high but it seems like they go straight up. The numbers were good on the launch monitor and I’ve only hit range balls into the wind so I haven’t played a round yet but wanted your opinion on if you found them high launching.
Thanks, Brett
Brett,
No, I would not label these high launching.
Best,
Matt
What club is more forgiving, the Ping i-200 or Apex C-16? Would you recommend 5.5 or 6.0 Project X lz for a 70 year old 10 handicap who hits a 7 iron 155.
George,
They’re comparable in forgiveness, it would likely depend on your most common miss as to which is better. As for the shaft recommendation, I would leave that to a qualified fitter who is working with you in person.
Best,
Matt
Getting ready to get fitted for new irons, I have mainly been looking at game improvement irons but from many reviews it seems like the i200s are very forgiving. I am playing with i3+ now. With all the advances in technology would the i200s be as forgiving as i3+?
John,
I would expect the i200 to be substantially more forgiving than the i3+.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt!
I really enjoy your candid remarks on all these great irons. I’m looking for a forgiving iron, but something with feel too. I have always loved Mizuno, and have hit the HMs, but your review for the i200 has me quite interested! How would you compare the i200 to the HMs? Also, the HM had KBS Tour 90 Reg shafts and the i200 have the AWT 2.0……how much different are these shafts? Thanks in advance!!!
Brian,
The shafts are quite different – the AWT 2.0 is much heavier.
I assume “HM” refers to the Hot Metal. If so, the i200 is a very different iron. The Hot Metal is a super game improvement club, the i200 is a player’s iron. That said, the i200 is still very forgiving.
Best,
Matt
Which shaft(s) did you test? Did you have a favorite?
Mike,
As I recall, I played these with Dynamic Gold.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt,
I still play orange dot ping eye 2 in a mid handicap as a hardswinging 40 y/o. Orange dot by default availability, not a fitting. Clearly I dislike change, but feel 30 year old clubs i’ve hit since 2000 need an upgrade. i play recreational and find myself a half a club to a full club short of peers. Whether its the ping i200s or something else- Is the technology worth considering replacing these tried and true solid classics? Thanks for thoughts, Tim
Tim,
You’ll see a massive difference in distance and forgiveness in new irons compared to ones from 30 years ago.
Best,
Matt
Matt, how do you rate I200 irons compared to G400? I first played golf 40 years ago, am a mid handicap but motivated this year to practice & play more to achieve single figures. I recently invested in fitting for G400 LST driver & also a G400 hybrid (4). I have tried G400 demo 7 iron and whilst quite like it I am still undecided. V Interested to hear your views on comparison of I200 with G400.
Freddie,
The G400 is substantially more forgiving. If that’s your priority, I would get the G400. If you prioritize looks or less offset, the i200 is an excellent choice with plenty of forgiveness.
Best,
Matt
What will be difference between the i200’s and i210’s. I currently playing the i200s and love them
Brad,
I haven’t tried the i210s yet, so I don’t know what will be different.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Great post here. Looking at i210s soon. I can’t stand offset. What are your thoughts on i210 5-p, and i500 for the 4 and maybe 5 irons? Forgiving set with little offset?
Thanks,
LJ
LJ,
I haven’t tested either iron yet, but the concept sounds good. One thing to be careful of is the loft gap – I believe the i500 is substantially stronger.
Best,
Matt
How do the i200’s match up to the i10’s. I currently hit the 7 iron around 160 yards with AWT S shafts.
Mark,
The i200s will be significantly more forgiving and I believe the lofts are stronger by a degree or two.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
My existing irons are old i3 cavity backs vintage 1999. Would you recommend i200 or g400 as my replacement choice. I ofcourse will get refitted but interested to here your comments. I play off 14 although now that I’m playing again have targeted single figures within next few months.
Best
Freddie
Freddie,
It comes down to whether you’d prefer a cleaner look or more forgiveness and distance. The G400 is going to be a giant leap forward in both of the latter categories. The i200 will be a large improvement, but not as big.
Best,
Matt
#SecretGiveaway
Can you tell me the difference between the G700’s and the I 200’s. Seven iron with the 700’s about 165. 15 handicap and can’t get enough golf
George,
I have a full review of the G700 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-g700-irons-review/
Best,
Matt
Let me rephrase my question. I have played the G 30’s and currently the 700’s which I picked up an additional 10 yds with the 700’s. I hit one shot with the i200 and was intrigued. My concerns are the substantially less forgiving then the 700’s and how does the distance compare. Thanks and enjoy the Holiday
George,
With the standard caveat about fit, the G700 is likely going to be longer than the i200. It’s also going to be noticeably more forgiving.
Best,
Matt
Matt, just saw this thread so apologize for being late to the tee. Anyway, what shafts did you have in your iBlades and what shafts in the i200? Thx, Rob
Rob,
KBS C-Taper Lite. https://pluggedingolf.com/about/matt-saternus/matts-whats-in-the-bag/
-Matt
Matt, I am a retired golf course superintendent of 41 years. I am in my late 60’s and I have played Ping for many years. I play ping I3 irons, stiff shaft (orange 2 degrees flat, fitted). 10 -12 handicap. I have a strong swing and a dominate left hander playing right handed clubs. I also play the G2 ping driver. What would be your recommendations for new irons for 2020 season? I do plan on being fitted again. The choices are many. Thx, Frank
Frank,
If you like the look, I would take all the forgiveness that the G410 irons offer. If you prefer a slimmer look, the i210 is great, too.
Best,
Matt
I currently have a set of Callaway X14s…. which I hit fine… my handicap is 18 ish…, do you think I could benefit from these irons??? I won’t be able to hit them before I buy a used set?!!
Mark,
It depends, what are you looking to get out of this equipment change?
-Matt
Hi I’m currently playing mizuno jpx 900 forged !
I sometimes struggle with the longer irons ! I’m 16 handicap how do the i200 compare ??
Many thanks
Dan,
The i200 should offer slightly better forgiveness.
-Matt
I have the i20 model in CFS stiff shafts. How will 210 compare? Is Dynamic gold 105 a good choice? Thanks
Rick,
All the stock shafts are good, it’s a matter of finding the one that’s a good fit for you.
With each generation, PING is able to get a little more forgiveness into this model. If you’re upgrading over multiple generations, you might find a noticeable improvement.
-Matt