Irons · 2021
Ping i59
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 5 June 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Feel90
- Looks90
- Sound88
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is forgiveness.
You're a skilled, low-handicap shot-maker who wants a compact forged players' iron with elite feel and control - plus surprising i210-level forgiveness for its size.
You need real forgiveness or distance (a players-distance or game-improvement iron), or you don't strike it consistently.
Pros
- A return to forged for PING - a 3-piece build (forged 1025 carbon body, stainless face, per-iron aluminium core) that was one of 2021's best launches
- i210-level forgiveness and MOI from a much smaller, compact players' chassis
- Elite workability and control - the aluminium core frees 30g to dial trajectory and tighten dispersion
- A solid feel with a touch of crispness and a quiet, low-pitched sound
Cons
- A compact precision iron - if you don't strike it well, it can be hard to hit
- High-launch but low-spin - only a few yards more carry, and less greenside spin
- A premium price
By dimension
Forgiveness
Modesti210 levels from a smaller chassis - it delivers i210 levels of forgiveness from a smaller chassis, with MOI raised as high as the i210, though poor ball-strikers may find it hard to hit, with surprising stability for its size. Strong for a compact forged players' iron, if demanding.
Distance
StrongHigh-launch, low-spin - a high-launch, low-spin combination with more carry distance even into the wind, if only by a few yards, a controlled, penetrating flight. Modest distance gain for a players' iron.
Workability
ExcellentA shot-maker's iron - a compact players' iron designed for skilled shot-makers seeking maximum control, the per-iron aluminium core controlling trajectory and tightening dispersion. Elite, players'-iron workability.
Feel
Class-leadingForged and solid - a solid feel with just a touch of crispness off the forged 1025 carbon body, a premium forged sensation. Elite, players'-iron feel.
Sound
ExcellentLow and quiet - a low-pitched, quiet impact sound, a refined, muted note. A premium acoustic for a players' iron.
Looks at address
Class-leadingClean and premium - a clean, aesthetically pleasing look from the 1025 carbon steel body, a compact players' footprint. One of the best-looking players' irons of its era.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at Ping i59 Iron Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at PING i59 Irons Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at Ping i59 Iron Review - Best New Club Launch of 2021? - Golf Monthly
- Read the full review at PING i59 Forged Irons - MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at Ping i59 Irons Review - Golfalot
- Read the full review at PING i59 Irons Review 2021 - Golfmagic
More Irons ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Ping i59 best for?
You're a skilled, low-handicap shot-maker who wants a compact forged players' iron with elite feel and control - plus surprising i210-level forgiveness for its size.
Who should avoid the Ping i59?
You need real forgiveness or distance (a players-distance or game-improvement iron), or you don't strike it consistently.
What handicap is the Ping i59 suitable for?
The Ping i59 scores strongest for scratch and tour players, and also suits low-handicap golfers.
What is the Ping i59 best at?
In our research the Ping i59 rates highest for workability and feel, and is softest on forgiveness.
Does the Ping i59 have a shot bias?
The Ping i59 is broadly neutral in shot shape (no built-in draw or fade bias), with a mid-high launch and low spin.