Ping has introduced two new iron models, the i540 and G740, designed to enhance performance for golfers of varying skill levels. While both irons aim to help players achieve higher ball flights, they cater to distinct types of golfers: the i540 targets more experienced players seeking added distance, whereas the G740 focuses on providing maximum forgiveness and ease of use for beginners.
According to Travis Milleman, senior manager of design engineering at Ping, the i540 is crafted with a hollow-body design inspired by the company’s previous i240 model. The new design incorporates a lightweight InR-Air insert to optimize sound and feel while maintaining the necessary distance capabilities of a player’s distance iron. Milleman emphasized, “Air is one of the lightest things you can put in anything. It lets us dampen the vibrations without restricting the face bending that we designed into the club.”
The i540 iron features a low center of gravity (CG) achieved through the strategic use of tungsten weighting, particularly in the 4-7 irons. This design choice allows for higher peak trajectories, which is crucial for stopping power on greens. Milleman noted that by lowering the CG, golfers can achieve greater ball speed and improved launch angles, enhancing their overall performance.
G740: Forgiveness and Launch for Beginners
The G740 iron, on the other hand, is engineered as a super game-improvement model, boasting the lowest CG in the Ping lineup. To achieve this, Ping engineers modified the iron’s shape by shortening the face height and widening the sole. This design aims to assist players who may struggle with ball striking. The broader sole enhances the club’s forgiveness, allowing for a smoother interaction with the turf.
Milleman explained the design philosophy behind the G740, stating, “If we’re trying to get a low-CG iron, we need to take mass away from the top rail and hosel, and we need to put it in the area that’s the lowest on the club, which is the sole.” The dual-camber design effectively reduces the effective sole width, preventing the club from getting stuck in the ground during swings.
Key Features and Availability
Both the i540 and G740 irons reflect a growing trend among golf manufacturers to prioritize higher launch angles, ultimately helping players hold greens more effectively. The i540 is ideal for accomplished ball strikers focused on increasing their distance, while the G740 serves as a reliable option for novices needing assistance with their game.
The i540 will retail at USD 214.25 per club, while the G740 will be priced at USD 185.75 per club. Golfers can pre-order both models starting March 10, 2024, with availability in retail locations beginning March 26, 2024. Each iron will be offered in three loft specifications: Power, Standard, and Retro, catering to a wide range of player preferences.
Ping’s comprehensive iron lineup now includes options from the Blueprint T to the G740, ensuring that golfers at all skill levels can find a set that meets their needs. With these innovations, Ping continues to reinforce its commitment to enhancing the game for golfers worldwide.
