Are the Ping Blueprint irons as as good as they look?
Ping Blueprint irons review: The results
The biggest thing that was noticeable from the launch monitor numbers is just how tight the front-to-back dispersion (in other words, distance) was with these irons.
They are designed specifically to provide the player with more control which you can clearly see in the data.
In the shorter clubs the Blueprint irons were producing less spin than Tom’s iBlades, however this switched in the 4-iron with the the Blueprint iron spinning over 600rpm more than his current iBlade.
Generally across the irons the carry distances were similar across the two models. However in the Blueprint 4-iron Tom was seeing less run reducing his total distance.
Ping Blueprint irons review: NCG verdict
On first sight these irons do not disappoint. The wedge, particularly, is to die for: compact head, absolutely no offset, sits unbelievably well behind the ball. It is a genuine blade up there with the forged filth that Mizuno, Titleist et al have been producing for years. The clubs I am using have MCC Plus4 Align grips and the 120g Dynamic Gold S300 shaft. The whole package just feels well balanced, a proper golf club, a modern classic already.
The longer irons are buttery, have a beautifully thin top line, with not a hint of the sole protruding. Again, there is no offset which fills someone fearing left with loads of confidence and the small head feels like it is going to be workable from any lie.
My Trackman data was a bit annoying as I don’t think I was at my fastest or swinging particularly well, but the front-to-back dispersion from the Blueprint was amazing, less than a yard with the wedges. I lost a bit of distance in the 4-iron, which was ego-bruising.
On the course, in a direct comparison with my iBlade, that tight dispersion was plain to see, and distance performance between my iBlade 4 iron and the Blueprint was very similar.
The launch was definitely lower, and the overall flight more penetrating, with Blueprint, which again I like – we play a lot in the wind.
With so little in the data, and so much on-course good stuff., you would have to say this was a win for Blueprint.
I would love to game these irons. They are my kind of cool. It feels like they are a bladed iron you could use every day. Wife material.
Ping Blueprint irons review: The details
Available: Now
SRP: £219 per iron w/steel shaft
Standard Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100), PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X)
Aftermarket shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R300, S300), Nippon Pro Modus Tour 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, S+, X) (no upcharge)
More information: Ping website
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Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
