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Ping have delivered again! A great iron set option for those mid handicapper golfers looking to take their iron game to the next level.
Ping are back for 2026 with an updated version of their popular players distance iron, the new i540. These are a popular model amongst golfers so what does the i540 irons have to offer? Check out our full Ping i540 irons review below…
Players distance irons, mid size look, ball speed, higher launch, great sound, strong lofts
Ping’s i540s are players distance irons. They’ve offer a mid size look with a larger head profile than a blade but more compact than a game improvement iron.
A new lighter and shallower face has been used with a covered cavity at the back. Alongside a 9% thinner face to help with ball speed and higher launching shots.
These sound excellent off the face by far the best sounding Ping club I’ve ever hit. This is thanks to new i-Beam and inR-Air technology that has improved the internal structure.
PROS
CONS
| Weighting | Tungsten |
| Iron face | Maraging steel face |
| Iron construction | Cast |
| Shaft | Ping offers a variety of shaft flexes in steel and graphite to meet your needs and preferences |
| Grip | Ping offers a variety of grip sizes and styles to fit different hand sizes and texture preferences |
| Handicap | Mid-Low |
| Key benefits | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Design – sleek and attractive | Shallow face – slightly shallow |
| Top line thickness – provides confidence without looking chunky | Strong lofts – some adjustment might be required to get use to differing distances from current clubs |
| Easy launch – high launch and peak height | |
| Consistency – consistent ball speed and distance across all clubs | |
| Sound – amazing sound off the club |
These are a great looking set of irons. The covered cavity creates a compact sleek shaping that really works well. This year’s models has a slightly shallower face than the previous model but visually that isn’t too obvious.
Behind the ball the Ping i540 irons look great. The topline is a nice thickness giving enough confidence without looking chunky.
To assess the performance of the Ping i540 irons, I conducted on-course testing over several rounds, focusing on various irons from the set. Additionally, I gathered data indoors using a GC3 launch monitor to analyze metrics such as carry distance and peak height. This combination of real world play and precise data collection allowed me to evaluate the clubs’ performance comprehensively, especially in terms of launch, feel, and accuracy.
I’m a player who uses a player style iron, so a smaller head profile and a relatively thin sole but iron play is by far the weakest part of my game. I tested both the G740 and the i540 around similar times and the difference between the two behind the ball was crazy – the G740 is a lot bigger.
The i540s went straight in my bag for one round as it felt fair to test them out on the course before looking at any data. I used these for four rounds before finally being able to crunch the numbers at an indoor studio using a GC3 launch monitor.
I must mention the strengths of these irons. Ping does offer three loft variations in these, standard, power and retro. I tested the standard lofts and found myself to have gained difference out on the course without really realising. These Ping irons are a few degrees stronger than my current set so that explains why a few greens were air mailed – but you can’t knock a pure strike and the amazing sound in the process.
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In terms of data, starting with a wedge, I did very much enjoy the feel off the face. The launch angle was pretty high as was the max high. Straight away these clubs seemed very easy to get in the air.
With 8 iron I really started to see the i540 perform. A strong carry number as well as an impressive peak height. I liked that even on a strike that wasn’t as good I didn’t drop lots of yards. Across the board the numbers were all very consistent.
With 6 iron the sound was just amazing. The carry distance was certainly up from my current averages as you would expect to see from a stronger lofted distance iron. Ball speed was good as was the peak height again.
Overall, these irons stayed in my bag for more than one round for a reason. They come off the face with ease and producing a strong height and distance. The sound and feel Ping has created is excellent. Whilst these might be aimed more towards mid handicap golfers I think they’re a great addition to any golfers back who wants a little more help from an iron without having to face a big cavity back. Or if you don’t want a full set the long irons would especially work great as a combination set.
RRP: from £1129 (5-PW) / from $1499.99 (5-PW)
Shafts:
Grips:
Spec: 4-iron – UW
More information: Ping website
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Nicola is a professional golfer, playing on the Ladies European Access Series (LETAS). It is a developmental tour designed for aspiring female golfers.
Having played golf for 17 years, starting aged 8, Nicola has represented both her county and country at junior and senior levels. She currently a member at Hickleton Golf Club but has previously held memberships at five other courses.
Nicola holds a BA (Hons) degree in Sports Studies, from the University of Stirling. She completed a four-year course, with her final year project focusing on the barrier women face in golf. This combination of real-world experience and academic insight underscores her commitment to the sport and her desire to contribute to its growth, particularly for female golfers. At Stirling, she was part of the Golf Scholarship program. Involving regular golf specific fitness and practice sessions. She had the opportunity to partake in tournaments and training camps, worldwide.
Over the years, Nicola has accumulated a wealth of knowledge not just about her own performance, but also about the nuances of the sport. Given her extensive playing background she has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of golf gear and the golf swing itself.
What’s in Nicola’s bag: Ping G430 driver, Titleist TS2 4-wood, Titleist T150/200 irons, Ping s159 wedges, Cleveland putter.
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