Ping i230 Irons vs i210 irons

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of Ping i230 irons vs i210 irons.

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 7 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

I had both sets for 2 weeks but tested them a couple weeks apart.

Summary: Ping i230s edge out the i210s because of looks. Yep, that’s pretty much it. Feel, launch, trajectory, forgiveness, distance…all the same for me. They’re both among the most playable player irons I’ve ever put my hands on. Especially the long irons. Much easier to hit than I’m used to.

In this comparison of the Ping i230 & i210 irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which iron set I’d buy.

Ping i230 Irons

Ping i230 Iron Specs

Ping i210 Irons

Ping i210 Iron Specs

Testing the Ping i230 & i210 Irons

On the Course – I played two rounds with the i230s and the i210s.  I had one good and one mediocre ball-striking round for each.

What you’ll love about both sets (especially) is the long irons (4-iron and 5-iron). I don’t normally hit high long irons, though I’m a high ball hitter. My contact isn’t good enough. In fact, I don’t carry a 4-iron. I use a 4-hybrid.

I made a point of hitting the i230 and i210 4 & 5 irons during my rounds. Time after time I was able to launch the ball quickly with a high piercing trajectory…and didn’t need great contact to do it- though I did pull that off a couple of times.

I would consider putting the hybrid aside if I had either set.

Short and mid irons are like butter. They feel great at impact and I love how easy they are to hit.

On the Range – I had one range session with the i230s and the i210s. Rain and wet conditions had the range closed otherwise.

Are there big differences between Ping i230 & i210 irons?

Not in the way they perform and feel.

They both feel great at impact. They both launch the ball quickly with great trajectory. And, they both perform exceptionally well with mishits toward the toe – my specialty.

The big differences were cosmetic.

Looks

The i230s are more refined and sleek than the i210s. The heads are a little smaller and they also hide their tech behind their new 4-layer cavity badge.

I prefer minimal non-busy design, so the i230s win this one.

Winner – i230s

Sound & Feel

They both felt great at impact and gave excellent feedback. I got the same feel and sound on center contact and slight mishits.

Winner – Draw

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy

Again, these clubs are evenly matched. There may be differences, but I got the same launch, flight, and consistency from center contact and my normal mishit toward the toe.

Winner – Draw

Forgiveness

Same for me.  

Winner -Draw

Distance

I played the same clubs for the same distances and got the same results from both sets. Iron Byron may find a difference, but not enough to matter for the average player.

Winner – Draw

Verdict on the Ping i230 irons vs Ping i210 irons

All things being equal – and they pretty much were – I prefer the Ping i230s because they look better.

Already own the i210s?
I don’t recommend upgrading unless you got money burning a hole in your pocket. Then, have at it.

Don’t own either set, but you’re in the market?
see below…

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Ping i230 irons vs i210 irons.