Ping s59 irons

Club:Ping S59 irons (3-pw) black dot
Shaft::Ping Z-Z65 stiff flex
Grip:Victory velvet

Looks:This is a real shock for Ping fans.This is not a true blade (it has a small cavity on the top of each club reminiscent of the Snake eyes MC-01,a fine club no longer in production),but does not have the traditional cavity back look that has become a Ping trademark.It is an obvious attempt to catch the eye of the low handicapper in his local pro shop.
There is a black medallion in the lower back end of the club (vibration dampening,weight adgustment) but this is not noticeable at address.
There is a channel which divides the clubhead in two at the back,the upper half is a small cavity and the lower half more a solid blade,reminiscent of muscleback blades.The clubheads are finished in a non-glare satin to the customary v.high quality that is a given with Ping.

The topline is thin (not as thin as a true blade like a Mizuno MP-33 or Hogan Apex),but much thinner than the older Ping Zing's or Eye 2's which helped to forge Ping's reputation as an industry leader.All clubs have minimal offset and sit very nicely and powerfully behind the ball at address.The short irons in particular look good,but the long irons don't look too intimidating (unlike Cleveland TA1's or Titleist 690MB).
Marks:(out of 10) 9

Performance:The clubs are a treat to hit.The long irons pick up the ball quite well (probably because of the cambered sole which allows for less than perfect strikes to fly well) and launch on a low and piercing trajectory.The stock shaft is light and helps to generate good clubhead speed.The heads are quite heavy and this allows for good strikes from light and medium rough,but from longish rough the thinner soles are not as forgiving as Ping i3 and i3+ models.
The mid and short irons hit the ball beautifully and with lots of spin,but low handicap men may dispense with the pitching wedge altogether in favour of the Ping MB,which just looks better cosmetically,Draws and fades are easy to conjure up because of the focused headweight and minimal offset.

Despite the fact the these are cast clubheads there is a minimal loss of feedback compared to forged clubs (eg.Mizuno,TaylorMade and Hogan blade models).Mishits will still sting your fingertips,but pure strikes will feel as if you have finally reached Nirvana!These are quite forgiving for a head of this design,but only low handicappers should apply and high handicap Ping adorees would be best advised to look at the G2 or i3 +.
Marks:9

Value:These are not cheap,but compare v.favourably to competing models from all the other top manufacturers and then there is a free
custom fit.If you want a real bargain as a low handicapper try the MD Superstrong Forged but it's really all about the badge for the low shooter.
Marks:9

Verdict:This is a good offering from Ping.There was a gap in their range for single handicap players who prefer blade irons.The trend of late
has been for the return of simple clubs and Mizuno,TaylorMade and Titleist in Particular have captured this niche.This club will appeal to all golfers but particulary to Ping fans who are aware ot the superb custom fit programme.
Marks:9