WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The i240 is a true cavity-back iron that will appeal to better players. A lower centre-of-gravity position delivers a higher ball flight for more shot-stopping ability. The multi-material badge not only supports the face, but saves nearly nine grams compared to the i230, providing designers desired discretionary weight. As with most Ping offerings, plentiful custom fitting and shaft options are available.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY: Australian pricing and availability is TBC.
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3 Cool Things
1. Fine-tuned for flight. Key to the design of the i240 was the desire to produce a higher launch with moderate spin. To achieve this goal the cavity badge and elastomer allowed engineers to save weight, which was re-allocated within the clubhead to position the centre of gravity lower. That not only contributes to more distance, but a higher launch.
“The badge construction has a carbon-fibre inlay, which provides a really nice cosmetic appeal but saves eight to nine grams from the previous badge,” says Ryan Stokke, director of product design for Ping. “We used that weight to boost moment of inertia [a 2.5 percent increase] and launch so you’re getting stopping power from the trajectory.”
2. Tour approved. With the i240 used by some PGA Tour players in the long irons and by a swath of LPGA players as full sets, it was important the shape appealed to the best players in the world. Doing so in an iron designed for the masses, however, is a technological tightrope not easily navigated.
“On the i230, the badge was flush, giving it a cleaner overall appearance,” Stokke said. “It was almost a muscle-back look, but it gave some people the impression it was not as forgiving as it was. As such, we’ve gone back to a true cavity-back appearance.”
The variable-face technology on the 431 stainless-steel iron has been updated with a return to fewer and wider grooves, a request from tour pros in search of more spin from the fairway. The engineers also maintained the player-preferred size and shape. The i240’s sole is similar to previous designs, with a rounded leading edge and ample bounce to promote smooth turf interaction.
3. Ready for impact. An elastomer insert supports the face, helping to provide more efficient energy transfer across the entire face and a softer feel and pleasing sound. The elastomer is injection moulded and is installed on every iron in the set.
“The elastomer is positioned down in the lower section of the flange and has the added aspect that we get that weight savings where we can move it out of the design and push it away from the centre of the clubhead to up the forgiveness,” Stokke said. “However, we also get the retention of the elastomer that helps with vibration and impact experience.”
Making the purchase experience better for Ping consumers are options. The. i240 comes in 3-iron to gap wedge in 10 colour codes (lie angles) as well as a stronger and weaker-lofted versions.
