Ping G5 vs Ping i5
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | G5 loft | i5 loft | G5 lie | i5 lie | G5 length | i5 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 18.5 | 18 | 58.67 | 58.67 | 39.25 | 39.25 |
| 3 | 21 | 21 | 59.32 | 59.32 | 38.75 | 38.75 |
| 4 | 24 | 24 | 60.02 | 60.02 | 38.25 | 38.25 |
| 5 | 27 | 27 | 60.75 | 60.75 | 37.75 | 37.75 |
| 6 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 37.25 | 37.25 |
| 7 | 34 | 34 | 62.28 | 62.28 | 36.75 | 36.75 |
| 8 | 38 | 38 | 63.1 | 63.1 | 36.25 | 36.25 |
| 9 | 42 | 42 | 63.95 | 63.95 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| PW | 46 | 46 | 64.38 | 64.38 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| UW | 50 | 50 | 64.38 | 64.38 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 54 | 54 | 64.7 | 64.7 | 35.25 | 35.25 |
| LW | 58 | 58 | 65.11 | 65.11 | 35 | 35 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- G5
- i5
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the G5 is 34° and the i5 is 34°, identical at the club most golfers compare on, although other clubs in the sets differ. Across the 12 clubs both sets share, the differences roughly cancel out, with the largest gap at the 2-iron (18.5° vs 18°).
The G5 is a game improvement iron and the i5 a players iron, so they sit 2 steps apart on the forgiveness scale. The G5 is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. The i5 trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Both heads are listed as investment cast. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.
Both sets were introduced in 2005, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: Ping designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The i5 is the stronger-lofted set — up to 0.5° stronger than the G5 on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Ping G5 specs and Ping i5 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ping G5 stronger lofted than the i5?
Not at the 7-iron, where both are 34°. Other clubs in the sets differ, so compare the full table above.
What is the loft difference between the Ping G5 and i5?
At the 7-iron the difference is 0° (34° vs 34°). The largest gap on a shared club is 0.5° at the 2-iron, and 1 of the 12 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the Ping G5 or the i5?
The Ping G5. As a game improvement iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. The i5 is a players iron, better suited to roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Do the Ping G5 and i5 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62.28° lie and 36.75 inches long.
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