Ping Introduces new i3+ irons with improved performance

PINGÒ, the most widely used brand of irons last year by golfers in the United States*, will debut its new version of the company's popular i3Ò irons this autumn.

The latest line of PING irons, named the i3+ä model, will feature a series of enhancements to the original i3 irons in both a Blade and a slightly larger game improvement model.

"We've taken the proven technology of our i3 model and fine-tuned it to improve the overall performance of the i3+ irons," said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman and CEO. "We're very excited about these new irons."

Several important features will be seen in the i3+ irons including the new shape of the lead edge and bounce relationships, new steel and graphite shafts, an aesthetically pleasing slim profile, advancements to the Custom Tuning Port (CTPä) and new cosmetics.

The PING Chairman pointed out that the lead edge of the i3+ irons has redesigned contours that lower the face surface and goes through the turf easier. This also promotes more consistent ball contact. The improved lead edge and bounce of the i3+ irons offer improved playability for a wide range of lies and conditions.

"The new lead edge will permit shots to come off cleaner, and players will have better control of their irons," he said.

Fashioned from 17-4 stainless steel, the new i3+ irons have been developed in concert with a new, proprietary PING steel shaft that features a unique step pattern.

Called the CS (Constant Step) Liteä shaft, it features double tapering and tri-wall construction for improved strength. It is lighter than its predecessors by 10 grams for better consistency and less fatigue.

"New technology in this family of CS Lite shafts will permit us to build lightweight shafts with the same flex patterns as proven steel shafts," said Solheim.

PING will also offer a new i3+ proprietary graphite shaft in A, regular and stiff flexes for the i3+ irons. It will have an enhanced tip design and improved ranges between flexes for tighter shot patterns.

"Our team of engineers has developed the i3+ irons and these new shafts to work together as a system," said Solheim.

Golfers who try the new i3+ Blade irons will see improved transition from the hosel to the top edge of the club head for easier alignment. There is also a little more offset in the shorter irons, which will help golfers square up shots easier, while maintaining a classic blade look throughout the set.

In addition, the new i3+ Blade irons have slightly less bounce, which will enable better golfers to pick the ball easier and not dig into the turf - a preference of low handicap players.

The i3+ irons will feature increased perimeter weighting for forgiveness on off-center hits. This model will have the same, solid feel of the Blade irons, combined with maximum forgiveness.

Additional features of the new i3+ Irons

CUSTOM TUNING PORT (CTP): Introduced in 1999 in the original PING i3 irons, the CTP is 15 percent larger in the weight port area of the new i3+ irons. This allows for fine tuning the club head weight and helps control club head vibration.

REDESIGNED CTP INSERT: Using 3D technology, the i3+ insert creates a new, visually appealing design.

BI-LEVEL FLAT TOP HOSEL: This feature reduces stress on the shaft and improves feel.

REDESIGNED NOTCHED HOSEL: A larger and deeper hosel notch allows for easier transition through grass, while precisely locating the point of loft/lie adjustment.

HEAT TREATED: Heat treating controls hardness, corrosion and uniformity of the high grade 17-4 stainless steel. It makes the metal more malleable, permitting easier loft and lie adjustments.

CAVITY BACK DESIGN: The i3+ irons feature extreme perimeter weighting for maximum forgiveness. More forgiving on off-center hits by increasing inertia.

PROGRESSIVE OFFSET: Optimizes trajectory in the long irons and provides for easier alignment in the short irons.

OPTIMUM OFFSET: Proper offset permits a club face to square up at impact for more accurate shots.

WHITE ALIGNMENT LINES: Strategically marked on the club face to assist golfers in club alignment.

The PING i3+ Blade and i3+ models of irons will be available in right and left-handed clubs for fall delivery (RRP £85 steel, £107 graphite.)