Golf club technology has evolved significantly over the past few decades, leading to a vast range of equipment options for players of all skill levels. One of the most notable golf club designs that has stood the test of time is the Ping Eye 2, first introduced in 1982. In this article, we will compare the Ping Eye 2 to modern irons, examining the differences in technology, performance, and design.
Technology
Ping Eye 2: The Ping Eye 2 irons were revolutionary in their time due to their perimeter weighting, cavity back design, and investment casting process. These features contributed to a more forgiving clubface, which allowed players to generate more consistent shots even on off-center strikes. The Eye 2s also featured a wide sole, which helped improve turf interaction and reduce digging.
Modern Irons: Today’s modern irons benefit from advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques, and customization options. Clubs are now made from various alloys, composites, and even multi-material constructions that optimize weight distribution, forgiveness, and feel. Computer-aided design (CAD) and analysis tools have also contributed to improvements in the overall design, allowing for optimal center of gravity positioning and better fine-tuning of club performance.
Performance
Distance: While the Ping Eye 2 irons were long-hitting in their era, modern irons have generally surpassed them in terms of distance. The use of stronger lofts, improved materials, and more efficient energy transfer has contributed to increased ball speeds and overall distance.
Forgiveness: The Ping Eye 2 irons were known for their forgiveness due to their perimeter weighting and cavity back design. Modern irons have taken these concepts even further, utilizing multi-material construction and more precise weight distribution to create an even larger sweet spot and more stability on off-center hits.
Workability: The workability of a club refers to a player’s ability to shape shots and control trajectory. The Ping Eye 2 irons were known for their versatility, but modern irons offer even greater workability due to improved designs, shaft options, and adjustability features. Players can now fine-tune their clubs to achieve desired shot shapes and trajectories more easily.
Design
Aesthetics: The Ping Eye 2 irons have a classic, timeless design that many golfers still appreciate. However, modern irons come in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing players to choose clubs that match their personal preferences and aesthetic tastes.
Customization: Modern irons offer extensive customization options, including adjustable hosels, interchangeable weights, and various shaft options. This allows players to optimize their clubs for their swing and playing style, something not available with the Ping Eye 2 irons.
General Information
Model | Brand | Year Introduced | Construction | Price Range ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | Ping | 1982 | Cavity-back | 100-300 |
TaylorMade M6 | TaylorMade | 2019 | Cavity-back | 800-1000 |
Titleist T300 | Titleist | 2020 | Hollow-body | 900-1100 |
Callaway Apex 21 | Callaway | 2021 | Hollow-body | 1200-1400 |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal | Mizuno | 2020 | Cavity-back | 900-1000 |
Cobra King Speedzone | Cobra | 2020 | Cavity-back | 900-1000 |
Srixon ZX5 | Srixon | 2020 | Hollow-body | 1100-1300 |
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo | Cleveland | 2020 | Hollow-body | 800-900 |
Wilson Staff D7 | Wilson | 2019 | Cavity-back | 500-600 |
PXG 0311 T GEN3 | PXG | 2021 | Hollow-body | 450-600 |
Design Features
Model | Blade Length (mm) | Sole Width (mm) | Offset (mm) | Head Material |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | 84 | 17 | 5 | Stainless Steel |
TaylorMade M6 | 83 | 19 | 3.5 | Steel |
Titleist T300 | 77 | 19 | 4.4 | Steel |
Callaway Apex 21 | 76 | 20 | 3.8 | Steel |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal | 80 | 19 | 3.5 | Steel |
Cobra King Speedzone | 83 | 20 | 3.5 | Steel |
Srixon ZX5 | 78 | 21 | 3.5 | Steel |
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo | 81 | 20 | 3.5 | Steel |
Wilson Staff D7 | 83 | 18 | 3.5 | Steel |
PXG 0311 T GEN3 | 79 | 19 | 2.5 | Steel |
Performance Characteristics
Model | Forgiveness | Distance | Shot Shaping | Feel | Playability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | Low | Moderate | Limited | Soft | Moderate |
TaylorMade M6 | High | Long | Moderate | Firm | High |
Titleist T300 | High | Long | Moderate | Soft | High |
Callaway Apex 21 | High | Long | High | Soft | High |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal | Moderate | Long | Moderate | Soft | Moderate |
Cobra King Speedzone | High | Long | High | Soft | High |
Srixon ZX5 | Moderate | Long | Moderate | Soft | Moderate |
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo | High | Long | Moderate | Soft | High |
Wilson Staff D7 | High | Long | Moderate | Soft | High |
PXG 0311 T GEN3 | Low | Long | High | Soft | Low |
Pros and Cons
Model | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | Classic design, affordable | Limited forgiveness, outdated technology |
TaylorMade M6 | High forgiveness, long distance | Expensive |
Titleist T300 | High forgiveness, long distance, soft feel | Expensive |
Callaway Apex 21 | High forgiveness, long distance, shot shaping | Expensive |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal | Long distance, soft feel | Limited shot shaping, moderate forgiveness |
Cobra King Speedzone | High forgiveness, long distance, shot shaping | None notable |
Srixon ZX5 | Soft feel, moderate forgiveness | Limited shot shaping |
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo | High forgiveness, soft feel | Limited shot shaping |
Wilson Staff D7 | High forgiveness, soft feel | Limited shot shaping |
PXG 0311 T GEN3 | High shot shaping, soft feel | Expensive, limited forgiveness |
Loft Angles
Model | 3-Iron | 4-Iron | 5-Iron | 6-Iron | 7-Iron | 8-Iron | 9-Iron | PW | GW |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 42 | 46 | 50 |
TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS | 19 | 21.5 | 24 | 27 | 30.5 | 34.5 | 38.5 | 43 | 49 |
Titleist T100S | 19 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 43 | – |
Callaway Apex 21 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 43 | 48 |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Pro | 19 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 40 | 45 | – |
Cobra King RADSPEED | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 43.5 | 48.5 |
Srixon ZX5 | 19 | 21.5 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 43 | 48 |
Cleveland Launcher UHX | 18.5 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 44 | 49 |
Wilson Staff Model CB | 20 | 22.5 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 42 | 46 | – |
PXG 0211 | 18 | 20.5 | 23.5 | 26.5 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 43 | 48 |
Shaft Options
Model | Steel Shaft Options | Graphite Shaft Options |
---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 | N/A |
TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS | KBS Max 85 Steel, Fujikura Ventus Blue Graphite | Fujikura Ventus Red Graphite |
Titleist T100S | True Temper AMT Tour White Steel, Project X LZ Steel | Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Graphite |
Callaway Apex 21 | True Temper Elevate ETS Steel, UST Mamiya Recoil Graphite | UST Mamiya Recoil Graphite |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Pro | KBS Tour Steel, Nippon NS Pro 950GH Steel | Project X LZ Graphite |
Cobra King RADSPEED | KBS Tour 90 Steel, Project X Catalyst Graphite | Fujikura Atmos Graphite |
Srixon ZX5 | Nippon Modus 3 105 Steel, Project X LZ Steel | Nippon N.S. Pro 950GH Neo Graphite |
Cleveland Launcher UHX | True Temper Dynamic Gold 98 Steel, Miyazaki C Kua Graphite | Miyazaki C Kua Graphite |
Wilson Staff Model CB | KBS Tour Steel, True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 Steel | Fujikura Ventus Blue Graphite |
PXG 0211 | True Temper Elevate Tour Steel, Aerotech SteelFiber FC Graphite | Mitsubishi MMT Graphite |
Clubhead Size
Model | 3-Iron Clubhead Size (cc) | 7-Iron Clubhead Size (cc) | PW Clubhead Size (cc) |
---|---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | 158 | 164 | 149 |
TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS | 127 | 103 | 89 |
Titleist T100S | 102 | 86 | 74 |
Callaway Apex 21 | 127 | 99 | 77 |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Pro | 125 | 101 | 73 |
Cobra King RADSPEED | 99 | 81 | 59 |
Srixon ZX5 | 109 | 91 | 77 |
Cleveland Launcher UHX | 126 | 96 | 78 |
Wilson Staff Model CB | 112 | 91 | 77 |
PXG 0211 | 99 | 82 | 70 |
Center of Gravity (CG) Location
Model | 3-Iron CG Location (mm) | 7-Iron CG Location (mm) | PW CG Location (mm) |
---|---|---|---|
Ping Eye 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS | 23.6 | 23.1 | 22.7 |
Titleist T100S | 20.5 | 20.7 | 20.8 |
Callaway Apex 21 | 20.5 | 20.6 | 20.5 |
Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Pro | 21.0 | 20.4 | 20.1 |
Conclusion
The Ping Eye 2 irons were groundbreaking in their time and continue to have a devoted following among golfers who appreciate their classic design and performance characteristics. However, modern irons offer significant advancements in technology, performance, and customization options that make them an attractive choice for players seeking the latest innovations in golf equipment. Ultimately, the choice between the Ping Eye 2 and modern irons will come down to individual preferences and playing styles.