Golf gear reviewed
the right way.

The PING G740 does exactly what it promises: maximum forgiveness, easy launch, and serious distance in a package that prioritizes function over vanity. The improvements over the G730 are tangible -- better sound and feel from the redesigned PurFlex badge, a more premium finish, and a sole design that moves through turf more efficiently despite its width. Ball speed retention on mishits is outstanding, and the towering ball flight compensates for lower spin rates to deliver genuine stopping power. The trade-offs are honest ones. These are big irons that look big, and players who care about compact aesthetics at address will not be won over. The offset is substantial and will promote a draw. And at $202.50 per club with steel shafts, they sit at the premium end of the SGI market -- a meaningful investment for clubs that some golfers may eventually outgrow. But for high-handicap players, beginners, seniors losing swing speed, or anyone who struggles to get the ball in the air with their current irons, the G740 is one of the best options available. It makes the game easier without apology, and it does so with more refinement than this category usually offers.

The PING i540 is one of the most impressive players' distance irons I have hit. It delivers genuine explosive ball speed in a compact, good-looking package while maintaining the kind of forgiveness that keeps mid-handicappers in the game. The high launch and steep descent angles solve the stopping-power problem that plagues many strong-lofted irons, and the consistency from shot to shot is outstanding. The weaknesses are real but manageable. The sound remains slightly high-pitched for a premium iron. Spin rates run low enough to warrant attention during fitting. The strong lofts demand a well-planned wedge setup. And the price -- $225-$250 per club in steel or graphite -- puts the i540 firmly at the premium end of the market, especially compared to fully forged competitors from Titleist, Mizuno, and Srixon at similar or lower price points. For the low-to-mid handicap golfer who wants distance without sacrificing control, who values consistency over raw feel, and who appreciates PING's understated engineering approach, the i540 is an outstanding choice. It will not replace the sensation of a pure forged blade, but it will put more approach shots on the green from further out -- and that is what lowers scores.