The Ping G2 irons are a game improvement iron line that Ping released in September 2003, built to launch the ball higher and forgive off-center hits. They became one of the best-selling irons of their time, and they still turn up used in large numbers because so many golfers bought them.
What the G2 line was built to do
The G2 used perimeter weighting, which moves weight from the middle of the head out to the edges. Combined with a wider sole and a lower center of gravity, that gave the clubs a higher launch and more forgiveness than the player's irons Ping sold at the same time, such as the S59. Ping was not the first to use perimeter weighting, since it dates back to the Ping Eye in 1978, but the G2 was the iron that made the G series the company's main line for everyday golfers.
Ping sold the G2 in four versions: the standard G2, the G2 L for women and slower swing speeds, the G2 HL with higher lofts, and the G2 EZ, which was also aimed at slower swing speeds and designed to keep the distance gaps between clubs wide. In December 2004, Ping announced that a Darrell survey of seven U.S. regions found the G2 was the most purchased new iron in the country that year, and that Golf Datatech named it the top-selling iron in America through September 2004. Those numbers came from Ping's own announcement, so treat them as the company's account of the sales data.
Buying used G2 irons today
Because the line sold so well, used G2 sets and single irons are easy to find. The main thing to check is which version you are looking at. A G2 L or G2 HL will not fit the same way as a standard G2, so look at the shaft flex and length in the listing, not just the model name. Expect normal wear on the grooves and sole of a set this age, and if you are building a set from single irons, match the shaft and length across every club.
Common questions
Are Ping G2 irons good for high handicappers?
They were designed for that player. The perimeter weighting, wide sole and high launch are meant to make mishits travel straighter and farther.
What is the difference between the G2, G2 L, G2 HL and G2 EZ?
All four share the same basic design. The G2 L is the women's model, the HL has higher lofts, and the EZ is built for slower swing speeds.
If you want to see what we have in stock, browse our Ping iron sets. For another older Ping line, read our post on the Ping i3 irons.
