Ping's product numbering used to be nice and ordered across their ranges, but now they are making even Mizuno seem predictable.
The Ping i210 irons are the successor to the Ping i200 irons and the inflation matching increase of 10 in the product name implies that this is an evolution rather than a revolution model.
If you want revolution then check out the Ping i500 hollow headed irons review that join the i210 in replacing the i200s.
That's not to say that the i210 is without its improvements as it has taken all the good things of the i200 and made them better.
The head still uses the cavity back design but now it features a larger section in the sole area into which goes a 30% bigger Elastomer Insert that is 50% softer than before.
The greater size means 25% more contact with the face for more support and to increase the energy transferred to the ball at impact.
The improvement in feel was very noticeable and gives the i210 irons more life than the nice but sensible i200s did at impact. Ping keep doing this and I keep saying it, but they keep improving the feel with each model and this to me is one of the best for this type of model.
The shorter irons claim to have a 'muscle back' look which is pushing it, but the cavity is smaller and the more compact look with less offset does say better player.
The leading edge is now also more 'refined' and it certainly felt classy enough through the turf as this is supposed to reduce friction, along with the now familiar Hydropearl 2.0 finish.
The i210 lofts are the same as the previous i200, but weaker than the super-charged i500 irons and their hollow head, fast face construction.
Comparing them on GC2 with Pro V1x balls, the thinner face and the larger elastomer insert did increase the distance by a yard or two for the 7 and 5-iron against the i200.
This mainly came from a slight reduction in spin, but with the same height and a decent landing angle you should be gaining a little distance without sacrificing control.
Thankfully the number on the front of the face that told your opposition what club you had hit has been removed for the i210.
From the results, you might think you should be ignoring the i210 and heading straight for the i500, but I would urge you to tarry a while first.
The i210 has the edge on feel with a nice solid sound that I think better players will like over the hollower feedback of the i500. Right through the set the performance was excellent and combined with a mid-sized head that has elements of the bladey style, it has everything to appeal to single figure players of all levels and maybe a bit higher too.
The i210 also seemed more consistent with its distances and less likely to have a hot spot, so with the added benefit of also being cheaper, I would head towards the i210 irons first as the extra 10 on the number gets full marks from me.