Ping G430 drivers: Everything you need to know about the 2023 models

Ping continue to build on the success of their ‘G’ drivers, with the G430 line-up certain to be a hit among golfers of all levels, from tour pros to high handicappers.

Ping have been delivering consistently excellent drivers for many years now, which is probably why they haven’t felt the need to deviate from the ‘G’ product range that has been around since 2004. No other brand in modern times comes close to investing in or trusting a single driver marquee like Ping do with the ‘G’ range.

Where other brands use names and models for up to five years before replacing them with something entirely new, there’s good reason why Ping keep the faith with ‘G’, and that’s because the model performs extraordinarily well as one of the best drivers available and continues to sell in huge numbers.

Two decades on from the original, with sales figures strong and the G425 driver having racked up 70+ tour wins (often in the bags of non-staff players) since it launched in 2020, Ping are sticking to their guns. Three new G430 drivers will build on the G line’s success and include everything Ping’s sizeable engineering and R&D departments have learned over the last few years.   

In a very unlike Ping way, though, the company are making some bold claims around what golfers can expect in terms of performance across the G430 family, as they believe the latest iterations offer golfers the biggest gains in ‘G’ history.  

Ping say there’s four yards to gain from their most forgiving driver, the G430 MAX (the model for players swinging driver between 90 – 105mph). That rises to five yards with the brand’s best draw driver, the SFT (for players swinging below 90mph), and a significant seven yards with the best low spin driver, the LST (for players swinging above 105mph).

To some that won’t sound much, but take into account gains with the matching G430 fairway woods, hybrids and irons and the total gains rise to 17 yards with the MAX, 18 yards with the SFT and a huge 29 yards with the LST, which is hugely impressive.

Everything you need to know about the Ping G430 drivers

There’s a carbon crown (but it’s not for everyone)

Ping’s first carbon crown driver since the 2006 Rapture makes an appearance, but it’s exclusive to the lower-spinning LST model.

The new carbon crown is eight layers thick and wraps onto the skirt, but because there’s a titanium cage structure inside for support it frees up just 4g of mass.

Many will ask why is there no carbon crown on the MAX and SFT models. Ping say that due to the shape of their drivers (wider, flatter heads with less crown curvature), which is how they get extremely high levels of MOI, it’s really difficult to get a carbon fiber structure to hold up, but they’re working on it.  

Focus on the face

In true Ping style the brand have conducted a huge study into the height of driver faces. The investigation has meant the company now understands how reduced face height makes it possible to use thinner faces. The company say the G430’s face is 6% thinner, which naturally increases flex and gets more of the face at the maximum legal limit.

“Spinsistency” moves from fairway to driver

“Spinsistency” makes the move from the brand’s G425 fairways and G425 hybrids across to the new drivers. Much like TaylorMade’s TwistFace, varying amounts of curve (radius) up and down the face improve consistency no matter where shots impact the face.

Less loft low in the face means more ball speed on mishits, but also golfers can play less loft (for more speed) without encountering erratic results.

A sound solution

As good as the G425 drivers were, if there’s a tiny chink in their armor it has to be the sound. Whilst some golfers like an impact sound like a cannon firing, feeling it gives the impression of power, there are plenty that prefer something much more muted.

Two new ribs running across the sole of the G430 (from toe to heel) stiffen the sole and skirt and tune sound to much more typical driver levels.   

How the models differ

Ping G430 LST driver

RRP: £575 / $630
Lofts: 9° / 10.5° | Stock shafts: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black

Ping’s previous G425 drivers racked up 70+ tour wins, which predominantly would have been the LST, so the new G430 has very big shoes to fill. The LST has a smaller 440cc head, and a new carbon fiber wrap over crown to remove inefficient weight. A 22g backweight and three-position weight track give a good degree of influence over shot shape.

Ping say their testing’s shown the new model adds 1mph of ball speed, while lowering spin by 200 RPM against the previous model, and golfers can expect an 18% lower dispersion (which comes from a 5.5% gain in MOI) over the G425 LST. That gives the Ping G430 LST an MOI that’s 22% – 29% higher than the major competitor drivers of 2022.

Find out more in our full review of the Ping G430 driver range.

Ping G430 MAX driver

RRP: £525 / $600
Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12° | Stock shaft: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black, Alta Quick

The G430 Max builds on Ping’s reputation for making hugely forgiving drivers. Expect a shallower and thinner face that aids aerodynamics and ball speed, plus internal ribs that mute sound to levels that won’t highlight you as a Ping driver player.

A massive 10,000+ MOI, which is very similar to the G425 MAX, means the model remains super forgiving. Thanks to the new face tech, Ping reckon golfers can expect to see gains of 1mph ball speed, while launching shots a fraction higher with very similar spin numbers.

If you already own a G425 MAX and are happy with it, apart from the more muted sound, there are not huge amounts to be gained by trading up to this generation.

Find out if it’s right for you in our full review of the Ping G430 driver range. 

Ping G430 SFT driver

RRP: £525 / $630
Lofts: 10.5° | Stock shafts: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black, Alta Quick

For the first time, Ping’s SFT has a movable 22g CG shifting back weight, so golfers can dial in a Draw or Draw+ setting. 12-15 yards of left bias (for a right-hander) are built in over the MAX model, with a further seven yards on offer from the Draw+ setting. Which means the SFT is a slice-busting machine.

Ping’s internal testing has shown golfers swinging the driver less than 90mph are likely to see 1.5mph ball speed gains, with shots launching 1.5° higher and spinning a fraction less, which explains where the extra distance comes from. Expect 3% more MOI forgiveness over the previous G425 SFT.

Find out more in our full review of the Ping G430 driver range.