Ping G430 LST, MAX and SFT drivers Review

New for 2023, the Ping G430 drivers are a three-model family: the G430 MAX targets forgiveness, the G430 LST drives down spin, and the G430 SFT is a slice-buster.

Ping ‘G’ drivers have been among the best golf drivers ever since the Ping G2 first appeared back in 2004. No other brand in modern times comes close to investing in or trusting a single-driver marquee as Ping do with the ‘G’ range.

Where other brands use names and models for one-five years, there’s good reason why Ping keep the faith with ‘G’, and that’s because the model performs extraordinarily well and continues to sell in huge numbers. Year after year, TaylorMade, Callaway and Titleist come up with new all-singing and dancing technologies and names for their drivers, which many over the years have lovingly been tagged ‘Ping-busters’, yet somehow ‘G’ consistently remains one of the best drivers available.

Two decades on from the original, with sales figures strong and the G425 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. There’s no return to the drawing board to start from scratch on a new marquee model, instead, 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). There’s a seven-yard gain to be had with Ping’s best low spin driver, the LST (for players swinging above 105mph). It’s easy to see why these new clubs are easily among the best Ping drivers.

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 brands G425 fairways and 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.   

Video: How do the Ping G430 Max, LST, and SFT compare to leading competitor drivers?

How Ping G430 driver models differ

Ping G430 LST driver

RRP: £575 / $630 | VIEW OFFER

Lofts: 9° / 10.5°

Stock shafts: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black

No upcharge shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX,Mitsubishi Kai’li White

Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°

Head size: 440cc

Headweight: 208g

Backweight: 22g

MOI: 9,083 g-cm²

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 the 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.

Verdict: Ping G430 LST driver

With an MOI of 9083g cm² the LST (that’s 5.5% higher than the previous G425 LST) sits at the forgiving end of the low-spin driver spectrum. Ping go as far as saying it’s just as playable as most brand’s forgiving drivers, which should be a factor in your decision-making as this model has a very similar MOI to the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max. The wrap-over carbon crown, 440cc head size, and 22g sliding back weight also give good influence over shot shape.

At 161.4 MPH the LST generated a fraction more ball speed than our 2024 test average. Yet thanks to spinning slightly more than its rivals carry distance was 2 yards down on our average, and the model was 6 yards short of our very longest playable low-spin driver of the year. Not levels different enough in my book to warrant discounting the LST from your buying decision should you also need to factor in dispersion.

In the hands of our test pro, our numbers have the LST as producing the 2^nd smallest shot area of the entire low-spin driver test. Levels that were significantly tighter than many competitors’ forgiving driver options, like the Cobra Darkspeed X,  TaylorMade Qi10, and Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max. So even as the LST is now heading into its second year of product it’s still a force to be reckoned with in the low-spin category.

Based on our numbers I’d recommend this model if you’re looking for a strong blend of low-spin performance with great on-course playability, which from my experience isn’t something you can say about all low-spin drivers.

Consider teaming the LST head with the slightly higher launching Tour Chrome 2.0 shaft rather than the lower Tour Black 2.0, a combination our test pro loved for this model. If the LST wasn’t heading into the second year on the shelf, where most competitor models are brand new for 2024, this model would be among our top three performing low-spin drivers of 2024.  

Data comparison: How does the Ping G430 LST compare to competitor low spin drivers?

To see how the LST performs we put it up against the leading 2024 low-spin driver models in the hands of TG Test Pro Neil Wain at Keele Golf Centre. Our test data below shows how all the models compare.

Driver	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Backspin	Height	Descent Angle	Carry Distance	Shot Area
Titleist TSR4 (10° – Tensei Blue)	162.4 MPH	10.8°	1921 RPM	28 YDS	32.8°	277 YDS (1)	589 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Denali S – Back Weight)	161.9 MPH	11.2°	2099 RPM	31 YDS	36.2°	276 YDS (2)	424.5 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Tensei Blue S)	163.6 MPH	10.7°	2338 RPM	32 YDS	37.8°	275 YDS (T3)	1148.4 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Denali S – Front Weight)	161.7 MPH	10.2°	1896 RPM	25 YDS	31.5°	275 YDS (T3)	553.8 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Diamana X)	160.4 MPH	12.5°	2260 RPM	36 YDS	39.9°	274 YDS	179.2 SQ YDS(2)
Cobra Darkspeed LS (Lin-Q Blue)	159.9 MPH	11.8°	2007 RPM	31 YDS	35.7°	273 YDS	1089 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 GEN6 (Aldila NV Green)	161.1 MPH	10.5°	2240 RPM	30 YDS	36.9°	271 YDS	147.6 SQ YDS (1)
Titleist TSR3 (10° – Tensei Blue)	162 MPH	10.5°	2435 RPM	32 YDS	38.2°	271 YDS	566.8 SQ YDS
Ping G430 LST	161.4 MPH	9.7°	2301 RPM	28 YDS	35.1°	270 YDS	246.4 SQ YDS (3)
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Ventus Blue – Back Weight)	161.7 MPH	9.9°	2006 RPM	26 YDS	32°	270 YDS	800.8 SQ YDS
Srixon ZX7 MK II	159.8 MPH	11.4°	2313 RPM	32 YDS	38.2°	269 YDS	1036.5 SQ YDS
Wilson DynaPWR Carbon	158.5 MPH	11.2°	1828 RPM	27 YDS	32.9°	269 YDS	509.6 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST-G (9.5° – Back Weights)	162 MPH	9.1°	2109 RPM	24 YDS	31.3°	268 YDS	442 SQ YDS
AVERAGE	161.3 MPH	10.7°	2135 RPM	29.4 YDS	35.3°	272 YDS	595 SQ YDS

*All lofts at 10.5° unless otherwise stated.

Ping G430 MAX driver

RRP: £525 / $600 | VIEW OFFER

Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12°

Stock shaft: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black, Alta Quick

No upcharge shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX, Mitsubishi Kai’li White

Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°

Head size: 460cc

Headweight: 206g

Backweight: 25g

MOI: 10,055 g-cm²

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’s not huge amounts to be gained by trading up to this generation.       

Verdict: Ping G430 Max driver

Ping G drivers have built a massive reputation for being forgiving since the very first G2 was introduced back in 2004. With an MOI of over 10K (with the sliding sole weight in the fade position) the G430 builds on the marquee’s legacy by harnessing supreme forgiveness and teaming it with, thanks to a new internal rib structure, a much more pleasing impact sound than the previous G425.

Our test data has the MAX down a single yard back from the very longest forgiving driver of 2024. It’s an excellent result (which could be reversed on another day), especially considering, thanks to being so forgiving Ping drivers are usually a fraction back from being the very fastest or longest available.

The MAX didn’t quite give our very tightest dispersion numbers (experience says results are influenced more by tester than club) however, it did offer up a 7.8% smaller shot area than our test average, so golfers can expect good on-course consistency.

All in the G430 MAX is a brilliant driver option for a wide audience of golfers. The lower launch Tour 2.0 Black shaft is good for higher speed players, while a lighter High Launch set-up will also optimize ball flight for sub 85mph swing speed players.   

Data comparison: How does the Ping G430 Max compare to other forgiving drivers?

We put the G430 Max in the hands of TG Test Pro Neil Wain at Keele Golf Centre. Our test data below shows how the best forgiving drivers of 2024 compare in numbers.

Driver	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Backspin	Height	Descent Angle	Carry Distance	Shot Area
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (Ventus Blue S)	161 MPH	11.9º	2246 RPM	34 YDS	38.6º	275 YDS (1)	406.8 SQYDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (Tensei S)	161.5 MPH	11.4º	2212 RPM	32 YDS	37.9º	272 YDS (T2)	210.6 SQ YDS (1)
Cleveland Launcher XL 2	162.6 MPH	9.3º	2033 RPM	25 YDS	31.4º	272 YDS (T2)	384 SQ YDS
Ping G430 Max	162.8 MPH	10.2º	2397 RPM	31 YDS	37.4º	271 YDS	509 SQ YDS
Titleist TSR 2 (10º Tensei Blue S)	161.1 MPH	10.3º	2266 RPM	29 YDS	35.7º	271 YDS	792.3 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (8.5º Diamana X)	162.4 MPH	9.6º	2201 RPM	27 YDS	34º	270 YDS	337.5 SQ YDS (2)
Ping G430 Max 10K (9º)	163.1 MPH	9º	1993 RPM	23 YDS	30.1º	270 YDS	542.4 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed X (Front Weight)	161.6 MPH	9.7º	2161 RPM	27 YDS	33.7º	270 YDS	667.5 SQ YDS
Ping G430 Max 10K	161.2 MPH	11º	2556 RPM	34 YDS	34º	268 YDS	506 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed X (Back Weight)	161 MPH	9.9º	2375 RPM	29 YDS	36.2º	268 YDS	370.8 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10	159.2 MPH	10.6º	2338 RPM	30 YDS	36.8º	267 YDS	385 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 XF GEN6	160 MPH	9.9º	2226 RPM	27 YDS	34.5º	267 YDS	564.2 SQ YDS
PXG 0211	160.6 MPH	9.9º	2185 RPM	27 YDS	34.2º	267 YDS	953.7 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (8.5º Tensei S)	161.9 MPH	8.6º	2215 RPM	24 YDS	31.7º	266 YDS	630.5 SQ YDS
Wilson DynaPWR Ti	161 MPH	10.7º	2532 RPM	32 YDS	39.1º	266 YDS	1001.3 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed Max (Mid Launch Shaft)	159.4 MPH	11.5º	2372 RPM	33 YDS	39.1º	265 YDS	342 SQ YDS (3)
Srixon ZX5 MK II	158.2 MPH	10.9º	2300 RPM	30 YDS	37º	264 YDS	669.2 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (Tensei S)	161.2 MPH	9.8º	2823 RPM	32 YDS	39.5º	263 YDS	404 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST Z	157.8 MPH	9.6º	1954 RPM	23 YDS	30.5º	262 YDS	750.5 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST X	160 MPH	8.6º	1956 RPM	26 YDS	28.4º	262 YDS	609.6 SQ YDS
AVERAGE	160.9 MPH	10.1º	2267 RPM	28.8 YDS	35.3º	267.8 YDS	551.8 SQ YDS

*All lofts at 10.5º unless otherwise stated.

Ping G430 SFT driver

RRP: £525 / $600 | VIEW UK OFFER | VIEW US OFFER

Lofts: 10.5°

Stock shafts: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black, Alta Quick

No upcharge shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX, Mitsubishi Kai’li White

Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°

Head size: 460cc

Headweight: 200g

Backweight: 22g

MOI: 8,634 g-cm²

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.   

Verdict: Ping G430 SFT driver

Due to them being so draw-biased, and because the sole weights have been non-movable, the most recent Ping SFT drivers have had a bit of a reputation for being one-dimensional, slice-busting machines. I like then how the G430 SFT has a draw setting, which offers 12-15 yards more draw bias than the G430 Max, and a Draw + setup that adds an additional 7 yards of right-to-left (for right-handers) for the most suffering of slicers.

As has been the case with several generations of SFT, this model is a really good-looking driver. There’s no massively closed face angle, and the head isn’t less attractively shaped or flattened like a pancake to up confidence and give more forgiveness over the more neutral Max model.  

Ping drivers are rarely the very fastest or longest, a trend the SFT followed for me this year. However, it was almost spot on my test averages for ball speed, backspin, shot height, descent angle, and carry distance plus comfortably inside my dispersion average. All in that’s got to say this is a very strong across-the-board performer for slicers.

It’s absolutely no fly in the ointment as from my experience I believe the SFT, especially in its Draw + setting, is the most draw-capable driver on the market. But, if having the latest model is really important to you 2024 marks the second year of the G430’s product cycle. So come early 2025 there’s likely to be a brand-new model on the scene.

Data comparison: How does the Ping G430 SFT compare to other draw drivers?

I put the Ping G430 SFT up against leading competitor draw drivers at Woodhall Spa Golf Club. My test data below shows how the nine models compare.

Driver	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Backspin	Height	Descent Angle	Carry Distance	Shot Area
PXG 0311 GEN6 XF	120 MPH	12º	2563 RPM	21 YDS	30.9º	211 YDS	196.4 SQ YDS (3)
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (9º)	121 MPH	12º	2650 RPM	19 YDS	34.4º	210 YDS	325.7 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D	119.9 MPH	14.9º	2517 RPM	25 YDS	37.1º	210 YDS	143 SQ YDS (1)
Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Draw	119.5 MPH	12.7º	2495 RPM	21 YDS	32.4º	208 YDS	564 SQ YDS
Ping G430 SFT	118.9 MPH	14.9º	2760 RPM	24 YDS	36.4º	206 YDS	278.4 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed Max	119.1 MPH	11.8º	2579 RPM	26 YDS	36.8º	205 YDS	299.6 SQ YDS
Inesis 500 HL	117 MPH	16.3º	2849 RPM	28 YDS	40.6º	203 YDS	515.2 SQ YDS
Yonex Ezone Elite 4	117.9 MPH	13.9º	3026 RPM	24 YDS	37.8º	202 YDS	342 SQ YDS
Cobra Air X	118.9 MPH	14.4º	2507 RPM	26 YDS	38.6º	201 YDS	645.3 SQ YDS
AVERAGE	119.2 MPH	13.5º	2657 RPM	23.4 YDS	36.1º	206.4 YDS	347.7 SQ YDS

*All lofts at 10.5º unless otherwise stated. 

CEO & President, John K. Solheim on the Ping G430 drivers

The combined distance gains throughout the entire G430 family are like nothing we’ve seen from one generation of clubs to the next. Our approach with G430 has been to find more speed and deliver it in a way that contributes to lower scores and more enjoyment on the course. That includes providing a level of forgiveness that remains unequaled. The powerful combination of distance and forgiveness wins out when golfers are properly fitted. We see that every day in our research and we’re excited to get the G430 into the hands of golfers so they can see the same benefits.

The tour adoption was exceptional last fall, with almost 30 drivers in play on the PGA Tour the first week out, and multiple wins around the world since its introduction. Our staff appreciates the added ball speed of the driver and fairway woods and loves the sound. They are seeing from 2 to 4 mph gains in ball speed from the driver, which even the best players in the world are happy to find from their equipment alone.

Ping 2023 driver shaft comparison chart

READ NEXT
– Best Ping driver
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Ping G430 LST Driver

RRP: £575 | VIEW OFFER

Lofts: 9° / 10.5°

Stock shafts: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black

No upcharge shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX, Mitsubishi Kai’li White

Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°

Head size: 440cc

Headweight: 208g

Backweight: 22g

MOI: 9,083 g-cm²

Ping G430 Max Driver

RRP: £525 | VIEW OFFER

Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12°

Stock shaft: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black, Alta Quick

No upcharge shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX, Mitsubishi Kai’li White

Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°

Head size: 460cc

Headweight: 206g

Backweight: 25g

MOI: 10,055 g-cm²

Ping G430 SFT Driver

RRP: £525 | VIEW UK OFFER | VIEW US OFFER

Lofts: 10.5°

Stock shafts: Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black, Alta Quick

No upcharge shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX, Mitsubishi Kai’li White

Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°

Head size: 460cc

Headweight: 200g

Backweight: 22g

MOI: 8,634 g-cm²

Visit the Ping website here