Ping G430 LST, MAX and SFT drivers Review

By , Today's Golfer Equipment Editor

Last Updated:

  • At a glance

  • TG Rating 5 out of 5
  • Owner Rating Not yet rated
  • Pros

    – With an MOI of over 10K the G430 MAX is just about the most forgiving driver money can buy.

    – The G430 is already a proven tour winner.

    – The new lighter High Launch MAX driver build is a great option for sub 85MPH swing speed players.

  • Cons

    – It's a shame only the G430 LST has a carbon fiber crown.

    – Unfortunately, prices have crept up for 2023 and beyond.

  • RRP £525.00

What we say...

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.   

An image of the Ping G430 driver family

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.

A graphic showing the gains that golfers can expect from the Ping G430 family

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.  

A graphic showing the Ping G430 LST carbon crown

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.

A graphic showing the Ping G430 drivers CG Shifter

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 graphic showing the sound tuning ribs inside Ping's new G430 drivers

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

The Ping G430 LST driver sole and crown

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.

An imagwe of the Ping G430 LST driver face and toe

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 2nd 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 XTaylorMade 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.

DriverBall SpeedLaunch AngleBackspinHeightDescent AngleCarry DistanceShot Area
Titleist TSR4 (10° – Tensei Blue)162.4 MPH10.8°1921 RPM28 YDS32.8°277 YDS (1)589 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Denali S – Back Weight)161.9 MPH11.2°2099 RPM31 YDS36.2°276 YDS (2)424.5 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Tensei Blue S)163.6 MPH10.7°2338 RPM32 YDS37.8°275 YDS (T3)1148.4 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Denali S – Front Weight)161.7 MPH10.2°1896 RPM25 YDS31.5°275 YDS (T3)553.8 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Diamana X)160.4 MPH12.5°2260 RPM36 YDS39.9°274 YDS179.2 SQ YDS(2)
Cobra Darkspeed LS (Lin-Q Blue)159.9 MPH11.8°2007 RPM31 YDS35.7°273 YDS1089 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 GEN6 (Aldila NV Green)161.1 MPH10.5°2240 RPM30 YDS36.9°271 YDS147.6 SQ YDS (1)
Titleist TSR3 (10° – Tensei Blue)162 MPH10.5°2435 RPM32 YDS38.2°271 YDS566.8 SQ YDS
Ping G430 LST161.4 MPH9.7°2301 RPM28 YDS35.1°270 YDS246.4 SQ YDS (3)
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (Ventus Blue – Back Weight)161.7 MPH9.9°2006 RPM26 YDS32°270 YDS800.8 SQ YDS
Srixon ZX7 MK II159.8 MPH11.4°2313 RPM32 YDS38.2°269 YDS1036.5 SQ YDS
Wilson DynaPWR Carbon158.5 MPH11.2°1828 RPM27 YDS32.9°269 YDS509.6 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST-G (9.5° – Back Weights)162 MPH9.1°2109 RPM24 YDS31.3°268 YDS442 SQ YDS
AVERAGE161.3 MPH10.7°2135 RPM29.4 YDS35.3°272 YDS595 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 Ping G430 MAX driver sole and crown

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.       

An image of the Ping G430 MAX driver face and toe

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.

DriverBall SpeedLaunch AngleBackspinHeightDescent AngleCarry DistanceShot Area
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max
(Ventus Blue S)
161 MPH11.9º2246 RPM34 YDS38.6º275 YDS (1)406.8 SQYDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (Tensei S)161.5 MPH11.4º2212 RPM32 YDS37.9º272 YDS (T2)210.6 SQ YDS (1)
Cleveland Launcher XL 2162.6 MPH9.3º2033 RPM25
YDS
31.4º272 YDS (T2)384 SQ YDS
Ping G430 Max162.8 MPH10.2º2397 RPM31
YDS
37.4º271 YDS509 SQ YDS
Titleist TSR 2
(10º Tensei Blue S)
161.1 MPH10.3º2266 RPM29 YDS35.7º271 YDS792.3 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (8.5º Diamana X)162.4 MPH9.6º2201 RPM27 YDS34º270 YDS337.5 SQ YDS (2)
Ping G430 Max 10K (9º)163.1 MPH9º1993 RPM23 YDS30.1º270 YDS542.4 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed X (Front Weight)161.6 MPH9.7º2161
RPM
27 YDS33.7º270 YDS667.5 SQ YDS
Ping G430 Max 10K161.2 MPH11º2556 RPM34 YDS34º268 YDS506 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed X
(Back Weight)
161 MPH9.9º2375 RPM29 YDS36.2º268 YDS370.8 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10159.2 MPH10.6º2338 RPM30 YDS36.8º267 YDS385 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 XF GEN6160 MPH9.9º2226 RPM27 YDS34.5º267 YDS564.2 SQ YDS
PXG 0211160.6
MPH
9.9º2185 RPM27 YDS34.2º267 YDS953.7 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (8.5º Tensei S)161.9 MPH8.6º2215 RPM24 YDS31.7º266 YDS630.5 SQ YDS
Wilson DynaPWR Ti161 MPH10.7º2532 RPM32 YDS39.1º266 YDS1001.3 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed Max (Mid Launch Shaft)159.4 MPH11.5º2372 RPM33 YDS39.1º265 YDS342 SQ YDS (3)
Srixon ZX5 MK II158.2 MPH10.9º2300 RPM30 YDS37º264 YDS669.2 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (Tensei S)161.2 MPH9.8º2823 RPM32 YDS39.5º263 YDS404 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST Z157.8 MPH9.6º1954 RPM23 YDS30.5º262 YDS750.5 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST X160 MPH8.6º1956 RPM26 YDS28.4º262 YDS609.6 SQ YDS
AVERAGE160.9 MPH10.1º2267 RPM28.8 YDS35.3º267.8 YDS551.8 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

The Ping G430 SFT driver sole and crown

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.   

An image showing the Ping G430 SFT driver CG Shifter

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.

DriverBall SpeedLaunch AngleBackspinHeightDescent AngleCarry DistanceShot Area
PXG 0311 GEN6 XF120 MPH12º2563 RPM21 YDS30.9º211 YDS196.4 SQ YDS (3)
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (9º)121 MPH12º2650 RPM19 YDS34.4º210 YDS325.7 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D119.9 MPH14.9º2517 RPM25 YDS37.1º210 YDS143 SQ YDS (1)
Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Draw 119.5 MPH12.7º2495 RPM21 YDS32.4º208 YDS564 SQ YDS
Ping G430 SFT118.9 MPH14.9º2760 RPM24 YDS36.4º206 YDS278.4 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed Max119.1 MPH11.8º2579 RPM26 YDS36.8º205 YDS299.6 SQ YDS
Inesis 500 HL117 MPH16.3º2849 RPM28 YDS40.6º203 YDS515.2 SQ YDS
Yonex Ezone Elite 4117.9 MPH13.9º3026 RPM24 YDS37.8º202 YDS342 SQ YDS
Cobra Air X118.9 MPH14.4º2507 RPM26 YDS38.6º201 YDS645.3 SQ YDS
AVERAGE119.2 MPH13.5º2657 RPM23.4 YDS36.1º206.4 YDS347.7 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

A chart showing how Ping's 2023 driver shafts compare

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Product Information

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

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