Ping G430 Driver Review 2023 – 3 Options To Suit All Golfers

Ping G430 Max vs LST v SFT Review – Pings New 2023 Drivers

The ing G425 Max driver was probably the best I’ve ever used and the G430 Max has come along this year and Taken it to the next level.

Ping have been able to address one of the biggest issues of the G425 and that was the sound. The G430 sounds a lot better, has lower spin, it’s 5 to 10 yards longer and with new technology like Spinsistency, it also offers an even tighter dispersion range.

The G430 Max Model is the best seller that is built for most high to low-handicap players. It’s long, forgiving, consistent and now it sounds amazing too.

The G430 LST is targeted at low handicappers and tour players who want less spin, lower launch and greater distance. Needs a consistent striker with the smaller 440cc head.

The G430 SFT is the draw bias model, ideal for anybody that slices the ball and has a slower swing speed. Higher launch, higher spin and less distance.

The High Launch version is for seniors with slower swing speeds. It’s higher lofted and uber forgiving to get the ball as far and straight as possible.

With the G425 Max being a best seller and the G425 LST Dominating on tour, the G430 has had big boots to fill, and fill them it has.

One gripe about the G425 was the sound, it was quite loud and that put a few people off. Ping have had the acoustics team working overdrive on this one and it is a lot more pleasant on the ear.

Forgiveness was a hallmark too of the G425 and The G430 improves on this with its “spinsistency” technology.

Basically lower loft, lower on the face to produce less spin, more speed and more distance from strikes low on the face.

Ping G430 Max Vs LST

The G425 was one of the most popular drivers of 2022 from low to high handicappers alike. Even Rick Shields was using it.

The G425 LST was responsible for over 70 Tour wins in 2022 and you know it’s special when not sponsored players are using it.

Two metal rods, running from the toe to the heel of these drivers improve the sound dramatically and add stability too.

The Max version has mid launch, mid spin and mid distance although lower spinning and demonstrably longer than the G425 max.

The LST has a smaller head at 440cc so needs a more consistent striker. It adds more distance to the G425 LST than the G430 Max adds to the G425 max.

The drivers also have a tighter dispersion thanks to the spinsistency tech and the LST version also carries a carbon crown for the first time.

Mid, high and low handicappers will all love the G430 Max as one of the longest and most forgiving in the game.

The G430 LST is reserved for only the best players in the game for max distance and control, expect plenty of tour wins in 2023.

Ping G430 Max Vs SFT

The Max is the middle of the road driving option. It’s got an adjustable weight on the back that can set it up in draw, fade and nuetral flight mode.

Still, there are high handicappers who have slower swing speeds and generally tend to slice the ball a bit more.

These are going to be ideal candidates for the SFT version to get the ball in the air and straight, although it will be higher spinning and not as long.

The SFT has a moveable 22g weight that allows you to set the club in both a draw and draw + setting, which can correct a slice by up to 20 yards.

The SFT should also add 5 to 10 yards over the G425 SFT for players with slower swing speeds.

Ping G430 LST Vs SFT

The G430 SFT and LST are like chalk and cheese at different ends of the spectrum.

THe SFT is for Swing speeds under 90 Mph and the LST is for the most consistent of strikers with over 105 MPH of swing speed.

The LST is going to suit players who want to bent the ball around a dog leg and the SFT is going to suit players who are simply happy to keep the ball in play.

If you slice the ball into the trees too much, go with the SFT.

If you are looking to win tournaments, the LST is the one for you.

What All Drivers Have In Common

T9s Forged Face

By decreasing the height of the face, Ping were able to make it 6% thinner, resulting in more flex, a higher energy transfer and more ball speed.

The shorter face also improves the aerodynamics and increases the club head speed.

Better Acoustics

A new internal rib structure allows more curvature in the skirt, crown and sole, resulting in a more muted and pleasant sound.

The G425 sounded like a gun going off at times and the more pleasing sound should make the drivers even more appealing to average golfers.

Spinsistency

The lower loft, low on the face produces a low ball flight, less spin and more distance.

Low on the face is a common mishit and allowing players to produce good results with this shot type increases the driver’s prestige even more.

Added to 10,000 + MOI and you’ve got one of the most forgiving drivers in the game.

Adjustability

The loft sleeve of the G430 drivers is adjustable by 1.5 degrees.

There is a 25g movable weight in the Max and LST versions which can move your driver 8 degrees from side to side.

The SFT has a moveable weight too which can introduce a  draw and draw + setting, correcting a slice by up to 20 yards to the left.

Is The Ping G430 Worth It?

Would we suggest upgrading to the G430 from the G425? Unless you are a tour professional, probably not.

If you are in the market for the best driver of 2023 and want the maximum blend of distance and forgiveness, we would say definitely yes.

The G430 Driver is the best we have tested this year and probably one of the highest-performing drivers ever produced.

Well worth testing out if you are in the market.