Taylormade M4 Vs Ping G430 Driver Review & Specs

Taylormade M4 Vs Ping G430 Driver Review & Specs

“In today’s comparison review we pit the new Ping G430 against a legend in game improvement drivers.”

It’s hard to believe that the Taylormade M4 came out in 2018 because it has been so present among everyday golfers in the 5 years that it has been out. The Taylormade M4 is a classic Taylormade game improvement driver: forgiving  with effortless launch. However, it is a far cry from modern drivers – even new drivers that Taylormade makes.

On the other hand, the Ping G430 is the newest addition to the G series of drivers that have been a hit on Tour as well as with everyday golfers. To see if newer really is better, we tested both of these drivers side-by -side.

Introduction to the Taylormade M4 and the Ping G430 Drivers

“The Ping G430, like many recent Ping drivers, comes in three distinct versions.”

For this particular comparison, we tested the Ping G430 Max. But there is also a Ping G430 LST and Ping G430 SFT. All three versions have an adjustable rear weight but the weight is heaviest in the Max version at 25 grams. The LST and SFT drivers both have a 22 gram tungsten adjustable weight. It should also be noted that the SFT weight can only be set in a draw or extreme draw position. The LST version is also the only one that has a 450cc head – the SFT and Max versions both have 460cc heads.

The Taylormade M4 is a no-nonsense driver. This was back before carbon fiber was on every driver on the market. The design is pretty basic but it is very effective and the sound still holds up against newer Taylormade drivers.

Key Selling Points of the Taylormade M4 Driver

• A channel bored into the lower section of the face helps to increase ball speeds on low-face mis-hits.
• A unique contour of the sole allows for a more satisfying sound at impact.
• Twist face technology helps to preserve ball speed on low face strikes while at the same time, allows better players to shape their shots the way they need to.
• The 460cc head volume makes for an assuring look at address.
• An adjustable loft sleeve allows you to experiment with different loft and lie angles.

Overall Score: 94/100

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Key Selling Points of the Ping G430 Driver

• The Ping G430 features a forged titanium face insert that gives it a very satisfying feel.
• The 25 gram adjustable tungsten weight allows you to shape your shot and cover up your mis-hit.
• The crown of the Ping G430 has more of a curve in order to increase stiffness and make for better acoustics.
• Variable roll radius face design is very similar to the Twist Face technology used in the Taylormade M4 driver.
• Variable face thickness allows for more forgiveness away from the sweet spot.

Overall Score: 97/100

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Loft Comparison

“Keep in mind that the stock loft for both of these drivers can be adjusted via hosel sleeves.”

The Taylormade M4 driver comes in 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° versions. The Ping G430 is available in 9°, 10.5° and 12°.

What Shaft Options Do You Get WIth Each Driver 

Taylormade M4

“In 2023, your stock shaft options for the Taylormade M4 driver are pretty limited.”

Straight from the manufacturer, you can only get the Taylormade M4 with a Fujikura Atmos Red 5 graphite shaft in stiff, regular or amateur flex.

Ping G430

“You certainly get more options with the Ping G430 driver.”

Players can choose from a Ping Alta CB black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome 65, Ping Tour 2.0 Black 65, Mitsubishi Kai’Li White 60, HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 50 or HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 60 shaft in flexes ranging from soft regular to extra stiff.

Who is Best Suited to Each Driver?

“The spin rates with the Taylormade M4 were higher than what we were getting from the Ping G430.”

So if you are a faster swinging player, you may like the Ping G430 more. It will yield a naturally lower launch but still be vertically workable for better players. The Taylormade M4 is better for players who need more launch from their driver.

Distance Comparison

“The Ping G430 played longer for our testers.”

They averaged 239.8 yards with the Ping G430 after three swings each. The average distance with the Taylormade M4 driver after three swings was 229.9 yards. Our testers noted that the face of the Ping G430 driver seemed to play hotter and again, spin rates were lower.

Forgiveness

“In terms of forgiveness, it’s pretty much a tie.”

While the Taylormade M4 was better at making low face shots passable the Ping G430 had better lateral forgiveness – it didn’t puns our testers with drastically reduced ball speeds when they made contact near the heel or toe. So it will really depend on your swing tendencies.

How Do They Compare on Price?

You can get the Taylormade M4 straight from the manufacturer for $300 while the Ping G430 sells for around $600.

Other Drivers to Consider

Ping G410

Key Features

• Sliding track weight
• Adjustable loft and lie
• Forged titanium face
• 455cc head (G410 Plus version)

Overall Score: 96/100

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Cobra Aerojet LS

Key Features

• Heel/toe adjustable weight
• Floating, forward-positioned fixed weight
• Carbon fiber crown and sole
• Variable face thickness

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Taylormade SIM2

Key Features

• 16 gram steel rear weight
• Asymmetric inertia generator
• Adjustable loft sleeve
• Speed Pocket

Overall Score: 95/100

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Which Driver Do We Recommend? 

“The Ping G430 is the better all-around driver.”

While the Taylormade M4 is plenty forgiving and will give high handicappers the ability to get their drives airborne, the Ping G430 offers more workability and comparable forgiveness.

Conclusion on the Taylormade M4 Vs Ping G430 Drivers

“At least in this case, newer is better.”

The Taylormade M4 is still a great option for handicappers; but technology has advanced a lot and the Ping G430 just offers more distance and versatility for a wider array of players.