Ping G425 vs G430 Driver Comparison

Ping G425 vs G430 – Driver Comparison

The Short Answer

Ping G425 vs G430 Driver Specs Summary Updated

 

The G430 Driver is slightly longer than the G425 Driver. This is achieved with a bit less backspin and a faster face.

The G430 driver sounds better than the G425. Ping has made improvements to the crown, skirt, and sole, resulting in a deeper and more satisfying sound at impact.

The G430 Max driver has exactly the same specs as the G425 Max driver. Players looking for a deal could find one by purchasing the previous model (G425).

The G430 LST driver has a slightly smaller head (440 cc) than the G425 LST driver (445 cc).

The G430 SFT is a bit lighter than the G425 SFT. This can unlock a bit more ball speed, especially for low-swing speed players.

  • The G430 Max is for players that want the best combination of distance and forgiveness
  • The G430 LST is for fast swing speed players that want the best combination of distance and accuracy.
  • The G430 SFT is for players that struggle with a slice, and want the best combination of accuracy and forgiveness.

Ping G425 Max vs G430 Max Driver

Ping G425 Max Driver

Ping G430 Max Driver

DriverG425 MaxG430 Max
Default Loft9.0°, 10.5°, 12.0°9.0°, 10.5°, 12.0°
Loft Adjustability±1.5°±1.5°
Length45 3/4"45 3/4"
Lie Angle58.50°58.50°
Head Size460 cc460 cc
Head Weight206 grams206 grams
Swing WeightD3D3
Moveable Weight26 grams25 grams
Best ForDistance + ForgivenessDistance + Forgiveness

Keeping with recent traditions, the G430 Max model is designed for players that want the best combination of distance and forgiveness. Both the G425 Max and the G430 Max have a 460 cc head and they share the highest MOI in Ping’s history.

In terms of swing speed, the G430 Max caters to players that range from moderate (85 mph) to Fast (110 mph). Like the G425 Max, the G430 Max is long, accurate, and very easy to hit. It is set up to be one of the most popular drivers that Ping has ever released.

Key Points

  • The G430 Max is longer than the G425 Max
  • The sound of the G430 Max is more pleasing
  • The optimized face delivers faster ball speeds
  • The moveable weight is now 25 grams (rather than 26 grams)
  • Shifting the moveable weight can alter the draw/fade bias by up to 8 yards
  • Caters to players with a moderate, medium-fast or fast swing speed
  • Ideal for players that want the best combination of distance and forgiveness

Specs Comparison

Simply put, the G425 Max and the G430 Max driver share exactly the same specs. It’s pretty clear that Ping has decided not to mess with a formula that is clearly working for them and their customers.

Everything from loft options, club length, lie angle, head size, head weight, and swing weight is literally exactly the same. The only difference is a 1 gram decrease in the moveable weight from 26 grams down to 25 grams. The main benefit here is that if you can find the G425 Max on special, you are basically buying the same club as the G430 Max, but for significantly less money.

If you opt for the G430 Max, you can potentially unlock slightly faster ball speeds, better acoustics, and an updated design.

Ping G425 vs G430 LST Driver

Ping G425 LST Driver

Ping G430 LST Driver

DriverG425 LSTG430 LST
Default Loft9.0°, 10.5°9.0°, 10.5°
Loft Adjustability±1.5°±1.5°
Length45 3/4"45 3/4"
Lie Angle57.00°57.00°
Head Size445cc440 cc
Head Weight208 grams208 grams
Swing WeightD4D4
Moveable Weight17 grams22 grams
Best ForDistance + AccuracyDistance + Accuracy

Like the G425 LST, the G430 LST is also designed for players with fast or ultra-fast swing speeds.

Ping has reduced the size of the driver head slightly from 445 cc (G425 LST) to 440 cc (G430 LST). The moveable weight is notably larger (now 22 grams) which improves a player’s ability to set up the club for a default shot shape (neutral, draw bias, or fade bias).

The G430 LST has an ultra-light composite crown, which allows weight to be redistributed in such a way that lowers the CG, increases ball speed, and increases MOI (forgiveness).

Key Points

  • The G430 LST is longer than the G425 LST
  • The head size has been reduced to 440 cc
  • The sound of the G430 LST is more pleasing
  • The optimized face delivers faster ball speeds
  • The moveable weight is now 22 grams rather than 17 grams
  • Shifting the moveable weight can alter the draw/fade bias by up to 7 yards
  • Caters to players with fast and ultra-fast swing speeds that benefit from lower spin
  • Ideal for players that want the best combination of distance and accuracy

Specs Comparison

It’s pretty clear to see that Ping haven’t changed the specs too much between the G425 LST and the G430 LST. The head weight has been reduced from 445 cc to 440 cc. The moveable weight has increased in mass from 17 grams to 22 grams.

Aside from that, the G425 LST and the G430 LST are exactly the same in terms of club specs.

Ping G425 SFT vs G430 SFT

Ping G425 SFT Driver

Ping G430 SFT Driver

DriverG425 SFTG430 SFT
Default Loft9.0°, 10.5°, 12.0°9.0°, 10.5°, 12.0°
Loft Adjustability±1.5°±1.5°
Length45 3/4"45 3/4"
Lie Angle58.50°58.50°
Head Size460 cc460 cc
Head Weight202 grams200 grams
Swing WeightD1C9
Moveable Weight23 grams22 grams
Best ForForgiveness + AccuracyForgiveness + Accuracy

First off, it’s worth clarifying that the SFT (Straight Flight Technology) model is basically a lighter variation of the MAX model, with a built-in draw bias.

This is achieved by shifting the CG toward the heel of the club, which makes it easier to close the clubface in the impact zone.

Then it is also worth pointing out that the G430 SFT driver is a few grams lighter than the G425 SFT driver. Combined with the slightly hotter face, you should be able to squeeze out a few extra yards with G430 SFT model.

Key Points

  • The G430 SFT is longer than the G425 SFT
  • The sound of the G430 SFT is more pleasing
  • The optimized face delivers faster ball speeds
  • The moveable weight is now 22 grams rather than 23 grams
  • The SFT model has a built-in draw bias
  • The SFT G430 Caters to players that struggle with a slice
  • Ideal for players that want the best combination of forgiveness and accuracy

Specs Comparison

  • The head weight of the G430 SFT has been reduced from 202 grams to 200 grams
  • The swing weight of the G430 SFT has been reduced from D1 to C9
  • The mass of the moveable weight has been reduced from 23 grams to 22 grams

Sidenote 

It’s worth noting that Ping advertise a high launch (HL) model of the Ping G430 driver. This is a bit misleading. Instead, you can essentially purchase the G430 Max and the G430 SFT drivers, with a default loft of 12 degrees.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this product comparison is really about which version of the G430/G425 driver is best suited to your game. As a final rule of thumb.

  • G430/G425 Max – If you have a moderate to fast swing speed and you want excellent distance plus maximum forgiveness
  • G430/G425 LST – If you have a fast or super fast swing speed and want maximum distance and accuracy
  • G430/G425 SFT – If you struggle with a consistent slice off the tee, and you want the ideal combination of forgiveness and accuracy

All in all, Ping has made some nice tweaks to an already outstanding driver family.

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