Ping G430 Max Driver vs Ping G425 Max and Ping G400 Max Driver

[lambo428]

I was checking out irons last weekend and decided to try the new Ping G430 Max and 10k drivers in the 9 degree head.  Had straighter, better shots with the Max instead of the 10k.  Then I found a used G425 Max in 9 degree and hit that even better = straighter.  Sound - G425 was not bad at all but the results are what sold it.  Looking forward to hitting more fairways with driver for a change.

 

[jeffrey r]

9 hours ago, lambo428 said:

I was checking out irons last weekend and decided to try the new Ping G430 Max and 10k drivers in the 9 degree head.  Had straighter, better shots with the Max instead of the 10k.  Then I found a used G425 Max in 9 degree and hit that even better = straighter.  Sound - G425 was not bad at all but the results are what sold it.  Looking forward to hitting more fairways with driver for a change.

 

 

The G425 Max was a great driver. You seem to be aware of it, but I am just warning you that the sound of it will very likely wear on you. G430 Max is outstanding as well, and improves on the sound. But regardless, as you note, you’ll hit more fairways with either. Enjoy.

[ajbillings]

I've played:
G30 (Loved that blue color) > G400 Max > G410 Plus > G425 LST > G430 LST > G430 Max 10K and think I'm finally in a setup I'll stick with for a few more release cycles 😂

• Big difference from the G30 to the G400 Max, but stupidly sold the G400 Max and got the 410
• I hit the G410 well in fitting(s) and on launch monitors, but struggled with it on the course (Regretted selling the G400 Max)
• G425 LST was excellent for me and gave me great results/numbers on the launch monitor plus had some of my best driving rounds ever w/ it
• G430 LST is love/hate. Started in a 9 degree head and was hitting long/low bullets. Have hit some of the longest drives of my life w/ it (On Arccos had a 365 yard drive at a local muni w/ a ton of wind to my back) Messed around with shafts and switched to a 10.5 degree head and still was launching lower than I'd like. I still have it, but debating if I should keep it as a backup if I start hitting moon balls with another driver
• G430 Max 10K has been excellent so far and recreated a little bit of that G400 Max magic. Shots generally have less curve overall (preferred for me) and retains lower spin, slightly higher launch than the LST, and only downgrade is sound (Playing previous Ping drivers something I can live with)

Standouts definitely were the G400 series, G425, and now G430 Max 10K (So far so good..But haven't had it long enough to put it in the same group as the other 2)

[akronswitness]

I understand this is WRX and no information is new information, but I just learned that the G400 Max is a 9,900+ MOI driver. It just fell a tiny bit short of being able to be marketed as a 10k driver. Which now makes perfect sense as to why its widely regarded as one of the best drivers ever made and so many people love it. They were practically swinging the first 10k driver made 4 years ago.

 

To your original question, go hit the 10k at the store for the numbers but also try to see if they have a used G400 to compare it against. I know the numbers are not going to be identical, but see if the 10ks numbers are worth the $400 price difference between the two clubs. My guess is that the performance gap between the G400 and the 10k wont justify the cost difference. Or if you like the G425 you currently swing, stick with that.

 

I also understand that price is not a obstacle for many WRXrs -- so if that's the case then yolo

 

Edited February 22, 2024 by akronswitness

[NCGolfDude]

I have owned all 3; G400 Max, G425 Max and now G430 Max.

I have played the G400 Max for 5 years, so that should tell you a lot---- it is an incredible driver deserving of it's cult status.  HOWEVER, I do like the G430 Max better.  Even straighter than the G400, with tighter dispersion and I've picked up a few yards (5-7 but could be shaft).  I would say the forgiveness might be a touch better with the 430. 

Didn't care for the 425.  Just my thoughts.  Swing speed around 96.

[mackepa]

I was struggling with my TSi3 a bunch last year so I borrowed my dad’s G430 Max and I genuinely can’t believe how forgiving it is. I haven’t had the chance to hit either the G430 LST or 10K. Everyone says the 10K is even more forgiving than the Max and that just doesn’t seem possible. 

[OhYeahPlayer]

Bumping this topic to call out how good the 425 Max is after going back to it.

I got fit into a 430LST last year, and as a slight out-to-in guy combined with a tendency to get lazy on my follow throughs, the right miss of the 430 LST was too punishing for how I deliver the club. The bombs were bombs... really good. But had some real trouble on my trouble days. Put the 425 Max head back on my Ventus Blue just for kicks, and wow. It's really, really good. Super easy to hit straight, easy enough to turn over (for me), spin is managed well. No real surprises, but don't sleep on that head. And no, the sound isn't that bad. 🙂 I don't even notice it anymore. (My dad used a Sasquatch Sumo for years, so maybe I'm just used to tin cans.) 

 

Haven't tested a 430 Max or 10k outside of a demo day, and enjoyed swinging them. I do want to test a Max or a 10k head this year. But man, the 425 Max head is great. Good enough to not care much about getting my hands on a 10k head.