Ping have now released their latest range of drivers with the G440 family.
There are three models in the latest range, along with three fairway wood designs, six hybrids and an iron set but we’ll be focusing on their headline offering: the three new driver models.
What did we know?
As has been reported in the last few weeks we knew that there would be three drivers in the new G440 range and this has now been confirmed with the MAX, SFT (Straight Flight) and LST (Low Spin) coming to market so the same models as the original G430 release from 2023.
To summarise, MAX targets forgiveness, the LST brings down spin and the SFT is there to help those who slice. In 2024 Ping also brought out their most forgiving driver to date, the G430 MAX 10K, which was a blend of the LST and Max models. As yet there is nothing mentioned about a new G440 MAX 10k.
What is the big talking point?
This represents the lowest ever CG (centre of gravity) in a Ping driver. By having this lower face height Ping have produced a driver head that has a hotter, thinner face for more flexing, especially in the high heel region where a lot of golfers mishit the driver.
In order to pick up the extra distance and higher launch the Carbonfly Wrap crown on all three models has shaved off some weight and more has been taken off through an internal technology called Free Hosel. Here four grams from the hosel region inside the head has been saved and this also aligns the CG closer to the force line which results in optimal spin, faster ball speeds and a higher launch.
“As with all our designs, it’s never just one thing that leads to performance improvements. They did an excellent job of identifying weight savings with advancements like the Free Hosel to achieve our all-time lowest CG position while optimising the face structure to produce more consistent ball speed results across the face. Golfers can expect to hit straighter drives with the G440 drivers and with the higher launch they can also play less loft and enjoy faster ball speeds,” said John K. Solheim, Ping CEO and President.
How do the models differ?
The G440 MAX has the biggest appeal and is the most forgiving. This features a three-position (neutral, fade and draw) adjustable 29g back weight.
The SFT has a 23g two-position back weight and this comes in a Draw and Draw+ to help with those golfers who see the ball move left to right.
“Through our extensive fitting research, we’ve identified a category of golfers who are new to the game, very athletic and swing extremely fast but need the slice correction of the SFT model,” Solheim said. “The addition of a 9˚ allows them to take advantage of their athleticism while keeping their ball in the fairway. It’s a perfect example of our constant pursuit of bringing golfers fitting solutions to improve their performance.”
Finally there is the LST which is a 450cc design, the other two are 460. This also features a 29g back weight and will appeal to those players with faster swing speeds as this will bring the spin down and add more control. Joaquin Niemann had this in the bag when he captured the PIF Saudi International in December.
All three models feature the 8-setting Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel (±1.5° loft adjustment and up lie to 3° flat from standard).
“One of the key design themes throughout the G440 driver family is ‘optimization,’” Solheim said. “That includes everything from the head size and shape to ensuring each model fits a specific player profile.
“Our team took a measured approach to ensure each model provides a fitting solution for every golfer. The MAX fits every skill level, from Tour players to higher handicaps, whereas the SFT and LST allow fitters to further dial in a result that best fits a golfer’s needs. We’re confident they will win a lot of the head-to-head comparisons.”
What else is different?
Interestingly, with the 10g weight saved in the heads and shaft the standard shaft length was increased ¼″ to 46″ in the Ping ALTA CB Blue, and 45.5” in the Tour 2.0 and stock aftermarket options.
“Our decision to go longer in length is backed by discoveries made here at the Ping Proving Grounds, inspired by the game-changing forgiveness of Ping drivers. We know that longer-length clubs allow most golfers to swing faster, so we began measuring the effect of a 46-inch shaft during our fittings. The data revealed that most golfers improved their performance, leading to higher-launching, longer drives with tight dispersion,” Solheim said.
What are the specifications?
Head weights: 205g (LST), 203g (MAX), 199g (SFT)
Lofts (adjustable ±1.5°): MAX (9°, 10.5°, 12°), LST (9°, 10.5°), SFT (9°, 10.5°)
Price: $650 each with stock shaft
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