Best Ping Drivers 2024

We run through some of the best drivers on the market which are made by Ping

Best Ping Drivers
(Image credit: Future)
Best Ping Drivers: Quick Menu

When it comes to the best golf drivers on the market, Ping is a name that regularly appears at the top of the list, with the company delivering some of the game's most innovative products across a number of equipment categories. 

Used by both professionals and amateurs, it's hard not to become a little misty-eyed looking back on their previous clubs. Whether it is the Anser putter or the Eye 2 irons, the company has introduced users to phenomenal equipment in the past. In the early 2000s, one our favorite drivers was released, the G2 and, in more recent times, there was the popular G driver. Since then, we have seen the G410 range and the G425. Now the company has introduced us to the G430, with Ping carrying on the concept of mulitple different driver heads that will specialize in forgiveness and impressive distance

Below, we have taken a look through their best driver models currently available. Alternatively, if Ping is not for you, we have also created guides for other brands too – such as the best Cobra drivers, the best Titleist drivers, or the best Callaway drivers.

The Quick List

Best Ping Drivers

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G430 Models

The sole of the Ping G430 Max 10K Driver on a green background

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Multiple options
Left Handed Option: Yes - Available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional stability and forgiveness
+
Very tight dispersion
+
Powerful feel and ball speed

Reasons to avoid

-
The stretched out footprint may not appeal to all

Ping says the Max 10K is the straightest and highest MOI (moment of inertia) driver it has made to date, eclipsing the 10,000g-cm2 combined moment of inertia threshold first surpassed by the G400 Max five years ago. 

How, you may ask? Well, it features a significantly bigger footprint, a fixed back weight and a Carbonfly wrap on the crown. The fixed back weight in particular helps produce the high MOI by pushing the mass down and away from the face. This in turn ensures forgiveness and optimizes the center of gravity position for low spin, ball speed preservation, and therefore distance.

Performance-wise, the G430 Max 10K performed incredibly! The stability and forgiveness of the head was hugely impressive, and then adding to the mix the low spin was outstanding. In testing, we found the ball speed numbers are comparable to anything on the market and the spin output stands up against any of the best low-spin drivers. The real story, for us, is how that low level of spin combines with potentially the most stable and forgiving driver head we have ever used. 

Ping G430 Max Driver

PING G430 Max driver review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping Alta CB Black 55 (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Very user friendly
+
Offers plenty of forgiveness
+
Wonderful shelf appeal

Reasons to avoid

-
Only slight distance gains compared to previous generation

Sitting below the Max 10K driver is the standard Max, which first came to our attention in 2023. Back then there were a number of new technologies introduced, such as the forged variable face thickness, and something called 'Spinsistency' as well. These bits of tech were to allow for greater speed and forgiveness across the entire face, and more consistent spin rates and distance.

But how did it perform when we got our hands on it? well when testing up against the G425 model, we saw a noticeable jump in ball speed and distance, whilst that familiar feeling of control and confidence returned too.

Overall when it comes to performance this driver still gives you the easy-to-hit feel that was in the G425. The overall footprint of the driver also instills confidence behind the ball which is great for the higher handicaps.

Ping G430 SFT Driver

PING G430 SFT driver review

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)

Specifications

Lofts: 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping Alta CB Black 55 (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Very broad appeal
+
Head sits fairly square at address
+
Surprisingly long

Reasons to avoid

-
Some fighting a slice may prefer more of a closed look at address

When it comes to the best drivers for slicers then the Ping G430 SFT is a great option. This draw bias driver has a moveable weight which can be set to either draw or draw+. On the draw+ setting, Ping says you can get seven yards more draw bias when compared to the G430 Max in neutral. 

The tech in this driver is the same as the G430 range, however, Ping has managed to get this draw bias driver to sit square behind the ball. This may suit the eye better for some players than other drivers with draw bias where it is toed in. 

In testing this driver performed well, the draw bias was very noticeable as the dispersion from the driver was tight. We feel that because of the square seating behind the ball, you can have the confidence to swing hard and commit. 

Ping G430 LST Driver

Ping G430 LST Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping Alta CB Black 55 (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Inviting, high tech look at address
+
Improved sound and feel
+
Impressive consistency

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may feel there is too much going on at address

For the LST the main difference with this model is the Carbon Crown it has, in total there are eight layers of carbon wrapped across the entire crown. This also spreads into the heel and toe, leading to weight saving across the entire head. According to the engineers at Ping, this weight saving in the crown can be used to boost the performance that is on offer.

The overall profile of the LST is the smallest across the range as you would expect with the low spin driver. The head is 440cc, but despite this Ping has managed to make the head still look inviting behind the ball which is no mean feat.

We tested the LST and saw an increase in ball speed with a reduction in spin, which is exactly what we would have expected from this driver. The ball speed we got which was 167mph, was right up there with some of the fastest drivers we have tested in 2023. Because of this low spin and high ball speed combination, we saw a strong ball flight and plenty of carry. Even though this is a low-spin driver it is still very user-friendly and easy to use. 

G425 Models

ping g425 max driver Editors Choice 2022

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Specifications

Lofts : 9°, 10.5° & 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping Alta CB 55 Slate (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Increased forgiveness and accuracy over G410 
+
G425 has better fitting options

Reasons to avoid

-
No obvious gains in distance over G410 on centred hits.

The G425 drivers are still in use and are a great option for those not wanting to spend as much on the newer models. Although the numbers are different from those seen with the G430 it is still going to give great value for money. 

The G425 is still a very forgiving driver and will certainly help those with misstrikes across the face. This driver has a 26-gram weight located at the back of the head, it is moveable and has three settings. These are neutral, fade, and draw, these help with forgiveness and also shot shaping, with this adjustability it can suit any sort of swing and ball shape. With a nice rounded and larger profile this driver sits great behind the ball and inspires forgiveness. 

Ping G425 LST Driver

Ping G425 LST Driver

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Specifications

Lofts : 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft : Ping Tour 65 (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Low spin ideal for faster swingers 
+
Provides more workability 
+
More distance than the other two heads

Reasons to avoid

-
Smaller size means it lacks forgiveness versus the other models

The LST is the low-spin version in the G425 family and has a more pear-shaped head than that of the Max. The head is 445cc in size and gives spin reductions of 200rpm when compared to its predecessor the G410 LST, but also 500-700rpm compared to the G425 Max. Should you be on more of a budget and a mid-high handicapper looking for a low-spin driver this is a great option. 

This driver has the same adjustable weight as in the Max model but it is only 17g, it still goes into the same settings of draw, neutral, and fade. When we tested we found it did spin less than the Max which meant it did carry further, while we found it still maintained a level of forgiveness even with that smaller head. 

Ping G425 SFT Driver

Ping G425 SFT Driver

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Specifications

Lofts: 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft : Ping Alta Distanza (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive forgiveness levels 
+
Perfect for slicers seeking a straighter flight  

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for golfers with a hook

If you are a slicer of the ball then the G425 SFT is a great option at a great price given the newer models have lowered its price. The SFT stands for Straight Flight Technology, and this straighter flight is gained with a fixed weight found near the heel to help correct the slice. Ping claimed that the weight will encourage up to 25 yards more draw movement on the shots. This wasn't something achieved in our testing but we definitely did see this draw bias in effect, when compared to the Max in neutral. 

Although the Max does have a draw setting the SFT does offer more draw bias than this making it the best option for those slicers. You may lose some adjustability so once you work the slice out of your repertoire you may need an upgrade to a standard head. 

This driver performed the same as the Max in testing which was expected, but the draw bias is something to behold. We advise you to get fitted when using Ping as driver heads and shafts make a difference and fitting it to your swing is important to get the right one.

Women's Models

The sole of the Ping G Le3 Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 11.5° loft and lie adjustable
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping ULT250 D
Left Handed Option: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight for faster swing speeds                       
+
Excellent adjustability

Reasons to avoid

-
The striking looks may not be to everyone's taste

The G Le 3 is the third generation in this range, it has been designed for women with a swing speed of 80 mph or less, but this range is great for seniors too who swing slower. It is designed to help generate more ball speed with higher launch and greater distances. 

With the colorway for this model we think it is one of the best they have come out with, the navy with gold and silver accents looks great. The driver has a premium look and feel and in testing it provided us with confidence over the ball, which is common with the best Ping drivers.

This driver is lightweight and has a fixed weight put in the back, this helps to create a low and heel bias center of gravity position. This makes the G Le3 one of the most forgiving drivers you can get. In testing it provided us with long and straight drives with a nice sound at impact. 

Ping G Le2 Women's Driver

Ping G Le2 Women's Driver


(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Specifications

Lofts : 11.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping ULT240D
Left Handed Option: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
 Lightweight for faster swing speeds 
+
 Excellent and effective adjustability 

Reasons to avoid

-
Striking looks may not be to everyones taste

The predecessor to the above, the G Le2 features an adjustable hosel with 8 different positions which alters the loft and lie of the driver. With a lightweight titanium driver head, this driver helps to promote faster swing speeds. There is also a fixed-weight heel side to give this a slight draw bias to aid those who tend to slice the ball. This driver is really easy to hit and has a great launch for those struggling with getting the ball off the floor. 

We really liked the look of this driver with the magenta matte finish on the crown and the silver clubface with a magenta and silver sole, it will appeal to a lot of women. If you are looking for any more info then check out our best golf drivers for women guide.

How we test

Our product testing is done by golfers of all levels in our team so that we can give honest and important feedback to the consumer. With a variety ranging from PGA and ex-tour Pros to higher handicaps, we can cover a variety of angles when it comes to testing products. All our testers are highly efficient and can cover the big releases from manufacturers to give honest pros and cons for the different products.  

For our driver testing, we first attend any product launches, this allows us to speak directly to manufacturers to get a real understanding of the product and the tech involved.  We then move on to testing the drivers indoors using a launch monitor with premium balls to get the data we need to compare the drivers and see how they fare against others and their predecessors. 

After this is outdoor testing on the course to get a real-world feel of performance and what it does in different weather conditions. We like to push the fact that no manufacturer can buy a good review, we will always give our honest opinion whether good or bad. 

How to choose a golf driver

You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver, but there are a few key things to consider when investing in a new driver, especially as a beginner. Hopefully answering these questions will narrow your search down slightly and make comparing between various models much easier. 

When purchasing a new big stick, it is crucial to ask yourself just what you need from it. 

Size

When it comes to drivers the size of the head can vary, if you are looking for a more forgiving driver then the bigger the head the better. This usually means that the driver has a higher MOI and will be more forgiving overall, while also instilling confidence when down behind the ball.

For the more low spin longer distance driver the heads will look more compact, while for some this is not an issue for those less confident this will not suit their eye. 

Draw-biased?

If you are a prolific slicer of the ball then the draw bias option may be for you. This means that the driver is set up in such a way that the right-to-left ball shape is increased, either straightening out a shot or giving you that draw shape. 

Weight

Weight has become a big factor when it comes to forgiving drivers, with most brands making models that have a weight towards the back of the head to aid forgiveness and launch. When it comes to whether you want a forgiving driver, it is worth acknowledging whether this is important to you because if not then manufacturers usually make a model without a weight there.

Adjustability

Often this weight is moveable too and adjustability has become a huge part of modern golf. Being able to tinker and change loft, lie, and many other factors, has become all the rage and if you like to try new things then plenty of new models will cater to that. However if that doesn't interest you one bit, there are also models which keep things more simple, like the Ping G425 Max.

Shaft

Some shafts have been designed to help players get as much distance as possible so it is worth thinking about which models will help you achieve those extra yards. Also check out our guide on the best driver shafts too.

Budget

Budget is obviously an important factor and thankfully there are lots of drivers coming in at different price points. This means you can go down the premium route if you want, but there is good value to be had too.

FAQs

What is the latest Ping driver?

The latest Ping driver is the G430 range for men and G Le3 range for women.

Are Ping drivers good?

In short, yes. Ping make some of the best drivers on the market and is one of the leading brands alongside the likes of TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Cobra and Wilson. Many Tour professionals like Viktor Hovland, Lee Westwood and Tyrrell Hatton use Ping drivers. 

Which Ping driver is most forgiving?

Out of the four models in the current G430 range, either the G430 Max 10K or the G430 SFT are the most forgiving. Check out our guide on the most forgiving drivers to see how it compares versus other brands. 

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

With contributions from