Ping G430 LST Driver Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ review of the Ping G430 LST driver.

I’m an avid golfer, an 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

I’ve had the G430 LST (along with the MAX & SFT) driver for a month. I’ve tested it at the range (w/ my Garmin R10), on the course, and on my Garmin R10 launch monitor at home.

Summary – The Ping G430 LST is an excellent choice for golfers that drive the ball well and have average swing speeds of 105 mph or higher. Trajectory is low and piercing and it has decent forgiveness. You have better options if the above doesn’t describe you or appeal to you.  

In this Ping G430 LST driver review, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

Ping G430 LST Driver Overview & Why you should Consider it.

The G430 LST driver demands good swings and high swing speed (105 or higher) if you want to appreciate all its benefits – consistently. You’ll want to at least test the G430 LST if this describes you.

Because it’s forgiving, I kept my drives playable or even in the fairway. But, I do better with drivers designed to launch higher – just like most players.

G430 LST Features and Benefits

• Carbonfly Wrap crown is ultra-lightweight so PING could move the saved weight to lower CG and increase MOI and ball speed
• Shallower variable-thickness face means more deflection for more ball speed
• Improved sound and feel due to stiffening of the crown.
• Designed to reduce spin for more speed and consistency
• Optimize ball flight with movable 22g high-density tungsten back weight to deliver plus/minus 7 yards of shaping ability. Setting are Draw, Neutral, and Fade.
• Highly adjustable adaptor provided 8 positions to dial in trajectory
• Upgraded premium shaft selection

Testing the Ping G430 LST Driver

• ~3 range sessions – I hit around 10 or so drives with each of the new G430s  
• 1 Round on the course

My Experience with the Ping G430 LST Driver

My driving range and launch monitor numbers with the LST are less than impressive. But, I forgive myself a little bit because I’ve been injured and/or sick for the last 4-5 months.

A little surprisingly, the LST and I got along well on the golf course. It wasn’t always pretty, but, I had shots into every green but one where I pulled out the driver.

Below is my 1st drive with the G430 LST – The 10th hole at Sterling Country Club. A bullet up the right side of the fairway that finished just in the right rough.

Below are my average driving range numbers recorded with my Garmin R10.

	Carry Yards	Swing Speed	Ball Speed	Smash Factor
Ping G425 LST	237	100	147	1.47

Review of the Ping G430 LST Driver

I do not like to play low-launch drivers, but I was able to get around well enough with the G430 LST. I didn’t get my preferred medium-high trajectory, but it kept me playable with more than acceptable distance.

Looks (A) 

Premium. I’m a fan of the highlighter-yellow accents on the sole, headcover, and small splash on the crown.

Sound/ Feel (A)

Premium sound and feel, unlike the G425. Nice and solid.

Forgiveness: B+

The LST is the “player” driver in the G430 lineup, but it has enough forgiveness to keep slightly marginal swings in play.

Flight / Playability: A

The majority of my drives with the LST were lower trajectory than I’m used to. But, they were in the fairway or playable push for my round. I prefer a medium-high trajectory. Can’t blame the LST. My swing isn’t good enough for the LST yet.

Distance: (A)

Plenty long if you’ve got the swing speed to get the ball elevated.

Customer Reviews

There are 7 reviews on the G430 LST, all 5-star at pinggolf.com. 

• The one thing that stands out from each review is how long the G430 LST is to whatever they were playing before – even last year’s models.

Who’s the G430 LST driver for?

The G430 LST demands a good driver swing and shouldn’t be in your thoughts if you have issues with hitting your driver high enough. You have better options with the G430 Max & G430 SFT.

Low handicaps (Yes) – But, make sure your swing speed is 105ish or higher.
Mid handicaps (No) – Unless you’re one heck of a driver with faster-than-average swing speed.
High handicaps (No) – no, no, no, no, no, no, no, noooooooooooooo

Potential Alternatives

Our Verdict on the Ping G430 LST Driver

You need to be a good driver with a swing speed of 105 mph or higher to fully appreciate the benefits of this driver. Put your ego aside and get something easier to hit if this isn’t you.

Should you get the Ping G430 LST?
See above.

My #1 suggestion is to test before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out our Ping G430 LST driver review and let us know how they work for you