Ping G430 SFT Driver Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ review of the Ping G430 SFT 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 SFT (along with the MAX & LST) 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 SFT kept all but my worst swings in play with good distance. It’s long & forgiving, has improved sound & feel, and has premium looks. Any golfer looking for help against a slice should give it a serious look.  

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

Overview & Why you should Consider it.

The G430 SFT is Ping’s draw-bias driver and is meant to be helpful for golfers fighting a slice. It maintains all the help with forgiveness and distance while doing it, too.

Any golfer – especially mid-handicaps & high handicaps – needing a little more insurance against a right miss should consider giving it a try.

Features and Benefits

• SFT = Straight Flight Technology
  • The 22g Tungsten weight has two settings that provide up to 20 yards of draw bias
    • Draw – 13 yards of right-to-left correction
    • Draw+ – and additional 7 yards of right-to-left correction
• Shallower variable-thickness face means more deflection for more ball speed
• Improved sound and feel due to stiffening of the crown, skirt, and sole.
• Designed to reduce spin for more speed and consistency
• Highly adjustable adaptor provided 8 positions to dial in trajectory
• Upgraded premium shaft selection

Testing the Ping G430 SFT Driver

• ~3 range sessions – I hit around 5 or so drives with each of the new G430s  
• 1 Round on the course (where my bacon was saved many times)

My Experience with the G430 SFT

The SFT did not get my best, especially on the range. I’m finding my swing and have a lot of work to do. But, I was able to piece together a good driving round on the course, which is where it counts, anyway.

It’s certainly long and hot with center contact. But, it makes its money on marginal swings. It kept me in play with all but my most atrocious swings – which all happened on the 18th hole. I hooked two left into the water. May have been a good time to move the sole weight from “Draw+” to “Draw”.

Below is my 1st drive with the G430 SFT – The 10th hole at Sterling Country Club.

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

	Carry Yards	Swing Speed	Ball Speed	Smash Factor
Ping G425 SFT	239	101.7	149	1.47

Full Review

Looks (A) 

The New G430s have premium looks and I’m a fan. Much more so than the G425s.

Sound/ Feel (A)

The G430 maintains the springy feel of the G425 but has improved sound (less hollow) and feel (more solid).

Forgiveness: A+

Excellent. Exactly why you this club. Saved many an errant swing.

Flight / Playability: A

I played my 9 holes and 95% of my range sessions with the weight in the Draw+ position. My good drives were medium height and straight or with a slight draw. My bad shots – 100% due to terrible swings – hooked off the planet.

I hit about 10 shots on the range with the weight moved to the Draw position. My results were basically the same.

I wish my swing was in better shape right now to give a better assessment of the difference between the two settings.

Distance: (A)

I am completely satisfied with the distance I got on the course during my round. I averaged 267 and had faaar from my best stuff.

I’m going to get my hands on the SFT when my swing is better and really give it a go.

Customer Reviews

There’s only 1 review on the G430 SFT and it’s a 5-star at pinggolf.com. 

Who’s the G430 SFT driver for?

The G430 SFT is a nice driver for any golfer that wants a little extra help against a slice and beaucoup forgiveness and distance.

Low handicaps (Yes) – Unless you’re fighting a hook or your stock shot is a fade.
Mid handicaps (YES) – You should give it a try. Especially if you like a little draw bias
High handicaps (YES) – Maybe exactly what you need to hit a few more findable/playable drives.  

Potential Alternatives

Our Verdict

I enjoyed hitting and playing the G430 SFT. My driver swing is often suspect and I want a driver that makes up for it – simple as that. The G430 SFT fits the bill and I would happily put it in play.

Should you get the Ping G430 SFT?
It should be on your list of drivers to test if you’re in the market. Especially if driving is a weak part of your game – like it is with me.

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 SFT driver review and let us know how they work for you