The PING G430 driver was a top performer in 2024. When PING released the G440, I was not the only one who questioned whether it was that much different. Read on to find out the answer!

Carbon for all models (Instead of one)

The PING G430 driver had a Carbonfly Wrap in the LST model and the MAX 10K while the MAX and SFT were titanium crowns. PING found that the Carbonfly Wrap had enough benefits to be used as the standard crown material for all models: the G440 MAX, LST and SFT. The switch saved about three grams.

“Free Hosel” design

The G430 driver uses a traditional internal hosel structure that is fully connected metal around an adjustable sleeve. One of the bigger changes to the G440 is a new “free hosel” design. The center section of the internal hosel support is removed. This change saved four grams of head weight and will increase ball speed in the heel area.

Updated model head weights

With the new line of PING G440 drivers, PING wanted to ensure a driver matched every swing speed. While the G430 had head weights in the 202- to 206-gram range depending on configuration, the G440 head weights are a little more specific.

The G440 weights are as follows:

LST target: ~205g (for ~115-mph+ swings) MAX target: ~203g (for ~105-115 mph) SFT target: ~199g (for ~90-105 mph) HL version: ~196g (for ~75-90 mph)

Model-by-model changes

If you know you are a LST, MAX or SFT player, here’s a look at the changes for each individual club head.

Model	What’s the Same	What’s Different
G430 MAX vs. G440 MAX	High MOI, movable 3-position weight, T9S+ face material	Carbon crown now standard, heavier 29g back weight (was 26g), shallower face
G430 LST vs. G440 LST	450cc head, 3-position movable weight, low spin focus	Heavier 29g back weight (was 22g), free hosel lowers CG, shallower face
G430 SFT vs. G440 SFT	Draw-biased design, 22g back weight, lower head weight target	Now available in 9° and 10.5° (G430 only had 10.5°), carbon crown, shallower face, free hosel
G430 HL vs. G440 HL	Lightweight build for moderate swing speeds, lighter shaft/grip	Carbon crown now standard, longer stock length, optimized weighting

Pricing

The PING G430 drivers started at $549 for the MAX and SFT and the LST was $579. The G440 Is $599 for the MAX, LST and SFT. The G430 has dropped to $399 so if there is not enough reason for you to play the G440, it’s a good time to buy the G430.

Bottom line

PING took what worked from the PING G430 series and expanded it into the G440. You’ll notice some upgrades to optimize weight and lower the center of gravity. Here’s a recap of the most significant changes we saw between the two releases.

Carbonfly Wrap is now in all models to help reduce weight and lower the center of gravity New free hosel design shifts mass A shallower, thinner face to help with spin consistency Heavier back weights for increased stability Slightly longer stock shafts for additional clubhead speed

The PING G430 MAX 10K, the best golf driver of 2024, remains available. We are in the process of putting the PING G440 drivers through our 2025 Best Golf Driver testing. We will update you on the performance differences between the PING G430 and PING G440 drivers when that information is finalized.

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