While the odd eyebrow might have been raised that the new G430 fairways only come in two and not three models – the MAX and SFT – Ping has clevely ensured that choice will not be an issue.
On both models, the uber-lightweight carbon crown technology, evident in the LST driver, is utilised here and the considerable 10 grammes of weight saving is well used by Ping’s club designers.
The main priority is to provide more distance and clubhead speed and they have done that by pushing more of the weight towards the back and lowering the centre of gravity. A tungsten backweight extends the perimeter weighting to maximise forgiveness.
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Two technologies from the previous G425 have been carried over and also contribute to distance gains and spin consistency across the clubface.
With Facewrap technology, a variable-thickness, high-strength maraging-steel face wraps into the sole and crown of the stainless-steel head, generating more flexing, which in turn should translate into faster ball speed and higher launch for greater distance.
The variable roll radius of Spinsistency improves performance across the face (especially on thin shots) by reducing spin to increase ball speed from the maraging-steel face.
The G430 MAX fairway wood fits the widest range of golfers with four options – that includes a nine wood – while the slightly larger head size of the SFT is offered in three lofts with lighter swingweights to help square the face at impact.
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Fairway Wood Specifications
MAX: 3W (15°), 5W (18°), 7W (21°), 9W (24°): SFT 3W (16°), 5W (19°), 7W (22°)
Swingweight: D1 (MAX), D0 (SFT)
Stock shafts: PING ALTA CB Black 65 (SR, R, S), PING ALTA Quick 35/45 (HL build only)
Optional stock shafts: PING Tour 2.0 Chrome 65/75 (R, S, X), PING Tour 2.0 Black 65/75 (S,
X), Mitsubishi Kai’Li White 70 (S, X), PRJX HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 60 (5.5), PRJX HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 70 (6.0, 6.5)
Stock grip: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16”, Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”, White- Std, Gold +1/32”, Orange +1/16”)
UK Price: £350
Available in Europe: January 27th