Ping’s reputation for producing top-notch irons is arguably unparalleled but it does feel like it has really gone above and beyond with the new G430 irons.
Ping claims “The multi-material iron produces distance gains of approximately seven to ten yards and improved accuracy throughout the set.”
If that translates across the board for your average player, that is enormously significant on more than one level. In golfing terms that is a Beamon-esque leap forward. Obviously it will not be a uniform increase in distance but, for those who have not changed their irons for ten years plus, the difference they will make will be massively obvious.
The really interesting part of the G430 irons is the new PurFlex cavity badge, which looks elaborate and is. Fifteen different parts make up seven ‘flex zones’. This is a world away from the original cavity backs and the net sum gain is considerable. Combined with the lower centre of gravity – especially helpful in irons when you consider where the average player strikes the ball on the clubface – this is where a good deal of that extra 7-10 yards comes from.
RELATED: Ping sticks to its G force guns with new 430 range
The rest is down to the new face, which is 3% thinner than the G425. Ping reckons that translates to another ball speed increase of 2mph. Again that is game-changing territory.
Ping CEO & President John K. Solheim said: “Our ability to make this iron so much longer while maintaining all the other important attributes golfers need from their irons like forgiveness, stopping power and gapping alternatives is one of the most impressive engineering stories throughout the entire G430 line.
“We know golfers want more distance from their irons but distance without control doesn’t lead to lower scores. That’s why we put so much emphasis on designing an iron that not only goes a very long way, but it flies higher, straighter and lands softer.”
Among the refinements to the overall shape is a shorter hosel, which creates a more compact look while aligning it closer to the force line to increase ball speed and ensure solid impact, especially low on the face.
Also approximately 1° of additional bounce throughout the set provides clean turf interaction and pure strikes, minimising “heavy” shots that come up short. The high-density tungsten toe and shaft tip weights contribute to its high MOI and produce tighter dispersion patterns.
The new G430 hybrids are loaded with innovations like Carbonfly Wrap, alongside proven technologies – Facewrap and Spinsistency. Combined they undeniably represent a significant step-up in hybrids compared to anything Ping has produced before.
With six loft options (2H/17°, 3H/19°, 4H/22°, 5H/26°, 6H/30°, 7/34°) they will do a great job of ridding you of those pesky long irons and definitely help address gapping issues that mid and high handicap players wrestle with.
Here the Carbonfly Wrap saves eight grammes of weight (compared to a steel crown) and that allocation is used to lower the Centre of Gravity for increasing ball speed.
RELATED: Ping expects the G430 Max to win the comparison ‘battles’
RELATED: Ping combine the best of new and old in market-leading performers
G430 Iron Specifications
Available: 4-9, PW (41°), 45.5°, 50°,54°, 58° in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black color code is
standard.
Loft options: Standard, Power Spec and Retro Spec
Stock shafts: PING AWT 2.0 steel (R, S, X), PING ALTA CB Black graphite (SR, R, S), PING ALTA Quick 35/45 (HL build only)
Optional stock shafts: Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100), KBS Tour (R, S, X), Nippon NS Pro Modus Tour 105 (R, S,
X), Elevate MPH 95 (R, S)
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 prices: £150 per club (steel shaft); £160 per club (graphite)
G430 Hybrid Specifications
Available: 2H (17°), 3H (19°), 4H (22°), 5H (26°), 6H (30°), 7H (34°)
Stock shafts: PING ALTA CB Black 70 (SR, R, S), PING ALTA Quick 35/45 (HL build only)
Optional stock shafts: PING Tour 2.0 Chrome 85 (R, S, X), Mitsubishi Kai’Li White 80 (S, X), PRJX HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 70 (5.5), PRJX HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 80 (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: £295
Available in Europe: January 27th.
