PING Debuts Its Newest G430: the MAX 10K

Today is a day that will live in driver forgiveness. Simultaneously with the TaylorMade Qi10 launch, PING decided to release a fifth model to its G430 lineup that, similarly, looks to push forgiveness into the unexplored frontier: 10,000+ MOI.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The G430 MAX 10K is, per PING’s words, their “highest MOI, most forgiving and straightest driver to date.” Given that PING is a company committed to measurable improvements, it is very likely that the MAX 10K will do exactly what they claim.

To start, it’s important to give a very quick overview of Moment of Inertia (MOI). In brief, MOI is a data point that is used to measure a driver club head’s resistance to rotate on an off-center shot. A club head that stays more square to a target on an off-center strike will help produce a ball flight that stays more on target. As a result, higher MOI means mishit balls that land closer to their intended target. Now back to the MAX 10K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by PING (@pingtour)

So to make this über forgiving driver, PING maxed out the USGA permitted dimensions; all 460cc’s are being used as is the overall dimensions of the driver. As a result, the MAX 10K has a more dominating presence.

This super-sized G430 was then combined with two improved technologies found in the other models. First, the Carbonfly Wrap crown went on a diet and shed 5g. And while that might sound like a lot, it means that its weight that can be put elsewhere to improve MOI without sacrificing club head speed.

On that point, PING placed a 28-gram fixed tungsten weight—the heaviest used by PING in any driver model to date—on the rear point of the crown.

These changes come together and make Voltron, I mean the MAX 10K, which PING states will produce a 16% smaller dispersion when compared to the standard G430 MAX. 16% doesn’t sound like a lot by itself, but golf is a game about reducing the misses, so nobody should be thinking they can afford to sacrifice even 1% of improvement.

The MAX 10K isn’t the furthest-flying PING in the lineup. That title is reserved for the LST. But it is the most forgiving, and if you’ve already got enough speed in the tank, this may be a better weapon than something that spins a little less (and, thus, lets the ball occasionally get a little squirrely).

The MAX 10K is available in 9, 10.5, and 12 lofts, which are adjustable up and down 1.5 degrees with PING’s loft sleeve. With the stock shaft, the MAX 10K will retail at $650. The MAX 10K is available for fittings and pre-order right now.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine