2nd Swing Golf
Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing
“the G440 Max has been a really popular option”
Fitters choice winner in the core category for launching higher and spinning more than most models, with a classic square look and consistent distances even on poor strikes.
+ the facts · 4 pros · 1 cons− the facts
- +Higher launch and spin than most models, ideal since most golfers struggle to launch fairway woods
- +Line includes a dedicated 4-wood with its own shaping, not just a lofted-up 3-wood
- +Classic, clean, square look at address
- −Spin ran higher than a fast, low-spin player like the tester needs
For: The widest range of golfers, especially those needing help launching a fairway wood high with a soft landing.
“There is not another driver I would have wanted in my hand”
A hugely forgiving, spin-consistent core driver that protected even his worst swings and lived up to its billing as one to beat in 2025.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 3 cons− the facts
- +Exceptional forgiveness and tight dispersion, kept terrible swings just off the fairway edge
- +Spin consistency across the face protects low and off-center strikes
- +Solid, rewarding traditional sound and feel
- −Spins too much for faster, low-spin players, who should look at the LST instead
- −Not the fastest core-model driver this year
- −Looks are traditional rather than exciting; turbulators still divide opinion
For: The large group of golfers who actually need spin and stability from their driver, not a low-spin core model
James Robinson Golf
Mid-handicap everyman reviews
“mis hits have been fantastic”
Top-three fairway wood of 2025 at fitting centre SGT thanks to smarter loft gapping and outstanding mishit performance.
+ the facts · 4 pros− the facts
- +New 17-degree 4-wood and 19-degree 5-wood give much better gapping through the bag
- +Adjustable loft sleeve for fine-tuning launch and face angle
- +Mishit performance has been fantastic, easy to launch
For: The masses who struggle to launch a fairway wood and need carry distance
Mark Crossfield
Coach, famously hard to impress
“you're not going to go too wrong with ping”
His pick of the three G440 heads: super stable with consistently high smash factor and retained ball speed, even if it barely changes from prior Pings.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 3 cons− the facts
- +Feels the most stable of the three and delivers consistent carry
- +Smash factor always right up there; you get out what you put in
- +165-166 mph ball speed averages, right in the pack of the best drivers
- −Doesn't feel like a real change from previous generations; not worth upgrading from one or two Pings back
- −New free hosel tech feels like a tiny shift, not exciting
- −Expensive, like all top-brand drivers
For: Anyone wanting maximum forgiveness in a stable driver, tour player to beginner alike
Golf Monthly
UK magazine, season-long testing
A carry-over that remains one of the most forgiving fairway woods around, with a 4% taller face that adds consistency, launch and spin on low strikes.
+ the facts · 3 pros− the facts
- +Still so good on mishits despite being a carry-over model
- +Carbonfly wrap crown and free hosel redistribute weight for forgiveness
- +4% taller face improves consistency and launch on strikes low on the face
For: Golfers who want proven, forgiving performance without needing the newest release
“I probably would still chose last year's model over the g440”
Delivers the promised ball speed jump and a look he much prefers, but the drop in forgiveness versus last year's G430 Max 10K means he'd still choose the older model.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 4 cons− the facts
- +Real ball speed increase, averaging 136 mph, 2-3 mph above his norm
- +Much nicer color scheme and G30-throwback design than last year
- +Compact look at address for a Ping driver
- −Noticeable drop in forgiveness versus the G430 Max 10K, harder to hit well consistently
- −Carry and total were a little down, 216 carry and 234 total, speed didn't convert to distance
- −Low-face strikes feel clunky and thuddy
For: Golfers chasing more ball speed over maximum forgiveness
“I just don't think Ping's for me”
Felt too hollow and spinny for him and Ping's looks have never won him over, but he acknowledges Ping's forgiveness is up there and hugely popular for a reason.
+ the facts · 1 pros · 2 cons− the facts
- +Renowned forgiveness that suits a lot of golfers
- −Felt hollow and spinny to him
- −Big PING crown logo and overall looks not to their taste
For: Golfers who prioritise forgiveness over feel and looks