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Ping’s G440 K driver pushes forgiveness to the limit with a full 10K MOI design. Jack Backhouse tested it out to see how this translates into on-course performance
Historically, Ping has an impressive reputation when it comes to 10k, maximum forgiveness drivers. The Ping G430 Max 10K driver was a huge success both on tour and in the hands of club golfers.
Now it has had a makeover. It’s called the Ping G440 K driver. This is Ping’s 10K MOI driver, which is designed to be the most stable and confidence-inspiring option in the G440 family.
It may be a year late, compared to the rest of the G440 range, but is it worth the wait? Find out in our full Ping G440 K driver review below.
NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
If you’re looking to hit more fairways than ever, then this is the driver for you. It’s one of the most forgiving drivers I have tested, launches the ball with ease and will get the ball in play frequently.
You will have to give up a handful of yards compared to low-spin models but the payoff is a tighter dispersion, straighter misses, and far more playable tee shots.
PROS
Outstanding forgiveness across the face
Extremely easy to launch
Sound and feel are excellent
CONS
Not the quickest driver
First Impressions
At address, there is no escaping it; this driver looks absolutely enormous.
The G440 K is the most elongated driver Ping has ever produced that is stretched noticeable from back to front. The shape isn’t accidental. By pushing the mass as far from the face as possible, Ping has been able to maximise the stability and forgiveness across the face.
Although the club is big, I think it still looks like a Ping driver. The Carbonfly Crown is a nice touch and means it sits square and inspires confidence rather than being intimidating.
I’m a fan of the fact that despite being a maximum forgiveness driver it still looks fast.
NCG Verdict
I don’t think there is a more suitable place to start than the forgiveness. To put it bluntly; off-centre strikes fly straight, stay in the air, and lose remarkably little distance.
That all sounds very impressive and it is. Even on poorer strikes, I only saw around six or seven yards of loss, which is exceptional consistency.
The launch is another standout bit of performance. The G440 K is incredibly easy to get airborne, even at lower loft settings. My shots launched high with consistent peak heights, and the club proved remarkably forgiving when contact drifted low on the face.
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From my testing, the only downside was a slight reduction in ball speed. This is compared to lower-spinning and more aggressive drivers. Where some other models I have previously tested might push into the low 160s mph, the G440 K typically sits a few miles per hour lower.
But, you do need to ask yourself if you would rather gain a few extra yards or hit more fairways. I think most club golfers should look to get the ball into play more frequently.
The dispersion is very tight. With both exceptional stability and plenty of forgiveness, mishits aren’t punished. It’s a driver that rewards consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Ping G440 K may not be the longest driver on perfect strikes, but it might be one of the most effective drivers you can put in play over an entire season.
It’s forgiving without feeling slow, easy to launch without ballooning uncontrollably, and stable enough to make bad swings playable.
If your priority is lower scores rather than occasional bombs, the G440 K could be one of the smartest driver choices of the year.
I also think lower handicappers should consider putting this in the bag. We’ve seen on tour more pros using 10K drivers and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw this in play a fair bit next season.
