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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Dan Murphy brings you the low down on the new Ping G430 LST fairway wood
The stunning Ping G430 LST fairway wood was released in mid-season, several months after the rest of the G430 range. For fans of the low-spinning franchise, to say it was worth the wait would be an understatement.
This fairway wood is a serious piece of kit. Fans of Ping’s LST (Low Spin Technology) franchise have had a to hang on a little longer for this special release but it really is worth the wait if you are looking for a fairway wood that launches high and keeps the spin off, combined with a very fast face. Yes please.
PROS
CONS
I have been using the regular G430 fairway wood this season until the last month. So the look of the G430 LST fairway is very familiar and it immediately suited my eye. Previously, titanium-headed fairway woods tended to be driving weapons with bigger heads – but that just isn’t the case here. With the Ping G430 LST fairway wood, I get the benefits of a hotter face and lower spin thanks to the redistribution of weight without compromising on the aesthetics.
The key to the high-spec, super-premium Ping G430 LST fairway wood is the hot titanium face, the super-light titanium body and the heavy tungsten sole plate. The result of this light face and heavy plug is to shift the centre of gravity lower and further back, resulting in higher ball speed and less spin. The resulting launch characteristics won’t be for everyone – this is a specialist piece of kit. It is undeniable that this model carries a significant price tag but when you look at the engineering in any detail, you quickly start to appreciate why .
Most importantly, for me, and the way I deliver the club to the ball, the Ping G430 LST fairway wood is a much better fit than the regular Ping G430 fairway wood. I immediately noticed a hotter sound and feel and felt that my ball flight was not climbing as I sometimes found with the regular version. That really comes into its own when playing into the wind. I love that these fairway woods are high-launching but what I don’t want to see is the flight ballooning on me because then you have lost control. There is no question to me that I am gaining distance and consistency with this model. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is so apparent on the course I don’t even need a launch monitor to prove it.
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I also enjoyed the acoustics, probably more so than on the regular model.
With enhanced ball speed – and it doesn’t feel like you have to swing with any ferocity to achieve it – better performance, a stronger flight and superior sound, that all adds up to a compelling proposition.
The model is available in 3-wood only, but you can move the loft up or down by 1.5˚ in either direction. With an array of shaft options, there is no doubt that you will be able to get this dialled right in to suit your needs.
I have not encountered any trade-offs in terms of forgiveness or versatility compared to the regular version. So really, in terms of performance, there is no decision to make between the two.
A couple of months in, and this feels like a club that I am not going to want to change for a very long time. I hope it works as well for you as it does for me.
RRP: £550 / $549
Loft: 15° (+/- 1.5˚)
Shafts: The Ping Alta CB Black offers mid-high to high launch, the Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome mid launch, and the Ping Tour 2.0 Black promotes the lowest trajectory. The Project X Hzrdus Smoke Red RDX provides a higher launch, while the Mitsubishi Kai’Li White launches lower.
More information: Ping
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The brains behind the NCG Top 100s rankings, Dan is our man with a plan (and algorithm) when it comes to all things golf courses.
Dan has worked at National Club Golfer since 2002 and was the editor from 2007 to 2020.
Away from golf he is a season ticket holder at Leeds United.
