Ping G440 MAX Fairway Wood Review: Easy to launch

Ping have a rich history when it comes to fairway woods. They have become a sort of tour-preferred metalwood choice over the last few years after the success of the previous models. Are the new Ping G440 an improvement, find out in our Ping G440 MAX fairway wood review…

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NCG SUMMARY

This is a great 3-wood option for all club golfers out there. Despite its fairly basic looking design it delivers some out of the ordinary performance.

Golfers can take advantage of the confidence inspiring profile both off the tee and from the fairways. This is in addition to the shallow face for an easy and high launch. An extremely playable fairway wood that can produce a variety of different shot types.

PROS

• Easy to launch
• Very forgiving
• A confidence inspiring look at address

CONS

• None

First Impressions

The styling is right up my street. I am a big fan of the use of carbon in all metalwood heads and this Ping G440 fairway wood is no different. This is something they have used in the drivers so it’s a nice touch to have brought it into the fairway woods as well.

Ping have removed the black line that was previously on the head of the woods and faded it into the front of the club more. Although the Ping G440 MAX has a more underplayed aesthetic I still think it looks clean and professional.

NCG Verdict

I have had and used my fair share of Ping fairway woods over the years so I was quite excited to see what the brand had come up with in its latest release. This is a golf club category, I believe, they execute exceptionally well.

For most golfers Ping fairway woods have always been a brilliant option. They usually go with the low and back CG instead of a more forward positioning, which means they are really easy to hit together with a higher launch.

Something new ping have added to the G440 series is a change in the face material. This stronger material thins the face of the club and is all-round taller for more confidence off the tee.

I found the this club produced a much more usable flight than what other 3-woods I have tested. It’s a ball flight that can work for a range of different shots, both off the tee and for approach shots into the green.

Greater elevation and launch is a heavily desired commodity for most golfers as it can help to increase the carry distance but also promote a softer landing on the green for more control.

Ping have introduced a new free-hosel system which removes 11.5 grams from the inside of the heel and redistributed it as far back in the head as possible. This gives the G440 better performance on shots out of the heel for us inconsistent ball strikers.

I was impressed with how well poorer strikes performed. Even the shots out of the bottom of the club were still performing better than my own 3-wood.

The biggest complaint Ping received about the G430 was the face being too shallow. Golfers were struggle to control the launch of the ball with it going too high up in the air. To rectify this the Ping G440 has a slightly deeper face after feedback from the Tour players.

Although the head is deeper, I do think Ping have some of the more shallow fairway woods on the market. So, you’ll still have no problem getting the ball up and into the air off the face of this 3-wood.

Ping G440 MAX Fairway Wood Review: The Details

Available: Now

RRP: £319 / $349

Shafts:

PING proprietary stock shafts:

• ALTA CB (counter-balanced) Blue 65 (SR, R, S)
• Tour 2.0 Chrome 65/75 (R, S, X)
• Tour 2.0 Black 65/75 (S, X)
• ALTA Quick 35/45 (HL build only)

Optional stock shafts (no upcharge):

• Project X Denali Red 60 (5.5, 6.0, 6.5)
• Project X Denali Red 70 (6.0, 6.5)
• Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black 75 (S, X)

Grip: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet

Lofts: 15°-24°

More information: Ping UK / Ping US

La Cala Resort

We were fortunate enough to head out to the La Cala Resort in Spain to conduct some of our equipment reviews. A picturesque resort that is located in the Sierra de Mijas, just 30 minutes from Málaga Airport and 20 minutes from Marbella.

The place offers outstanding views of the Andalusian countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as well as three magnificent golf courses. All three were designed by Cabell B. Robinson and it’s a popular choice for players seeking variety, challenge, and stunning scenery. For more information head to La Cala Resort’s website here.

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