Head-to-head: Ping G400 vs. Ping G Crossover
Our Ping G400 vs. Ping G Crossover test took place at the Golf Shack at Moor Allerton in Leeds.
Editor Dan Murphy had just got back from a fitting session at Ping’s European HQ in Gainsborough so was keen to see how his new Crossover compared with his old one.
Ping G400 vs. Ping G Crossover – The technology
The original Ping G Crossover was a bit of a Marmite club. I personally loved it but some didn’t.
Dan was a fan of the concept and has carried a 3 Crossover in his bag for the past 18 months or so.
Ping have changed the finish on the G400 to a chrome, more iron-like look which got a big thumbs up from Dan.
He wasn’t really sure what the old G Crossover was – was it an iron, was it a hybrid?
Now he feels it looks much more like a ‘proper’ golf club.
Ping have tried to make the G400 fly a little bit higher, come hotter off the face but go a bit straighter on heel and toe strikes.
The sole on the G400 is much thinner and the toe is much less pronounced.
I think the fear most players had with the old Crossover was those toe strikes which went left and then left a bit more.
So it will be interesting to see the results.
Ping G400 vs. Ping G Crossover – The results
So Dan hits the ball quite far anyway so isn’t looking for a club that simply goes miles.
When the Ping fitters built this new G400 club for him he asked them for something that ran out to 240 yards.
The G400 3 crossover has 19˚ of loft while the G model has 18˚ so again it was interesting to see what impact that had.
Overall, the numbers were very similar. Carrying around 215-220 yards and running out to 235-240.
The G400 did launch a touch higher but the spin rates were very similar indeed.
What was interesting was the fact Dan was swinging the G400 a few miles an hour slower yet getting the same ball speed and carry.
His smash factor (ball speed divided by swing speed) was much better with the G400 – 1.50 compared to 1.44 with the G.
Why was he swinging it slower? Maybe he was more used to the G model as he’s been playing it for over a year?
Either way, smash factor is a great indicator on how well a club was working and the number with the G400 is very impressive.
Ping G400 vs. Ping G Crossover – NCG verdict
A lot of people may just look at the carry numbers and say there’s not a lot which has improved in the G400.
But when you take into account the fact the G400 is a degree weaker and was being swung a few miles an hour slower – you can say it’s working better.
Dan prefers the looks sound and feel too so as an all-round package it is ticking a lot of boxes and making a case to go in his bag.
One area which may be a problem for Dan is the higher ball flight as he often plays on windy courses.
We’ll come back to you after he’s used it on the course for a month or so and give you an update.
G400 Crossover details
SRP: £200
Lofts: 3 (19˚), 4 (22˚), 5 (25˚)
Shafts: AWT 2.0 (Steel), Alta CB, Ping Tour 173-85
More information can be found on the Ping website.
Review: Ping G400 crossover
Review: Ping G400 irons
Review: Ping G400 driver
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
