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  • reviewsRecent Reviews Archive

    published: Sep 8, 2017

    |

    updated: Oct 3, 2023

    Gear test: Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR 3-wood

    James SavageLink

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    We sometimes use affiliate links to products and services on retailer sites for which we can receive compensation if you click on those links or make purchases through them.

    We put two of the latest fairway woods head-to-head…

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    Table of Contents

    Jump to:

    • review: ping g400 driver
    • taylormade m1 3-wood vs. callaway gbb epic 3-wood – the golf shack on tour
    • driver comparison: callaway gbb epic vs. gbb epic sub zero

    Our Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR 3-wood comparison took place at the Golf Shack at Moor Allerton in Leeds.

    We’ve spent a lot of time testing and reviewing the new Ping G400 driver, irons and crossover but haven’t gone into much detail on the fairway woods.

    Likewise with the new Callaway Steelhead XR fairway – a modern take on one of Callaway’s classic models from yesteryear.

    So we took a 3-wood from each model and put them head to head to see the differences in looks, sound, feel and performance.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR – The technology

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    The Ping G400 fairway features what Ping call a ‘maraging steel face’ which is stronger but has 30 percent more flex than the one used in the Ping G model.

    It should result in a bit more ball speed.

    Similarly to the Ping G400 drivers there are significant weight savings made from the use of thinner and lighter materials with all weight saved being able to be place low and deep in the head for more stability.

    In the Steelhead XR Callaway have added some of their new technology – like the Hyper Speed Face Cup – but kept some of the hallmarks of the original model.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    Like Ping, they have made weight savings through the use of lightweight crown and have repositioned more weight low and deep in the head.

    We have a glued on shaft with the Steelhead XR whereas the Ping G400 has an adjustable hosel for fine-tuning the loft.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR – The methodology

    Our editor Dan Murphy was drafted in for this one. He plays of three and is a long-time Ping player.

    He had just been custom fit for the Ping G400 3-wood whereas the Steelhead XR was effectively ‘off the shelf’ with a stock stiff shaft.

    We thought this test may highlight the benefits of a good custom-fitting.

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    Dan isn’t after a 3-wood that just goes far. He wants it to do a specific job out on the course and that is to fill the gap between his driver and 5-wood.

    So he’s looking for a club that goes 260 total.

    We got Dan to hit a range of shots with each club and monitored the data using Trackman.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR – The results

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    From the off Dan commented that the Steelhead XR appealed to him more as a club to hit off the tee with a slightly deeper face and more rounded head shape.

    The Ping G400 was a bit shallower and sat flush to the ground – making it more appealing to hit of the deck.

    Results-wise, there wasn’t much difference.

    [skylab_video id=”127345″]Ping G400 v Callaway Steelhead XR YouTube[/skylab_video]

    If anything, the Ping G400 dispersion was a bit tighter with a shorter gap between the longest and shortest shots.

    With the Steelhead XR there were a couple that flew off really hot and a couple that spun up in the air a little bit too much.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR – NCG verdict

    As expected, the custom-fitted club resulted in the tighter dispersion which was good to see.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    Both these clubs had really good ball speed off the face and good distance.

    As an option off the tee the Steelhead XR would be fantastic but it was a little bit harder to hit off the deck.

    Dan felt like the Ping G400 would offer him a little bit more versatility by the way it sits nice and flush to the turf.

    The Steelhead XR to me almost feels a little bit more like a mini driver and could do a great job as a driver replacement.

    Ping G400 vs. Callaway Steelhead XR

    You’re definitely going to get it out there and wont mind the odd one that flies a little bit further.

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    Details

    Ping G400

    Lofts: 14.5˚ – 23.5˚

    SRP: £229.99

    More information can be found on the Ping website.

    Callaway Steelhead XR

    Lofts: 13.5˚ – 24˚

    SRP: £199

    More information can be found on the Callaway website.

    Ping G400 driver review

    Review: Ping G400 driver

    Read full article - Review: Ping G400 driver
    TaylorMade M1 3-wood vs. Callaway GBB Epic 3-wood - The Golf Shack on tour

    TaylorMade M1 3-wood vs. Callaway GBB Epic 3-wood – The Golf Shack on tour

    Read full article - TaylorMade M1 3-wood vs. Callaway GBB Epic 3-wood – The Golf Shack on tour
    Callaway GBB epic v Callaway GBB epic sub zero

    Driver comparison: Callaway GBB Epic vs. GBB Epic Sub Zero

    Read full article - Driver comparison: Callaway GBB Epic vs. GBB Epic Sub Zero

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