PING G430 MAX 10K Driver Review

I don't know if the 430 10K has been known as one of the longest drivers out there, but it sure has been known as one of the most forgiving.
 
After 4 years with a Ping G410 plus driver I decided to give the Ping 430max 10k a try. After 3 rounds and 2 shaft changes, Im back to the 410. I could not get the distance from the 430. 410 is 230-260 and better workability. G430 is more forgiving, but my distances diminished greatly, 190-220. Im not sure if its the 28 gm weight compared to the 12 gm adjustable on the 410, or the two shafts. First was the Tour 2.0 65 chrome Reg flex. Swapped the alta cb 55 Reg from the 410, with no difference. I picked it up from someone else who couldnt hit it also. Wondering if its a Dud?
They’re two very different designs. With the weight placement in the head here to get to 10k moi, it’s not going to be as fast on average, and for some golfers that 10k aspect might actually be a detriment in the swing. It’s why fitting matters so much, it’s no dud, it just doesn’t fit your needs.
 
I was fitted, for the G430 Max, and it fit nicely. Either shaft but alta cb worked best gaining yardage easily and more forgiveness. 10k wasnt available, but they said it should be better than the Max. I had the opportunity to swing a friends Max and it was better than the 410. Later, I picked up the 10k reasonable from someone who couldnt hit it either, but had a 105 swing speed compared to my 90/95. Some say it could be the weight. I may give that one last shot.
 
I wish I would have swung GA’s 430 a few more times when we played yesterday. Every time I’ve swung it on the range or bay I think ‘This is a fairway magnet’ but I’ve never actually played on the course to find out.
 
I was fitted, for the G430 Max, and it fit nicely. Either shaft but alta cb worked best gaining yardage easily and more forgiveness. 10k wasnt available, but they said it should be better than the Max. I had the opportunity to swing a friends Max and it was better than the 410. Later, I picked up the 10k reasonable from someone who couldnt hit it either, but had a 105 swing speed compared to my 90/95. Some say it could be the weight. I may give that one last shot.
Again, they’re (410 and 10K) two very different design internally.

Just as Max and Max 10K are different as well.
 
Again, they’re (410 and 10K) two very different design internally.

Just as Max and Max 10K are different as well.
As I found out. Im not concerned at all for what I own it for, I would just like it to be an option with adjustments
 
As I found out. Im not concerned at all for what I own it for, I would just like it to be an option with adjustments
You’re not going to get the same speed out of it, even with adjustments. It’s just not going to happen based on design.
 
Then who is this club for if it cant be hit with speeds from 85-105? Seems pointless that the Max for that speed hits better.
 
Then who is this club for if it cant be hit with speeds from 85-105? Seems pointless that the Max for that speed hits better.

From what data I've seen in reviews, swingspeed decreases a few mph, ball speed increases. You may need to go up in loft - get fit.
 
Then who is this club for if it cant be hit with speeds from 85-105? Seems pointless that the Max for that speed hits better.

I'm only a bit faster than 105 and i was actually laughing on the range with how well i was hitting this club. I've literally never had a better demo day with any driver ever---probably hit 15 in a row onto a dinner table and longer than my TSR2 or ZX5. So take that for what it's worth.
 
Then who is this club for if it cant be hit with speeds from 85-105? Seems pointless that the Max for that speed hits better.

The club can be hit well with speeds of 85-105 for the right golfer. What I've found is the 10k head is forgiving while keeping the spin down. It's that combo that makes it tough to beat for some golfers. Most of the more forgiving heads I've played spin up quite a bit more and most of the lower spinning heads aren't as forgiving. It's not the "ultimate driver for everyone" though. It may or may not work well for a specific golfer.
 
Then who is this club for if it cant be hit with speeds from 85-105? Seems pointless that the Max for that speed hits better.
Who said it can’t be hit at those speeds?
 
I'm smitten with this driver head. It gives up a few Yards to my Qi10 Plus but is way way more forgiving. I can truly attack with this 430. And going so straight all the time, I'm actually gaining distance. Mostly because it stays in the fairway and keeps going!!
 
This really defines this head. Forgiving yet keeps spin down.
The club can be hit well with speeds of 85-105 for the right golfer. What I've found is the 10k head is forgiving while keeping the spin down. It's that combo that makes it tough to beat for some golfers. Most of the more forgiving heads I've played spin up quite a bit more and most of the lower spinning heads aren't as forgiving. It's not the "ultimate driver for everyone" though. It may or may not work well for a specific golfer.
 
I had to turn the 10.5 all the way down to get there, I’d like to try the 9.0

That said, it does leave some notable ball speed on the table.
The 9.0 turned up was 2-3 mph faster than the 10.5 turned down for me.
I see no loss of speed when I compare my Qi10 Plus 9.0 to the 430 10K. I do see 200 rpm less spin with the TM. But the forgiveness trade off is not worth it what so ever.
 
The 9.0 turned up was 2-3 mph faster than the 10.5 turned down for me.
I see no loss of speed when I compare my Qi10 Plus 9.0 to the 430 10K. I do see 200 rpm less spin with the TM. But the forgiveness trade off is not worth it what so ever.
To be fair, the Plus isn’t exactly the fastest head out there this year either.

I’ll go put my flame suit on now before the TM gang comes after me. 😜
 
To be fair, the Plus isn’t exactly the fastest head out there this year either.

I’ll go put my flame suit on now before the TM gang comes after me. 😜
Burn Him Adam Sandler GIF by Netflix Is a Joke


But also, the plus was giving me similar ball speeds to my Sim2 Max when I demo'd it this year. So...
 
I dialed it up to 12 degree and had a 20 handicapper hit. He picked up yardage and forgiveness. No difference for me. It is of course more forgiving than my Plus, but losing 20 plus yards is too much of a trade off. I may change the 28 gm weight to the Plus weight of 14.
 
To be fair, the Plus isn’t exactly the fastest head out there this year either.

I’ll go put my flame suit on now before the TM gang comes after me. 😜
Actually i mixed up the TM names. I have the Qi10 LS 9.0.
 
Actually i mixed up the TM names. I have the Qi10 LS 9.0.
My point stands, it’s not the fastest head out there this year
 
To be fair, the Plus isn’t exactly the fastest head out there this year either.

I’ll go put my flame suit on now before the TM gang comes after me. 😜
Not the fastest because

Animation Sketch GIF by Mathew Lucas
 
Great review and thanks for all the comments. There is just so much out there that I get confused. I have a 410 recently acquired a 425 that a friend replaced with a 430. I get along well with both of mine and did not experience any loss of distance from the 410. I really need to check out the 430 10K and see what a fitting/shaft optimization will do.
 
I was fitted with the G430 yesterday and the Tour 2.0 shaft is wrong for me. I was much more consistent with the Alta CB Reg and gained some yardage. I sold the club today however because Im not spending $ for the fitted shaft.
 
Mine finally came in!!!! If I can make it home from Beantown, I'll have it tomorrow wooooohoooo
 
Bombs away

PXL_20240718_170218609.jpg
 
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