By James Hunt – Jul 27, 2023
(Reviewed by Coach Erik Schjolberg)
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Smaller head at 440cc (vs 460cc)
- On the screws this puppy generates BOMBS
- Much more muted sound compared to SFT and Max
- Certainly a better player’s driver
I am a golf fanatic with a 10.7 handicap, looking to break into single digits this year. Finding the right club off the tee will most certainly help me get there.
I recently tested the Ping G430 LST Driver. I had this driver for two weeks and had six range sessions and two rounds on the course. At the range I used the Rapsodo PLM to collect some shot data.
So without any further ado, here’s my Ping G430 LST Driver review:
Summary – Ping G430 LST Review
The Ping G430 LST Driver is the low spin “better players” offering in the G430 lineup (see G430 models below), and is a fine tuned machine to generate lots of ball speed, tons of distance, and low spin.
An all new Carbonfly Wrap crown and forged face reduce weight up top, and provide a lot more consistency across the face. A movable weight in the back and adjustable hosel allow you to fine tune your ball flight too.
- G430 LST – Ultra low spin driver with movable weight
- G430 Max – Most forgiving and adjustable weighting
- G430 SFT – Draw bias with up to 20 yards of shot correction
Ping G430 LST Driver
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°
Launch: Low
Spin: Low
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Longest club I’ve ever hit
- Super satisfying aerodynamic sound
- Lots of adjustability
- Just a beautiful looking club
Cons:
- Not very forgiving
- Not a fan of the impact sound
My Full Ping G430 LST Driver Review
Features and Benefits
- Carbonfly Wrap Crown – New composite crown is ultra lightweight and wraps around the toe and heel to free up weight that is put low and forward
- T9S+ Forged Face – Variable thickness and extreme flex at impact generate greater forgiveness and distance
- Spinsistency – The face is designed with “variable roll” which lowers loft at the bottom of the face to keep spin consistent on mishits for this low spin driver
- Compact Head Design – Coming in at 440cc (20cc smaller than most drivers on the market) the smaller head increases aerodynamics and thus increases club head speed
Testing the Ping 430 LST
I tested the Ping G430 LST Driver for two weeks, and had six range sessions and two rounds on the course.
I went with the slick looking Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome 65 shaft in a stiff flex with 9° of loft. I used my Rapsodo PLM to get some performance data while at the range.
My Experience with the Ping G430 LST Driver
Coming off a successful test of the G430 Max, I had high expectations for the LST. I thought “the Max was so long and forgiving, how much longer can Ping get if we sacrifice some of that forgiveness?” Unboxing was a treat as the new Ping drivers are a work of art, and who doesn’t like unboxing a new driver?!
I took it out to the range almost immediately. Boy was that a lot of fun! With a few practice swings I could feel the speed as it cut through the thick humid South Carolina air. I immediately noticed the club had a wiz sound to it as I swung. I loved it!
It didn’t take long to see that this driver was the longest club I have ever tested. Carry distance was 20 yards farther than my beloved gamer. Below is my Rapsodo data. Keep in mind these numbers are with range rocks (range balls tend to carry 10% less than a premium ball).
The distance gains with G430 LST comes with a price though. Reduced forgiveness. Well struck shots were absolutely incredible, but the margin for error is small. Anything towards the heel or toe would produce unwanted results, and as a double digit handicapper, it would happen more than I would like.
My Grading of the G430 LST Driver
Distance (A+)
Who doesn’t want 20+ yards of extra carry distance? I sure do! Ping definitely developed a fast, brutal, distance machine with the Ping G430 LST Driver. It also sports a nice mid/low trajectory that increases roll out for lots of combined distance gains as well.
Forgiveness (C)
Playability/Workability (A)
The LST has lots of playability to generate draws and fades, but you have to possess the skill to create those shots on command. The trajectory suited my eye well, and I just knew it was ideal for maximum carry and roll out. The adjustable weight and hosel let you further tune in that shot shape you are looking for.
Looks (A+)
Sound and Feel (B-)
Customer Reviews
Bottom Line – Why Consider the Ping G430 LST Driver?
The G430 LST is players driver with lots of benefits for that type of player. I am a mid handicap player though, and I was able to put together some decent rounds and find the fairway. If you are looking for more distance, less spin, and lower trajectory, the LST might be worth a shot!
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°
Launch: Low
Spin: Low
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Longest club I’ve ever hit
- Super satisfying aerodynamic sound
- Lots of adjustability
- Just a beautiful looking club
Cons:
- Not very forgiving
- Not a fan of the impact sound
Who is the Ping G430 LST Driver For?
Low Handicap (YES)
The low spin and high ball speed make this a no brainer for single digit handicaps and lower.
Mid Handicap (Maybe)
There is a definite risk/reward for a mid handicapper and this driver. The LST will get you down the fairway farther, but you might struggle to find the fairway with the reduced forgiveness.
High Handicap (NO!)
I wouldn’t recommend this club to a higher handicap player. There are better options for you. Even in the G430 family! Stick with the G430 Max or SFT for much better results for your skill level.
Alternate Choices
Titleist TSR4 – Titleist TSR4 has a compact head shape, adjustable weight, and low spin. Perfect comparison to the LST.
Paradym Triple Diamond – Tour preferred shape and performance. Smaller head shape to boost swing speed, and thus more ball speed.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 – Movable weight, and very long off the tee. Rory McIlroy hits BOMBS with this club.
Ping G425 LST (review) – check out the LST from a few years ago if you’re looking for a discount
My Final Verdict of the Ping G430LST Driver
Being the first time trying a “players driver” I was a bit nervous that it would be impossible to hit, and I would embarrass myself for even trying it out. Not the case at all. This club lacks some forgiveness, but it’s by no means unhittable.
Some of the best drives I have ever hit were with the Ping G430 LST Driver.
I was finding myself with much closer approach shots on my home course. However, I did find new parts of the trees boarding the fairways with this club too. Personally, I am close, but not quite ready for a player’s driver. That is no knock on the LST though, because it is FANTASTIC!
I was able to get extensive testing done on this club thanks to Global Golf and their UTry Program. You definitely want to make sure the clubs you are buying are a good fit for your game, and the UTry program lets you put the clubs through their paces as you figure out if it’s for you or not.
FAQ
When is the Ping G430 LST release date?
Do any pros use the Ping G430 driver?
- Victor Hovland
- Jason Day
- Bubba Watson
- Keegan Bradley
- Louis Oosthuizen
- Sahith Theegala
- Tony Finau
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Lee Westwood
- Corey Conners
- Joaquin Niemann
- Joel Dahmen
- Harris English
- JJ Spaun
- Kevin Streelman
- Mackenzi Hughes
- Martin Laird
- Seamus Power
- Taylor Moore
- Victor Perez
Is the Ping G430 LST fade bias?
What does ping LST stand for?
What is the difference between G430 LST and MAX?
Loft Options: 9°, 10.5°
Launch: Low
Spin: Low
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Pros:
- Longest club I’ve ever hit
- Super satisfying aerodynamic sound
- Lots of adjustability
- Just a beautiful looking club
Cons:
- Not very forgiving
- Not a fan of the impact sound
About the Author
By James Hunt – Last Updated on Jul 27, 2023
Expertise:
James is an avid golfer and equipment tester here at Swing Yard. He’s currently living in the golf mecca of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He first started playing golf at age of 11 with his Dad on the weekends. Just last spring, James was finally able to take his dad on a bucket list trip to The Masters! At a current handicap of 9, and consistently breaking 80, James is working hard to get closer and closer to breaking Par. Give James’s full bio a read for more info.
Reviewed By:
By Coach Erik Schjolberg – Last Reviewed on Jul 27, 2023
Expertise:
Coach Erik actively coaches several PGA Tour Professionals. He’s the head golf instructor and writer here at Swing Yard, was voted the “#1 Golf Coach in Scottsdale, Arizona”, and has been coaching for over 20+ years. Erik also owns and operates his own online golf school, EJS Golf Academy. His other credentials include: Active PGA Coaches Membership, Titleist TPI Level 1 and 2, Trackman Certified Level 1, Dr. Kwon’s Biomechanics Level I and II, Scott Cowx Certified Level I Advanced, BodiTrack and V1 Sports Pressure Mat Certified, Titleist Club Fitting and Ball Fitting Certified, PGA Hope, and Sportsbox AI. Check out Erik’s full bio and certifications for more info.
