By James Hunt – Jul 27, 2023
(Reviewed by Coach Erik Schjolberg)
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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 – the 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. my Rapsodo PLM to get some performance data while at the range.
My Experience with the Ping G430 LST Driver
https://youtu.be/nzPPmjm65Jg
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 a player’s 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. 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
The Ping G430 LST driver release date was January 26, 2023.
Yes, the pros using the Ping G430 LST are:
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
No, the Ping G430 LST driver is a neutral bias (or no bias) club. However, does have an adjustable weight and hosel to fine-tune your desired ball flight.
The Ping LST stands for Low Spin Tech, which is mostly refers to spin loft. So it’s best suited for higher swing-speed players.
The difference between the Ping drivers G430 LST and Max is that the LST model sacrifices forgiveness on off-center strikes for more distance. The Max is the opposite, with more forgiveness with slightly less distance.
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