Ping G400 Max Driver Review

The Ping G400 Max Driver is engineered with the same technology as the original G400 but geared for more forgiveness

“We’re on a mission to help golfers play better, and we know that starts with clubs that deliver across-the-board performance gains,” said John K. Solheim, PING president. “The new G400 Max is engineered with the same technology as the original G400 but we’ve optimized the size to gain even more forgiveness, which leads to tighter dispersion and lower scores.

With the addition of the Max to the G400 driver family, golfers now have four fitting options to ensure they’re getting the most out of their game. If you struggle finding the fairway with consistency, the Max is likely the best fit for you.”

・Ping G700 Irons
・Ping introduce new driver, wedges, putters and iron
・Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges

In the G400 Max driver, PING have achieved its all-time high MOI measurements by optimising the crown and face design in the larger-profile, multi-material head.

The forgiveness gains are attributable to the 460cc head and nearly four times the discretionary weight created by Dragonfly crown technology and the thin, forged face. Its high-density tungsten back weight wraps around the back of the sole to help bring the combined MOI (heel/toe and high/low) over 9,900 gram cm². Its CG position is lower and farther back than any current driver on the market to make it the most forgiving driver in golf – surpassing the current G400 driver.

“Our engineers focused on increasing the forgiveness of the driver while maintaining the distance gains and powerful sound of the original G400 driver,” said Solheim.

“It’s remarkable how long and straight the G400 Max flies. The forgiveness is off the charts and leads to tighter dispersion, which reveals just how consistent your distance and accuracy results will be on the golf course. We encourage all golfers to get fit and look closely at their dispersion, not just their one best shot on a launch monitor.”

Ping G400 Max Driver: You need to know

All the same aerodynamics, acoustic, fast face and dragonfly crown tech as the standard Ping G400 driver but with a 460cc headsize, to improve forgiveness. Tungsten weighting is wrapped from the sole onto the back skirt raising MOI 700 points higher then the standard G400. Extensive frequency and vibration research delivers a deep muted impact sound.

Everything you need to know about driver shaft weight. And why it’s now more important than flex. 

Ping G400 Max Driver: We say

MAX is a really interesting addition to the G400 driver family. Where the other heads are 445cc in size Ping have taken MAX to the 460cc limit. Ping say golfers may lose a little club speed, thanks to the extra size, but whatever’s lost is more than made up for in forgiveness. It’s particularly useful for golfers who spray shots around the face and those that could really benefit from hitting more fairways. For our erratic TG editor, MAX was a revelation, posting his fastest average ball speed (142mph) along with his longest individual shot carry distance (249 yards). Simply put you can’t buy a G400 driver in 2018 without looking at MAX too. Like the other G400 models it sits beautifully behind the ball, and Ping say it’s massive MOI makes it the most forgiving driver on the market.      

Ping G400 Max Driver: Verdict

MAX isn’t just for hackers and it doesn’t make the standard G400 redundant either. Both have their place, Tony Finau, one of the tours longest hitters has MAX in his bag. If you want help deciding between the pair think about your normal driving game. If you miss lots of fairways and spray shots all over the face MAX could be a great shout. If though your game would benefit from all the speed you can get your hands on, the standard G400 could be the better option. Either way make sure you get fitted.     

Old vs New Driver Review: G400 MAX vs G30 vs G20 vs G10

See our Best 2018 Driver Test here

Battle of the 2018 driver faces

How does the Ping G400 Max compare to the G400?

• RRP: £389
• Stock grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 in six sizes (Blue -1/16", Red -1/32", Aqua -1/64", White Std., Gold +1/32", Orange +1/16")
• Loft adjustability: Up to +-1⁰
• Shaft options: PING Alta CB (counter-balanced) 55 (SR, R, S, X), PING Tour 65, 75 (R, S, X), Alta Distanza 40
• Aftermarket shaft options (Upcharge): Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver Dual-Core TiNi 60 (R, S, X), Project X HZRDUS Yellow 75 (5.5, 6.0, 6.5), Aldila X-Torsion Copper (50R, 60S)
• Multi-material construction: Cast Ti 8-1-1 body, forged T9S+ face, high-density tungsten back weight, lightweight aluminum/thermoplastic adjustable hosel
• Loft options: 9⁰ & 10.5⁰