Ping G400

www.ping.com X Lofts: 3-14.5° / 5-17.5° / 7-20.5° / 9-23.5° X Shafts:ping Alta CB65 / Ping Tour 65 X Adjustable hosel: Yes X Loft change: +/- 1°

TECH: The G400 has a new maraging steel face, which Ping says is 20% stronger and 20% more flexible; they claim it delivers an extra 2mph of ball speed over the previous G model. 30% of the head’s mass is located in the sole, which Ping reckons improves MOI and forgiveness.

WE SAY: Ball speed was 1mph quicker than average, while backspin was 250rpm less than average. It added up to a carry distance three yards further than our test average. The G400’s lower but larger profile and stretched head looks great behind the ball. Compared to the carbon models (Rogue, M3/M4, F8) sound is a bit higher pitched, which gives a lively, responsive impact sensation which isn’t there with all carbon crown models. We’re big fans of the array of loft options, too –there’s enough to legitimately fill yardage gaps if you prefer fairway woods over hybrids.

TOP GEAR VERDICT

The G400 fairway is another triumph for Ping, its decent sized head is friendly to hit from the turf and tee box and thanks to an adjustable hosel it can be dialled in to fill specific yardage gaps within your own set. An SFT model also helps fight a slice.