Ping G430 LST driver £575

GM verdict

While there are three versions of the Ping G430 driver, the LST (low-spin) version is the only one that features a carbon crown. This creates a striking new aesthetic that looks high-tech and premium as soon as you set it down behind the ball.

Ping’s trademark Turbulators combine with a two-tone finish on the crown. The leading edge is matte black while the rest of the crown boasts a modern, carbon effect with some very subtle, smart yellow and grey details around the edge.

Looking at the data, the two key numbers were ball speed and spin. At 167mph, the ball speed is up there with the fastest we’ve had from any 2023 driver model. Despite this extra speed, spin was down compared to both the Max and SFT versions of the G430 (as you’d expect), delivering a strong flight and the most distance.

What we liked most about the G430 LST – and this was something we noticed more on the course – was that despite the speed, compact look and relatively low spin, we still felt in control of where the ball was going.

Some low-spin drivers can be fairly hard to hit, with mishits costing distance and accuracy. That particular trade-off doesn’t appear as big here, which gives the LST a very broad appeal. It isn’t intimidating to look down on, with enough forgiveness there to benefit a range of abilities.

The final elements to consider are the feel and sound. With the new G430 drivers, this is an area the brand has looked at closely, introducing a new rib structure within the head to improve both. To us, this change has resulted in a more powerful impact sensation. It isn’t as quiet through the ball as competitors like the Taylormade Stealth 2 driver, but it strikes a good balance between feeling hot while being neither too loud nor too muted.

All in all, Ping’s new G430 LST is a hugely impressive driver.