First test! G v G400

How the latest model compares to the hugely-popular outgoing driver

The question everyone wants answered when a major equipment manufacturer launches a new driver is always: Is it any better? And if it is, how much better and is it worth spending the cash to upgrade? We roped in our TG test pro Chris Ryan to hit both the old G and new G400 in the same spec on a launch monitor so we could get some data to see how they compare.

Sound

For us it’s the biggest area of improvement in the G400. The sound is unlike any Ping driver we’ve heard before, and obviously played a huge role in convincing tour players to put it straight in the bag. Compared to previous Ping drivers, which could be called “loud”, the G400 is premium, dull, muted and powerful.

Looks

We love the “infinity edge” crown on the G400, the square face angle, the tiny new crown spots (which soften the body’s shape) and the new copper-and-black colour scheme. The best-looking Ping driver ever? We’d say so.

Performance

We tested the standard G400 and, simply, it’s one of the most forgiving drivers we’ve hit this year. That tungsten back weighting lowers and deepens the centre of gravity (as the mass is positioned right on the edge of the head) so you get higher ball speeds on off-centre hits. But because there’s more weight at the back you get a higher launch angle. This means players are able to use a lower loft, which adds very welcome extra ball speed.

The numbers

They speak for themselves. The G400 increased ball speed by 2mph, launched shots higher (the key to hitting it further) and gave Chris 15 extra yards over G.

Shaft

We saw no reason to put anything other than the Tour 65 in our test pros’ hitting sample. For golfers who insist on branded shafts, Ping offer three upgrades (for an extra £60): Grafalloy HZRDUS Yellow (low launch); Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver (mid); Aldila X Torsion (high).