PING G440 MAX Driver

PING G440 MAX Driver Review

Today, I tested this golf club on the range.

The club I tested was the PING G440 MAX Driver.

The shaft used was the ALTA J CB BLUE.

Loft: 10.5°

Club length: 46 inches

Shaft flex: S

Shaft weight: 58g

Torque: 5.0

Kick point: Mid

The G440 MAX is the latest addition to PING’s popular G440 series.

Previously, I had the chance to test both the SFT and LST models, and today I finally got to test their sibling: the MAX.

While these sister models may look nearly identical from the outside, they can feel drastically different in performance once you swing them.

Not only are the weight placements on the exterior different, but I believe the internal structure of the head is significantly changed as well.

Visual Design & Appearance

The word “CARBONFLY WRAP” appears on the toe side, which also appears on other models in the series.

It’s safe to say that a significant portion of the head is constructed with carbon material.

The heel features the label “MAX.”
That simple word will likely resonate with a lot of golfers who are looking for confidence-inspiring clubs.

Like its siblings, this driver features a shallow face and a large-sized head.
It initially appeared oversized, but I’ve grown used to it — and now it just looks normal.

A substantial weight is positioned at the back of the head.
The exact weight wasn’t listed, so it’s likely not adjustable.

With “HIGH LAUNCH” marked on the head, it’s safe to assume this weight placement is optimized for a higher launch angle.

The neck is of standard length for PING drivers — nothing out of the ordinary.

An adjustable hosel system is built into the neck area, offering loft and lie customization.

The setting I used for testing was marked with a circle “〇”.
Shape & Feel at Address

The familiar shallow head has a pleasing amount of thickness, giving it a solid presence.

This is the classic “PING look.”
What’s impressive about PING is how little the face design changes between models — this consistency is part of why loyal fans stick with the brand.
The club inspires confidence at address.

The matte carbon crown has excellent texture.
Its subdued finish not only looks good but also helps hide any imperfections.
I wonder what the purpose of those fine lines on the crown might be?

The signature turbulators on the crown are back.
If I recall correctly, these aerodynamic ridges debuted with the G30 and have gradually increased in prominence with each new model.
PING wouldn’t keep using them if they didn’t work — and that’s what makes them a performance-driven brand.

The face design hasn’t changed from the previous G-series models.

The grip is the same as what comes standard on other G440 models.

Swing Feel

Swinging this club gave a solid impression — though lightweight overall, the shaft felt sturdy enough to support the large head.

Back in the day, when heads got this big, shafts often couldn’t keep up.
Now, manufacturers like PING are co-developing heads and shafts, resulting in better synergy and optimized performance with stock setups.

What used to require aftermarket “custom” shafts can now be achieved with standard offerings — reliable, well-matched, and forgiving.

Addressing the ball, the look at setup is excellent.
Given the “MAX” name, I expected an aggressively closed face — but that wasn’t the case.

It definitely isn’t open-faced either, but the slight draw bias isn’t overdone.
Compared to the SFT, which felt more hook-prone, this model strikes a better visual balance.
I’d love to compare them side-by-side in the future.

Then, I began hitting balls…

Feel & Sound

The feel at impact was satisfying — solid and responsive rather than soft.
It’s the familiar sensation I associate with PING clubs: you might even call it “The PING Feel.”

The sound also had that classic PING signature — a sharp, crisp, pleasing note.
It’s not muted or dull.
PING seems to intentionally maintain the same sound and feel even as they evolve their internal designs.
Consistency in feedback is clearly a priority for them.

Launch & Spin

The ball launched high with ease — definitely a user-friendly trajectory.
The back weight placement clearly plays a role here, encouraging a launch pattern where the face feels like it’s “lifting” upward through impact.

While some recent shallow drivers with 10°+ lofts can feel demanding, this one isn’t.
It launches high and travels far with a strong, rising ball flight.

Compared to the LST model, the spin is slightly higher — but not excessive.
This MAX version offers a balanced combination of forgiveness and spin reduction, making it much more approachable.

️ Forgiveness & Stability

As expected from PING, stability is top-tier.
The sweet spot feels generous, and there’s no harshness even on off-center strikes.

The draw bias is present, but not overwhelming like the SFT model.
You can swing a bit freely with this driver and still expect a reliable outcome.
It expands your “target line” mentally — instead of threading a needle, it feels like aiming for a wide landing zone.

️ Workability & Control

This isn’t a club built for high-level shot shaping.
Its forgiving nature makes it more automatic — and that’s not a bad thing.

You can count on it to produce your natural shot shape consistently.
It doesn’t feel prone to fade; if anything, there’s a slight tendency to draw.
But again — not as extreme as the SFT. This will likely appeal to a wider audience.

Distance Performance

Distance performance is impressive — both in carry and total yardage.

Having recently tested the LST model, I can clearly say this MAX version has a completely different character.
Where LST is low-spin and potentially harder to optimize, the MAX feels effortless yet still long.

It launches high, stays airborne, and lands softly.
Its consistency in both direction and height will appeal to most mid-handicap golfers.

⚖️ Overall Balance & Positioning

Having now tested the SFT, LST, and MAX, it’s clear that MAX sits at the “standard” center of the lineup — striking a balance between forgiveness, feel, and spin control.

If you find the SFT’s face angle too closed, or the LST too demanding, the MAX offers the perfect middle ground.
While the LST might be more attractive aesthetically, it requires a faster swing speed to unlock its potential.

Unlike many recent releases that offer four variations, the G440 series sticks to a trio.
MAX serves as the “neutral” or “baseline” model.

All three share a confidence-inspiring large head.
SFT is most draw-biased, LST is lowest in spin, and MAX is comfortably in between — the most balanced of the three.

The G440 series is reportedly a strong seller for PING — and I’d bet the MAX is leading the pack.
The one I tested was 10.5°, but a 9° version is also available. I’d love to test that one soon.

Even with its “MAX” name, I suspect it can still reduce spin quite efficiently.

A stable, well-balanced, and high-performing driver.

While labeled as “standard,” its performance is anything but average.
This is a high-level, high-stability driver that truly reflects PING’s dedication to both performance and forgiveness.

⭐ Ratings

Ease of setup: ★★★★☆

Feel: ★★★★☆

Sound: ★★★★☆

Launch: ★★★★☆

Forgiveness: ★★★★★

Distance: ★★★★★

Workability: ★★★☆☆

✅ Pros

High launch with solid carry

Stable distance with moderate spin

Easy to align despite its large head

Not overly draw-biased at address

❌ Cons

Limited workability for shot shaping

May not satisfy players who want max distance like the LST

️‍♂️ Recommended For:

Golfers seeking stability and slight draw bias

Players who want solid distance without sacrificing forgiveness

Those who found the SFT too extreme or LST too demanding

Fans of shallow-headed drivers who want confidence at address

*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)

From the official website:

PING G440 MAX Driver Review (2025): Forgiveness, Launch & Distance for Most Golfers

Point — What is the PING G440 MAX Driver and who is it for?

The PING G440 MAX Driver is PING’s most forgiving model in their 2025 G440 driver lineup, engineered for consistent high-launch distance. It delivers exceptional performance for mid-handicappers and golfers seeking stability and straighter ball flight with minimal swing effort Golf Monthly+15PING+15Golfmagic+15.

Reason — Why it stands out

1. Low Center of Gravity via Free Hosel & CarbonFly Wrap
   PING’s Free Hosel relocates hosel weight to lower and deepen the driver’s CG—the lowest ever in a PING driver—enhancing forgiveness and fairway-finding consistency Golf Monthly+8PING+8Today’s Golfer+8.

2. Hotter, Thinner Face
   A reduced face height yields a thinner, faster face delivering higher ball speeds—even on heel and toe strikes—for more carry and speed consistency Golf Monthly+14PING+14PING+14.

3. Adjustability & Back Weight Tuning
   The 29‑gram movable back weight offers draw, fade, or neutral settings; combined with eight‑position Trajectory Tuning (±1.5° loft, up to 3° lie adjustment), golfers can fine‑tune launch and shape PING+12PING+12Today’s Golfer+12.

4. Lighter Overall Build & Longer Shaft (46″)
   A quarter-ounce reduction in total head weight and a longer shaft enable faster clubhead speed and higher launch—especially in the Alta CB Blue 50 or High Launch (HL) build Golf Monthly+15PING+15PING+15.

Evidence — What reviewers and users say

Expert Reviews & Specs

• Golfmagic praises the G440 Max as a blend of forgiveness, playability, and speed, and notes the larger 29 g back weight enables real shot‑shape control and heightened carry beyond 275 yards for one tester PING+14Golfmagic+14PING+14.

• Today’s Golfer rates it 18/20, highlighting its clean modern looks, muted sound, excellent stability, and consistent tight dispersion—even on low‑face strikes PING+2Today’s Golfer+2Golf Monthly+2.

• GolfWRX Club Junkie calls its shape pleasing and notes the G440 Max may offer the best sound of the year GolfWRX.

Player Feedback

• A MyGolfSpy forum user shared a personal improvement: carry distance increased from ~185 yards to 195–205 yards, total 215–230 yards—acknowledging G440 Max as superior in straightness and speed compared to competitor models Golf Monthly+13MyGolfSpy Forum+13PING+13.

✅ Point — Key Features & Performance Summary

Official Specifications (from PING, accurate to Jan 2025)

⛳ Swing Speed & Estimated Distance Ranges

Want more reviews of PING clubs? Check them out here.