Ping

What it does: The engineers at Ping like to say, “We don’t really drop things that tend to be working.” The G430 line continues
to employ a heavy dose of forgiveness, stability and the aerodynamic efficiencies of turbulator ridges on the crown. But the G430 lineup further amplifies an ultra-forgiving design by introducing an improved variable-thickness face pattern and structural support for more energy transfer at impact.

Why we like it: Ping gets ample credit for the big things, like its clubhead stability, but it does the little things well, too. The G430’s face curvature, with less loft on the lower portion of the face, reduces spin so that weaker shots fly more efficiently.

Which one’s for me? The MAX performs well on mis-hits and yields a higher ball flight. The SFT adds a second draw setting for increased slice fighting. The LST is more compact and uses a carbon-composite crown to lower the centre of gravity for the lowest spin and flattest flight. The HL versions use a lighter shaft, grip and head to boost power and launch in slower swings.

Lofts 9, 10.5, 12 (max, hl); 10.5 (sft); 9, 10.5 (lst)