The new 2021 Ping G425 driver is here! (Or at least can be seen on the USGA and R&A conforming drivers list)

After much speculation, we now have official confirmation, thanks to the USGA and R&A conforming driver lists, that the Ping G425 drivers exist and with some similar models to fall in line including the LST (Low Spin technology), MAX, and SFT (Straight Flight Technology) for late 2020 into 2021.

We have reached out to Ping and have no official comment yet from the Phoenix-based equipment company, but based on the images and our knowledge of previous models, we can draw some conclusions based on the visual elements and markings.

Ping G425 (speculated) technology

Although we can only see the sole of the new drivers there are some design points that allow us to make strong assumptions on the new products.

Ping G425 MAX

Across the equipment industry, the “MAX” name has become synonymous with drivers designed for maximum MOI, and it looks like the new Ping G425 MAX is going to do just that. Similar to the previous G410 Plus, the sole appears very flat, which allows engineers to place as much weight as possible low in the head, and the shape is elongated to push more mass away from the face to produce very high MOI numbers.

The one interesting thing to note is that unlike the G410 Plus, the movable weight along the back of the head seems to have a smaller overall distance from the fade to draw setting. This could mean a couple of things.

• Through fittings and testing Ping realized that it didn’t need such extreme settings on the driver to help control ball flight direction. Or…
• The new weight in the back of the head is heavier than the previous G410 weight which would allow for the same adjustability within a smaller area of movement and result in higher MOI because it is positioned farther back and away from the face.

If I had to put down money on a guess, I feel it’s a combination of the two, which is why the driver looks the way it does.

So far the available lofts being shown are 9°, 10.5°, and 12° in both Right and Left-handed.

The last piece of speculation based on what we know so far is that the MAX name will be permanently replacing the “Plus” model from Ping in this release. This puts Ping more in line with other OEM’s from a naming and model perspective by offering 3 very distinct versions: MAX for maximum forgiveness, SFT for fade correction, and LST as the lowest spin option.

Ping G425 SFT – Straight Flight Technology

This is the most obvious driver to understand. The SFT models from Ping have always been designed to help golfers who struggle with a fade miss and the Ping G425 looks to continue that tradition.

Like the MAX, the sole of the G425 SFT appears very flat and elongated to allow engineers to place as much weight as possible back and low in the head. The other thing to note is that there is a single tungsten weight placed in the heel to aid in closing the face and create a draw bias within the head. When comparing visually with the G410, the weight on the G425 SFT looks to be pushed slightly out of the head to help boost that draw bias.

If we know anything about Ping there is probably even more going on under the hood to help golfers eliminate a big miss.

So far the only available loft being shown is 10.5° in both Right and Left-handed.

Ping G425 LST – Low Spin Technology

This is the driver that is going to cause perked up ears from those looking to help lower spin and dial in launch conditions—the G425 LST.

Since this driver is the one designed to help lower spin, the most noticeable visual telltale sign is the shorter front to back length—as it is well known within the driver design space, a low and more forward center of gravity helps reduce spin and shortening this length is one of the quickest ways to do it.

We should note, Ping doesn’t like to sacrifice forgiveness in the name of lower spin, so to see how they are able to locate the CG on the new G425 while also keeping spin as low if not lower than the previous G410 will be very interesting.

The new Ping G425 LST looks to have the side weight track in the back of the head with the same travel length from side to side as the MAX model. This moveable weight was a big change for Ping but with the success of the previous line and its expanded ability to better help golfers dial in dispersion, it’s no surprise it’s sticking around and being improved upon.

So far the available lofts being shown are 9° and 10.5° in both Right and Left-handed.

Conclusion

This is going to be a very interesting release from Ping, and although we have no official information yet, there has been some speculation that the driver is to be released in Australia and around that region before it makes its way to North America. The speculation makes some sense considering the recent crunch to global supply changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we move into fall in North America, the southern hemisphere is turning to spring—prime golf season.

To see what other golfers are saying about the speculated Ping G425 drivers, check out the GolfWRX Forums and join the discussion: GolfWRX Forums – Ping G425 Driver