I’m sure you’re already aware, but I just wanted to share a little bit about why the position of the center of gravity is so important.
The center of gravity is an essential aspect of clubhead design, influencing a range of performance features.
By optimizing the center of gravity, one can enhance key attributes such as launch angle, feel, spin rate, and forgiveness and improve shaft response.
Understanding how to adjust the center of gravity effectively presents an opportunity to significantly elevate golf clubs’ performance.
Many golf equipment manufacturers actively explore the benefits of adjusting their designs’ center of gravity (CG) position.
For instance, the TaylorMade Qi10 MAX driver showcases a deeper and lower CG, which can enhance performance.
Last year, my most popular golf equipment article focused on the PING G430 driver, which made me particularly eager to explore the new PING G440 driver.
I’m curious to see what advancements it brings and how it improves upon its predecessor.
New PING G440 driver – features
PING offers three driver models (MAX, LST, SFT). For golfers with slower swing speeds, every driver model, except the LST driver, can be tailored with lighter head weights, the ultralight PING Alta Quick shaft, and a lighter grip, all included in the G440 High Launch (HL) option.
The engineering team has developed new drivers with the lowest center of gravity ever seen in a PING driver.
This breakthrough enhances ball speed and launch across the clubface, achieved through several weight-saving innovations, such as Carbonfly Wrap crown technology across all three models.
The design features a shallower face, a lightweight carbon crown, and an internal system called Free Hosel, which significantly reduces weight and positions the center of gravity in line with the force for increased ball speed, ideal spin, and higher launch trajectories.
The lower face height also creates a hotter, thinner surface that flexes more, particularly in the high heel area, a common mis-hit zone for many golfers.
The Free Hosel design also conserves four grams in the hosel area inside the head, which is crucial in optimizing the center of gravity location.
Understanding that a well-designed, lighter system weight results in faster swing speeds and greater distance, the head and shaft mass was decreased, reducing the overall weight by 10 grams from the previous model.
Consequently, the standard shaft length has been extended by ¼” to 46” for the PING ALTA CB Blue and 45.5” for the PING Tour 2.0 and stock aftermarket options.
This combination enhances speed while maintaining forgiveness and better dispersion.
The SFT (Straight Flight Technology) model, which positions the CG to deliver right-to-left shot bend, is offered in a 9° loft to fill a growing need among new golfers.
PING G440 driver – specifications
- Head weights: 205g (LST), 203g (MAX), 199g (SFT)
- Lofts (adjustable +-1.5°):MAX (9°, 10.5°, 12°), LST (9°, 10.5°), SFT (9°, 10.5°)
- Swing weights: D3 (MAX), D4 (LST), D0 (SFT)
- Std. length: 46″ (Alta CB Blue 50; 45 1/2″ (PING Tour 2.0 Chrome/Black and optional stock)
- Stock shafts: PING Alta CB (counter-balanced) Blue 50 (SR, R, S), PING Alta Quick 35/45 (HL build)
- Optional stock shafts: PING Tour 2.0 Chrome 65 (R, S, X), PING Tour 2.0 Black 65 (S, X), Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black 65/75 (S, X), PRJX Denali Red 50 (5.5, 6.0), PRJX Denali Red 60 (5.5, 6.0, 6.5), PRJX Denali Red 70 (6.0, 6.5)
- Stock grip: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16”, Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”, White-Std, Gold +1/32”, Orange +1/16”)
- RRP: €685 each with stock shaft