G430 5 wood may be the best I’ve ever had

[Northsider]

Curious if anyone is still playing their G430 5 wood?  I recently tried the 3 wood but it was too long for me and creeping up to the driver. 

[driveandputtmachine]

On 8/12/2023 at 10:19 PM, Tee1up4 said:

The PING G430 5 wood may very well be the best single golf club I’ve ever used. I go Driver, 3W, 5W. Admittedly I probably don’t need a 3 wood especially at my home track. Only use it on 2 tee balls. Rarely find myself needing 3 wood into par 5’s. 
 

Back to the 5 wood. It is so so versatile for me. One part about my game is I’ve always struggled with taking anything off/flighting/etc. with a fairway wood. The 430 5 wood ticks every box for me. Im able to confidently hit it 245ish(max). Have hit higher cuts at 210 if there’s a lot of wind. I’m just blown away by the versatility of this club. Tee, rough, fairway. It just performs. 
 

Bored tonight and poking around. Been meaning to post it for a while. Figured some gear heads would enjoy hearing it. 

So because I had some credit I decided to try the 430max 5 wood to see if it could oust my Sim2 5 wood.  Mainly I tried it because of how good the 430 LST driver was.  It was amazing, it was so good in fact that I bought a 7 wood and cut it down length wise to replace my 4 iron.  Shoot I even ended up getting a 430 Max 10k driver too.

 

Now I do NOT like the 430 3 wood, since my 3 wood is absolutely a tee only club.  I want something deeper, if it was a fairway main club AND they made a 13.5 I might would try one.  Would LOVE a Ping mini driver for that spot.

 

Also being able to play a high flighty soft 5 wood and 7 wood with a little cut, or really go after one with a draw has really made the bigger gaps I have at the top of the bag more manageable.

 

===

 

Big caveat here - I CANNOT hit hybrids consistently to save my life.  I have never been able to since the old Adams PNT hybrid.  I have tried Ping, Callaway, TM, Cobra, Srixon, Mizuno, hybrids and driving irons and everything in between in the 4 iron spot for my bag.

[Northsider]

53 minutes ago, driveandputtmachine said:

So because I had some credit I decided to try the 430max 5 wood to see if it could oust my Sim2 5 wood.  Mainly I tried it because of how good the 430 LST driver was.  It was amazing, it was so good in fact that I bought a 7 wood and cut it down length wise to replace my 4 iron.  Shoot I even ended up getting a 430 Max 10k driver too.

 

Now I do NOT like the 430 3 wood, since my 3 wood is absolutely a tee only club.  I want something deeper, if it was a fairway main club AND they made a 13.5 I might would try one.  Would LOVE a Ping mini driver for that spot.

 

Also being able to play a high flighty soft 5 wood and 7 wood with a little cut, or really go after one with a draw has really made the bigger gaps I have at the top of the bag more manageable.

 

===

 

Big caveat here - I CANNOT hit hybrids consistently to save my life.  I have never been able to since the old Adams PNT hybrid.  I have tried Ping, Callaway, TM, Cobra, Srixon, Mizuno, hybrids and driving irons and everything in between in the 4 iron spot for my bag.

How do you find the 5 wood from the tee?

[XHoop24]

I'm currently gaming the G430LST Driver, G 3 Hybrid, and G430 4 Hybrid. I tried the G430 Max 3 wood and really liked it but kept my current 3 wood. All that said, I'm putting together a 10 club bag and am trying a shortened G430 5 wood as the only 'wood' in that bag. Excited to see this thread pop up. 

Edited September 3, 2024 by XHoop24

[driveandputtmachine]

1 hour ago, RH82 said:

How do you find the 5 wood from the tee?

TBH I have gotten to where I just place the ball on the teebox grass now and don't even use a tee anymore.  I find myself trying to hit up on it too much when I use a tee, which is NOT the feel I should be going for, it should be at worst level or hitting down a tad, so I am better with it without a tee.

 

This is mainly a me thing, as I know plenty of people that tee up Ping FW's and hit them great.

[DE-ILLINI]

1 hour ago, driveandputtmachine said:

TBH I have gotten to where I just place the ball on the teebox grass now and don't even use a tee anymore.  I find myself trying to hit up on it too much when I use a tee, which is NOT the feel I should be going for, it should be at worst level or hitting down a tad, so I am better with it without a tee.

 

This is mainly a me thing, as I know plenty of people that tee up Ping FW's and hit them great.

I still use my G430 off the tee quite a bit.  I just tee it up like an iron.  Push the tee in far to simulate a good lie.  Works great.

Edited September 3, 2024 by DE-ILLINI

[XHoop24]

On 9/3/2024 at 1:03 PM, XHoop24 said:

I'm currently gaming the G430LST Driver, G 3 Hybrid, and G430 4 Hybrid. I tried the G430 Max 3 wood and really liked it but kept my current 3 wood. All that said, I'm putting together a 10 club bag and am trying a shortened G430 5 wood as the only 'wood' in that bag. Excited to see this thread pop up. 

I finally put my winter setup into play and the G430 5 wood is an absolute revelation. The best club I have put into play in 10+ years.  My regular group has was blown away by how well I was hitting it and all three stated that I absolutely cannot take this club out of the bag. 

 

I'm a bit confused what to do now with my normal 14 club bag - which was 3 wood, 3 hybrid, 4 hybrid....this club is so good I'm rethinking my entire setup. 

Edited November 26, 2024 by XHoop24

[gtrade]

I agree with the title. I play G430 5w in 7w length, turned down to 16.5, a bit heavier weight and it's just perfect. Went to a titleist 3w fitting few months ago but he couldnt find anything that would be better or even longer than the G430 5w.

 

Previously I had also g430 7w, but it was a bit too spinny and the gapping was not that good so just combined 5w and 7w by swapping the 7w head with the 5w and it's been good.

 

On 11/26/2024 at 5:32 PM, XHoop24 said:

I'm a bit confused what to do now with my normal 14 club bag - which was 3 wood, 3 hybrid, 4 hybrid....this club is so good I'm rethinking my entire setup. 

 

I'm now carrying only 13 clubs as I go driver - 5w - 4i. I think mini driver is the only thing that can get me decent gapping with the 16.5 degree 5w, carry and ball speed wise. I had tm brnr but it got cracked so now I'm looking for options. Although I havent been missing a club between D and 5w that much but some tuning needs to be always ongoing..

[BogeyTed]

It's so odd how some woods just speak to you. For me this is the Aerojet 5 wood. 

[Stonewalled]

Recently picked up a 430 7 max  and a SFT 3 wood.  I put my favourite purple Oban 3 wood shaft in the 7 wood. Not sure how but I hit the 7 wood farther and better (hi and straight) than the 3 wood SFT .  The 3 wood SFT is so confidence inspiring at address thou. Thinking one could close one's eyes and still hit the fairway. I had the G400 SFT 3 wood 5 years ago and I called it my magic club, but I sold it for some reason.😡  Won't be selling either of these. I did see a G430 5 wood at my local used club shop, thinking I need to add to the collection.  

Edited November 30, 2024 by Stonewalled

[Tingting]

Same.  At one point I only carried hybrids.  Now with 3 and 7 430 max. It’s like a whole new world.  It is my fairway finder off the tee and has replaced my 3 hybrid with my 7 wood.  Not ready yet for the 9 wood but it’s under strong consideration.  The beautiful thing about Pings fairway wood is the adjustability.  

Edited November 30, 2024 by Tingting

[Jraallen]

I’m very interested in trying the 430 max woods, maybe driver as well..but too worried I’ll like them too much and spend too much money and this thread is not helping one bit.

 

 

 

[vonbonds]

2 hours ago, Jraallen said:

I’m very interested in trying the 430 max woods, maybe driver as well..but too worried I’ll like them too much and spend too much money and this thread is not helping one bit.

 

 

 

I’ve gone from Titleist from driver through hybrids to Ping and the G430 line to be specific 

[Jraallen]

14 minutes ago, vonbonds said:

I’ve gone from Titleist from driver through hybrids to Ping and the G430 line to be specific 

I have the g425max driver/3/7 already and love them, other than I need some stiffer shafts. For now I’m just grabbing some used shafts to swap in… but you guys are really making me consider that maaaaybe the difference in cost between 3 shafts and 3 used clubs might not be so bad after all.

[philly2kuk]

On 8/13/2023 at 3:19 AM, Tee1up4 said:

The PING G430 5 wood may very well be the best single golf club I’ve ever used. I go Driver, 3W, 5W. Admittedly I probably don’t need a 3 wood especially at my home track. Only use it on 2 tee balls. Rarely find myself needing 3 wood into par 5’s. 
 

Back to the 5 wood. It is so so versatile for me. One part about my game is I’ve always struggled with taking anything off/flighting/etc. with a fairway wood. The 430 5 wood ticks every box for me. Im able to confidently hit it 245ish(max). Have hit higher cuts at 210 if there’s a lot of wind. I’m just blown away by the versatility of this club. Tee, rough, fairway. It just performs. 
 

Bored tonight and poking around. Been meaning to post it for a while. Figured some gear heads would enjoy hearing it. 

Don’t tell me this. I already have the g430 hybrid and love it, whilst I’ve been considering replacing my beloved old G five wood. Now my wallet is burning, I can smell it.

[gator022]

How is the 430 better than the 425? Any user experiences?

[Kimpano]

2 hours ago, gator022 said:

How is the 430 better than the 425? Any user experiences?

 

For me 425 was/is better. Less spinn but higher ball flight. I gone to taylormade stuff right now but are tempted to buy a new 425.

 

430 has a better sound, that was the only thing for me 😅

[XHoop24]

I’m sure the 425 is also good. I haven’t played a five wood in probably 10+ years so can’t do any direct comparisons. I just know this club has been incredible for my game. 
 

One thing I did that I’ve also seen mention by a few others is play it at slighty under standard length. I had mine built at 41.75”. 

[10undrbogey]

I’m spread across 3 generations 😄

 

Got the G430 Max 10k this season & love it. Have a G400 5w & a G425 7w & both are great. The 7w is just money, flies high & holds greens like a scoring iron. I’m not a long hitter so it’s about my 175y club.

 

Next on the agenda is. G430 9w!

[Highlander 24]

On 8/12/2023 at 10:37 PM, mantan said:

I'll file this one under different strokes for different folks.  I love my G430 driver.  But just didn't get along with the 5-wood at all.  I wish I did.  Had some decent range sessions with it. But I never hit a single good shot with it during a round. Not one.

Me too exact same story unfortunately 

[j3ffr0]

I recently got a G425 5 wood.  First few times I hit with the Atla stiff 65 shaft weren't much good.  Next time I tried a Tensei blue regular and that was way too whippy. Now I have it turned down to 16.5 degrees I've put a Ping tour 75g on it in stiff and the thing has been great.  Basically acts like great for wood.  If I nail it and it's really long.  Misses are up the middle and about as good as I would have gotten with the 3 hybrid anyway.  Loving it.  Good off the tee too... just tee low.   

 

Finally looks like I have something reliable in the fairway wood slot in my bag.  

[justcallmemoses]

On 11/28/2024 at 5:22 AM, gtrade said:

I agree with the title. I play G430 5w in 7w length, turned down to 16.5, a bit heavier weight and it's just perfect. Went to a titleist 3w fitting few months ago but he couldnt find anything that would be better or even longer than the G430 5w.

 

Previously I had also g430 7w, but it was a bit too spinny and the gapping was not that good so just combined 5w and 7w by swapping the 7w head with the 5w and it's been good.

 

 

I'm now carrying only 13 clubs as I go driver - 5w - 4i. I think mini driver is the only thing that can get me decent gapping with the 16.5 degree 5w, carry and ball speed wise. I had tm brnr but it got cracked so now I'm looking for options. Although I havent been missing a club between D and 5w that much but some tuning needs to be always ongoing..

I’m looking to play my g430 5 wood at 7 wood length. Do you mind me asking what gram weight you used for the half inch shorter? 
 

what shaft are you using?

what length is the 7 wood length 42”?

any tipping on the shaft?

[gtrade]

8 hours ago, justcallmemoses said:

I’m looking to play my g430 5 wood at 7 wood length. Do you mind me asking what gram weight you used for the half inch shorter? 
 

what shaft are you using?

what length is the 7 wood length 42”?

any tipping on the shaft?

 

I use the stock hzrdus red 6.5 70g shaft, which is somewhat aligned with my lighter iron shafts (112g). It's tipped a bit but not sure how much as it didn't come up with the fitter. I could prefer a bit heavier and more stout/different bend profile shaft, but the numbers and feel is now good whatsoever, so haven't been tinkering any shafts.. would not go with anything lighter than 70g.

 

I replaced the standard 12g head weight with a 20g weight to increase swing weight. If I recall correctly, it's only couple of grams thats needed to compensate the shorter shaft, so I would've needed to increase sw nevertheless.

[BiggErn]

I’m just waiting on a 2nd Swing promo code to pop up and I’m pulling the trigger on a 7 wood. 

[justcallmemoses]

4 hours ago, gtrade said:

 

I use the stock hzrdus red 6.5 70g shaft, which is somewhat aligned with my lighter iron shafts (112g). It's tipped a bit but not sure how much as it didn't come up with the fitter. I could prefer a bit heavier and more stout/different bend profile shaft, but the numbers and feel is now good whatsoever, so haven't been tinkering any shafts.. would not go with anything lighter than 70g.

 

I replaced the standard 12g head weight with a 20g weight to increase swing weight. If I recall correctly, it's only couple of grams thats needed to compensate the shorter shaft, so I would've needed to increase sw nevertheless.

thanks for the info. I’ll order a couple of weights off eBay to try out 

 

112g iron shafts. Modus 105X?

 

you playing the hzrdus red in the driver also?

[gtrade]

9 minutes ago, justcallmemoses said:

112g iron shafts. Modus 105X?

 

you playing the hzrdus red in the driver also?

 

Yep and yep. Same comments apply to my driver shaft..

[Jraallen]

On 2/1/2025 at 4:50 AM, justcallmemoses said:

thanks for the info. I’ll order a couple of weights off eBay to try out 

 

112g iron shafts. Modus 105X?

 

you playing the hzrdus red in the driver also?

Did you end up trying it? How’d it go? 
I’ve got a g425 max 3w+7w and a 430max 5w all in stock length ping tour chrome 2.0 shafts, and then I have a random 9w tour black 2.0 shaft with no head and have been curious about trying out the 5w and 7w one shaft up/down but just haven’t had the time.

[Lynchmann75]

On 2/1/2025 at 4:50 AM, justcallmemoses said:

thanks for the info. I’ll order a couple of weights off eBay to try out 

 

112g iron shafts. Modus 105X?

 

you playing the hzrdus red in the driver also?

Ping actually sells the weights. Just bought a 21g for my G430 5 wood this week. (I play it just over 41”).  I was very happy to find these.. the original Ping weights at a cheaper price than any of the well known 3rd party offerings. 
 

https://ping.com/en-us/shop/grips/sole-weights/g430-fairway-hybrid-sole-weights

[ParadiseGolf]

On 2/1/2024 at 7:09 AM, scott406 said:

I have a G425 5 wood and I turned it up to 16.5* and dumped the 3 wood

I have never looked back

If you are only hitting your 3 wood twice in a round, give that a try and open up a spot in your bag.

I am afraid of trying the G430 simply because I do not want to like it

Plus I am hitting my 5 wood very well now (I am sure I just screwed myself by saying this out loud)

 

 

 

This! A friend of mine would always match my 3w total runout using his G425 5w. Bear in mind I was usually longer off the tee. I asked to borrow it, and I hit a pure shot 220+yds. I wanted one. 

After getting my own, it's kind of my 3w replacement. Low spin 2200 but totals 220-230yds. I use it to get as far as possible. Low descent angle but I've been able to run it up onto greens many times for good scores. Love it! For reference I'm 92-95mph on 44" driver. Using a 65g r-flex alta cb, shortened 1/4" (0.25").

 

FYI, For some reason the new G440 5w head on same shaft pops my spin to 3000 so it only goes 180-190ish.

[scott406]

On 6/21/2025 at 10:58 PM, ParadiseGolf said:

r some reason the new G440 5w head on same shaft pops my spin to 3000 so it only goes 180-190ish.

Good to know because I have been eying the G440 4wood

Might just stay in my lane