Rick Shiels Golf great review and love your honesty. I'm a ping player and lucky haven't bought either yet but would have been well pi$$ed off if i had just purchased the standard G400 without been given the chance to buy the Max. 👍
Rick Shiels Golf, as a new golfer, I love the 400max. I'm using the g400 irons and after this review will be testing the g400 Max driver. Nabe it'll end up in my bag?🏌️♂️😉
I hit both and I actually preferred the standard g400. As you found they are very similar but the standard looks and sounds much better and I can see the Max’s sound and shape putting off better players. I ended up with the epic sub zero but the lst ran it really close.
This is the most thorough and honest review of a golf club I have ever seen. He really makes a case and point on the faulty Ping marketing strategy and questionable decision to release this club 6 months later. Has Ping stolen a page from the TaylorMade playbook? It's the same philosophy that burns loyalists and your average golf club consumer. I think what you get from a Rick Shiels review is integrity. He tells it the way it is without any bias. There's a strong sense that you can trust every word he says, backed up by an expert level of knowledge of the game of golf, golf equipment, and cutting edge technology. What we want in a review is somebody who will be very critical (or complimentary) without a filter. We always get that straight forward honesty from Rick. I have my bag set for 2018, but I will always watch his reviews. There's an entertainment aspect to them and of course, the big benefit is the educational aspect to his presentations. One final note: Rick uses the word "annoy," what Ping has done with this release, but the real emotional feeling is "infuriate." The innocent buyer is left with buyers remorse and that can never be a good thing.
Thanks Rick! I look forward to every review you post and I've told many golf friends about viewing your UA-cam site. I edited a bit of my text (proofreading), so if you'd like you may post it on top again. Thanks for the kind words and best wishes to your career as a golf review critic. You are the best I've seen at it and you really have a great talent in conveying your opinions and factual messages.
This is super high quality review format Rick. Huge kudos. My feeling is that average golfers were a little scared by they looks of smaller head G400. Ping may have felt losing sales on that front, and that they needed to respond ASAP to market feel.
Just got fitted for the G 400 Max. I had no idea what my numbers would show and I really wanted this driver. Ball speeds around 148, 255 carry and 280 total I Love It!!! Great review on this driver.
I just replaced my Taylormade SLDR for this club. I hit EVERY new driver at the golf shop and I was so consistent with this driver. No matter how I tried to make the Taylormade work, the Ping G400 MAX is the only club I hit straight and long. To each their own! Thanks for your great reviews Rick!
just picked mine up last week, went from 245- 260 yds to a consistant 275 all the way to 310 and all were in the fairway. thanks for these reviews to steer me in the right direction
Hey Rick. I tell ya. I am having the time of my life with my Ping G 400 Max driver. I did cut it down to 44 inches. Added no weight to the head, swing weight be darned lol. I had some people telling me the club would be unplayable unless I added weight to the head!!! I had a nice Golf pride CP 2 PRO grip put on it. I choke up about an inch and bammmmmmm!!!!!!!! Good control and distance. I am only 5 foot 7 inches but the adjustments I made have worked well. I played at Rolling Meadows in Ellington, Connecticut today. I found the fairway every time except one shot where I accidentally jammed myself a bit. You definitely got this review right. It ticks all the boxes. I don't see how it could get any better. You should check out the Rolling Meadows website. I think you would love that golf course. Best wishes as always, Spider Dubiel
Well done Rick, you've really raised the bar with these new reviews. Have to say its crazy that the SFT, which is great game improving feature, isnt a feature available in their most forgiving driver. The best explanation i can think of is when Ping released the original G400 they didnt have plans at that time to release the Max and decided this later when they suddenly decided it was a mistake not to have a 460cc option.
Just tried my new Ping G 400 Max driver for 18 holes this morning. Best driver I have ever used. Feed back and overall feel of the driver is amazing. Fits me like a glove. It has control and forgiveness written all over it. The power surprised me too. I have mine set at an 11.5 loft as my swing speed is usually under 85. Driver worked so well thought it came from heaven. As Rick says this one ticks all the spots. I could find nothing that I disliked about it. There is a very noticeable blend of forgiveness, power and feel built into this driver. Ping has a winner on this one. Glad I held off til this one came out. I can honestly see why Rick rated this driver the number 1 for 2018. Its a no brainer! Congrats to Ping for this one!!! The sound did not bother me at all . I actually like the way it sounds and feels when making contact with the ball. I have used Callaway drivers including the xr 16 but they don't come close to this Ping. I should have put this in my bag quite a bit ago. Glad I finally did. Spider Dubiel
Joe Dubiel I just got the Max last week and I love it too. I only missed one fairway and the sound didn't even occur to me so it's not in any way an issue. When you see your ball flying down the fairway the noise it made is irrelevant.
Could not agree more. I don't even notice it but I am hitting lots of fairways. Seldom miss now. I did adjust the shaft to 44 inches which is ideal for me. Thanks for the comments. Spider
Awesome review Rick. The way that you layered in the data compares of G400Max vs. G400 vs. your ideal driver stats is perfect. The new format is the best in the internet that I have seen and i believe that your candor and unbiased feedback makes it even better. You are becoming a cult hero amongst my golfing buddies as I have spread the word about your channel as a must watch for average amateur golfers.
Just got fitted for this today. Standard length stiff shaft. Thank you very much! Probably end up being a slicing machine but today at the range on the flight scope it was the one. ⛳️
Great review, almost purchased the G400 driver when I got the irons but being new to the PING product line, figured I would wait after seeing your "Five year product review on Ping drivers" . Now I am glad I did, thanks for the insight, a significant improvement over past reviews.
HI Rick never stop watching your videos please keep them coming. I have since last comment bought this Driver and wow wow wow everything you said it was love it!!!
I like the new way you review clubs, love to see the actual shots/swings from on the course and the numbers you get from into the net. My favorite way to watch a club review, thanks.
why didnt u krank it down to 8 degrees might just have fixed the left thing too? i have the G 400 and i wouldnt trade it i just love that it is a smaller head with a great sound and lots of forgivnes . great review by the way!
Rick. I just purchased the Ping G400Max. Why in the hell did I wait so long? Very accurate mildly longer than my 2016 Taylormade M2. Did not miss one fairway. I am a 10 hcp. I am 69 hitting this 240 plus here in eastern US. I wanted to follow up on your You Tube critiquing.
Data is great, your commentary is exceptional. I still enjoyed the shot comparisons. That format and seeing shots hit is what led me to the irons I currently play.
Wow Rick talk about stepping up your game, about time you started including on course elements. Look forward to more reviews in this format going forward.
I feel that you are correct I wanted the G400 but I hit my epic well but I like more forgiveness and the G400max is a great idea if i can have lower spin under 3000
I got lucky. I bought the Ping G400 LST at Roger Dunn, didn't like it much after about 5 or 6 rounds. They have a 90 day return policy, so I switched it for the Max which I absolutely love.
I just bought the g400 max today and I love it. I've always bought taylormade, but this driver is amazing. My backspin was around 2k and I carried around 270 with a lot of roll
Great review Rick,went out and tried,and then bought a G 400 Max,great club,as you say,but,i feel a bit swindled by Ping,not to be picky, but,they didn't bother to give thier'' New Club'',its own head cover !!!! It is the G 400 head cover,as it says on the cover,and with the G 400 Max with the bigger head (460),it is too small ,and a real pain to get back on in the wet ! Therefore, i think Ping should bring out a G 400 Max cover for the bigger head,and honour those of us who have bought the new driver,and let us swop them with the Pro,or whoever we bought them off. I will look forward to hearing your response. Your review was superb. Regards, Kevin Collins.
Great review & I completely agree... The 445cc version should be LS tech, the SF tech should be 460 plus have g400 max. And I agree, as an avid Ping driver fan (I have & love a G30) I believe Ping should offer a trade in deal for G400 people who get better figures from the G400 max. (even if that means going to a registered Ping fitter to verify.) Great review Rick, love this format - informative, interactive & engaging.
Rick, I've seen tons of video posted; especially from you on UA-cam teaching golf and club testing. However I still couldn't find any video with a shooting angle from your own prospective. Can we see what you see when addressing the club before you hit it, during and after?
Oh dear. Mark crossfield upsets taylormade now you will upset ping 😂😂. Love the honest review Rick. Hopefully ping listen and offer the possibility to swap as you said.
Great review. As a higher handicapper I am looking forward to hitting this one along with a few others like the Rogue & Epic. Liking the new review format and seeing outdoor experience as well. Thanks Rick!
Another FANTASTIC review Rick! I game the G400 LST with the HZRDUS Yellow 75g shaft, and think the G400 Max would be too high launching for some, as you found out too. What puzzles me with the G400 Max is the loud, tinny sound! With PING’s new acoustic technology for drivers, I’m surprised the Max version sounds so different compared to the standard G400.
Rick, like the new reviews and benchmarking. Can you confirm if launch too high why you did not reduce the loft to maximise the launch angle, reducing the spin further and then potentially could have offered you the best numbers?
Mine cracked on the second hole of my third round. Doubt I hit it 40 times. Ping is sending me a new one no problems. Still the best driver I have ever hit. Hope the new one holds up.
This one was depressing! I got the G400 SFT for Christmas from my awesome wife. I was thrilled! Love the club. Had tested it and have played it three times and have hit more fairways with consistent distance than I ever have. This review makes me feel like I’ve missed out! Wish I could have tested it when I tested the G400 first time.Gonna have to go hit the club. Not sure I’d prefer it though. I had been looking for a driver with a smaller club head and find that feature to be very attractive. At the end of the day, I’m starting my third year playing golf with a high handicap, would I really see that big of a difference? Great review Rick!!!
I think these more in depth reviews have been great, and I will continue to watch them. But, when you have gotten to the questions it seems like every question is "Should I be looking to swap this from last years model" whether that model was months old or a full year old. I would rather see questions answered that aren't "does this replace the previous model".
Rick, You do an outstanding job reviewing clubs. I love your videos. I know you indicated that you have the G400 LS in your bag. When will you be making a determination, as to what driver will be in your bag for 2018. Great job and take care!
Thanks for this video Rick because I am the guy with the G400, seeing the Max come out and wondering how much I'm missing, but I feel like I am actually better off with the G400 standard because it suits me better as a junior/high school player. Also I do happen to like standard G400 looks better and I am in love with the sound. As a consumer, even if Ping was decided on having the Max come out, they needed to give people a heads up that they will be releasing a new driver, instead of springing it on us, and so late too. Very honest, solid review never-the-less!
Prefer the G400. Much better looking and sounding. The Max is for higher hc players but can also be used by better players. The standard driver performs slightly better and the smaller profile is really appealing. And don't forget the standard was the highest MOI driver available prior to the Max too. Great video.
In my opinion the Max was designed for higher hc players and then they found that it worked for everyone. I'd guess it was designed similar to the GMax Irons. I've tried it and it's pretty good and request to the original, maybe a couple of yards longer, and even more forgiving. Pretty good club that a lot of pros are now playing too.
Waiting was good. Waiting even an extra 6 months was better yet. Got a used G400max with the Tour shaft for $275. The sound isn't great but it certainly isn't as bad as you're making it sound. It isn't Nike... Whatever that noisy piece of xxxx was. I'd also say the max has a bit of a harsh feel. But finding the fairway wipes all that away. I turned the loft down and it's pretty awesome. Like the G30 it replaced, this will be in my bag for years. This is why I don't rush to buy much anything in golf any longer.
Thanks Rick and great information (especially regarding the loud G400 Max sound). I was not a fan of ping drivers because of sound prior to the G400 (which I really like and play now with a Kura Kage shaft). Not a fan of the revisited harsh sound with G400 Max and feel they've made a step backwards regarding sound. Thanks again for detailed videos!
Hi Rick, absolutely spot on with your review! I just purchased a G400 as looking for a quality couple of years old driver and had identical results...down wind WOW...but into it climbs just a little too much. Any views on how to remedy this would be really grateful 👍
Always gotta love when an OEM creates a driver in the name of "having more options", but if they don't release them at the same time they aren't really giving the buyer an option are they? Good review Rick!
Great review. Thought on the "better" product six months later. When they released G400, Ping said that fixing the acoustics from G30/G was one of their main goals. My guess is that they were committed to a release timeline for G400 and still had not figured out how to get the sound right in the larger sized head. They really needed more R&D time, but they were pressed for a deadline, so they released in a smaller size. Six more months of development allowed them to fine tune in the larger size. While I have not hit it in person, I have heard that the sound/feel of the max is not quite as good. My theory at least.
Rick I game G400 with tour stiff shaft and have found very high tee gives me more consistent strike .Im not gonna get suckered into changing as its taken months to get settled and Im happy with distance now and ball control to hit fairway .
Put the G400 through the paces and just couldn't pull the trigger on the smaller head. Really looking forward to trying the G400 Max, and likely putting it in the bag, when it comes out in a couple of days. Rick, looking forward to some comparison videos with this, specifically vs. the Rogue and M3/M4.
Great review Rick. It would be interesting to see if you added some hot melt in the toe of the head to reduce the going left tendency and may also deaden the sound. A trip to Tour X must be due or possibly a tour van.
Much better review than the M3. Of course their is less adjustability. Very good review Rick! Could you PLEASE do a review comparing this driver and the M3 with both weights all the way back one in toe and one in heel highlighting dispersion and distance? Or maybe a three way with Rogue?
Feel like I've been robbed as I have the G400 and I'm a sucker for a new golf club. good chance I'll buy it once I try it. Maybe Ping will let us G400 driver owners swap to the G400 Max with out any extra cost if the numbers are good but I'm not holding my breath
Got the 400 Max. Great Club. One question, set on the 0setting I have a slight fade. By altering the loft either plus or minus, which would induce a draw. ?
Great review as always Rick. I think there´s still much people that would prefer the looks of the standard G400 over this one. It has a more squashed, and more like a pro driver look and still offers loads of forgiveness. I personally game the LST, but if i had to choose between this, and the standard, i would go standard all the way! PD: wouldo love to see the LST in this format!
Another great review Rick. New format goes from strength to strength. Regarding this particular driver, I think Ping are like certain Premiership football clubs who sell shirt to the parents of children for Christmas and then bring out a new design on Boxing Day. Avarice pure and simple.
Superb review Rick, your new review format is simply the best on UA-cam (Premier League), well done! Titleist (tart) Mark is now second Div! You are totally right saying that Ping got their G400 line up screwed. It should have been G400 460, G400 460 SFT and then G400 LST with the smaller head and Ping need to be honest with their loyal customers and admit that this was their BAD and offer discounts for anyone wanting to change Driver heads. I am in the market this year for a replacement for my G30 SFT, but my BIG fear is that in 6months Ping will bring out a G400 MAX SFT. I`m now seriously thinking of buying the MAX and putting lead tape where the extra weight would be in the SFT.
I think your sku plan makes sense the smaller head in LS, and the SF in the Max. Sometimes you get something out and see a gap or reaction and probably could have been a mea culpa. The reality for most uses though will they really see a different between 400 and 400max? Part of that will also depend on where you are swing speed and handicap maybe. It does make them a little like Callaway club of the month feel...you go Apex...sorry here is Rogue etc. Part of why I generally not the first guy on the new clubs.
Another awesome review Rick! Another one you hit out of the park, Loaded with details. As a 4.5 handicapper with a 104-108 mph club head speed, with a positive AOA would you recommend this driver to me ? Obviously seeing my ball flight would be a plus But I averaged 262 yards with Epic Subzero Driver (ARCOSS 360 188 tee shots) last year with the Wrong shaft, an Aldila RougeMax 65-S (mid flight/mid spin). I now have the Aldila Rouge I/O 60 S in it but haven’t hit it yet. This shaft is even lower flighting/spinning than Rouge Silver Love that the Ping G400 max has the Highest MOI and is low spinning too
Hi Rick, great video. I'm 65, a 3.5 index, using an 8 yr old G25 and carry my drive between around 225-230. Do you think a new driver would make much difference, obviously i have a slower swing speed.
Great review Rick but when you going to review the Mizuno ST180? Be great to see if they’ve finally produced a driver that gets some tour guys using! 💪
Brilliant reviews as always. Keep it up! How about reviewing shafts? For different kind of players. Arguably at least as important, if not (way) more, than driver heads.
If your thinking of investing in the G400 buy a driver with less loft that your used to.. I have 10.5* standard loft and it sends the ball so high.. Wish I’d got 9* to be fair, I have tried adjusting the loft but then it doesn’t seem to sit well behind the ball.. It’s not the best driver I’ve used in windy conditions, the ball certainly does get held up hitting into a head wind as Rick stated.. Saying that I’m still well happy with it, I’m hitting most fairways and it’s 20-30yrds longer than my old Ping..
Very good review 👍 Do you think consumers shied away from the smaller head on the original G400 so Ping felt they had to make a 460cc version to sell some?
Great review but I do think you are very precious in regards to the sound ..good enough for the tour players like Finau ..Baddderley good enough for me
Thanks for watching guys 👍
Do you prefer G400 or G400 MAX?
Let me know ⬇️ and don’t forget to 👍the video if you enjoyed!
Rick Shiels Golf will you do a review like this with the new cobra king f8 driver ?
Rick Shiels Golf great review and love your honesty. I'm a ping player and lucky haven't bought either yet but would have been well pi$$ed off if i had just purchased the standard G400 without been given the chance to buy the Max. 👍
Rick Shiels Golf, as a new golfer, I love the 400max. I'm using the g400 irons and after this review will be testing the g400 Max driver. Nabe it'll end up in my bag?🏌️♂️😉
I hit both and I actually preferred the standard g400. As you found they are very similar but the standard looks and sounds much better and I can see the Max’s sound and shape putting off better players. I ended up with the epic sub zero but the lst ran it really close.
Feel the same bought g400 can’t see why they made this after , wrong way round
This is the most thorough and honest review of a golf club I have ever seen. He really makes a case and point on the faulty Ping marketing strategy and questionable decision to release this club 6 months later. Has Ping stolen a page from the TaylorMade playbook? It's the same philosophy that burns loyalists and your average golf club consumer.
I think what you get from a Rick Shiels review is integrity. He tells it the way it is without any bias. There's a strong sense that you can trust every word he says, backed up by an expert level of knowledge of the game of golf, golf equipment, and cutting edge technology. What we want in a review is somebody who will be very critical (or complimentary) without a filter. We always get that straight forward honesty from Rick.
I have my bag set for 2018, but I will always watch his reviews. There's an entertainment aspect to them and of course, the big benefit is the educational aspect to his presentations.
One final note: Rick uses the word "annoy," what Ping has done with this release, but the real emotional feeling is "infuriate." The innocent buyer is left with buyers remorse and that can never be a good thing.
Wow! Thanks so much Brad! So much work goes into my reviews, that feedback like this is so nice to receive!
Thanks Rick! I look forward to every review you post and I've told many golf friends about viewing your UA-cam site.
I edited a bit of my text (proofreading), so if you'd like you may post it on top again.
Thanks for the kind words and best wishes to your career as a golf review critic. You are the best I've seen at it and you really have a great talent in conveying your opinions and factual messages.
LOL ? you mean besides his clear strong taylor made bias?
A ton of work went onto this review. Excellent work and made for some really good content.
Absolutely love the new format, Rick! Please go back and do the same review process on the Cobra KING F8/F8+ again. It's a 2018 model after all.
This is super high quality review format Rick. Huge kudos.
My feeling is that average golfers were a little scared by they looks of smaller head G400. Ping may have felt losing sales on that front, and that they needed to respond ASAP to market feel.
Just got fitted for the G 400 Max. I had no idea what my numbers would show and I really wanted this driver. Ball speeds around 148, 255 carry and 280 total I Love It!!! Great review on this driver.
I started playing the G400 last season and I love it!! I don't think the Max will any better than the G400 sitting in my bag.
I just replaced my Taylormade SLDR for this club. I hit EVERY new driver at the golf shop and I was so consistent with this driver. No matter how I tried to make the Taylormade work, the Ping G400 MAX is the only club I hit straight and long. To each their own! Thanks for your great reviews Rick!
These reviews are just getting better and better.Your honesty here Rick is what the golfer needs.Setting the standards for golf club reviewing here.
Thanks Gary! Awesome feedback 😁
just picked mine up last week, went from 245- 260 yds to a consistant 275 all the way to 310 and all were in the fairway. thanks for these reviews to steer me in the right direction
You know your stuff Rick , your personality comes through with each review , always seems honest and non bias .
Thanks Richard! Glad you enjoy my videos 👍
Hey Rick. I tell ya. I am having the time of my life with my Ping G 400 Max driver. I did cut it down to 44 inches. Added no weight to the head, swing weight be darned lol. I had some people telling me the club would be unplayable unless I added weight to the head!!! I had a nice Golf pride CP 2 PRO grip put on it. I choke up about an inch and bammmmmmm!!!!!!!! Good control and distance. I am only 5 foot 7 inches but the adjustments I made have worked well. I played at Rolling Meadows in Ellington, Connecticut today. I found the fairway every time except one shot where I accidentally jammed myself a bit. You definitely got this review right. It ticks all the boxes. I don't see how it could get any better. You should check out the Rolling Meadows website. I think you would love that golf course. Best wishes as always, Spider Dubiel
Well done Rick, you've really raised the bar with these new reviews.
Have to say its crazy that the SFT, which is great game improving feature, isnt a feature available in their most forgiving driver.
The best explanation i can think of is when Ping released the original G400 they didnt have plans at that time to release the Max and decided this later when they suddenly decided it was a mistake not to have a 460cc option.
I love that loud sound! Great review !!!
Just tried my new Ping G 400 Max driver for 18 holes this morning. Best driver I have ever used. Feed back and overall feel of the driver is amazing. Fits me like a glove. It has control and forgiveness written all over it. The power surprised me too. I have mine set at an 11.5 loft as my swing speed is usually under 85. Driver worked so well thought it came from heaven. As Rick says this one ticks all the spots. I could find nothing that I disliked about it. There is a very noticeable blend of forgiveness, power and feel built into this driver. Ping has a winner on this one. Glad I held off til this one came out. I can honestly see why Rick rated this driver the number 1 for 2018. Its a no brainer! Congrats to Ping for this one!!! The sound did not bother me at all . I actually like the way it sounds and feels when making contact with the ball. I have used Callaway drivers including the xr 16 but they don't come close to this Ping. I should have put this in my bag quite a bit ago. Glad I finally did. Spider Dubiel
Joe Dubiel I just got the Max last week and I love it too. I only missed one fairway and the sound didn't even occur to me so it's not in any way an issue. When you see your ball flying down the fairway the noise it made is irrelevant.
Could not agree more. I don't even notice it but I am hitting lots of fairways. Seldom miss now. I did adjust the shaft to 44 inches which is ideal for me. Thanks for the comments. Spider
Awesome review Rick. The way that you layered in the data compares of G400Max vs. G400 vs. your ideal driver stats is perfect. The new format is the best in the internet that I have seen and i believe that your candor and unbiased feedback makes it even better. You are becoming a cult hero amongst my golfing buddies as I have spread the word about your channel as a must watch for average amateur golfers.
This new review format is top notch, Rick. Keep it up!
Just got fitted for this today. Standard length stiff shaft. Thank you very much! Probably end up being a slicing machine but today at the range on the flight scope it was the one. ⛳️
Great review, almost purchased the G400 driver when I got the irons but being new to the PING product line, figured I would wait after seeing your "Five year product review on Ping drivers" . Now I am glad I did, thanks for the insight, a significant improvement over past reviews.
HI Rick never stop watching your videos please keep them coming. I have since last comment bought this Driver and wow wow wow everything you said it was love it!!!
Great honest review as ever and loving the new style of reviewing
Please redo the F8+ in this review format.
I like the new way you review clubs, love to see the actual shots/swings from on the course and the numbers you get from into the net. My favorite way to watch a club review, thanks.
why didnt u krank it down to 8 degrees might just have fixed the left thing too? i have the G 400 and i wouldnt trade it i just love that it is a smaller head with a great sound and lots of forgivnes . great review by the way!
Rick. I just purchased the Ping G400Max. Why in the hell did I wait so long? Very accurate mildly longer than my 2016 Taylormade M2. Did not miss one fairway. I am a 10 hcp. I am 69 hitting this 240 plus here in eastern US. I wanted to follow up on your You Tube critiquing.
Data is great, your commentary is exceptional. I still enjoyed the shot comparisons. That format and seeing shots hit is what led me to the irons I currently play.
Wow Rick talk about stepping up your game, about time you started including on course elements. Look forward to more reviews in this format going forward.
I feel that you are correct I wanted the G400 but I hit my epic well but I like more forgiveness and the G400max is a great idea if i can have lower spin under 3000
I got lucky. I bought the Ping G400 LST at Roger Dunn, didn't like it much after about 5 or 6 rounds. They have a 90 day return policy, so I switched it for the Max which I absolutely love.
I just bought the g400 max today and I love it. I've always bought taylormade, but this driver is amazing. My backspin was around 2k and I carried around 270 with a lot of roll
What shaft did you use ?
Seriously these reviews are going to make waves throughout all of the golf world. Keep it up rick!
Here after Peter Finch said this had an MOI similar to the new G430 10K
Great review Rick,went out and tried,and then bought a G 400 Max,great club,as you say,but,i feel a bit swindled by Ping,not to be picky, but,they didn't bother to give thier'' New Club'',its own head cover !!!!
It is the G 400 head cover,as it says on the cover,and with the G 400 Max with the bigger head (460),it is too small ,and a real pain to get back on in the wet !
Therefore, i think Ping should bring out a G 400 Max cover for the bigger head,and honour those of us who have bought the new driver,and let us swop them with the Pro,or whoever we bought them off.
I will look forward to hearing your response.
Your review was superb.
Regards,
Kevin Collins.
Hi Guys, bought one last month - its the dogs, long and very forgiving, however it was a tossup between the Ping and the Cobra F8 Both cracking clubs
Great review & I completely agree... The 445cc version should be LS tech, the SF tech should be 460 plus have g400 max. And I agree, as an avid Ping driver fan (I have & love a G30) I believe Ping should offer a trade in deal for G400 people who get better figures from the G400 max. (even if that means going to a registered Ping fitter to verify.) Great review Rick, love this format - informative, interactive & engaging.
Rick, I've seen tons of video posted; especially from you on UA-cam teaching golf and club testing. However I still couldn't find any video with a shooting angle from your own prospective. Can we see what you see when addressing the club before you hit it, during and after?
Thank you Rick once again a true and honest review, love the new format and the sincere feedback from you.
Oh dear. Mark crossfield upsets taylormade now you will upset ping 😂😂. Love the honest review Rick. Hopefully ping listen and offer the possibility to swap as you said.
Love the new review format Rick, keep up the great work 👍
Great review. As a higher handicapper I am looking forward to hitting this one along with a few others like the Rogue & Epic. Liking the new review format and seeing outdoor experience as well. Thanks Rick!
Another FANTASTIC review Rick! I game the G400 LST with the HZRDUS Yellow 75g shaft, and think the G400 Max would be too high launching for some, as you found out too. What puzzles me with the G400 Max is the loud, tinny sound! With PING’s new acoustic technology for drivers, I’m surprised the Max version sounds so different compared to the standard G400.
Great new format in comparing your standards with the new club you are reviewing. I'm looking forward to more!
Rick, like the new reviews and benchmarking. Can you confirm if launch too high why you did not reduce the loft to maximise the launch angle, reducing the spin further and then potentially could have offered you the best numbers?
Rick really like new format. Keep it up feel like information is spot on and helpfull
Mine cracked on the second hole of my third round. Doubt I hit it 40 times. Ping is sending me a new one no problems. Still the best driver I have ever hit. Hope the new one holds up.
your honesty is very refreshing, fantastic stuff again rick.
This one was depressing! I got the G400 SFT for Christmas from my awesome wife. I was thrilled! Love the club. Had tested it and have played it three times and have hit more fairways with consistent distance than I ever have. This review makes me feel like I’ve missed out! Wish I could have tested it when I tested the G400 first time.Gonna have to go hit the club. Not sure I’d prefer it though. I had been looking for a driver with a smaller club head and find that feature to be very attractive. At the end of the day, I’m starting my third year playing golf with a high handicap, would I really see that big of a difference? Great review Rick!!!
Timothy Simpson n
Can you please redo the f8 in this review. Great content in 2018. Keep working hard.
Henry Hilger i
Great review Rick. Now that MC has left for Titleist youre the one to trust! Isnt it time for a whats in the bag update??
Yes, please redo Cobra F8 in this review format !!! PLEASE
Please!!!!!!
W
W
Love the new format of the reviews. Will you still be doing head to head reviews? If so, great if you could keep this format.
I think these more in depth reviews have been great, and I will continue to watch them. But, when you have gotten to the questions it seems like every question is "Should I be looking to swap this from last years model" whether that model was months old or a full year old. I would rather see questions answered that aren't "does this replace the previous model".
Rick, You do an outstanding job reviewing clubs. I love your videos. I know you indicated that you have the G400 LS in your bag. When will you be making a determination, as to what driver will be in your bag for 2018. Great job and take care!
Loving the reviews. Keep up a great and upto date content
Thanks for this video Rick because I am the guy with the G400, seeing the Max come out and wondering how much I'm missing, but I feel like I am actually better off with the G400 standard because it suits me better as a junior/high school player. Also I do happen to like standard G400 looks better and I am in love with the sound. As a consumer, even if Ping was decided on having the Max come out, they needed to give people a heads up that they will be releasing a new driver, instead of springing it on us, and so late too. Very honest, solid review never-the-less!
This new testing format is best yet 👌🏼👌🏼
Thanks 👍
Prefer the G400. Much better looking and sounding. The Max is for higher hc players but can also be used by better players. The standard driver performs slightly better and the smaller profile is really appealing. And don't forget the standard was the highest MOI driver available prior to the Max too. Great video.
Higher handicap golfers like Tony Finau 🤔
In my opinion the Max was designed for higher hc players and then they found that it worked for everyone. I'd guess it was designed similar to the GMax Irons. I've tried it and it's pretty good and request to the original, maybe a couple of yards longer, and even more forgiving. Pretty good club that a lot of pros are now playing too.
Bought this driver today. Was hitting bombs on the range!!
I got mine used a few weeks ago and I freaking love it! Was using a rapture before
Couldn’t agree more Rick. I’m a Ping user. G30 line currently.
Me too, still using my G30 complete set and still love the clubs. Unless Ping has a fire sale on a new set, I won't be buying a new set anytime soon.
Great review pal onwards and upwards ..even better now your telling viewers about pricing 👍
Waiting was good. Waiting even an extra 6 months was better yet. Got a used G400max with the Tour shaft for $275.
The sound isn't great but it certainly isn't as bad as you're making it sound. It isn't Nike... Whatever that noisy piece of xxxx was. I'd also say the max has a bit of a harsh feel. But finding the fairway wipes all that away.
I turned the loft down and it's pretty awesome. Like the G30 it replaced, this will be in my bag for years.
This is why I don't rush to buy much anything in golf any longer.
Another great review superb content mate. I love my G400 driver I find it very forgiving and its usually a fairway finder
Great review Rick - well done for covering this so thoroughly.
Thanks Rick and great information (especially regarding the loud G400 Max sound). I was not a fan of ping drivers because of sound prior to the G400 (which I really like and play now with a Kura Kage shaft). Not a fan of the revisited harsh sound with G400 Max and feel they've made a step backwards regarding sound. Thanks again for detailed videos!
Hi Rick, absolutely spot on with your review! I just purchased a G400 as looking for a quality couple of years old driver and had identical results...down wind WOW...but into it climbs just a little too much. Any views on how to remedy this would be really grateful 👍
Always gotta love when an OEM creates a driver in the name of "having more options", but if they don't release them at the same time they aren't really giving the buyer an option are they?
Good review Rick!
Rick. Loving the new review style very professional indeed. Keep up the good work sir.
Great review. Thought on the "better" product six months later. When they released G400, Ping said that fixing the acoustics from G30/G was one of their main goals. My guess is that they were committed to a release timeline for G400 and still had not figured out how to get the sound right in the larger sized head. They really needed more R&D time, but they were pressed for a deadline, so they released in a smaller size. Six more months of development allowed them to fine tune in the larger size. While I have not hit it in person, I have heard that the sound/feel of the max is not quite as good. My theory at least.
Great review Rick....but I like my G400 so much I would not think of changing..
Yeah loving these new reviews Rick great work. I need some new clubs looking forward to seeing what goes in your bag in the next few months.
Great video Rick! I don't think you could possibly do a club review any better than the way your currently doing it.
Rick I game G400 with tour stiff shaft and have found very high tee gives me more consistent strike .Im not gonna get suckered into changing as its taken months to get settled and Im happy with distance now and ball control to hit fairway .
Put the G400 through the paces and just couldn't pull the trigger on the smaller head. Really looking forward to trying the G400 Max, and likely putting it in the bag, when it comes out in a couple of days. Rick, looking forward to some comparison videos with this, specifically vs. the Rogue and M3/M4.
Been watching ur videos for years and ur great. Helped me so much, but I'm dying for more longest drive videos. Help me out rick, I need my fix lol
Great review Rick. It would be interesting to see if you added some hot melt in the toe of the head to reduce the going left tendency and may also deaden the sound. A trip to Tour X must be due or possibly a tour van.
I just got the 400 max and it’s great,long and very forgiving it was worth the money
Much better review than the M3. Of course their is less adjustability. Very good review Rick! Could you PLEASE do a review comparing this driver and the M3 with both weights all the way back one in toe and one in heel highlighting dispersion and distance? Or maybe a three way with Rogue?
Feel like I've been robbed as I have the G400 and I'm a sucker for a new golf club.
good chance I'll buy it once I try it.
Maybe Ping will let us G400 driver owners swap to the G400 Max with out any extra cost if the numbers are good but I'm not holding my breath
Got the 400 Max. Great Club. One question, set on the 0setting I have a slight fade. By altering the loft either plus or minus, which would induce a draw. ?
Did you ever find out? I'm keen to know! :)
+
Great review as always Rick. I think there´s still much people that would prefer the looks of the standard G400 over this one. It has a more squashed, and more like a pro driver look and still offers loads of forgiveness. I personally game the LST, but if i had to choose between this, and the standard, i would go standard all the way!
PD: wouldo love to see the LST in this format!
Another great review Rick. New format goes from strength to strength. Regarding this particular driver, I think Ping are like certain Premiership football clubs who sell shirt to the parents of children for Christmas and then bring out a new design on Boxing Day. Avarice pure and simple.
Superb review Rick, your new review format is simply the best on UA-cam (Premier League), well done! Titleist (tart) Mark is now second Div! You are totally right saying that Ping got their G400 line up screwed. It should have been G400 460, G400 460 SFT and then G400 LST with the smaller head and Ping need to be honest with their loyal customers and admit that this was their BAD and offer discounts for anyone wanting to change Driver heads. I am in the market this year for a replacement for my G30 SFT, but my BIG fear is that in 6months Ping will bring out a G400 MAX SFT. I`m now seriously thinking of buying the MAX and putting lead tape where the extra weight would be in the SFT.
Great review. Love the honesty as always.
Love your honest reviews. Keep up the great work!
Great graphics and production. Good work Rick
I absolutely love the new format of your reviews. I’m currently playing Ping G30 SFTec, are the changes with G400 Max enough to merit a purchase?
these reviews are gonna be the new benchmark! and you wait the companies are gonna lap them up when they get a good one, awesome Rick
I think your sku plan makes sense the smaller head in LS, and the SF in the Max. Sometimes you get something out and see a gap or reaction and probably could have been a mea culpa. The reality for most uses though will they really see a different between 400 and 400max? Part of that will also depend on where you are swing speed and handicap maybe. It does make them a little like Callaway club of the month feel...you go Apex...sorry here is Rogue etc. Part of why I generally not the first guy on the new clubs.
Please do the F8+ again in this format. Thanks
I have the G400 and I love it, I don’t notice that it’s not 460cc and less forgiving.
I could listen to Rick Shields all day.... Thanks Rick Shields!
I'm sure it's a common thing for Rick... Shiels, there is no D.
Jason Gillespie ohhh my b
It's all good, I'm sure it happens to him many many times a day, that's what I assumed it was originally. Have a good day Jaden.
Another awesome review Rick! Another one you hit out of the park, Loaded with details.
As a 4.5 handicapper with a 104-108 mph club head speed, with a positive AOA would you recommend this driver to me ? Obviously seeing my ball flight would be a plus But I averaged 262 yards with Epic Subzero Driver (ARCOSS 360 188 tee shots) last year with the Wrong shaft, an Aldila RougeMax 65-S (mid flight/mid spin).
I now have the Aldila Rouge I/O 60 S in it but haven’t hit it yet. This shaft is even lower flighting/spinning than Rouge Silver
Love that the Ping G400 max has the Highest MOI and is low spinning too
Hi Rick, great video. I'm 65, a 3.5 index, using an 8 yr old G25 and carry my drive between around 225-230. Do you think a new driver would make much difference, obviously i have a slower swing speed.
Great review Rick but when you going to review the Mizuno ST180? Be great to see if they’ve finally produced a driver that gets some tour guys using! 💪
Brilliant reviews as always. Keep it up!
How about reviewing shafts? For different kind of players. Arguably at least as important, if not (way) more, than driver heads.
If your thinking of investing in the G400 buy a driver with less loft that your used to.. I have 10.5* standard loft and it sends the ball so high.. Wish I’d got 9* to be fair, I have tried adjusting the loft but then it doesn’t seem to sit well behind the ball.. It’s not the best driver I’ve used in windy conditions, the ball certainly does get held up hitting into a head wind as Rick stated.. Saying that I’m still well happy with it, I’m hitting most fairways and it’s 20-30yrds longer than my old Ping..
can't wait to have Rob test it
Very good review 👍
Do you think consumers shied away from the smaller head on the original G400 so Ping felt they had to make a 460cc version to sell some?
Great review but I do think you are very precious in regards to the sound ..good enough for the tour players like Finau ..Baddderley good enough for me
This is great news for me as I'm hoping to buy the SFT version in a couple of months and hopefully I can grab a bargain.