Ping’s new G425 series is sure to be one of the most popular driver series, just like their previous G410 and G400 series. Keeping with the trend, they are offering three different models: the MAX (for max forgiveness), the LST (for low spin), and SFT (for small funny toddlers). Wait sorry, straight flight technology. It’s for slicers.
Golfers that struggle with missing right due to an open club face love the SFT series. Why? The weight is simply shifted a little more towards the heel of the club, making it easier for the club face to close during impact more naturally. Is the SFT series a slice stopper? Absolutely not. You’ll have to fix your poor club path or open club face at impact if you want to successfully stop your slice. You won’t be able to buy a slice stopper – it’s that simple.
Regardless, here is our review of the Ping G425 SFT driver.
Appearance & Performance
Most golfers would agree that the last 5 or so releases of Ping drivers have been very attractive models. The now-famous dragonfly design on the top makes the club head feel much larger than it really is, which is relieving due to the extra feeling of forgiveness while standing over the ball.
When it comes to the bottom of the club head, there’s not much different than the other two Ping drivers. However, you’ll probably notice that the tungsten weight is not centered – it’s towards the heel of the club. As a draw-biased driver, the Ping G425 SFT is simply making the toe of the club comparatively lighter. Less weight towards the toe = easier to turn the club face over to square up to the ball at impact, instead of leaving the club face wide open and slicing/pushing the ball.
If you are currently slicing, then you can expect a small improvement in your ball flight just by gaming this driver. Notice the important word here, though: small. This driver won’t instantly fix your slice, just like a band-aid won’t instantly heal a wound. However, if you currently slice or push the golf ball, you can absolutely expect a small increase in distance, based solely on the fact that you’ll now be hitting straight shots that don’t have as much side-spin. In general, right-side misses like slices and pushes are distance killers, as the loft is effectively higher at impact, leading to less distance.
This driver isn’t only going to improve the driving of slicers, though. I currently (try to) hit a small fade with my driver, and the I hit some incredible drives while trying out the SFT. It’s a great all around club as well, with incredible forgiveness on off center hits and impressive distance. For non-slicers, the Ping G425 SFT will allow you to keep your hands a little more passive through impact. It will take some getting used to, but it has the potential to greatly improve your fairway finding ability due to the club face remaining square to your target longer than before.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- draw biased, which helps those that miss right to square the club face at impact naturally
- besides the draw biased aspect, simply a great all around driver (great distance, forgiveness, and feel/sound)
- adjustable hosel to add/subtract loft and change lie angle to change your ball flight
- you’ll be supporting a company that values their products and doesn’t flood the market with new clubs every 3 months
- Ping clubs simply hold their values better than most brands
- easy to save money by going with a previous release (G400 or G410)
Cons:
- only available in 10.5 loft (but you can adjust the loft up or down 1.5 degrees)
- would highly recommend paying money to get a professional fitting to find the best shaft and head combo. Will be expensive but well worth it if you can afford it.
- pricey at around $530.
Who It’s Best For
The Ping G425 SFT driver is best for a wealthy golfer that wants to see an immediate improvement in their right-side misses. No question about it – the SFT will make you hit the ball more left on average. However, is that how you want to achieve improvement? By buying a $500 driver? Truthfully, that $500 is better spent on 5 PGA professional lessons to help improve your swing path or impact position. But who am I to judge? I just write golf articles.
I use the word “wealthy” because anyone that is on a tight budget shouldn’t be looking at a brand new release like the Ping G425 SFT for another few years. There are simply too many other great draw-biased drivers on the market for far less money. To start with, why not just go with the earlier SFT releases? That’s an easy way to save a couple hundred bucks. And even more importantly, why not just keep working on your swing and forgetting about draw-biased drivers all together? Working on your swing is frugal & logical & genuinely helpful – buying a $500+ driver is not.
Better Value Alternative
Typically, I spent a fair amount of time trying to find the BEST value alternative for a club. I look at eBay sold listings. I look at previous models. I look at similar models from other brands. I read lots of reviews to see the general pros/cons of different drivers. But, this one was too easy. Way too easy.
Without a doubt, if you want the Ping G425 SFT driver, then you should instead get the Ping G400 SFT driver to save the big bucks. The Ping G400 SFT and G425 SFT are practically the same exact driver, with three small differences: 1) Twenty five 2) the paint job and 3) the price tag. I’d put all of my money (not a whole lot) that the performance difference between the two is 100% unnoticeable in the long term.
The Ping G425 SFT is selling for $530 + tax + shipping. The Ping G400 SFT is selling for around $200 (maybe plus tax) in solid condition with free shipping. The choice is pretty clear to me. What do you think?
Well, this article is almost 1,000 words, which is my typical stopping point. Just crossed it now. See ya and thanks for reading!
