Ping launches no-cost exchange program — if you own this driver

The introduction of Ping’s G430 Max 10K ushered in a new level of forgiveness and stability for the modern-day driver. Boasting a combined MOI exceeding the 10,000 g-cm² threshold for the first time, G430 Max 10K earned high marks in several areas during GOLF’s recent round of robotic testing with Golf Laboratories.

In addition to the standard G430 Max 10K build, Ping offered a special “HL” (High Launch) version that utilized lighter components — 19-gram backweight, ultra-light Alta Quick 35/45 shaft and Lamkin UTx Lite grip — to reduce the driver’s overall weight (and swing weight) to help moderate swing speeds increase launch and carry distance.

While the HL remains one of the most forgiving drivers in the marketplace, it came short of hitting 10,000 g-cm2 due to the lighter build. Ping announced in a recent release that some golfers “made a purchasing decision based upon the HL version having a combined MOI (moment of inertia) of 10,000 g-cm2,” so they’re creating a no-cost exchange program if a buyer wants to swap their G430 Max 10K HL for the heavier standard build.

“We realized some golfers may have concluded that the ‘HL’ version of the G430 Max 10K carried the same inertia values as the standard G430 Max 10K,” said John K. Solheim, Ping’s president and CEO. “Today, we’re clarifying that while the HL has an extremely high MOI and delivers the forgiveness and distance Ping drivers are famous for, it doesn’t reach the combined 10K MOI threshold due to a lighter backweight which optimizes the fitting for slower swing speed players. For golfers who may have purchased the G430 Max 10K HL with the expectation that it reached the 10K combined MOI, we’re offering them the opportunity to exchange their driver for the custom-built standard G430 Max 10K at no cost.

“We believe the vast majority of G430 Max 10K HL owners are extremely satisfied with the performance of their drivers and we want to assure them their decision to put it in their bags was a good one. It’s important we stand behind our products in this way. If they purchased their driver based upon a misunderstanding of the club’s combined MOI value, we want to do the right thing and exceed their expectations.”

The difference in the fixed backweights between the standard and HL is 9 grams (28 grams vs. 19 grams), but when the remaining components are added in, the overall build gets noticeably lighter. Even though the HL is designed for a certain player type, Ping wants to make right by the customer and give them an opening to own the true 10K offering if that matters to them.

Golfers will be able to exchange their G430 Max 10K HL at no cost, starting July 10, for a standard G430 Max 10K with an Alta CB Black or no-upcharge aftermarket shafts in either 9, 10.5 or 12 degrees.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.