PING G440 K Driver

The PING G440 K is PING’s highest-MOI adjustable driver, with a 32 g back weight you can set for draw, neutral or fade.

Why it made the list

High handicappers lose more distance and direction to off-center hits than to anything else. The G440 K is built around that problem. PING calls its MOI a record for a PING driver, and it gets there by moving mass to the perimeter and low in the back of the head. The 32 g back weight is 4 g heavier than the one in the G430 Max 10K, so more of the head’s mass sits where it resists twisting.

What it does well

• Resists twisting on mishits with a heavy 32 g back weight and a lower, deeper center of gravity
• Saves weight with a Dual Carbonfly Wrap crown and sole and Free-Hosel Technology, then puts that weight in the perimeter
• Keeps ball speed up on mishits with the T9S+ face and more face flex in the heel
• Sounds more muted and solid thanks to a composite crown bridge and sole ribs
• Adjusts loft by 1.5 degrees either way through the hosel

The adjustable weight is what sets it apart from fixed-weight heads. You can tune shot shape and still keep the forgiveness.

Who it’s for

Buy it if you shoot in the 90s or higher, miss the center of the face often and want the steadiest head PING makes. It suits golfers who keep a driver for several seasons and want one that can be refit as their swing changes. Left-handed golfers can get it too, and it comes in 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees.

Who should skip it

Skip it if price is your main concern. At $647 it costs about $200 more than the PING G440 Max at the same store, and other high-MOI drivers sell for around $400. Skip it too if you already hit the center of the face and want low spin, because this head is built for stability first.

Key specs, explained

The head is 460cc and weighs 203 g, with a D3 swingweight. Standard length is 46 inches with the ALTA CB Blue 50 shaft and 45.5 inches with PING Tour 2.0, Mitsubishi Tensei 1K and Project X Denali Red shafts. A longer shaft adds speed, but a shorter one is easier to hit in the middle, so ask for 45.5 inches if you struggle with contact.

The ALTA CB Blue 50 comes in soft regular, regular and stiff, at 49 to 55 g, with a high to mid-high launch. The average lie is 58.5 degrees.

How it compares

The Cobra OPTM MAX-K Driver also chases maximum MOI and costs much less, but its 11 g back weight is fixed. The Tour Edge Exotics Max Driver has a movable 18 g weight and a 10K MOI rating for about $400. Choose the G440 K if you want the most stable PING head and the widest shot-shape tuning.

Good to know

PING also offers a High Launch (HL) build for slower swings. It uses a lighter 28 g back weight, a 46 inch length and the PING ALTA Quick shaft in 35 or 45 flex, at 38 or 45 g. The linked listing at Golf Discount is $647 for right-handed and left-handed models in most shafts and flexes, and PING builds each driver to your specs.

Questions about the PING G440 K

Can you move the weight on the PING G440 K?

Yes, the 32 g back weight sits in a draw, neutral or fade position. Start in neutral unless most of your drives curve right.

What length is the G440 K driver?

It is 46 inches with the stock ALTA CB Blue 50 shaft and 45.5 inches with the other stock shafts. You can order a shorter build if you want more control.

Is there a G440 K for slow swing speeds?

Yes, the HL version has a lighter 28 g back weight and a 38 g or 45 g ALTA Quick shaft. It is made to help slower swings launch the ball higher.