PING G440 SFT Driver

The PING G440 SFT is a 460cc draw-biased driver with a 23-gram back weight you can set to Draw or Draw+ to fight a slice.

Why it made the list

SFT stands for Straight Flight Technology, and it is the G440 model PING builds for golfers who need slice correction. The standard G440 MAX and LST use a 29-gram weight that moves to draw, neutral or fade. The SFT swaps that for a 23-gram weight with two settings, Draw and Draw+, so every option on the head pushes the ball left.

It shares the G440 family’s deep center of gravity, the deepest PING has put in a driver, which helps launch and stability.

What it does well

• Two draw settings on the back weight let you choose how much help you get.
• Free-Hosel Technology moves weight out of the hosel and lower in the head for a deeper center of gravity.
• A shorter face lets PING make it thinner, which helps ball speed across the face, including high on the heel.
• The CarbonFly Wrap crown saves weight and gives a muted sound at impact.
• The total system weight is 10 grams lighter than the last model, which helps slower swings build speed.

Start in Draw. If the ball still finishes right, move to Draw+.

Who it’s for

It suits beginners and high handicappers with a steady slice who want a forgiving driver from a major brand. It also works for golfers with slower swings who struggle to get the ball in the air, since the deep center of gravity favors a high launch.

Who should skip it

Skip it if your miss is already a hook, or if you hit the ball fairly straight. Every setting on this head adds draw, so a golfer without a slice can end up in the left rough. They should look at the G440 MAX and its neutral setting.

Key specs, explained

The SFT comes in 9° and 10.5°, and most beginners should pick 10.5°. PING also offers a high launch version in both SFT lofts. The Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel has eight positions. It changes loft by up to 1.5° either way and can make the lie up to 3° flatter than standard, which can suit golfers whose toe sits up at address.

The stock PING Alta CB Blue 50 shaft weighs 53 grams in regular and 55 grams in stiff, and its standard length is 46 inches, a quarter inch longer than the last model. The PING Tour 2.0 Chrome 65 is the heavier, lower spinning option at 45.5 inches. The head weighs 199 grams with a D0 swingweight, and the grip is a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.

How it compares

The Callaway Quantum Max D Driver is the gentler choice. Callaway says its internal heel weighting gives a slight draw bias, and its hosel has eight loft and lie settings. Pick the PING if your slice is big. Pick the Callaway if it is mild and you want the option to set the club up closer to neutral later.

The Cobra OPTM Max-D Driver costs less and has a far wider hosel range, with 33 loft and lie settings, but its heel weight is fixed.

Good to know

PGA TOUR Superstore lists the G440 SFT at $619.99 and had it at $448.98 when we checked, with right and left hand options. If you struggle to find the middle of the face, ask a fitter about the 45.5 inch build.

Questions about the PING G440 SFT

What is the difference between Draw and Draw+ on the G440 SFT?

Draw+ is the stronger of the two settings, so it adds more right to left curve than Draw. Try Draw first and switch only if you still slice.

Is the G440 SFT good for beginners?

Yes, if the beginner slices. It is forgiving and launches high, but players who already draw the ball should pick a neutral driver.

Does the G440 SFT come in 12°?

No, the SFT comes in 9° and 10.5°. The hosel adds up to 1.5° of loft, and PING also makes a high launch version.