The short answer: both are PING’s high-MOI “Max” drivers, with the same 3-position back weight and the same T9S+ titanium face. Right now a new G440 Max is $449 at Global Golf, only $30 more than a new G430 Max at $419. That $30 gets you a carbon crown, PING’s “free hosel” and a heavier back weight. If you’re buying new, the G440 Max is worth the small step up. If you want the lowest price, a used G430 Max (from $344.99) is still a very forgiving driver.
Prices checked at Global Golf on Oct 26, 2026. Used prices change daily and depend on loft, shaft and condition.
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| G430 Max | G440 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2023 | 2025 |
| Launch price | $549 | $599 |
| Crown | Titanium | Carbon (“Carbonfly Wrap”) |
| Hosel | Standard | “Free hosel” (center section removed) |
| Back weight | 26 g, 3 positions | 29 g, 3 positions |
| Face | T9S+ titanium | T9S+ titanium, slightly shallower |
| Global Golf today | $419 new, used from $344.99 | $449 new, used from $364.99 |
What MOI Means (and Why Both Are Forgiving)
MOI is how much the head resists twisting when you miss the center. PING builds both Max heads for high MOI, so heel and toe strikes keep more ball speed and stay closer to the fairway. That forgiveness is the main reason to buy either one, and it’s why the G430 Max is still worth a look two years later.
What Changed in the G440 Max
PING took weight out of the top and the neck of the club and moved it low and back. According to MyGolfSpy, the carbon crown saves about 3 g and the free hosel (the neck where the shaft goes in, with its center section hollowed out) saves about 4 g across the G440 line. That’s why the back weight grew from 26 g to 29 g. PING says the free hosel also helps ball speed on heel strikes.
The G440 Max also has a slightly shallower face, which MyGolfSpy says helps keep spin more consistent, and slightly longer stock shafts. What didn’t change: the 3-position back weight (draw, neutral or fade) and the T9S+ face material.
Our Picks
PING G430 Max
$419 newUsed from $344.99. The same high-MOI shape and 3-position back weight for less. Best if you want the lowest price.
See Prices at Global Golf
PING G440 Max
$449 newUsed from $364.99. Carbon crown, free hosel and a heavier 29 g back weight. Best if $30 doesn’t matter and you want PING’s latest Max.
See Prices at Global GolfRelated: Qi35 vs. G440 Max vs. Elyte and Callaway Paradym vs. Paradym Ai Smoke Max.
Is the G440 Max more forgiving than the G430 Max?
Both are high-MOI heads. PING moved more weight low and back in the G440 Max (a 29 g back weight vs. 26 g), but MyGolfSpy doesn’t give an MOI number for either, so expect a small difference, not a big one.
What is PING’s “free hosel”?
PING removed the center section of the internal hosel support, the neck where the shaft goes in. It saves about 4 g, which PING moved lower in the head.
Which is the better buy right now?
Buying new, the G440 Max: it’s only $30 more at Global Golf. Buying used, the G430 Max starts at $344.99, about $20 less than a used G440 Max. Prices checked Oct. 26, 2026.
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