50 Words or Less
The PING G425 Max fairway wood blends new technology with time proven design features for consistent performance. Fresh, appealing look.
Check out the new PING G430 MAX fairway wood HERE
Introduction
For years I thought higher lofted fairway woods were for old folks. As I continued to struggle with my 3 wood, it became more obvious than it was time to admit that yes, I’m getting older. In recent months, I’ve come to embrace more loft and actually regained distance. Then, just last week I watched an accomplished young pro pull a PING 5 wood and hit an amazing second shot to an elevated green on a par 5, and I thought to myself, “Maybe I’m not getting older, just smarter.” I was reminded of my passing youth as I walked to play my third shot – a mere 80 yards short.
Looks
Pulling off the headcover off the PING G425 Max 5 wood, I was pleasantly surprised with the black and silver color scheme of the sole. The absence of any highlight color gave the club a more sophisticated look. The strong angular lines made it look all business.
At address, the G425 Max fairway is an even bigger departure from the previous model due to the absence of the distinctive turbulators. The new look gives the club head a much cleaner appearance that compliments the matte black finish. PING added a 3-dot alignment feature that not only directs you to the proper contact point, but, as I quickly learned, helps with aiming the face.
I love the subtle color fade on the stock Alta CB 65 shaft. Sadly, it’s difficult to capture with my limited camera skills.
Sound & Feel
Solid and stable, the PING G425 Max fairway had a wonderful overall feel. Feedback in my hands was subtle, requiring me to really pay attention to determine strike location. The sound was also fairly consistent, with most reasonable contact producing a hollow, metallic ‘thwack’ that was loudish, but with a pleasant tone.
Performance
At 17.5° loft, I expected the PING G425 Max fairway to have a nice launch, but what really grabbed my attention was the consistent trajectory. Whether on the mat at Club Champion getting launch monitor data or hitting off grass, ball flights were strong with peak height deep into the flight. Consistency was also the key word looking over those launch monitor results. Maybe not noteworthy on their own, the consistency in ball speed, spin, and carry all come together for performance you can count on swing after swing.
Reviewing the technology features of the G425 Max, each one seemed to describe my observations. It became quickly apparent that the PING club designers had created a synergy in the overall design. First was Facewrap, which, as the name implies, takes the thin steel long utilized in the face and wraps it around the crown and sole. The resultant flex increases of that section produce faster ball speeds and higher launch. Next came Spinsistency – another new feature that produces consistent spin across the face via curvature. The third feature isn’t new, but the tungsten weight positioned low and back in the G425 Max certainly adds to the launch equation.
Conclusion
I’ve used the term consistency frequently in this review, but forgiveness could be substituted in almost every occurrence. For us golfers who don’t hit it pure every time – or any time – consistent results are born from forgiveness. And if consistent performance isn’t enough to entice golfers, PING added Arccos Caddie Smart Grips for those looking to elevate their game. The G425 Max fairway also features an 8 position hosel to dial in loft and lie for an optimal setup. Bottom line is the PING G425 Max fairway is a great all around performer with consistency that can benefit golfers of all abilities – young or old.
Visit PING HERE
PING G425 Max Fairway Wood Price & Specs
Matt Meeker
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Threw my driver to the garage…. love my G425 3 wood…16* turned to 14.5
And my G415 SFT from 19* to 17.5…..
How much of an improvement is the 425 over the 410?
As typical for the next iteration, improvements aren’t huge. If you own the G410 fairway you might not see significant differences. If you own neither, I always recommend getting the latest version if you are prone to keep clubs for a while.
– Meeks
Matt,
From reviews, looks like you got better numbers with Tour Edge Exotic than G425 Max, correct??
Guy
Depends on which numbers you are focused on Guy. For starters, the clubs weren’t hit in the same session making direct comparisons unmeaningful. But more importantly, the G425 was a 5 wood and the TEE a 3 wood.
– Meeks
Thanks Matt for your review. It’s really helpful to get reviews from someone with the same swing speed as most of us :).
Is the Aldila White shaft for slower swing speeds and lower torques? Jon
Thanks for the kind words Jonathan. I don’t have any direct experience with the Aldila White shaft, but Matt Saternus performed a review – LINK. That said, the shaft comes in a variety of weights and flexes to suite a wide variety of swings. Is it right for you? That’s really a question only testing, hopefully with a qualified fitter, can determine.
– Meeks
hey matt, what fairway wood do you game? I was wondering if you tried lofting the ping g425 5 wood down to 16 degrees to see the difference in numbers? I think a lot of people are ditching 3 woods altogether and modifying their 5 woods to 4 woods
Hey Mike,
You can check out what any of the PIG staff are playing under our profiles on the “ABOUT” tab on the main page. I’m gaming a Titleist TSi2 4 wood. I don’t recall any specifics of alternate settings on the PING. But you are correct, many mortal golfers have switched to higher lofted fairway woods.
– Meeks
Helpful review thanks. Earlier this season I picked up Ping G410 driver, 3 & 5 woods. Delofted them all down 1.5. Love these clubs and at 57 years young I have never hit a driver or woods better than these. Just decided to get the Ping G425 7&9 woods. Can’t wait to get them. Do you think I should loft these down too or leave them at the standard setting? I am leaning towards leaving them as is. Thank you.
Try them first in their stock settings. Then adjust as needed.
Thanks for reading.
– Meeks
Hi Mike,
I see that the prices have come down this week on Ping G425 woods(probably getting ready to introduce new line of clubs). I am looking at purchasing an new 3 wood. I have been taking lessons and it’s helped with my slice a bit. My question is: do you think I should go with the G425 Max 3 Wood or the SFT? Still hit slice once in a while, but have seen improvement.
Thanks Mike!
Larry,
My advice is always to get fit. You may like the draw-enhancement of the SFT. You might find it’s too much. No way to know without giving them a swing yourself.
-Matt
I’m glad I found this review of the Ping G425 Max Fairway Wood. I’m looking for a new fairway wood and this one looks like it would be a good fit.