So I found the mythical gain increase. I never believed it until tonite

I did a flightscope session tonite comparing my trusty G30 10 degree SF TEC stiff vs the new G400. Following various head/shaft combo's, the G400 9 degree with Hzrdus Yellow 6.0 was 15 yards further than my G30 with all round better numbers.

My ss was 107 - 111 which I was amazed about (I was measured at 100 - 104 5 years ago and I'm not getting younger, I'm 43 - mind you I'm fitter I cycle a lot since then and carry my bag a lot more) but I hit down on the ball so my AOA is high which puts my spin in the 3.2 - 3.4k range so my distances were compromised, average distance with rollout was 269 yds.

However, this G400 combo was carrying further than my G30 was with rollout. Needless to say, I bought it. Bet it will be crap on the course - to be fair, the shop has given me a demo to use in 2 rounds I have coming up Sunday and Tuesday so will hold off ordering for me until Tuesday in case we need to go back to the drawing board.. I was delighted with the service.

For anyone with a G30 thinking of upgrading, do it but get on a launch monitor.

    After a couple of range sessions I will probably buy one if I see the same results 1-2 times more. Probably the SFT, but will have to see with the Alta R vs shorter 60 gr Tour R.

    This is the first diver I have hit in ages I would pay full retail price.

    It's worth noting that in the fitting, I started off with the standard 10.5 with the stock stiff Alta. I thought this one would be the one for me. The numbers were actually worse than my gamer which confused the fitter - who I know well, he used to be assistant pro at the club I play at so he's not a spoofer.

    It did take a while to dial in something that started to exceed before 3 combo's were comfortably there and narrowed things down.

    The slightly best average numbers was with an 8.5 degree LS tec but not by much and I knew I couldn't possibly use a low spinning low loft head consistently so was never going to go for that. Whatever about hitting ball after ball in a fitting, it's not like that on the course. The 9 degree standard is actually launching at a better angle and peaking 10 yards higher at the top of the flight than my 10 degree G30. I've read the G400 launches higher than the G30 or G and to consider going down a loft. It seems to be true.

    I like the look, I haven’t hit one just to be sure this doesn’t happen to me haha. Glad you found a winner.

    A 110mph swing speed with 269 total distance is definitely leaving a lot on the table. I don't think I swing that fast and I hit it much farther than that frequently. I'm glad you got fitted and found a little more distance.

    Maybe thibk about working on that AoA. It doesn't need to flip all the way to positive, but getting a little closer to a neutral AoA could give you additional yards for free, too.

    • Graz replied to this.

      Back when I still had a swing speed of 107-110 mph I used a 7 degree driver for the most part. I hit everything else way too high and had little roll. I used to hit it from 290-310 yds. so I agree, you seem to be leaving something on the table (as ZWExton said). What I would give to hit it 269 yds. now though...

      Graz

      Holy colcannon, Graz! A beast of a a club in the hands of a quality golfer!

      A fitting it is and actually smart if paying full retail.

      Great to hear from you. I have been meaning to check in on you, and will definitely do that soon.

      • Graz replied to this.

          ZWExton oh totally, that's what the fitter said. My AoA was 6 when it should be 1.2 or something.

          I've always hit my driver short compared to long hitters but my irons are always right there so there was always an issue.

          You are totally right, I must work on it.

            potbunker yeah I haven't been on Golfbuzz for a long time. Kind of fell out of love with the game a bit after missing most of last year injured. I discovered other things in life outside of golf!

            I won a voucher that more or less covered this driver so I figured I'd pay the extra to get fit and the upcharge shaft that it turns out I needed. Just back from the range and it's looking good. We'll see when I play tomorrow.

            I might seriously have given up the game only my son is now playing a lot and making great progress. So I guess I'm back!

              Swing speed ~ 90 mph. Have the G30 SF Tec in 12, G SF Tec in 10 and the G400 SF Tec in 10*. I think the G30 is slightly longer on my best drives. The G and G400 are no slouches though. All great drivers IMO. The G400 is smaller at 445 cc's. Ironically PING says they were able to get a higher MOI with the smaller head.

                Is the most forgiving driver that I have ever hit.

                So is it everything it's cracked up to be? Better feel, sound and forgiveness vs the Ping G. I play the G and it seems the g400 changes were everything that I would have wanted. I plan to grab the g400 next year when the used prices come down- can't wait!

                I played today with the G400. Conditions were windy and cool (11c) and very soft after a stormy week here.

                Ignoring that I played awful and was hitting nothing well, I hit about half the drives well. Results were consistent with the fitting. I got a mid flight ball so it was a mid flight but more piercing than my G30. Accuracy was better, I have a fade that can be too much but this club/shaft combo was straight. In the fitting, dispersion was excellent and I was seeing this on the course. It looks like I can just aim straight with this combo instead of allowing for some left to right.

                Results were positive but it's too early to say yet that it's there. I'm playing again Tuesday when hopefully I won't be so knackered from hitting a couple hundred balls the last two days and carrying my bag.

                13 days later

                'My' G400 arrived yesterday. 27 holes later, I can confirm I love it. Most accurate driver I've had with more length. What's not to like?

                  Graz

                  That has to be a great feeling. Happy for 'ya. Please keep us updated as I'm getting one.

                  Season is over so I have time to do some trials with shafts and models or may just go the full fitting route for a few extra $$$$.

                    sdandrea1

                    Yeah, remember how you were for 2 years wanting the G30 SF Tec when they got down under $150? U got one and sold it before the UPS guy got back down the end of your driveway. Don't waste your time...you do better or the same with old crap. Look at what u have now....😀

                    A lot of good reviews on this one. Why don't u see a real fitter, let him know u are probably not buying. Pay for the fitting and then pick up the parts down the road?