In 2014 Ping introduced a driver that strays from the norm and the G30 brings a lot to the table: adjustability, technology, looks, and high performance shaft options.

The G30 driver has a 460cc head, new T9S face material that offers a thin, lightweight material to optimize ball speeds across the face, Trajectory Tuning+ Technology with five settings and two degrees of loft adjustability, and lastly Crown Turbulators which increases head stability and club speed.

The G30 is offered in two lofts (9 and 10.5 degrees) and three shaft options --- TFC 419D (59g), Tour 65 (61g) and Tour 80 (75g).

FIRST REACTION

I was a little surprised when I got my first in-person glance at the G30. The Crown Turbulators (6 ridges on the crown that nicely frame the alignment) combined with the matte black finish give the driver an industrial look. It doesn't take long to get used to, especially when you think about the function of those Crown Turbulators, which Ping says are "Proven in wind-tunnel testing to reduce aerodynamic drag and create efficient airflow."

Both the G25 and G30 feel similar, but a glance at the launch monitor numbers below will give you a feel for the potential club speed improvement. (Your numbers will vary of course.) The black face and black crown combination are sure to come in handy on sunny days to reduce glare.

To give a true assessment of the G30 driver’s performance, I used a launch monitor to compare last year’s G25 to the new G30.

Results (avg. 10 shots with each driver)

G30 (9.0 degree adjusted to 9.5 w/ Tour Stiff 65 shaft)

Avg. Club speed (mph): 112
Avg. Ball Speed (mph): 162
Launch: 12.1
Spin Rate (rpm): 2350
Carry (yds): 295
Total Distance (yds): 310

G25 (9.5 degree w/ TFC189D Tour Stiff shaft)

Avg. Club speed (mph): 108
Avg. Ball Speed (mph): 157
Launch: 12
Spin Rate (rpm): 2450
Carry (yds): 285
Total Distance (yds): 301

RESULTS

Based off only numbers, it is easy to tell that the G30 out-performed the G25 for me. Before testing, I was unsure about the Turbulators, but I don’t believe my assumptions were on point. Both drivers have similar weight shafts and swing weights and still the G30 added 4 MPH of club head speed propelling the ball 10 yards farther than the G25 (just factoring carry distance).

With exception of the swing speed and ball speed the G25 and G30 shared similar numbers in regards to launch and spin.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Ping’s G30 with retail for $349 and became generally available in August.