The G franchise of irons is one of the biggest sellers in the world of golf, so when a new one comes out, it is a big deal. Let me introduce you to the G440 irons, the latest in a long tradition of game-improvement irons from the Phoenix-based equipment giants Ping. Looking to sit amongst the best golf irons in the game, let’s take a look and see what is on offer…
The G440 iron is very much aimed at the golfer in need of game-improvement technology who might just prefer the visual of a more player-style shape. Increased ball speed has been tackled with a shallower, thinner face and the low/back CG location is a design attempt to promote higher-launching, longer-carrying shots with improved stopping power via a steeper angle of descent.
“The G440 iron offers golfers everything they need to elevate their iron play. It looks amazing and delivers the distance they want with the control they need to hit shots closer to the hole,” Says John K. Solheim, Ping CEO. “In this category, we continue to emphasize the importance of consistency when determining the iron that best fits a golfer. We know they want distance, but distance without control doesn’t lead to lower scores. Through multiple advancements, the G440 represents the most versatile iron in our line and will fit the games of a lot of golfers.”
Another key contributor to the added distance is the next generation of the Ping PurFlex cavity badge. The 4-piece molded badge is supposedly more flexible than previous designs, expanding and contracting to support the thinner face while adding some ball speed and enhancing feel and sound.
Looks-wise, like the entire G440 range I have reviewed, it isn’t my favorite ever from Ping. Although this will always be totally subjective, I prefer the more robust, industrial look that the G430 iron offered. For me, there is a little too much polish with the high chrome and almost shiny blue accent in the cavity. However, down behind the ball, it is a different story altogether and I always argue that is the most important viewpoint of all.
A clear effort has been made here to slim down the profile somewhat and align the shaping somewhere a little nearer to a more ‘player’ style iron. Although that would be a stretch - it is still very clearly a game-improvement offering look - I do like what has been done. Much softer lines and more refined shaping make this a much nicer iron to look down on than before. Those seeking maximum confidence at the address may want to steer towards the G730 iron, however.
Performance is everything I expected. I tested the Ping G440 irons at Saunton Golf Club using my FullSwing KIT launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5 golf balls, and I enjoyed the enormous levels of playability on offer here. As you would hope and expect, my poorly struck shots were hugely flattered, not only from the heel and toe but also when I caught one a little heavy. The fairly wide soles did a nice job of keeping the blade moving through the ground and not stalling, preserving plenty of yardage which was a real positive.
Another positive was the impressive ball speed output on offer coupled with the ease of launch, and as ever with Ping you can fine-tune this to your personal requirements with the options of standard, Retro (weaker), Power (stronger) lofts. For reference, the standard 7-iron comes in at 29˚.
In terms of the feel, I wouldn’t say it is my favorite of the year in the best game-improvement iron category, being a touch on the firm side, but it is far from poor. Robust would be how I would describe it, but importantly it remains remarkably similar no matter where you strike it.
A slight regression in shelf appeal in my humble opinion, but the performance and slicker playing position profile just about make up for it, and I can confidently say that the Ping G440 irons will do a great job for a huge number of golfers.
Available: 4-9, PW (42°), UW (47°), 52°, 56° in 10 color codes (lie angle). Loft options: Standard, Power Spec, and Retro Spec
Stock shafts: PING AWT 3.0 steel (R, S, X), PING Alta CB Blue graphite (SR, R, S), PING AltaQuick 35/45 (HL build)
Optional stock shafts: Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold Mid 115 (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100), KBS Tour (R, S, X), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 105 (R, S, X), Elevate MPH 95 (R, S)
Stock Grip: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet in six sizes
RRP: $170 per club with stock steel shaft; $185 per club with stock graphite shaft
