Low Spin Drivers...Damn!

1,981 Views | 19 Replies | Last: 1 day ago by 93MarineHorn
93MarineHorn
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I was fitted for a Ping G440 LST w/ Ventus Black shaft (upgraded from G400 Max) a few weeks ago and I've played a few rounds with it. This thing is unbelievable! I'm driving short par 4s that I used to come up 20-30 yards short on my best drives. It's forgiving as well, which I thought would be more of an issue. The launch is so penetrating and the roll out can be significant on firmed up fairways. I feel like I've cheated myself the last few years by not getting one sooner.

If you haven't tried one you've got to give it a look. It's transformative.
TecRecAg
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AG
How are your misses with it? I've never hit one but seems like it would be absolutely punishing if you didn't square it up right.
93MarineHorn
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TecRecAg said:

How are your misses with it? I've never hit one but seems like it would be absolutely punishing if you didn't square it up right.

Misses don't lose that much distance with the Ping. From online reviews, it seems to be the most forgiving club of the LS offerings. I've hit some so-so shots that ended up getting out very far because of the roll out. I'm still getting used to it (it's heavier than my G400), so I've had some very "long and wrong" tee shots.
CyclingAg82
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AG
93MarineHorn said:

TecRecAg said:

How are your misses with it? I've never hit one but seems like it would be absolutely punishing if you didn't square it up right.

Misses don't lose that much distance with the Ping. From online reviews, it seems to be the most forgiving club of the LS offerings. I've hit some so-so shots that ended up getting out very far because of the roll out. I'm still getting used to it (it's heavier than my G400), so I've had some very "long and wrong" tee shots.

I have G440 SFT and it is very forgiving on off- center strikes. My dispersion improved. It more forgiving towards the toe than the heel.
93MarineHorn
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CyclingAg82 said:

93MarineHorn said:

TecRecAg said:

How are your misses with it? I've never hit one but seems like it would be absolutely punishing if you didn't square it up right.

Misses don't lose that much distance with the Ping. From online reviews, it seems to be the most forgiving club of the LS offerings. I've hit some so-so shots that ended up getting out very far because of the roll out. I'm still getting used to it (it's heavier than my G400), so I've had some very "long and wrong" tee shots.

I have G440 SFT and it is very forgiving on off- center strikes. My dispersion improved. It more forgiving towards the toe than the heel.

Gotta love Ping's playability and feel. I didn't try the SFT, the fitter quickly had me into a "battle royale" between the Titleist GT2 and the Ping LST. I've already got a tight draw so probably wouldn't be a good fit for me.
KentuckyAg2
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AG
I've got a birthday coming up!!! Might have to do some research ha
Sooper Jeenyus
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AG
Bought the 425 LST when the 430s were released. I've been pleased.

Can't speak to off-center hits, of course….
tcc66
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AG
I have a G440 LST (10.5 degree) in excellent condition. Can sell with or without a ventus red, regular flex, velocore shaft. I struggle with drivers and moved to the mini driver.
Killin Me Smalls
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AG
tcc66 said:

I have a G440 LST (10.5 degree) in excellent condition. Can sell with or without a ventus red, regular flex, velocore shaft. I struggle with drivers and moved to the mini driver.


How much? Location?
G Martin 87
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AG
I switched to a 410 LST last year and have had great success with it. My dispersion is slightly wider than my previous driver, but I've gained about 15 yards with the LST. An acceptable, if unsurprising, tradeoff in my view.
Baby Billy
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AG
tcc66 said:

I have a G440 LST (10.5 degree) in excellent condition. Can sell with or without a ventus red, regular flex, velocore shaft. I struggle with drivers and moved to the mini driver.

Also interested but without the shaft
Rustys-Beef-o-Reeno
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AG
Not a ping but bought an ultra low spinning cobra adapt LS 6 degree back this summer. Ratchet it up to 8 degrees and sending it with more carry and less spin than my sim 2 I was playing at 7 degrees.

Same shaft, about 6-9mph ball speed improvement with same or less spin and a higher launch angle
tcc66
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AG
$350 head/head cover
$600 with shaft

pm me and I'll text you pics.
Icecream_Ag
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S
I hit the new Callaway (whatever the new name is) triple diamond max which is their low spin concept on a bigger head for more forgiveness.

Less said about distance the better but that was a me issue, the spin numbers were actually dang good. I'll have to hit it again as the old and fat parts are limbering up again, but it may be the first new driver in my bag in decades
Orome
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AG
I'm swinging an old ping and plan on switching to a low spin driver once I fix a wrist issue with my swing. Excited to see other people talk about them
Just an Ag
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AG
Orome said:

Edited to get other people talk about them


AI Overview

Low-spin drivers are not inherently "the best" for everyone; they are designed to maximize distance for players with high swing speeds (100+ mph) and consistent center-face contact, often at the cost of forgiveness. While they reduce ballooning and add rollout, they can cause mis-hits to drop significantly in distance, making them ill-suited for average-speed players or those seeking maximum forgiveness.

Key Considerations for Low-Spin Drivers:
  • Performance Benefits: Ideal for faster swingers looking to lower trajectory and increase roll-out by reducing backspin.
  • Forgiveness Trade-off: Generally feature a more forward center of gravity (CG), making them less forgiving on off-center hits compared to standard or high-MOI drivers.
  • Best Suited For: Golfers with high ball speeds (100+ mph) who want to reduce a high-spin/ballooning ball flight.
  • Not Ideal For: Slower swing speeds (<100 mph) or those needing help keeping the ball in the air, as low spin can lead to a "knuckleball" effect and loss of distance.
  • Top 2026 Models: Examples include the PING G440 LST, Callaway AI Smoke TD Max, and TaylorMade Qi35 LS, which aim to balance low spin with improved forgiveness.
For most amateur golfers, a standard or high-forgiveness driver that produces a moderate, consistent spin will yield better accuracy and, ultimately, more total distance.
Orome
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AG
I have 115 mph swing and a ballooning ball flight path
C ROC N
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Orome said:

I have 115 mph swing and a ballooning ball flight path


I have a high swing speed also and used to balloon balls, finding the correct shaft for your swing type is key. Also, a driver head that is made for higher swing speeds does help. I still use an older TM M2 Tour head 7.5 degrees turned down -2 with an XX stiff shaft tipped 1 inch for an overall length of 46". I also play with a LD head Callaway Parodym 4.5 degrees turned down -1 with a LD shaft Kinetixx Velocity LD20. It helps with the balloon effect, but you should be able to find a shaft that works for your swing. TPT Nitro shafts are great and super stable at high swing speeds.
Finding a proper fitter in your area will definitely help you save lots of time and money instead of just trying ones out by trial and error.
DGrimesAg92
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Lost your swing? Go to Ping.
93MarineHorn
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I was averaging 101-102 mph during my fitting. The fitter told me my setup would be ok unless I started swinging slower the 98 mph. I'm in my late 50's so hopefully I can keep the speed up for a few more years.
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