Mizuno ST-Max 230 vs Ping G430 LST
At $549 vs $449, there's a $100 gap between the Ping G430 LST and the Mizuno ST-Max 230. Is the premium worth it? The Ping G430 LST does score higher overall, but the Mizuno ST-Max 230 punches above its price. Here's the full head-to-head breakdown.
Score Comparison
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Forgiveness
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 holds a modest edge in forgiveness at 9/10 vs the Ping G430 LST's 8/10. A 1.0-point advantage that's slight but could matter if forgiveness ranks high on your priority list. Mizuno ST-Max 230's 8,800 MOI provides solid stability.
Distance
The Ping G430 LST holds a modest edge in distance at 9.2/10 vs the Mizuno ST-Max 230's 8.2/10. A 1.0-point advantage that's slight but could matter if distance ranks high on your priority list. Key tech like Carbonfly Wrap drives the Ping G430 LST's speed numbers.
Feel & Sound
The Ping G430 LST edges the Mizuno ST-Max 230 8.6 to 8.4 in feel & sound, but the 0.2-point gap is virtually identical in practice. You won't feel a real-world difference between these two here. The Ping G430 LST's 450cc head produces a confident, full-bodied sound.
Adjustability
A clear advantage for the Ping G430 LST in adjustability: 9/10 vs 7.6/10 for the Mizuno ST-Max 230. The 1.4-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. The Ping G430 LST offers Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel (8 positions) for fine-tuning.
Value
A clear advantage for the Mizuno ST-Max 230 in value: 8.8/10 vs 7.8/10 for the Ping G430 LST. The 1.0-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. At $449, the Mizuno ST-Max 230 undercuts most competitors significantly.
Specifications
| Spec | Mizuno ST-Max 230 | Ping G430 LST |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $549 |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Head Size | 460cc | 450cc |
| Lofts | 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° | 8°, 9°, 10.5° |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes |
| MOI | 8800 | 8400 |
| Key Tech | Beta Rich Ti-X Face, Carbon Crown, Cortech Chamber | Carbonfly Wrap, Spinsistency Face Technology, Low-Spin Technology (Forward CG) |
Which Should You Buy?
If you want maximum forgiveness
Go with the Mizuno ST-Max 230. Its 9/10 forgiveness score means more consistent results on off-center strikes compared to the Ping G430 LST's 8/10.
If you want maximum distance
The Ping G430 LST has the edge at 9.2/10 vs 8.2/10. Its design is optimized for ball speed and carry distance.
If you're on a budget
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 at $449 scores 8.8/10 for value — better than the Ping G430 LST's 7.8/10 at $549.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Mizuno ST-Max 230 or Ping G430 LST?
The Ping G430 LST scores higher overall at 8.5/10 vs 8.4/10. It wins on distance, feel and sound, adjustability. The Mizuno ST-Max 230 is better for forgiveness, value. The best choice depends on your priorities and handicap level.
Is the Mizuno ST-Max 230 more forgiving than the Ping G430 LST?
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 is more forgiving, scoring 9/10 compared to 8/10 for the Ping G430 LST. It offers excellent stability on mishits.
Which is better value: Mizuno ST-Max 230 or Ping G430 LST?
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 ($449) scores 8.8/10 for value vs 7.8/10 for the Ping G430 LST ($549). It costs less and delivers more bang for the buck.