Mizuno ST-Max 230 vs Ping G430 SFT
At $549 vs $449, there's a $100 gap between the Ping G430 SFT and the Mizuno ST-Max 230. Is the premium worth it? Interestingly, the more affordable Mizuno ST-Max 230 actually matches or beats the Ping G430 SFT in several key areas. Here's the full head-to-head breakdown.
Score Comparison
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Forgiveness
A negligible difference in forgiveness: the Ping G430 SFT scores 9.4/10 vs 9/10 for the Mizuno ST-Max 230. The 0.4-point gap is slim enough that other factors should guide your decision. Ping G430 SFT's 9,100 MOI provides solid stability.
Distance
The Ping G430 SFT edges the Mizuno ST-Max 230 8.4 to 8.2 in distance, but the 0.2-point gap is virtually identical in practice. You won't feel a real-world difference between these two here. Key tech like Carbonfly Wrap drives the Ping G430 SFT's speed numbers.
Feel & Sound
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 edges the Ping G430 SFT 8.4 to 8.2 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 Mizuno ST-Max 230's 460cc head produces a confident, full-bodied sound.
Adjustability
The Ping G430 SFT edges the Mizuno ST-Max 230 7.8 to 7.6 in adjustability, 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 SFT 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 SFT. 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 SFT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $549 |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Head Size | 460cc | 460cc |
| Lofts | 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° | 10.5°, 12° |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes |
| MOI | 8800 | 9100 |
| Key Tech | Beta Rich Ti-X Face, Carbon Crown, Cortech Chamber | Carbonfly Wrap, Spinsistency Face Technology, Straight Flight Technology (Heel CG) |
Which Should You Buy?
If you want maximum forgiveness
Go with the Ping G430 SFT. Its 9.4/10 forgiveness score means more consistent results on off-center strikes compared to the Mizuno ST-Max 230's 9/10.
If you want maximum distance
The Ping G430 SFT has the edge at 8.4/10 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 SFT's 7.8/10 at $549.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Mizuno ST-Max 230 or Ping G430 SFT?
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 scores higher overall at 8.4/10 vs 8.4/10. It wins on feel and sound, value. The Ping G430 SFT is better for forgiveness, distance, adjustability. The best choice depends on your priorities and handicap level.
Is the Mizuno ST-Max 230 more forgiving than the Ping G430 SFT?
The Ping G430 SFT is more forgiving, scoring 9.4/10 compared to 9/10 for the Mizuno ST-Max 230. It offers excellent stability on mishits.
Which is better value: Mizuno ST-Max 230 or Ping G430 SFT?
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 ($449) scores 8.8/10 for value vs 7.8/10 for the Ping G430 SFT ($549). It costs less and delivers more bang for the buck.