Ping G430 Vs Taylormade M4 Hybrid Comparison Overview

While hybrids should be forgiving and inspire confidence, not all hybrids are created equal.

Some manufacturers opt to emphasize forgiveness while others try to make a longer hybrid. It all depends on your needs as a player.

But to help you determine the all-important differences between popular hybrid clubs, we are continuing our comparison overview series. In this installation, we will be analyzing the differences and merits of the Taylormade M4 hybrid and the Ping G430 hybrid.

Ping G430 Hybrid Overview

“You can actually get a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 Ping G430 hybrid so right off the bat, you get a lot of choices.”

This is a major bonus if you are thinking of replacing all your long irons or some of your fairway woods. Beyond that though, the Ping G430 hybrid is certainly one that focuses on forgiveness above all else. They feature a variable roll radius face design that helps preserve optimal launch and spin on high-toe and low-heel shots.

The Ping G430 hybrids also feature a very nice-sounding and feeling maraging steel face. The face wraps into the crown and sole so you essentially get a bigger hitting zone to work with. This will help if you tend to top the ball or if you hit too low on face-center.

Basically, the entire face is the sweet spot. The turf interaction is sort of lacking though. Chunking was still an issue for our testers.

Taylormade M4 Hybrid Overview

“The Taylormade M4 has a sleek look at address even if you’re in the rough.”

We were surprised that we were getting virtually identical launch angles and shot shapes from the Taylormade M4 as we were from the Ping G430 hybrid. However, the Taylormade M4 had much better turf interaction – especially in the rough.

The Taylormade M4 is called a “rescue” hybrid and it really lives up to this nomenclature. It isn’t as forgiving as the Ping G430 hybrid; (and if you’re a high handicapper, you will likely get more distance out of the G430 too) but contact is so very clean in all conditions.

“The Geocoustic sole technology that went into the Taylormade M4 really does it’s job. If you’re a lower handicapper, you may also be able to get more distance from the M4. The Ping G430 hybrid is more for higher handicappers seeking max forgiveness.”

Ping G430 Hybrid

In 20 Words Or Less

“The Ping G430 hybrids spin low and play long. They launch straight and are forgiving enough for high handicappers.”

Taylormade M4 Hybrid

In 20 Words Or Less

The Taylormade M4 hybrid has a satisfying sound and will help high handicappers advance down the fairway with ease.

Ping G430 Hybrid – First Impressions

“At first, we were a bit concerned about the sole design and leading edge of the Ping G430 hybrids.”

And as it turns out, we had a right to be concerned. The leading edge of these hybrids isn’t as smooth as you would hope for a hybrid. Turf interaction was a bit harsh; but they launch high enough for better players to attack the pin from pretty much any lie.

Ping G430 Hybrid Family

“You can use the Ping G430 hybrids to replace almost any iron or fairway wood in your bag.”

They range from #2 to #7 and they all have a D1 swing weight. The Ping G430 family of hybrids can even replace your shorter fairway woods and yield the same distance. All of the hybrids in the Ping G430 line come with the same features such as carbon composite crowns, C300 maraging steel faces and Facewrap technology.

Taylormade M4 Hybrid First Impressions

We liked the simple design and look of the Taylormade M4 hybrids when we first opened them up.

We were pleased when we found out that playing them was as easy as it looked like it was going to be. All-in-all, the Taylormade M4’s may lack workability and a lot of the fancy features of more expensive hybrids; but they are certainly comfortable to swing and user-friendly.

The Taylormade M Hybrid Family

You aren’t confined to the M4 and M3 if you want to stick with Taylormade. The Taylormade M1 hybrids are some of the most versatile that the company makes.

The M1’s feature a rear, 27 gram sliding weight that you can position to the draw, neutral or fade positions. With an adjustable loft sleeve in tow, the Taylormade M1 is much more versatile than the M4 and M2 hybrids.

Ping G430 Hybrid Selling Points

The CG feels nice and low
Good, controlled launch
Helps you keep the ball on-line
They have a very nice feel
Adjustable loft and lie

Taylormade M4 Selling Points

Inverted Cone Technology
Split perimeter weighting
Geocoustic technology
Speed pocket

Who is the Ping G430 Hybrid for?

“The Ping G430 hybrids would be a good choice for any mid to high handicapper who wants to be able to keep the ball straight.”

At the end of the day, our testers were pleased with how accurate the Ping G430 hybrids are. Of course, they are also forgiving thanks to the Facewrap design. Other than turf interaction which was a bit lacking, the Ping G430 hybrids ticked all the boxes for us.

Distance: 96/100

Accuracy: 97/100

Feel & Control: 97/100

Forgiveness: 96/100

Overall Score: 97/100

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Who is the Taylormade M4 Hybrid for?

The Taylormade M4 hybrid would be great for anyone looking for a combination of distance and forgiveness.

This is as classic a game-improvement hybrid as you’re likely to find. Distance and forgiveness are the main focuses here but another thing we really liked about these hybrids is that they are easy for pretty much anyone to pick up and play.

They have a familiar and confidence-inspiring feel and weight to them. Again, they are lacking in terms of workability and precision – we have even played longer hybrids. But will they benefit high handicappers and help them get to the green quicker? Absolutely. You can pick up the Taylormade M4 in 3H-5H.