Ping G425 Max Vs Sft Driver Which One Actually Helps Fix Your Slice

For golfers struggling with a persistent slice, choosing the right driver can mean the difference between frustration and fairway finding. The PING G425 Max and G425 SFT (Straight Flight Technology) are two of the most talked-about drivers in recent years—both engineered to combat slices, but through different design philosophies. While they share the same family name, their approach to correcting ball flight diverges in meaningful ways. Understanding these differences is critical for high-handicappers and slicers looking to gain consistency off the tee.

The G425 Max emphasizes maximum forgiveness and MOI (moment of inertia), making it ideal for players who miss the center of the face frequently. The G425 SFT takes a more targeted approach, built from the ground up to promote a draw bias and reduce left-to-right spin. But which one actually works better for fixing a slice? Let’s break down the technology, performance, and real-world results to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Slice-Correcting Driver Technology

A slice occurs when the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact, creating clockwise spin (for right-handed golfers). This causes the ball to curve sharply from left to right. Correcting a slice isn’t just about equipment—technique plays a major role—but modern drivers like the G425 Max and SFT use smart engineering to minimize the severity of mishits and encourage straighter or even draw-biased ball flights.

PING employs several technologies across both models to address this:

• Back-weighted design – Increases MOI for stability on off-center hits.
• Internal heel weighting – Promotes a draw bias by shifting the center of gravity toward the heel.
• Higher loft options – Help launch the ball higher with less sidespin.
• Tuned face curvature – Compensates for gear effect on heel and toe strikes.

While both drivers leverage these concepts, their implementation varies significantly.

Design & Performance: G425 Max vs SFT

The G425 Max is designed as PING’s most forgiving driver, part of their “game improvement” lineup. It features a deep-back CG location and a high-MOI shape that resists twisting on mishits. It’s effective for slicers because it reduces the penalty for poor contact—meaning even if you hit it on the toe or heel, the ball tends to stay in play with reduced curvature.

The G425 SFT, however, goes a step further. It includes 26 grams of internal heel weighting—more than any other model in the G425 series—which shifts the center of gravity closer to the hosel. This promotes a closed clubface at impact, encouraging a draw spin pattern. Additionally, the SFT comes standard with a 1.5° closed face angle, which helps counteract an open face at impact—a common cause of slicing.

Tip: If your slice stems from an open clubface at impact, the SFT’s closed face and heel weighting may offer a more direct correction than the Max.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	G425 Max	G425 SFT
Primary Focus	Forgiveness & Stability	Slice Reduction & Draw Bias
CG Location	Deep Back	Heel-Biased
Face Angle (Standard)	Square	1.5° Closed
Moment of Inertia (MOI)	Very High (~9500 g/cm²)	High (~9000 g/cm²)
Best For	Players needing forgiveness	Chronic slicers seeking draw bias
Stock Shaft	AXIOM+ (mid-launch, mid-spin)	AXIOM+ Diamana (lower spin, draw-enhancing)

While the Max offers superior stability on mis-hits, the SFT is specifically tuned to change ball flight patterns. It doesn’t just forgive a slice—it actively fights it.

Real-World Impact: Who Benefits Most?

Consider Mark, a 14-handicap golfer who consistently struggles with a left-to-right miss. He tested both drivers on the range using launch monitor data. With the G425 Max, his average shot shape improved slightly—his slice reduced from 40 yards to 28 yards of rightward curve. However, he still fought to get the ball drawing.

When he switched to the G425 SFT, two things changed immediately: his face-to-path numbers improved (from +4.2° to +1.8°), and his spin axis tilted left, producing a gentle draw. His carry distance increased by 12 yards due to reduced spin and better energy transfer. After 10 rounds, he found himself hitting 60% of fairways—up from 38% previously.

This case illustrates a broader trend: players with consistent outside-in swing paths or weak grip issues benefit more from the SFT’s structural bias. Meanwhile, those who swing inconsistently and struggle with all types of misses often find greater overall stability with the Max.

“Equipment won’t fix a broken swing, but the right driver can mask flaws and give feedback that encourages better mechanics.” — Dr. Tom Mase, Biomechanics Researcher, Michigan State University

How to Choose: A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Selecting between the G425 Max and SFT shouldn’t be guesswork. Follow this process to determine which suits your game:

1. Assess Your Miss Pattern: Do you mostly miss right (slice), or do you spray shots both ways? If it’s primarily a slice, the SFT has a clear advantage.
2. Check Your Face Control: Use impact tape or foot spray on the clubface. If your marks are consistently toward the toe, you likely have an open face at impact—ideal for the SFT.
3. Evaluate Swing Path: If you come over-the-top (outside-in), the SFT’s draw bias will help square the face. If your path is relatively neutral but you lack consistency, the Max may be safer.
4. Test Launch Conditions: Ideally, try both with a launch monitor. Look at spin axis, face-to-path, and smash factor. The SFT should show lower spin axis values and a more leftward tilt.
5. Consider Adjustability: Neither model has adjustable hosels, so shaft and lie are fixed. Make sure the stock setup matches your needs—especially the SFT’s closed face.

Tip: If you’re unsure, start with the SFT if you slice badly. Many golfers report immediate improvement in shot shape—even before changing their swing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the G425 Max fix a slice?

Yes, but indirectly. The G425 Max reduces the severity of a slice by minimizing side spin on off-center hits and offering high forgiveness. However, it doesn’t actively promote a draw like the SFT does. If your slice is caused by inconsistent contact rather than swing mechanics, the Max can help keep the ball in play more often.

Is the SFT only for slicers?

Primarily, yes. The G425 SFT is designed for golfers who struggle with a left-to-right ball flight. If you already hit a draw or a straight ball, the SFT may encourage a hook. It’s not recommended for players with neutral or closed clubfaces at impact.

Do I need a professional fitting for either driver?

Highly recommended. Even within the SFT and Max models, factors like shaft flex, length, and grip size affect performance. A proper fitting ensures you get the full benefit of each driver’s design. PING’s fitting tools, like nFlight, can also simulate how each model performs with your swing data.

Final Verdict: Which One Actually Fixes a Slice?

If your goal is to actively correct a slice—not just survive it—the PING G425 SFT is the better choice. Its combination of heel weighting, closed face, and draw-biased shaft makes it uniquely equipped to alter ball flight in favor of a right-to-left pattern. It’s not just forgiving; it’s corrective.

The G425 Max, while excellent for overall forgiveness and stability, treats the symptom (the slice) rather than the cause. It keeps the ball playable but doesn’t retrain your tendencies. For many average golfers, that’s enough. But for those serious about reducing or eliminating their slice, the SFT delivers more targeted results.

That said, neither driver replaces instruction. As PING’s Director of Engineering once noted: “We build clubs to help golfers play better today, but the best long-term fix is improving the swing.” Use the SFT as a training aid—if you start drawing the ball more easily, pay attention to what feels different. That awareness can accelerate your progress with coaching.

“The SFT isn’t a crutch—it’s a compass. It shows slicers what a square impact feels like.” — Mike Nicolette, Former PGA Tour Player & Club Designer

Take Action Today

If you’ve been battling a slice for months—or years—it’s time to reassess your equipment. Don’t assume all forgiving drivers are the same. The PING G425 SFT was built for your exact problem. Try it alongside the Max if possible, but don’t underestimate the power of a driver designed from the inside out to promote straighter, draw-biased shots. Pair it with focused practice, and you might finally see the fairway more often than the trees.

💬 Have you tried the G425 Max or SFT? Share your experience below and help fellow golfers decide which driver could turn their slice into a draw.