G425 Max vs LST for High Speed Players

[mike_wardo]

I know there are a lot of posts discussing the G425 driver line up but none specific to high speed players.
 

For those high speed players that have tested both the G425 Max and LST, beside the sound what did you like best? I’ve read some reports of the Max having similar spin numbers to the LST, I know this will vary from player to player but I’d love to hear your experience. Also heard lots about lowering the spin with 10g of forward hotmelt and a reduction of the back weight to 17g, seems like a hassle but something I would be willing to listen to...or is the LST just good enough. I prefer the look of the Max at address, something about it just makes me feel like I can bomb it. I know changing the MOI via hotmelt will change the forgiveness a bit...anyways I digress.
 

A little background, I pretty much live at 115 MPH on the course (118-120 going about 95%) with a fairly low AoA 0 to +2. Good iron player, hit driver well but my launch is typically on the low 9-11 which typically has my spin around the 2500-2600 mark in my SIM 9* with Tour AD IZ 6X tipped 1”. Left is my miss...hence the transition to Ping...love the adjustability and stability.

 

Live in Ontario, golf is currently illegal due to a stay at home order due to f*cking COVID again...I would love to test myself...but I can’t at the moment...help me WRXers!

Edited May 7, 2021 by mike_wardo

[jadedennill]

I actually spun the 425 Max less than the LST. It was within 200 RPM but still worth noting. BS was the same but I just preferred the LST. Both 10.5*, and both with the Ventus Blue 6X. That day I was swinging 122-126 for reference. 
During the same session, I hit the Sim2 Max 9* higher with less spin and at the same speed as the Pings it was carrying 15 yards longer. I know that’s not helpful, but figured I’d mention it.

I ended up going with the LST though because it was so straight and I just want to hit more fairways. Sounds silly, but the higher launching lower spinning Sim2 Max flight was giving me twice the dispersion even on centre strikes.

[phizzy30]

OG SIM is such a good driver.  My ss hovers around 118 and can get up 123 when I really need it which is seldom.  9-11 degrees is not low launch for your ss.  In fact, I prefer my launch window in the 10-12 degree range but I will take 9-11 any day over anything above 13 degrees.  Your spin numbers are actually pretty good but could be a tad lower at 2200 rpm average.  You're AoA is spot on IMO.  Mine is neutral to +3.  I honestly believe in your case you might be better off with a different shaft.  Maybe something low/low.  If you're dead set on swapping heads, the LST is the better option.  MAX can get pretty spinny which is the last thing you'd want. 

[mike_wardo]

9 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

OG SIM is such a good driver.  My ss hovers around 118 and can get up 123 when I really need it which is seldom.  9-11 degrees is not low launch for your ss.  In fact, I prefer my launch window in the 10-12 degree range but I will take 9-11 any day over anything above 13 degrees.  Your spin numbers are actually pretty good but could be a tad lower at 2200 rpm average.  You're AoA is spot on IMO.  Mine is neutral to +3.  I honestly believe in your case you might be better off with a different shaft.  Maybe something low/low.  If you're dead set on swapping heads, the LST is the better option.  MAX can get pretty spinny which is the last thing you'd want. 

Couldn't agree more about the SIM, great driver, on the shaft front I have a bunch to test including a Ventus Black 6X which I assume will be a winner based on the minor testing I have done to date. Ultimately, I have the distance and speed, I want / need to hit more fairways which is why I am going in the direction of Ping. I think I have always know the answer to this being the LST, your opinion pretty much reaffirmed that! I will test the TSi3 later on this spring/ summer but I need a gamer until then, I mean I could game the G410 LST I have in the meantime...but new s*** is cool.

[mike_wardo]

10 hours ago, jadedennill said:

I actually spun the 425 Max less than the LST. It was within 200 RPM but still worth noting. BS was the same but I just preferred the LST. Both 10.5*, and both with the Ventus Blue 6X. That day I was swinging 122-126 for reference. 
During the same session, I hit the Sim2 Max 9* higher with less spin and at the same speed as the Pings it was carrying 15 yards longer. I know that’s not helpful, but figured I’d mention it.

I ended up going with the LST though because it was so straight and I just want to hit more fairways. Sounds silly, but the higher launching lower spinning Sim2 Max flight was giving me twice the dispersion even on centre strikes.

Exactly the comments that peaked my interest! Similar spin but you chose the LST, I also need to hit more fairways, I've heard the opposite opinion a bunch about the max being super straight...which leads me to believe the LST performs best for higher speed players, hence mostly every tour player swapping to the LST this year. Think the LST is likely the direction I will take!

[Vinsanity23]

When testing drivers this year I found the 425 Max to be great. Spin was low, and I was actually getting better ball speeds than the LST. I ended up going TSI3, but could have easily played the Max. I've played the G400 Max up until the TSI3 and loved it, and loved this one even more because it was actually low spin. Only thing I found is that when I moved the adjustable weight out of the center (I normally play adjustable weights on the toe side), it went to crap. 425 Max was my second favorite driver this year. It's loud, but hotmelt can easily fix that. For reference, I cruise at 113-115 SS.

Edited May 7, 2021 by Vinsanity23

[DFS PFD]

I came from SIM, ended up with G425 LST and 10g of melt to help lower spin. Going to all come down to where on the face you strike the ball, and with what dynamic loft. I spun Max 3500 rpm and could not do much to make it playable. Adding melt and in the lowest loft setting was the only way I could get the LST to 2600ish RPM. Had a few friends try the Max and none can get the spin low enough, so again, all comes down to how you deliver the club at impact. Try both on a real LM if you can 

[mike_wardo]

35 minutes ago, DFS PFD said:

I came from SIM, ended up with G425 LST and 10g of melt to help lower spin. Going to all come down to where on the face you strike the ball, and with what dynamic loft. I spun Max 3500 rpm and could not do much to make it playable. Adding melt and in the lowest loft setting was the only way I could get the LST to 2600ish RPM. Had a few friends try the Max and none can get the spin low enough, so again, all comes down to how you deliver the club at impact. Try both on a real LM if you can 

What were you spinning the SIM prior to switching to the LST? And I assume you added 10g of hotmelt and reduced the weight in the back? Otherwise it would one heavy mofo!

[DFS PFD]

3 minutes ago, mike_wardo said:

What were you spinning the SIM prior to switching to the LST? And I assume you added 10g of hotmelt and reduced the weight in the back? Otherwise it would one heavy mofo!

Correct, removed the rear weight entirely, plugged with a rubber insert. SIM 9* set to 7.5* with ventus black 7x I could get sub 2000 with a strike high on the face, and if center strike typically 2300 or so RPM. I'm low 120's currently so I like to be mid 2500 rpm spin. Ping is still a little high but playable. 

[PostalLefty]

It’s 2021 

 

can do a lot with aftermarket offering 

 

7G in the Toe

5G in the heel 

Edited May 10, 2021 by PostalLefty

[mike_wardo]

11 hours ago, PostalLefty said:

It’s 2021 

 

can do a lot with aftermarket offering 

 

7G in the Toe

5G in the heel 

I love that set up...with the Ventus Red too...very cool

[PostalLefty]

17 minutes ago, mike_wardo said:

I love that set up...with the Ventus Red too...very cool

The day I ordered it I popped a bone in my hand had this red in my Mizuno ST-Z 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 And now with the LST with the custom weights Oh man can’t wait to get out to tinker with it. 

 

The Ventus Red tipped is one of the best kept secrets in golf right now.  

 

the red get the “I dOnt nEeD hIgheR lAunCh aNd SpIN”  all scared with their 150mph ball speeds that they need anything other than the lowest spinning stiffest thing on the planet so they can brag about one drive a month. 
 

And I feel like I swing faster than 90% of people in the real world (Not GolfWRX I’d have to have CHS of 160 for that)  and this Red ❤️
 

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by PostalLefty