Data dictates: Maxfli golf ball optimizes Griffin’s entire bag.

As the Equipment Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’ve spent countless hours on the launch monitor, dissecting the claims made by manufacturers, and fitting hundreds of golfers to find what genuinely improves their game. Ben Griffin’s approach to his equipment, especially his driver and golf ball, offers a fascinating case study in separating marketing from measurable performance.

Griffin, despite his insistence that he’s not a “gear nerd,” clearly has a keen eye for what works. His willingness to test, even if it’s “just for fun,” speaks to a fundamental truth in golf equipment: you don’t know until you measure it. His recent switch to the Ping G440 K driver, after initially leaning towards his G430 Max 10K, highlights this perfectly. He wasn’t afraid to make a switch if something was demonstrably better. That’s the mindset every golfer should adopt.

“I’m not really trying necessarily to change anything, but I’m just testing for fun,” he continued. “Just to see what’s out there. And if something is significantly better, I’m not afraid to make that switch.”

The Driver Dilemma: G430 Max 10K vs. G440 K

The Ping G430 Max 10K was a revelation for many golfers, including Griffin, in 2025. Its name, “10K,” referred to its impressive Moment of Inertia (MOI) – exceeding 10,000 g-cm² – a testament to its extreme forgiveness. In my fitting bay, I consistently saw golfers pick up significant ball speed and tighten dispersion with the G430 Max 10K, especially on off-center strikes. The high MOI meant less twisting at impact, preserving ball speed and direction even on heel or toe hits.

So, for Griffin to consider and then ultimately switch to the new G440 K says something. While the precise technical specs for the G440 K aren’t extensively detailed in the article, any new driver vying for a Tour player’s spot in the bag, especially one as forgiving as the 10K, must offer a tangible improvement. This usually comes in one of three areas: increased ball speed (for more distance), further optimized spin rates (for trajectory and control), or even greater forgiveness (though exceeding 10K MOI is a tall order). Based on Griffin’s eventual decision, it’s likely the G440 K provided a marginal, but measurable, gain in one or more of these categories that made the switch worthwhile, particularly given his “gear-free agent” status. It’s the kind of incremental improvement that Tour pros chase, often translating to a few extra yards or tighter dispersion in critical situations.

The Golf Ball: Where Performance and Trust Converge

This is where Griffin’s gear philosophy truly shines. He considers the golf ball the “most important” piece of equipment, and I couldn’t agree more. Think about it: a golf ball is involved in every single shot you hit, from driver to putter. A consistent, high-performing ball is the foundation of a predictable short game, consistent approach shots, and optimal distance off the tee. Too often, amateurs will spend thousands on clubs and then grab whatever ball is cheapest or easiest to find.

Griffin’s loyalty to Maxfli, to the point of signing a long-term extension, speaks volumes about his trust in its performance. When he says:

“It’s the one product that I definitely believe in the most… It’s also been kind of a part of my brand out here on Tour. Everyone kind of refers to me as a guy who plays a Maxfli.”

This isn’t just about a paycheck; it’s about confidence. And confidence on the course is priceless.

The introduction of the custom Maxfli Tour X-LS ball for Griffin is a prime example of high-level fitting in action. Keeping the “high speed” and “feel” of the Tour X, but lowering spin “at the top end of the bag,” is a specific and measurable adjustment. High swing speed players often generate too much spin with a driver, leading to ballooning shots and a loss of distance. By reducing driver spin, Griffin can potentially gain carry distance and maintain a more penetrating ball flight, especially into the wind. In my testing, optimizing driver spin for a player’s attack angle and clubhead speed is one of the most impactful adjustments we can make. This isn’t marketing fluff; this is quantifiable performance improvement.

Maxfli Tour X Golf Balls

Best for golfers seeking more spin and speed with a higher launch, from every club in their bag.

The Freedom of the Gear Free Agent

Griffin’s flexibility to choose his clubs, outside of his ball, is a significant advantage. It means he can prioritize performance over contractual obligations. This is the ideal scenario for any golfer, amateur or pro. Mixing and matching irons (Mizuno Pro S-3 and M-13) with TaylorMade fairway woods (Qi10) and a Spider putter shows he’s selecting for specific attributes from each manufacturer. For instance, the M-13 irons presumably offer more forgiveness than the traditional S-3 in the longer clubs, a smart move for maximizing consistency on trickier long iron shots. In my fitting experience, marrying a player’s swing characteristics with the right clubhead and shaft from any brand often yields superior results compared to sticking to a single OEM from top to bottom.

Maxfli announced a three-year extension with Ben Griffin, which is now the only equipment partnership the three-time PGA Tour winner has for this season.

Had a really fun chat with Ben on Monday on going going the free agent route for his clubs, and he said Maxfli was the gear… pic.twitter.com/KGKf9fwd0l

— Jack Hirsh (@JR_HIRSHey) February 4, 2026

Practical Buying Advice for the Everyday Duffer

What can the average golfer take away from Ben Griffin’s approach? First, prioritize your golf ball. Find one that performs consistently for your game, especially around the greens, and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to test different models from various manufacturers; the data on a launch monitor will tell you exactly how they perform. The Maxfli Tour X and Tour X-LS are solid contenders, and for golfers looking for a Tour-level ball at a potentially more accessible price point, they’re definitely worth a look on the launch monitor.

Second, don’t be afraid to question your current setup. Even a slight improvement, like Griffin found with his newer driver, can make a difference. Data doesn’t lie. If you’re due for a club upgrade, don’t limit yourself to one brand. The concept of “gear free agency” applies to every golfer who wants to optimize their game. Seek out a qualified club fitter who has access to multiple brands and the expertise to interpret your launch monitor data. This objective, data-driven approach, mirroring Griffin’s testing philosophy, is the smartest way to make purchasing decisions and separate genuine performance gains from fleeting hype.