When thinking about Mizuno golf, the focus immediately jumps to irons, particularly their forged offerings. How often does one associate a driver or metal woods with this brand? Not nearly as much as other brands. However, we have witnessed Mizuno’s evolution in the metal wood space over the past three years, starting with when they introduced the world to the ST-X and ST-Z drivers, it was the culmination of their 3-year driver development mission. Mizuno had released two drivers that checked off so many boxes for golfers, and they were both exceptionally well received. We often talk about how a company follows up a release that gained so much notoriety, and from Mizuno’s point of view, the answer is quite simple, they make the next release even better, and that’s what has us buzzing about the new ST Series.
Last year’s Mizuno drivers offered plenty of ball speed paired with optimized launch angles and spin. Where there was a little bit of a drop-off was with off-center contact. Therefore, the predominant focus on the ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 drivers was improving the consistency. To create a more stable driver, Mizuno expanded the carbon-sole plates by 40%, which leads to even more discretionary weight. They also saved some weight by thinning out areas of Titanium within the sole, which ended up allowing for the rear weight to increase up to 20 grams. They firmly believe that golfers will experience their most efficient drives and achieve their highest ball speeds more frequently with these construction changes.
“Any twisting or deflecting at impact due to an off-center hit is an energy loss and varies launch conditions,” says Mizuno’s Director of R&D, David Llewellyn. “By working with the prior ST driver platform and familiar materials, we were able to find several adaptations to impact the internal weighting. Creating far more stable tendencies in both the ST-Z and ST-X.”
ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 might carry the same technology, and look the same to the naked eye, but they are built to achieve different results. Here is a closer look at the ST-Z, which features a straight ball, or neutral, bias. The moniker Z means that this driver is built with Mizuno’s Z-Axis design, meaning that the weight is evenly distributed across the heel and toe. That new 20-gram weight is positioned low and deep in the back of this head, which will help promote a stable, low-spinning golf shot. Visually, the ST-Z will have a more pear shape than the ST-X. It will also present a neutral to somewhat open face angle when set in the stock, neutral position. Fear not, both these drivers will come with Mizuno’s Quick Switch Adjustability, affording golfers the ability to alter the loft by 4° to help dial in those more consistent launch characteristics.
“The ST-Z is the most played of all our drivers. It’s a modern driver for players who have grown up hitting long straight bombs rather than shaping the ball. That addition of a 20g back weight also makes it an exceptionally forgiving option.” Chris Voshall, Director of Product .
Whereas the ST-Z is the low spin, straight ball flight option, the ST-X fills the void as the draw-biased driver as it utilizes Mizuno’s X-axis design, meaning more weight is concentrated deep in the heel. Not only will this help golfers turn the ball over from right to left, but it will also generate more spin than the ST-Z. According to Chris Voshall, “For a lot of golfers, the modern low spinning driver design preferred by the tour players is a serious distance killer. The ST-X’s extra spin, slight draw bias, and a higher flight will add driving distance for a surprising number of players.” Something exclusive to this model is that golfers can order it in J Spec, which pairs it with an ultra-lightweight HeLIUM NanoCore shaft that will match very nicely for golfers who have slower to moderate swing speeds.
ST-Z and ST-X also benefit from Mizuno’s Optimized Wave Sole and their Forged SAT2041 Beta Ti face. The Beta Ti Face is stronger and more flexible than commonly used 6-4 Ti, and the multi-thickness CORTECH design helps produce faster ball speeds. When contact is made low on the face, the Wave Sole helps maintain as much ball speed as possible so that a poor strike doesn’t overly punish golfers.
Even though the drivers will ultimately grab the most attention, they are not the only ones invited to this launch party, as the ST-X 220 fairway woods and hybrids are here as well. Mizuno uses two different faces on their fairway woods, utilizing the same SAT2041 Beta Ti with CORTECH face on the 3 wood. Pairing this face with a Ti811 body allowed Mizuno to make this offering the fastest and most stable fairway wood they have ever produced. For the 5 and 7 wood, a maraging steel face is featured. Note that the fairway woods share the ST-X name, which means some draw weighting present. Size-wise, the 5 and 7 wood is much more compact by design but should still inspire confidence.
“There are a lot of forgiving looking fairways woods that don’t launch high enough for the average amateur. Size and footprint is only one part of the equation – most of us need a little more spin and elevation to carry the ball to our full capability. The ST-X is designed to solve that issue.”, discussed, Chris Voshall
Mizuno has seen plenty of success with their CLK hybrids, and with that in mind, they built the ST-X200 Hybrids to complement CLK within their lineup. This hybrid is set to deliver a high-draw biased ball-flight and will be best suited for golfers with moderate swing speeds or those who need additional launch help. These hybrids come in three different loft configurations, 20°(4H), 23°(5H), and 26°(6H). When comparing it to the CLK, the center of gravity on these is deeper, and the sweet spot is lower. With that lower sweet spot and the wave sole design, these hybrids should be incredibly easy to hit from various lies.
Mizuno has created some serious momentum within their driver and metal wood line in recent years, and as you can see, they show no real sign of slowing down. Adding more stability to both drivers will be a big bonus to those golfers who enjoyed last year’s models but found it losing a bit too much on off-center strikes. With this line, Mizuno believes they can get golfers everywhere to enjoy their best shots more often.
More information on the new ST Series, including all the various shaft offerings, can be found at www.mizunogolf.com.
The Details
Available: February 3, 2022
Price:
ST-Z Driver: $449.99
ST-X Driver: $449.99
ST-X Fairways: $299.99
ST-X Hybrids: $224.85
Loft Options:
ST-Z Driver 9.5°(RH/LH), 10.5°(RH)
ST-X Driver 10.5°(RH), 12°(RH)
ST-X Fairways 3(16°), 5(18°), 7(21.5°)
ST-X Hybrids 4H(20°), 5H(23°), 6H(26°)
Fairways and Hybrids are RH only
[QUOTE=”The Dave, post: 10423371, member: 19474″]
Don’t break the screen again 😉
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I would just use my phone or iPad as the new screen. Not gonna go through that again!
This my friends. Is a 345 yard almost driven green in 40 degree temps.
#notshort
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[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10425216, member: 53139″]
This my friends. Is a 345 yard almost driven green in 40 degree temps.
#notshort
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KABOOM! Did you get to hit it against the G model? Big difference in forgiveness (when G is adjusted for forgiveness?)
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 10425220, member: 37622″]
KABOOM! Did you get to hit it against the G model? Big difference in forgiveness (when G is adjusted for forgiveness?)
[/QUOTE]
huge difference in launch. This I can hit at about 12-13 degrees. I can’t get the G over 9.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10425234, member: 53139″]
huge difference in launch. This I can hit at about 12-13 degrees. I can’t get the G over 9.
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Thats the answer I was looking for. I imagine forgiveness is better in the Z?
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 10425240, member: 37622″]
Thats the answer I was looking for. I imagine forgiveness is better in the Z?
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i would think so but other than launch I can’t really speak to that.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10425234, member: 53139″]
huge difference in launch. This I can hit at about 12-13 degrees. I can’t get the G over 9.
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What about spin numbers, Mizuno claims it’sa low spin head, but the video shows rather long drives at 95 mph. I’m wondering Tensei AV Raw 50. Might just be a great stock shaft, and i have 3 others i could fiddle with.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 10425299, member: 63219″]
What about spin numbers, Mizuno claims it’sa low spin head, but the video shows rather long drives at 95 mph. I’m wondering Tensei AV Raw 50. Might just be a great stock shaft, and i have 3 others i could fiddle with.
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the tensei stuff has never been a line I have liked. But that is not to say it’s bad. It is great for a lot of people. I think the spin numbers are great. I have a little shaft work to completely unlock it but this is a great head.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10425318, member: 53139″]
the tensei stuff has never been a line I have liked. But that is not to say it’s bad. It is great for a lot of people. I think the spin numbers are great. I have a little shaft work to completely unlock it but this is a great head.
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Thanks brother! I’m really hoping to try it versus the rogue in about a month after I’m clear to swing a club full on again. I’m really psyched loved the old z but like a idiot never demoed it until about a month ago! I saw the tensei as a decent mid spin stock option. Mizuno is limited in other options for slower swings
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 10425328, member: 63219″]
Thanks brother! I’m really hoping to try it versus the rogue in about a month after I’m clear to swing a club full on again. I’m really psyched loved the old z but like a idiot never demoed it until about a month ago! I saw the tensei as a decent mid spin stock option. Mizuno is limited in other options for slower swings
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The Aldila Ascent is a solid offering.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 10425328, member: 63219″]
Thanks brother! I’m really hoping to try it versus the rogue in about a month after I’m clear to swing a club full on again. I’m really psyched loved the old z but like a idiot never demoed it until about a month ago! I saw the tensei as a decent mid spin stock option. Mizuno is limited in other options for slower swings
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this is not a driver to sleep on. I will not say it is the best and only. But it is solid and not lagging. I have some head to head to do with another driver but this one makes it a two horse race for me.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 10425334, member: 37622″]
The Aldila Ascent is a solid offering.
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Thanks for some reason its greyed out on their site
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10425234, member: 53139″]
huge difference in launch. This I can hit at about 12-13 degrees. I can’t get the G over 9.
[/QUOTE]
This excites me. As pumped as I am for my Rogue LS and LTDx…this one……
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10425433, member: 1579″]
This excites me. As pumped as I am for my Rogue LS and LTDx…this one……
[/QUOTE]
it was instantly noticeable and exciting.
Already shipped…
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10425866, member: 1579″]
Already shipped…
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Two days… one of them being Saturday ?. Sweet!
Hi, has anybody checked if there is a diference in head weight between the previous stz head and the new 220 model? Thanks in advance
We have driver shipping. ?
Turns out the earlier was a false alarm of the label being printed.
[QUOTE=”Bramzan, post: 10428949″]
Hi, has anybody checked if there is a diference in head weight between the previous stz head and the new 220 model? Thanks in advance
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I can check this for you next week!
I really like the 220. I like the incremental improvement and refinement. I like that I can get the STZ 220 air born while maintaining good spin unlike the STG for me. I like that it wants to go straight. I like the sound..
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10458173, member: 53139″]
I really like the 220. I like the incremental improvement and refinement. I like that I can get the STZ 220 air born while maintaining good spin unlike the STG for me. I like that it wants to go straight. I like the sound..
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I like reading that you like it…. 🙂
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10458173, member: 53139″]
I really like the 220. I like the incremental improvement and refinement. I like that I can get the STZ 220 air born while maintaining good spin unlike the STG for me. I like that it wants to go straight. I like the sound..
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I loved the sound of the last version, thought it was unique but solid. Excited to hit this one next to the LTDx and LS as well as the Rogue LS.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10458236, member: 1579″]
I loved the sound of the last version, thought it was unique but solid. Excited to hit this one next to the LTDx and LS as well as the Rogue LS.
[/QUOTE]
I like the sound of the G. I think the Z sounds even better. For guys like you and me it gets in the air.. lol..
I managed to sneak over to the LGS yesterday to get some swings in with multiple different offerings. As was the case the last time, my swing was a mess until last ~20-30 swings when I was back in my gamer (standard ST-Z). I hit the ST-Z 220, Rogue Max, and Stealth and can say that for the mess of a swing I brought the ST-Z 220 was the clear winner amongst those I got to test out. No LTDx in stock to hit yet unfortunately. Hopefully the next time I go I can get some swings in beforehand so my swings in as good a place as it can be before jumping into the testing.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10458385, member: 53139″]
I like the sound of the G. I think the Z sounds even better. For guys like you and me it gets in the air.. lol..
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😳
I’m glad I lofted down this year.
My round yesterday with my ST-Z, I had to loft up one click, and put a weight in the back. I’m still not convinced I have the right settings for me yet, but I just haven’t jumped on my GC3 to figure out what’s optimal yet. That head has seriously knocked down like 3-4 degrees of launch for me, and it’s super confusing for me visually.
Headed to an impromtu fitting this afternoon and intend to give the Z a solid go.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10458425, member: 1579″]
😳
I’m glad I lofted down this year.
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Not sky ball mind you. But in a good window.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10458447, member: 45706″]
Headed to an impromtu fitting this afternoon and intend to give the Z a solid go.
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Nooooooiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiccccce! Hit the X too!
So I’m surprised and tbh a bit shocked that I hit these new Miz drivers poorly. I just couldnt seem to time my swing with them. I hit a few different heads with a few different shafts and none of them came together for me. I loved the sound/feel of the ST-Z.
Kyle at Loggerhead Golf said the Mizuno ST-Z has been absolutely shocking for it’s ball speed retention across the face and how it just wants to hit the ball straight!
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10459595, member: 45706″]
So I’m surprised and tbh a bit shocked that I hit these new Miz drivers poorly. I just couldnt seem to time my swing with them. I hit a few different heads with a few different shafts and none of them came together for me. I loved the sound/feel of the ST-Z.
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i like the STZ…had the stealth not come out, i would still be playing it…i probably should take it out today
[QUOTE=”chile, post: 10461255, member: 54997″]
i like the STZ…had the stealth not come out, i would still be playing it…i probably should take it out today
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Funny, trying the drivers was surprising for me. I wouldn’t have guessed my results. It’s kinda messing with my head now. ?
Really kind of annoying that there is a lot of good product out there. Hard to make a choice this year.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10461285, member: 45706″]
Funny, trying the drivers was surprising for me. I wouldn’t have guessed my results. It’s kinda messing with my head now. ?
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i was not expecting to like the Z as much as i did…got a good price on it so i had to try it out.
Two very different heads. But I like them both for different reasons.
It’s a battle to see which will win.
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[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10461616, member: 53139″]
Two very different heads. But I like them both for different reasons.
It’s a battle to see which will win.
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would love to hear more about the mizuno with the hzrdus rdx red
Zed ( [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] ) will be here MONDAY
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10461879, member: 1579″]
Zed ( [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] ) will be here MONDAY
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Let’s go!!
I am pumped for you.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10461894, member: 2320″]
Let’s go!!
I am pumped for you.
[/QUOTE]
I knew you’d appreciate the Zed
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10461898, member: 1579″]
I knew you’d appreciate the Zed
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[media=giphy]3o7aTnTBlMbHjMl0Eo[/media]
Sunday FedEx delivery….
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[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10463603, member: 1579″]
Sunday FedEx delivery….
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”99EB932A-700D-4A50-96D8-3393F092960B.jpeg”]9068844[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”BC66AA5E-B482-47D8-8B7B-09A7B97E6C3C.jpeg”]9068845[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”332EC15B-4919-4ACE-ACCF-B8A924975239.jpeg”]9068846[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”D8E8B26F-685E-4E7E-BB01-0D8DEF08B34D.jpeg”]9068847[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”314502D4-D6B1-48DE-B492-03F3D1D70002.jpeg”]9068848[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”2FB67355-94C3-453F-A421-34C508A068B9.jpeg”]9068849[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”ECCDCF77-838B-4691-B086-6BFAE85D322B.jpeg”]9068850[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”EAC7AD17-69BF-4424-BFBB-39767CBFF6A6.jpeg”]9068851[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1597D1B0-15F3-4986-8A44-2299C8E03615.jpeg”]9068852[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”36AD3104-D423-4DE1-B9F8-CCA9F1A7D121.jpeg”]9068853[/ATTACH]
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yes please
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10463612, member: 782″]
yes please
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I wonder if the internet will be mad about the “1” on this cover like with another release? ?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10463616, member: 1579″]
I wonder if the internet will be mad about the “1” on this cover like with another release? ?
[/QUOTE]
LMAO. If they do, I feel like that means Mizuno is making a move in the driver market.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 10463783, member: 782″]
LMAO. If they do, I feel like that means Mizuno is making a move in the driver market.
[/QUOTE]
They took the good looking ST and made it look better, SO many good looking drivers this year
The Mizuno looks so good! I’m gonna have to stay out of here before I order it!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10463840, member: 1579″]
They took the good looking ST and made it look better, SO many good looking drivers this year
[/QUOTE]
for us mortals it is a tough choice which one to go in on. For you, the answer is all of them haha
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10463616, member: 1579″]
I wonder if the internet will be mad about the “1” on this cover like with another release? ?
[/QUOTE]
Shhhhhh…. don’t tell anyone, but I like it. :ROFLMAO:
Awesome pictures, you have some good picks lined up for the bag battles this year.
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10463892, member: 40185″]
Shhhhhh…. don’t tell anyone, but I like it. :ROFLMAO:
Awesome pictures, you have some good picks lined up for the bag battles this year.
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Haha! I do too! I just find it funny another company got but-picked for it! That said, this is a badass looking cover.