Since the Mizuno ST-230 drivers hit the market earlier this year they have found a new level of success for the brand when it comes to metalwoods. Both the ST-Z and ST-X have found play on Tour’s across the globe as well as in the hands of amateurs. However, we here at THP noted upon the release of those two drivers that there was something missing, both offer power and forgiveness, but they also bring a fair amount of spin to the table, Mizuno was missing that low spin behemoth.
We all should have known that the answer to that was coming. The 2023 Mizuno ST-G is here, and it might just be the lowest spinning driver we see this cycle.
The 2023 Mizuno ST-G Driver
Whether or not Mizuno always waiting to bring the ST-G drivers to market after the rest of their driver releases is a good idea or not is something that one could absolutely a conversation starter. However, you have to give credit where it is due, it always allows the brand to showcase their “mainstream” driver release that is absolutely designed for the majority of golfers. The ST-G though? It is a different animal.
If you were able to give the previous ST-G a try, then you know it was absolutely one of the lowest spinning drivers out there, and though it was lethal in the right hands, there were things that Mizuno knew they could do better. That is where this newest iteration comes into play.
The ST-G is a 440cc driver head that has a very traditional and Tour preferred “pear” shaping to it while also showcasing a very deep face. This profile is aimed at maximizing the ability for the different tech features that Mizuno has implemented to offer real performance while also differentiating the ST-G in this specific segment of less than 460cc player driven drivers.
Visually, the ST-G looks like a Mizuno driver. Starting at address, the company’s two-tone crown visual is present, showcasing the Run Bird as an alignment aid on a solid black finish that fades towards the rear of the crown in order show off the carbon composite. A notable change here with the ST-G is that the crown now wraps around the toe onto the sole to make one solid piece as opposed to a separate toe patch. This brought a weight savings of about 16g in all, making the weight tracks on the sole not only possible, but more efficient too.
The FAST TRACK system is indeed back on the ST-G, although this time around things are back to a two track system, removing the middle back channel that was in the last version. This change had much to do with efficiency that is now possible with just two tracks thanks to maximizing the length of the heel and toe side channels creating even more options. Each head comes standard with two 7g weights, and there will be other weights available for fitting purposes. Also worth noting, the Mizuno track system does still allow the weights to be removed entirely, and for multiple weights to be placed on each track, so if you want to get wild with it, you definitely could.
Mizuno’s CORTECH is also implemented here on the ST-G, though at first glance you will notice the shaping is different than in the ST-X and ST-Z 230 heads. There is no blue here, this look is all business. The chamber remains integral to Mizuno being able to produce heads which their testing indicates stands toe to toe with any other out there in terms of ball speed. The through slot filled with TPU allows more flexion while the floating weight controls stability and energy efficiency. This means a bigger COR area, in fact, Mizuno’s testing shows it to be bigger than all the other low spin driver heads on the market.
Perhaps the biggest tech story in the ST-G, is in the face. Where the other 230 drivers use SAT-2041 Beta Ti for the faces, this head is implementing an all new material for Mizuno, Forged Beta Rich Ti-LFS. As you might expect, this material is lighter, faster, and stronger than any titanium Mizuno has ever used before, it has less density while offering more tensile strength, and that means speed. Their Tour testing actually showed an average increase in ball speed of 1.5 MPH compared to the SAT-2041.
The face also utilizes a CORTECH Multi-Thickness design which is all about maximizing ball speed retention and spin consistency across the surface. This is also a piece of the puzzle for Mizuno’s focus on Harmonic Impact. That is one of the major reasons golfers talk about the feel of Mizuno irons and revere it so much, so the implementation of that and understanding how frequencies effect our perception of feel in drivers has been key to getting this version of the ST-G to a place where the previous model fell short. According to Mizuno, the new ST-G gets the sound/feel right.
The Details
The ST-G driver will be available in 9.5 and 10.5 degree versions with the lower lofted head also having a LH option. Each also utilizes Mizuno’s Quick Switch adapter that gives a 4-degree range of adjustability and allowing each head to get down to 7.5 or 8.5 degrees respectively. The standard shaft options are the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX 60 (S/X) and Mitsubishi Chemical Kai’Li Blue 60 (R/S).
Release date for the ST-G driver is 10/5/23 with pre-sale beginning on 9/25/23. Price at retail for this release will come in at $599.95.
Beyond excited to get the chance to put this in play in a couple weeks!! Great write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
Woohoo!!
These look so good. Love the two track adjustability. Love. I’m a big fan of the previous 230s and this is the one a lot of people have been waiting for for. Excited for the Victory guys and everyone else!
really excited to try this and the fairways!
In demos ive always hit the G version very well but sub 2000 spin scares me outside
I should have one in hand here very very soon to begin testing with. Will be fun to put it up against the Triple Diamond Paradym and TSR4.
Those look really good!
Looking forward to seeing how it works for slower swing speeds could be a game changer.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 11774245, member: 63219″]
Looking forward to seeing how it works for slower swing speeds could be a game changer.
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All about how much spin the person generates. Most slower swing speeds will do better with the X or Z imo.
Sweet lookin drivers
Sounds awesome look forward seeing what you do with this head and the Mach shaft.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11774255, member: 1579″]
All about how much spin the person generates. Most slower swing speeds will do better with the X or Z imo.
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I agree with this 100%. Still if they can work with slower speeds and provide a bit more spin than the old version did. It’s another option.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 11774294, member: 63219″]
I agree with this 100%. Still if they can work with slower speeds and provide a bit more spin than the old version did. It’s another option.
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You just have to remember what it’s designed for, it’s aimed at a very specific audience.
They make beautiful woods
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11774431, member: 52381″]
They make beautiful woods
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Agreed. The fade look on the crown isn’t for everyone, but I’ve always enjoyed it.
Excited to get to check these out. I am a low spin player so I am not exactly sure how it will work out, but I love the shape of the driver
10.5 head is calling to me!!
How do you think the driver would perform if you just took the weight out completely?
[QUOTE=”Kodi’aK, post: 11774727, member: 53139″]
10.5 head is calling to me!!
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Sounds like someone one will a universal shaft adapter for that new rebar shaft you were fit into.
[QUOTE=”Kodi’aK, post: 11774727, member: 53139″]
10.5 head is calling to me!!
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I’m going 9.5 ?
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 11774740, member: 51186″]
How do you think the driver would perform if you just took the weight out completely?
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Depends really, when we as a staff got to talk to Vosh about this release it’s something he said could indeed be done.
You’re losing 14g of weight from the head, that’s potentially a swing weight nightmare. It would also effect sound.
Great looking sticks. Looking forward to see how they perform.
Saw an in hand address pic…oh my.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11774774, member: 1579″]
I’m going 9.5 ?
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Your brave.. I will try them and see. But the last 9.5 was so low low it was a no no..
[QUOTE=”Kodi’aK, post: 11774834, member: 53139″]
Your brave.. I will try them and see. But the last 9.5 was so low low it was a no no..
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Nah, I’ll be more than fine. It’s been a minute since we have played. ?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11774862, member: 1579″]
Nah, I’ll be more than fine. It’s been a minute since we have played. ?
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No no for me i mean. And we need to play again as asap as possible..
I’m going to have a lot of fun and be able to create [I][U]A LOT[/U][/I] of THP content from tinkering around with the two adjustment tracks and seeing what they do to my ball-flight.
It’s going to be such a fun off-season dialing this in.
I can’t friggin wait to get started in a little over a month.
That DEEP face tho….
I looks good. I imagine I would play this at 8.5 and hope I don’t find the toe. Full speed high toe shots spinning around 1200rpms ? Bring my weed whacker with me. But I bet it would be fun on the well struck shots. $599 is in some big boy territory. Will it sell at that price?
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11776560, member: 37622″]
I looks good. I imagine I would play this at 8.5 and hope I don’t find the toe. Full speed high toe shots spinning around 1200rpms ? Bring my weed whacker with me. But I bet it would be fun on the well struck shots. $599 is in some big boy territory. Will it sell at that price?
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That was my main thought also. I dont doubt it will be a good driver but even to me Mizuno still doesnt fit that big boy driver price. I know there is more tech involved but it should be price at 499 like the current ST-Z and ST-X models
To the average golfer I think seeing it priced slightly cheaper than TM, Callaway, or Titleist will make it more appealing. Mizuno drivers are already lower on the list to most people and pricing at the same as the others, in my opinion, will not increase sales.
All I know is im very excited to hit this one!! The G model has always worked for me in simulators but spin gets dangerously low and is why I have not bought previous models
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11776560, member: 37622″]
I looks good. I imagine I would play this at 8.5 and hope I don’t find the toe. Full speed high toe shots spinning around 1200rpms ? Bring my weed whacker with me. But I bet it would be fun on the well struck shots. $599 is in some big boy territory. Will it sell at that price?
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I see what you’re saying about the pricing, it would definitely be sticker shock for me as well. I do feel as if that’s where we see a lot of OEM’s releases land in the next couple years. If it performs and is on par with everyone else then why not?
[QUOTE=”jlew, post: 11776673, member: 40346″]
I see what you’re saying about the pricing, it would definitely be sticker shock for me as well. I do feel as if that’s where we see a lot of OEM’s releases land in the next couple years. If it performs and is on par with everyone else then why not?
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If it preforms I’d have no issue with it. But I’m wondering about most others.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11774236, member: 1579″]
I should have one in hand here very very soon to begin testing with. Will be fun to put it up against the Triple Diamond Paradym and TSR4.
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Great write up, looking forward to hearing how it stacks up against the TSR4
This driver has some serious potential to be an absolute bomber! Looking forward to your testing [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] !
Mizuno really stepped up their game with the 230 series but this G model looks next level. A low spin option should definitely help my game and I can’t wait to work with this at the Victory Cup.
Sounds like a driver I would definitely love to try. I like the sounds of the two track adjustability. Had it on a JPX 900 head and really enjoyed it.
[QUOTE=”MH, post: 11777387, member: 38594″]
Great write up, looking forward to hearing how it stacks up against the TSR4
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It’ll be fun! Will be able to compare to that, the triple Diamond, and the previous ST-G
[QUOTE=”jfrigo1003, post: 11776651, member: 50601″]
That was my main thought also. I dont doubt it will be a good driver but even to me Mizuno still doesnt fit that big boy driver price. I know there is more tech involved but it should be price at 499 like the current ST-Z and ST-X models
To the average golfer I think seeing it priced slightly cheaper than TM, Callaway, or Titleist will make it more appealing. Mizuno drivers are already lower on the list to most people and pricing at the same as the others, in my opinion, will not increase sales.
All I know is im very excited to hit this one!! The G model has always worked for me in simulators but spin gets dangerously low and is why I have not bought previous models
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Could be a little reverse psychology. Some people my see it at the same price and think oh maybe this is just as good and I should try it. I remember some friends put an old TV out in front of their house with a sign saying free and it sat there for a couple days. Then they put a sign that said $75 and it was gone in a couple hours. :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”jfrigo1003, post: 11776651, member: 50601″]
That was my main thought also. I dont doubt it will be a good driver but even to me Mizuno still doesnt fit that big boy driver price. I know there is more tech involved but it should be price at 499 like the current ST-Z and ST-X models
To the average golfer I think seeing it priced slightly cheaper than TM, Callaway, or Titleist will make it more appealing. Mizuno drivers are already lower on the list to most people and pricing at the same as the others, in my opinion, will not increase sales.
All I know is im very excited to hit this one!! The G model has always worked for me in simulators but spin gets dangerously low and is why I have not bought previous models
[/QUOTE]
Tech isn’t cheap though, you’ve got movable weights here that change things, so a different price point imo is natural. I also believe the previous ST-G came in higher than the X and Z, but might be wrong there.
There won’t be as many of these heads produced either, this is definitely aimed at a niche audience.
Im most excited to see the fitting potential of this one, the stock setup and I aren’t historically good friends, but, I’m eager to get some data and feedback with it, and then a Ventus and MACH.
As a fairly high spin player this sounds quite interesting. Looking forward to seeing them in the wild and for the reviews that are coming.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11778269, member: 1579″]
Im most excited to see the fitting potential of this one, the stock setup and I aren’t historically good friends, but, I’m eager to get some data and feedback with it, and then a Ventus and MACH.
[/QUOTE]
The club champion video that posted was really good. Just shows how you can tinker with the driver and how important a fitting is.
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 11778468, member: 51186″]
The club champion video that posted was really good. Just shows how you can tinker with the driver and how important a fitting is.
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Yup, fit matters! Always!
G will be in the house tomorrow and testing will begin!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11783849, member: 1579″]
G will be in the house tomorrow and testing will begin!
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Looking forward to your thoughts. Few videos I’ve seen have been exciting! Curious how you find the sound versus the other 230 lines.
[QUOTE=”jlew, post: 11783896, member: 40346″]
Looking forward to your thoughts. Few videos I’ve seen have been exciting! Curious how you find the sound versus the other 230 lines.
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Had a good talk with Vosh about it when the staff got educated, and [USER=3]@JB[/USER] was also complimentary of the sound this time around, so I’m eager to hear it!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11783899, member: 1579″]
Had a good talk with Vosh about it when the staff got educated, and [USER=3]@JB[/USER] was also complimentary of the sound this time around, so I’m eager to hear it!
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He was excited about it when we got our preview as well.
I’m anxious to see how this is going to perform for those of us who don’t have the best of swings in the world.
[QUOTE=”jlew, post: 11783915, member: 40346″]
He was excited about it when we got our preview as well.
I’m anxious to see how this is going to perform for those of us who don’t have the best of swings in the world.
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I know I’m going to hit is HARD and see what happens haha
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11783921, member: 1579″]
I know I’m going to hit is HARD and see what happens haha
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We all expect nothing less sir!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11783921, member: 1579″]
I know I’m going to hit is HARD and see what happens haha
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[IMG alt=”Happy The Office GIF”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/vzoYZ7Ef9clbO/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11783925, member: 52381″]
[IMG alt=”Happy The Office GIF”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/vzoYZ7Ef9clbO/200.gif[/IMG]
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It should be fun! Stock shaft for initial testing and data, then it’s MACH time.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11783939, member: 1579″]
It should be fun! Stock shaft for initial testing and data, then it’s MACH time.
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Stock going to be Hulk you think or?