When it comes to metalwoods, Mizuno Golf has been on a four year journey which began with the company’s realization that in order to truly stand toe-to-toe with the segment leaders they needed one thing first and foremost, Speed.
That is where “Speed Technology” began, hence the ST moniker which has been attached to each and every release since the ST-190 in 2019. Just how far has the brand come since then? If you have hit the last two releases, then you know it is leaps and bounds as opposed to incremental gains as the company is demanding attention now, both among amateurs and Tour players.
According to Mizuno Golf, however, we haven’t seen anything like the new ST-230’s.
Mizuno Golf ST-230 Drivers
When first looking at images of the new ST-230 offerings you might be asking yourself, what is so different? That might be the one place where there isn’t an eye-catching change. You see, for the third release in a row, Mizuno is sticking with the black crown which fades from a solid finish that fades to the center which showcases the carbon crown. Frankly, it is a look that not only works for them, but it has become recognizable, especially when the RunBird is showcased as the alignment aid.
So, what is the difference? While the initial inclination is for me to tell you “Everything”, a deeper dive than that is necessary.
While “Speed Technology” has been the driving force, Mizuno has been meticulous at ensuring stability remains part of that equation. With the ST-230 series of drivers there has been a more strategic implementation of carbon, particularly on the singular solid sole plate which they are calling the Unified Sole Composite. That design has allowed considerable shifting to the perimeter as well as more strategic placement of the weight port. Additionally, the faces are constructed of forged SAT 2041 Beta-Ti which have been intricately designed to optimize speed and spin retention in places where golfers tend to battle common misses.
The face also benefits from the marquee tech story of the ST-230 lineup which they are calling CORTECH. Looking at the sole of the club, Mizuno is showcasing this new technology with a powerful and aggressive blue finish that absolutely stands out in the best way possible. That section is the actual CORTECH Chamber itself, an elastomeric TPU material, but with a secret. You see, there is a stainless-steel weight suspended within the TPU.
Design wise, according to Mizuno, this has multiple purposes. First, steel is more dense than titanium so using a weight gets more mass closer to the face for both spin and speed impacts when it comes to CG and energy transfer. Second, while the TPU not only has a dampening effect for sound (feel) and absorbing stress from the clubface, with the suspended weight it also serves as an additional source of energy. As the TPU material compresses and rebounds through impact it also allows the weight to move rearward, and then back forward contributing to energy being transferred back to the ball at impact.
In my many years of doing this, CORTECH, on paper, is one of the most unique outside the box ideas I have seen. According to Mizuno this has dramatically increased the size of area on the clubface which spin and speed is positively impacted as well as retained. Not only that, the company is also touting that the material and design changes have allowed them to find a sound (feel) feedback that is much more in line with the current trends than their previous models.
There are three initial drivers in the ST-230 lineup this year: The ST-Z 230, ST-X 230, and ST-X PLTNM 230.
Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver
In the 230 release, the ST-Z remains much of what the model has been known for. It is a nice, subtle, pair shape which sits square to slightly open. Interestingly, the head is not as tall in the X which aids in the drivers low-mid spin profile. The head also has a balanced sole composite shape which allows for very neutral weight placement in the head that also encourages stability. Compared to the 220, Mizuno’s testing has shown up to 3 MPH more speed while dropping spin rate around 200 RPM.
The ST-Z 230 will be available in 9.5 and 10.5 degree heads with the 9.5 also being available in LH. Mizuno’s Quick Switch adapter will also allow for 4 degrees of total adjustability.
Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver
The X is perhaps the most misunderstood driver in Mizuno’s lineup. Because the head uses a sole composite shaping which lends it to placing weight slightly more towards the hosel, it does have a natural draw tendency to it. That said, Mizuno is adamant that they are seeing many elite players who enjoy working the golf ball fit into the ST-X as the weight nearer the shaft axis has shown to allow for workability as much as it can also offer some draw bias. A big lynchpin to that is which loft is being selected.
The X also has a more rounded look to it as well as a taller overall face that makes the club sit extremely neutral. The ST-X 230 drivers will be available in 9.5, 10.5, and 12.0 degree options with the 10.5 also being available in LH. Like the ST-Z, the X also uses the Quick Switch adapter for 4 degrees of adjustment options.
Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230 Driver
The PLTNM is Mizuno’s answer to the super lightweight segment, essentially bringing their J-Spec model over to have something for everyone, including those with moderate to slower swing speeds. Design wise, the PLTNM is identical to the ST-X 230 with the exception that Mizuno has managed to make it 30 grams lighter than any possible custom option on the standard version. Utilizing a UST Mamiya Helium Platinum shaft ultra-light grip, this is the setup focused on maximizing speed and launch.
The ST-X PLTNM 230 will be available in RH only in 10.5 and 12.0 degree options which will still use the Quick Switch adapter system.
The Details
Mizuno’s new ST-230 lineup of drivers will be available in February 2023. The ST-X and ST-Z will be priced at $499.95 and the PLTNM at $549.99. Standard shaft offerings in the main two models will be the Mitsubishi Kai’Li Blue, Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Green and UST Mamiya LIN-Q Red. As always, Mizuno will have a number of shafts available in fitting carts to go along with their Shaft Optimizer.
Is Mizuno poised to hit all the marks with the new ST-230 drivers? Is this the year you try one? Jump in and discuss with us in the comments below or on the THP Community!
