Mizuno ST200 TS Fairway v TaylorMade SIM Fairway
Which fairway wood will come out on top?
Which fairway wood will come out on top?
Mizuno ST200 TS Fairway v TaylorMade SIM Fairway
Joel Tadman puts the Mizuno ST200 TS fairway wood up against the TaylorMade SIM.
RRP: £279 Loft: 15° Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70 stiff
RRP: £369 Loft: 15° Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana FW Limited 75 stiff
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Mizuno ST200 TS Fairway v TaylorMade SIM Fairway
Looks
Mizuno's ST200 TS is fairly traditional in shape and understated in looks, with flashes of white along the perimeter of the crown. White grooves in the heel and toe frame the ball nicely, but alignment is a little tricky.
The chalk-white strip on the front of the SIM crown, and the full-length white grooves make this really easy to set squarely behind the ball. The lighter carbon fibre section behind it oozes premium appeal.
Mizuno ST200 TS – 8/10 TaylorMade SIM – 9/10
Feel/Sound
The ST200 felt a touch firmer off the face but no less powerful, with a solid, metallic sound at impact that we really loved. It got through the turf nicely and heel and toe strikes felt and performed similarly to centred hits.
The SIM creates a hot, fiery sensation from the sweetspot that is truly driver-esque and leaves you eager to pull another ball. It produces a more muted sound and converts good strikes into a strong, rainbow ball flight.
Mizuno ST200 TS – 9/10 TaylorMade SIM – 9/10
Performance Averages (from the deck)
Mizuno ST200 TS
- Ball speed (mph): 151.5
- Launch (degrees): 11.6
- Spin (rpm): 2,874
- Peak height (yards): 32
- Carry (yards): 253
Taylormade SIM
- Ball speed (mph): 152.4
- Launch (degrees): 13.3
- Spin (rpm): 3,167
- Peak height (yards): 38
- Carry (yards): 251
Ball Flight
The lower launch and spin make the ST200 TS a great option off the tee when the driver is misbehaving. That said, the flight was high enough to provide an element of control when hitting into par 5s.
Seriously high. The SIM flighted the ball a good six yards higher through the air with a touch more spin and extra ball speed, helping create stopping power without losing out on distance.
Mizuno ST200 TS – 9/10 TaylorMade SIM – 10/10
Versatility
The ST200 TS seemed to be just as playable from the deck as it was off the tee, with no obvious digging of the wave sole slowing the clubhead down. It’s long but with control, thanks to the slightly shorter shaft.
The high-launching nature of the SIM means it may struggle into the wind but the rounded leading edge improves turf contact, helped by the heel and toe sections being raised off the ground.
Mizuno ST200 TS – 9/10 TaylorMade SIM – 9/10
Overall Appeal
The ST200 woods have put Mizuno firmly back in the picture competing with the best. While it didn't win here, it pushed the SIM close and it offers some seriously impressive performance for the price.
The premium price of the SIM may be a stumbling block, but this fairway offers genuine stand-out performance., different to anything else on the market. Factor in the appealing looks and adjustability and its a worthy winner.
Mizuno ST200 TS – 9/10
TaylorMade SIM – 9/10
TOTAL Mizuno ST200 TS – 44/50 TaylorMade SIM – 46/50
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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Ping i230 4-UW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind
Putter: Evnroll ER2V
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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