Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver Review
In this Mizuno ST-X 230 driver review, Neil Tappin finds out what golfers can expect from this workable, mild draw-bias design
In the ST-X 230 you have a draw-biased driver that sits beautifully square behind the ball. A solid, consistent flight and powerful feel through the ball combine to make this a worthy contender for many golfers.
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Powerful sound and feel
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Beautiful crown and sole aesthetics
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Impressive draw bias from a neutral set-up
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Limited gains over the previous generation
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Over the last few years, we have been consistently impressed by both the looks and performance of Mizuno’s ST drivers. Offering a good mix of classic Mizuno aesthetics and strong all-round performance, the ST franchise has been gradually improved year-on-year. And so onto 2023 and the launch of two new drivers - the ST-Z 230 and the model that we are focussing on in this review, the ST-X 230.
The new ST-X model is described by the brand as the more workable, mild draw-biased driver. It’s unusual for the more workable head to also have draw bias. What you tend to find in the draw bias offerings from other manufacturers, is a bigger-looking head. The Cobra Aerojet Max is a good example of this.
Of the two models, the X is fractionally more compact to look down on but it’s still quite generous and user-friendly behind the ball. Compared to the Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver, however, it is more rounded and less stretched back.
I love the use of blue chamber on the sole, which looks high tech and very premium. The number one reason why it’s here, though, is not for the looks, even if it does boost its shelf appeal. This part of the club is where the key new technology resides.
Mizuno says it has identified the missing piece to its ball speed equation with the CORTECH Chamber (highlighted by the blue strip on the sole). According to the brand, this encases a stainless-steel weight with elastomeric TPU, taking stress from the clubface and creating an additional source of energy. At the same time, it locates weight closer to the clubface to reduce spin rates, while contributing to a more solid, powerful sensation at impact.
In terms of the crown view, it’s similar to what we saw with last year’s Mizuno ST-X 220 driver, and the gloss finish is similar to what you see this year with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver. The carbon effect adds a modern hint to an otherwise very classic shape that I really like.
I tested both new models as well as last year’s versions, using a GC Quad launch monitor at Foresight Sports European HQ. The shaft used for testing was a Hzurdus 6.0 60g with the drivers set to 9.5 ̊, and I hit Titleist Pro V1x golf balls. Here is the data from that testing session:
As Mizuno suggest, I was expecting the ST-X to be the slightly higher spinning of the two new models, but as you can see it spun just under 300rpm less than the ST-Z. It was the same story with the previous generation drivers too (and interestingly, looking over my data from last year’s testing, it was the same then too).
Having hit both new drivers, I can confidently say that considering the looks and the spin performance it’s quite difficult to pigeonhole a player into either the X or Z. I’m certain Mizuno would recommend getting custom fitted, and this would definitely be my advice.
What I really like about the ST-X is how it sits nicely square down behind the ball, which I’d liken to the Ping G430 SFT driver. Despite the neutral face angle, every shot I hit had a draw bias to it, whereas the flight was noticeably straighter with the Z. In a head that doesn’t look hugely different, the contrast in performance was clear to see. The internal design of the head does a great job of affecting the ball flight.
In truth, I wasn’t quite as consistent with this model as I was with the ST-Z. Given my tendency to hit the odd hook, the straighter flight of the Z version would certainly be my preference.
However, if you’re looking to guard against the right side of the golf course but you want a driver that sits nice and square at address, then the ST-X 230 is definitely well worthy of consideration.
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In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf.
Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points.
Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X
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