MIZUNO
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
ST-X 230 R9 000
• A channel cut in the front part of the sole helps the face flex. • The carbon-composite crown frees mass for a 14-gram weight in the heel of the sole. • The centre of gravity is closer to the shaft. This makes the head easier to manipulate. • 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
ST
GOLD
TOP 5 QUIETEST, DRIVERS, SLOWER SWING SPEEDS
WHY WE LIKE IT Plenty of drivers have tried to balance front and rear weighting to pair low spin with forgiveness. These Mizuno drivers add a third element: ball speed. A channel cut into the front of the sole improves flexing of the face for more distance. However, inside the channel’s polymer filling is a steel weight bar to help lower the centre of gravity. A carbon- composite crown piece that wraps around the upper toe saves weight that is used to create four distinct models. These range from one with movable weights to one ultra-oversized version with extreme forgiveness.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
ST-MAX 230 R9 000
• The largest frame in the Mizuno driver family exudes stability on off-centre hits. • The sole channel creates more flexing in the face on extreme misses. • Mass saved from the carbon-composite crown and sole is pushed to the perimeter. • 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees
TOP 5 HIGHEST LAUNCHING, DRIVERS, SLOWER SWING SPEEDS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
• The compact, pear-shaped head (440 cubic centimetres) has a deep face. • The crown wraps around the upper toe to help balance the draw/fade bias. • A new beta-rich titanium alloy in the face is lighter and stronger for better ball speed. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel) ST-G R10 000
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
ST-Z 230 R9 000 • A low centre of gravity reduces spin, and a centred rear weight adds stability. • The deep centre of gravity also yields a higher launch. • The titanium-alloy face and polymer-filled sole channel maximise distance. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
‘The glossy crown draws my eye in. It’s very workable and responsive with just enough forgive- ness that my looser swings stay in play.’ – 13-HANDICAP
SENSORY
TOP 10 QUIETEST, DRIVERS, MODERATE SWING SPEEDS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
17 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
18
HOTLIST 2024
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