COBRA
MIZUNO ST 230
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★
Darkspeed
GOLD
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT With its compact shape and smaller face, hybrids are looking for auxiliary power sources with more urgency than a teenager minus her phone charger. That’s why these hybrids borrow the broad, polymer-filled slot in the sole from the drivers that share their name. The slot’s large heel-to-toe size and proximity to the front create more potential for the face to flex. In addition, the weight bar encased in the polymer reduces spin for more distance potential.
WHY WE LIKE IT We get that making a hybrid with a trampoline face is desirable, but all that ball speed without the ability to launch the ball isn’t much use. The ideal hybrid needs its internal weight to be low to boost that launch angle. Darkspeed uses an ingenious internal bridge-like weight bar low and close to the face to make it easier to launch shots high. At the same time, this structure allows the thin face to wrap around the leading edge for maximum ball speed.
• Polymer-filled slot in the sole provides extra face flex. • The size is compact without being intimidating yet substantial without being bulky. • Designed to hit a neutral ball flight. • 16, 19, 22, 25 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel) ST-Z 230 R5 500
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, HYBRIDS, LOW-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
DARKSPEED R5 000 • A thin, high-strength steel face insert wraps under the leading edge to create a flexible region lower on the face where most impacts occur. • The One Length version (7-iron length) is also available. • 17, 19, 21, 24, 28 degrees (with a fixed hosel)
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
‘Produces a high-launching flight. Great for golfers who struggle with getting hybrids in the air.’ –1-HANDICAP
• Oversize shape makes for highest stability on off-centre hits in company history. • It launches higher with mid-spin compared to the standard model. • The sole bevel at the front of the slot improves turf interaction. • 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel) ST-MAX 230 R5 500
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, HYBRIDS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
‘The perfect matte black, it’s quiet
Quieter
Louder
TOP 10 MOST FORGIVING, HYBRIDS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
and dangerous looking. The ball won’t know what hit it. More bass than baritone.’ –13-HANDICAP
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
51 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
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HOTLIST 2024
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