There is something awesome about discovering a ‘hidden secret’ that defies initial logic but if you think enough about it, not only does it make sense, it delivers really great results. The Mizuno ST-X 220 is one such beast.

This is a driver that is as well suited to someone who needs help getting the ball in the air and creating a draw ball-flight, as it is to an accomplished driver of the golf ball that likes to work the ball and manipulate flight. We were sceptical too, but it works.

WHAT WE LIKE

+ Head shape – the face is a little deeper
+ Premise of consistent distance
+ Versatility of player-types it matches

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

× It lacks the WOW factor of others
× Finding a fitter who gets it.

Technology

What Remains?

The basic structure of the ST-X remains as is. Carbon crown, with the Beta Titanium face (more consistent performance over a longer period of time), and a weigh positioned towards the heel of the head; low and deep.

What’s new

Pleasingly, refinement. They know the driver is great out of the middle but needed to be more forgiving; consistently better. So rather than declare the old model as being redundant, Mizuno set about making adjustments such as increasing the weight from 11g to 20g by increasing the amount of carbon on the sole of the club and thinning out the titanium where they could.

Looks

The ST-X 220 sits square at address and the deeper face is a look that will suit those that take the leap of faith to try it. It’s not dramatically different to the ST-Z 220 but different enough to see.

With it’s slightly deeper face, it appeals to the eye of the elite player as much as it will someone who knows they need some help.

Feel

As always, Mizuno spends a significant amount of time working on sound and feel. It’s at the core of their promise: “Nothing feels like a Mizuno.” So it is no surprise the feel of the ST-X 220 is beyond solid.

It doesn’t have the clang of some carbon/titanium combination drivers and you can feel the ball coming from the face.

Performance

This is the amazing thing about the ST-X 220 driver. With the lighter shaft offerings, Aldila Ascent Red 50 and UL 40, it was ridiculously easy to launch high and turn over, delivering the promise the ST-X makes. Yet when couple with the Tensei Blue, it became a different beast.

Thanks to the CG being closer to the shaft axis, it was easier to manipulate the face, resulting in more workable shots, left and right. After adjusting the loft down 2 degrees, the ball flight was noticeably flatter too.

conclusion

The Mizuno ST-X 220 driver is in a unique situation. In the hands of someone chasing a higher flight and the ideal of hitting a draw, it delivers, particularly with the lighter shaft offerings. Yet it morphs into a players beast when equipped with the stronger shafts, in our case the Tensei AV Raw Blue. It was one of those moments when the theory matched the practise. Physics huh? Who knew?

PASSION

EXPERIENCE

ENTHUSIASM

KNOWLEDGE

CLUB REVIEW: MIZUNO ST-X 220 DRIVER