50 Words or Less
The Mizuno ST-X 230 driver is a solid all-around driver. Strong feedback. Depending on shaft choice, can be strongly draw biased or workable. Good ball speed.
Introduction
In a year with a ton of great driver stories, Mizuno has snuck in one of the most intriguing ones. They bill their new ST-X 230 driver as being both “more workable” and “draw biased” – a combination one rarely sees. I was eager to get this in for testing to see how this club performed and who it’s built for.
Looks
The Mizuno ST-X 230 driver is one of the most traditionally-shaped draw biased drivers you can find. It has a round, full shape that favors the heel side by just a tiny amount. From front-to-back, it’s average in length, and the face is slightly taller than most. The carbon fiber part of the crown is set further back from the front edge, making it a non-issue when playing.
Above, you see the ST-X 230 (right) next to Mizuno’s ST-Z 230 driver [review HERE]. Despite being the draw biased model, the ST-X 230 does not look any different at address. There is a very slight difference in face angle in the neutral position – the X is more closed – but both are very close to square.
Where you can see the key difference between the two Mizuno drivers is on the sole. On the ST-Z 230, the weight on the sole is centered. For the ST-X 230, the weight is positioned closer to the heel to create the draw bias.
Sound & Feel
The Mizuno ST-X 230 driver rewards quality strikes with satisfying sound and feel. Striking a Tour quality ball creates a low-pitched “pop” with gentle metallic overtones. Through the hands, the sensation is lively, almost bouncy, giving the feeling of the ball rebounding off the face.
While this driver is forgiving, the feedback is fairly stark. Off-center strikes feel dull in the hands, and the sound is flat and dead. If you’re not afraid of the truth behind your driving, you’ll like the ST-X 230.
Performance
It’s not too common to find Tour players using a company’s draw biased woods, but that is the case with the Mizuno ST-X 230 driver. Both Greyson Sigg and Ben Griffin have this driver in play on Tour. Diving into Mizuno’s website, an explanation is offered. Mizuno bills this driver as having a “mild draw bias” and being “more workable.” They also note that “natural drawers of the ball may find more ball speed from the ST-X.”
Regardless of whether you’re looking for workability or slice-busting, there’s a lot to like about the ST-X 230 driver. In addition to making the feel of impact solid, Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber does an excellent job keeping the spin low. Mizuno also utilized a carbon sole plate to unlock more discretionary weighting and make the club more stable. Across the face, I found the ball speed to be excellent.
To the question of whether this driver is workable or draw biased, I think the answer depends on your shaft choice. For their stock shafts, Mizuno has offered three sub-60 gram options. They also tend to be softer, more active. I tested the ST-X 230 with the Kai’li Blue [review HERE] and found that it really enhanced the head’s draw tendencies. Unless I had a strong fade intent, my drives wanted to start a little left and draw.
On the other hand, if you put a more tip-stiff shaft into the Mizuno ST-X 230 driver, you may unlock that workability. The shorter shaft-to-CG distance can give players more control over the club face. Mizuno offers a wealth of custom shaft options – some at an upcharge – to bring this set up into play.
Finally, for players that want higher launch and lighter weight, Mizuno offers the ST-X PLTNM 230 driver. This is a custom build of the ST-X 230 designed for players with slower swing speeds who want a stronger draw bias. It’s offered in 10.5 or 12 degrees of loft with a 40-gram shaft.
Conclusion
The Mizuno ST-X 230 driver is one of the rare clubs that can be played on Tour and by higher handicap golfers. With the right shaft and loft, this can be a very workable Tour-style driver or a serious slice buster. In either case, the strong forgiveness shines through – something all golfers can appreciate.
Visit Mizuno HERE
Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
- Secrets of a Master Club Builder - October 10, 2024
- Mustard Golf App Review - October 9, 2024
- Podcast Episode 228 – In Depth with Titleist on the New GT Line - October 9, 2024
10 Comments
I just bought one of these and will see. I’m really impressed with Mizuno overall in its wood product development. Good stuff!
How much of an upgrade is this compared to the ST-X you reviewed? You kind of poo-pooed the 2021 version because it was bad on off center strikes.
Alex,
The ST-X 230 is solid, on par with the majority of the best 2023 drivers.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt, looking at some of your driver reviews. Wondering why the carry with this driver is so low compared to others even though ball speed is over 150 and spin is pretty low. Was this not a great head for some reason?
Chris,
The launch was too low to optimize the speed and spin.
Best,
Matt
Stock shaft is also only 45”. At least .5” shorter than most. Definitely effects the speed and distant numbers a little bit for some. Not saying it effected you
Hi Matt,
Did you find the STZ or STX more forgiving? Which fit your game better?I hit both and liked both, a lot. I have an issue with high spin and both these help keep it down. Waiting to hit the new ST Max coming out next week.
Thanks much,
Matt
Matt,
I was longer and straighter with the ST-Z.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt,
What is the major difference between the STX Platinum and the regular STX? I just got the platinum for a great deal, and I’m looking forward to using it!
Peter,
It appears that the Platinum is built to be lighter weight.
Best,
Matt