Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review

By Paul Liberatore

|

Published:

|

Last Updated:

We haven’t heard a lot from Mizuno lately regarding drivers. But that changed when the company released their ST-Z 230 driver earlier this year.


This driver features some really cool new tech that’s designed to take your driving to the next level.


If you’re looking for a driver that’s going to spin less and give you more control from the tee, without sacrificing distance, stay with me. This driver might be just what you’re looking for.

Key Features

CORETECH Chamber reduces stress on the clubface and gives golfers faster ball speeds.

Forged SAT 2041 Beta Titanium clubface increases energy transfer between the club and ball at impact for explosive distance.

Unified composite sole plate allows weight to be distributed to the club’s perimeter for added stability.

Design and Technology

The ST-Z 230 story starts with Mizuno’s CORETECH Chamber. This chamber’s TPU material increases face flexion at impact. This not only reduces stress on the face, it also enhances ball-to-clubface energy transfer for explosive ball speeds.


Auditorily, the same material reduced audio frequencies for a sound that’s neither too tinny nor too muffled. Not to mention the feel is extremely stable and solid.


The CORETECH Chamber’s stainless steel three-gram weight is strategically placed to reduce spin and therefore shot curvature.


The CG is located deeper in the clubhead, and its overall distance is shorter than other drivers on the market. This increases shot shaping capabilities in both directions while also increasing MOI and reducing spin. It doesn’t get much better than that. 


Whereas a lot of drivers have a sole that’s pieced together with different materials, the ST-Z 230’s sole is a single composite piece. This design feature allows weight to be pushed to the club’s perimeter where it aids in stability.


Speaking of mass, it’s distributed equally throughout the entire clubhead. This reduces torque and face rotation through the hitting area. The end result is drives that fly remarkably straight.


Lastly, the Quick Switch hosel allows for four degrees of adjustability.


As you can see, the ST-Z 230 is packed with tech and design features designed to help better players reduce spin and gain control for more consistent drives.

Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver


The Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver is designed with the experienced to advanced golfer in mind. It features aid in spin reduction and control more than they do forgiveness.


If you’re a higher handicap or struggle to hit your driver on the sweet spot consistently, the ST-Z 230 might not be the best choice for your game.


PROS

  • Extremely straight ball flight
  • Low spin, high forgiveness
  • Powerful feel at impact

CONS

  • Below average overall performance
  • Limited adjustability options
  • May not suit low-spin players

Our Experience

I knew the Mizuno ST-Z 230 was going to be a lot of golf club for me before I tested it.


With that said, I was really impressed by the low spin numbers it delivered. My shot dispersion was much tighter than it was with other drivers I tested.


I was also really impressed with this driver’s stability and solid sound and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main feature of the Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver?

The main feature of the ST-Max 230 is its high stability and forgiveness. It features a low profile, wide footprint design with 54 grams of back weighting, creating Mizuno's most stable driver ever.

How does the ST-Max 230 compare to other Mizuno drivers?

The ST-Max 230 is designed to be more forgiving than the ST-X and ST-Z models. It has a wider head and a 40% larger graphite composite section in the sole, offering more stability in a 460cc head.

What technology does the ST-Max 230 use to enhance performance?

The driver uses a new Beta Rich Ti LFS face material, which is lighter and faster than previous iterations. It also features an expanded CORTECH Chamber for improved ball speeds across a wider portion of the face.

Is the Mizuno ST-Max 230 adjustable?

Yes, the ST-Max 230 features a Quick Switch Hosel that provides 4 degrees of loft adjustability, allowing golfers to fine-tune their trajectory and look.

Who is the Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver best suited for?

The ST-Max 230 is designed for golfers seeking maximum forgiveness and stability without sacrificing performance. It's suitable for a wide range of players, from high handicappers to tour professionals looking for a forgiving option.

Conclusion

Mizuno has long been heralded for their world-class irons. With that said, the 2024 release of the ST-Z 230 driver has the golf world buzzing.


If you’re in search of a driver that’s stable, reduces spin, and gives you plenty of workability, the STZ-230 just might be it. 

Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry. 

Latest Articles

View all

Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review

Mizuno's most forgiving driver yet, the ST-Max 230 offers stability and consistency off the tee. Solid overall performance but not the longest. Great looks.

Read more

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review

The Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver delivers straight, stable, low-spin performance. Excellent forgiveness and feel make it a strong all-around performer for many golfers.

Read more

Ping G430 Max 10k Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Ping G430 Max 10k Driver Review

Explore the Ping G430 Max 10K Driver review for expert insights on performance and technology in 2024's top golfing equipment.

Read more

Titleist TSR2 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Titleist TSR2 Driver Review

The Titleist TSR2 driver delivers exceptional forgiveness, consistent distance, and a soft feel. Its standout features make it a top performer for a wide range of golfers.

Read more

Titleist TSR3 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Titleist TSR3 Driver Review

The Titleist TSR3 driver delivers exceptional performance with advanced aerodynamics, adjustable features, and a powerful feel for low-handicap golfers seeking precision.

Read more

Ping G430 SFT Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Ping G430 SFT Driver Review

Comprehensive review of the Ping G430 SFT driver. Explore its draw bias, forgiveness, adjustability, and performance for golfers fighting a slice.

Read more

Ping G430 LST Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Ping G430 LST Driver Review

Explore the features of the Ping G430 LST Driver and decide if it’s the perfect fit for your golfing needs.

Read more

Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver Review

The Cobra DARKSPEED X driver delivers extreme speed and forgiveness. Aerodynamic design, low spin, mid launch. Dual weights for shot shaping. Sleek matte black finish.

Read more

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review

TaylorMade's Qi10 Max Driver offers unparalleled forgiveness with 10K MOI. Discover its performance, design, and how it can improve your game in this comprehensive review.

Read more

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review

Experience unmatched forgiveness and distance with the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver. Our comprehensive review explores its innovative features and performance on the course.

Read more

Golf Club Loft
  • by Paul Liberatore

The Loft Effect: How Club Angles Influence Your Shots and Scores

The loft of a golf club is the angle between the clubface and the shaft, measured when the club sits in its normal address position. This angle points the clubface upward and is a critical factor in how the golf...

Read more

Cobra DarkSpeed Max Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Cobra DarkSpeed Max Review

Experience unmatched forgiveness and draw bias with the Cobra DarkSpeed Max driver. Sleek design, powerful performance, and slice-fighting technology for golfers of all levels.

Read more