Mizuno ST-Z 230, ST-X 230 and ST-X PLTNM 230 Drivers Review

Mizuno say their ST-230 drivers have found the “missing piece” in ball speed – we review the ST-Z 230, ST-X 230, and ST-X PLTNM 230 to find out if they’re right.

Mizuno have been developing and refining their “Speed Technology (ST)” project for several years and now feel they have found the “missing piece” of the ball speed generation puzzle with a new energy source, which they feel makes them stand out among the best golf drivers.

The Mizuno ST-190 driver initiated Mizuno’s ST (Speed Technology) project, while the ST-200 added the Beta Ti face and was Mizuno’s first “Tour Ready” driver. The ST-Z and ST-X added versatility with the option of two models, and the ST-220 Series represented a big shift in stability and ball speeds from off-center strikes.

Mizuno say the new “CORTECH Chamber” in the ST-230 drivers is the “missing piece” in ball speed, which is of course the bedrock of distance. The “CORTECH Chamber” encases a stainless-steel weight with elastomeric TPU, taking stress from the clubface and creating an additional source of energy. At the same time, it locates weight closer to the clubface to reduce spin rates, while contributing to a more solid, powerful sensation at impact.

“Our player testing over the years shows that placing extra weight close to the face results in faster ball speeds and low spin rates,” says David Llewellyn, Director of R&D for Mizuno. “We’ve been steadily working towards the CORTECH Chamber, which is incredibly effective at that job.  Encasing the steel weight within the TPU Chamber means that we’re moving weight close to the face at the same time as creating an additional source of energy. Steel is twice the density of Titanium but won’t weld directly, which is where the TPU has a second role.”

The new CORTECH Chamber also features in Mizuno’s ST-Z fairway woods and ST-Z hybrids. There are three models in the Mizuno ST-230 driver family: the ST-Z 230, the ST-X 230, and the ST-X PLTNM 230. Let’s look at each model and see which type of golfer it will suit.

Watch: Should you buy a premium after-market driver shaft?

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver

RRP £499/$549
Available 19 January 2023
Released 19 January 2023
Lofts 9.5º, 10.5º
Adjustable Hosel Yes
Availability Right Hand and Left Hand (LH 9.5º only)

The Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver is designed to be straight, stable, and low-spinning.

It’s designed for straight flight, with great stability to keep off-center hits flying in the right direction. The ST-Z 230 is similar in look and character to the previous ST-Z.

The Forged SAT 2041 Beta Ti face is boosted by the CORTECH Chamber to be faster from the face, spin less and deliver a solid sensation at impact, while the carbon sole plate is now a single piece to allow weight to be pushed to the extremes for overall stability. It offers a modern players’ profile and Quick Switch hosel with 4 degrees of adjustability.

“Tour tests for the ST-Z 230 have all been very consistent,” says Chris Voshall, Mizuno’s Director of Product. “Firstly, an appreciation that the look is familiar at address, then satisfaction at how much better it feels off the face. Ball speeds are up on average 1-3mph with spin rates dropping around 200 rpm.”

Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver

RRP £499/$549 | VIEW UK OFFER | VIEW US OFFER
Released 19 January 2023
Lofts 9.5º, 10.5º, 12.5º
Adjustable Hosel Yes
Availability Right Hand and Left Hand (LH 10.5º only)

The Mizuno ST-X 230 driver is more workable than the ST-Z 230 and has a mild draw-bias, making it one oft the best draw drivers available.

That’s not to say it’s simply a slice-busting model aimed at higher handicappers, however. In fact, natural drawers of the ball may actually find more ball speed from the ST-X than the ST-Z. And Mizuno’s testing has shown the ST-X 230 is also more workable for many elite players, especially in lower lofts.

Overall, a more rounded, deeper profile, with weight located closer to the hosel, means the majority of golfers will find it slightly higher spinning and draw-biased.

“The new ST-X 230 is a complex character,” says Chris Voshall. “Although in the higher loft option it’s a higher flying draw-biased option, the 9.5 for many of our tour players was more workable and faster from the face. You really need to hit both models before making any judgments on which is likely to work best for you.”

While some brands are very directional about the type of golfer each of their driver models is targeting, things are a bit more nuanced with Mizuno. As Voshall says, the key thing really is to test both models and see which works best for you.

Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230 Driver

RRP £499/$549
Released 19 January 2023
Lofts 10.5º
Adjustable Hosel Yes
Availability Right Hand 

The Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230 is a high-launching, super lightweight, draw-biased driver that’s ideal for golfers with slow-to-moderate swing speeds.

The ST-X PLTNM is 30g lighter overall than any possible custom option of the ST-X 230, with a high-spec Helium Platinum Shaft and lightweight grip.

Weight is located closer to the shaft axis to create draw bias and the Quick Switch hosel offers 4 degrees of adjustability.

READ NEXT
– Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway woods reviewed
– Most forgiving drivers
– Which Mizuno iron is best for me?

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ST-Z 230 Driver

RRP £499/$549 
Released 19 January 2023
Lofts 9.5º, 10.5º
Adjustable Hosel Yes
Availability Right Hand and Left Hand (LH 9.5º only)

ST-X 230 Driver

RRP £499/$549 | VIEW UK OFFER | VIEW US OFFER
Released 19 January 2023
Lofts 9.5º, 10.5º, 12.5º
Adjustable Hosel Yes
Availability Right Hand and Left Hand (LH 10.5º only)

ST-X PLTNM 230 Driver

RRP £499/$549
Released 19 January 2023
Lofts 10.5º
Adjustable Hosel Yes
Availability Right Hand