The new Mizuno ST-Max 230 is joining Mizuno’s ST 230 series of drivers. According to the company, it is a “low-profile, wide-footprint driver.” Given that billing, GolfWRXers will know the company is offering its answer to the “give me MOI, but distance, too” request OEMs have been paying particular attention to as of late with a formula of larger profile (high MOI), lightweight crown (low CG/ease of launch), and a tuned, tech-infused face (distance).
Shallower and longer from heel to toe, the 460cc head is stretched further than any previous Mizuno driver. Here, a picture is worth 1,000 words.
Mizuno makes use of the 40-percent larger, single-piece sole by expanding its face-flexing Cortech chamber in the ST-Max 230. In addition to being longer, the chamber is positioned closer to the face for greater ball speed over a wider area.
Weight savings also allowed engineers to incorporate a 54-gram back weight into the design for greater stability, which is 20 grams more than the ST-X is outfitted with.
Another important puzzle piece, Mizuno’s beta-rich Ti-LFS face features 9 percent greater tensile strength than what the company previously relied on in the ST-Z and ST-X drivers. It’s a better canvas for a multi-thickness face, which Mizuno engineers happily incorporated, allowing them to deliver better ball speed across the face.
Finally, thanks to the ST-Max 230’s forgiveness, engineers have extended the stock shaft length to 45.75 inches to aid golfers in swinging the club faster.
Mizuno ST-Max 230: Pricing, specs, availability
- Lofts: 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees
- Pre-order/at retail: Now, February 8
- Price: $500
