Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review

Mizuno isn’t typically a name you associate with premium drivers.  They’re better known for their expertly crafted irons.

That changed quickly in 2024 when they released their line of ST 230 drivers.  The entire line is designed to deliver ultra-straight ball flights and incredible stability.

The ST-Max 230 driver does just that, and it’s the subject of today’s review.

Key Features

• Wide clubhead profile, 54-gram backweight, and 40% larger graphite composite reduce torque and face rotation for tighter shot dispersion.
• CORETECH Chamber reduces stress on the clubface while also increasing ball speed.
• Beta Rich titanium clubface measures 9% higher in tensile strength and produces explosive ball speeds.

Who Should Buy the Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver?

This driver is perfect for any golfer looking for maximum forgiveness, especially on off-center strikes without sacrificing distance. 

That means it’s perfect for any mid to high-handicapper that struggles hitting their driver consistently in the middle of the clubface. 

If you’re looking for increased control and workability, the ST-Z 230 might be a better choice.

Design and Technology

The most notable feature of the ST-Max 230 driver is its CORETECH Chamber.  This stainless steel chamber sits behind the clubface and reduces stress when the club makes contact with the ball, while also acting as an extra energy source for faster ball speeds. 

Next on the list is the ST-Max 230’s wide profile, 54-gram backweight and large graphite composite that tremendously reduce torque and face rotation, especially on mishits.  These design features result in arrow-straight ball flights and minimal distance loss on off-center strikes. 

The clubface is made of lighter, faster beta rich titanium that’s 9% higher in tensile strength than the material used in previous drivers.  Combined with multi-thickness face geometry and you’ve got one of the hottest driver faces Mizuno has ever made. 

Standard driver shafts measure 45” in length.  However, the 45.75” shaft in the ST-Max 230 allows golfers to achieve faster clubhead speeds and ultimately more distance. 

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

Mizuno ST MAX 230 Driver

$500.00 $299.95

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11/09/2024 11:06 pm GMT

Specs

The Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver comes in stock lofts of 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degrees.  The 10.5 and 12-degree clubheads are only available to right-handed golfers.

The clubhead measures 460cc and the shaft length is 45.75”. 

Shaft options include:

• Aldila Ascent Red 50 in regular and stiff flex
• Aldila Ascent Red 60 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• -Aldila Ascent Ultralite 40 in regular flex
• Fujikara Ventus Black 6/7 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Fujikara Ventus Black TR 6/7 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Fujikara Ventus Black TR 8 in extra-stiff flex
• Fujikara Ventus Blue 6/7 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Fujikara Ventus Blue TR 8 in extra-stiff flex
• Fujikara Ventus Red TR 5 in stiff flex
• Fujikara Ventus Red TR 6/7 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6/7 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Graphite Design Tour AD SC 6/7 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Mitsubishi Chemical Bassara E-Series 42 in ladies flex
• Mitsubishi Chemical Kai’Li Blue 50 in regular and stiff flex
• Mitsubishi Chemical Kai’Li 60/70 in regular, stiff, and extra-stiff flex
• Mizuno MFusion in regular flex
• Project X Evenflow Riptide CB 50 in regular flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 60 in regular, stiff, and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue 60 in regular, stiff, and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue 70 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue PVD 60 in regular, stiff, and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke DRX Blue PVD 70 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Green PVD 60 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Green PVD 70 in stiff and extra-stiff flex
• UST Helium Nanocore 40 in ladies flex
• UST LIN-Q M40X Red 50 in senior, regular, and stiff flex
• UST LIN-Q M40X 60 in regular and stiff flex

Our Experience

Having already tested the Mizuno ST-Z 230, I expected the ST-Max 230 to be extremely straight, stable, and solid.  I was right.  It more than met my expectations on all three of those fronts. 

I was also impressed by the solid sound and feel of the ST-Max 230.  It was pleasing to my ear and felt great at impact.

My shot dispersion was incredibly tight as well.  Most of my mishits still managed to stay in the fairway. 

It might not get much better than the Mizuno ST-Max 230 for forgiveness, stability, and accuracy in 2024.

PROS

• May not be the best driver for golfers seeking control and playability.
• Beta rich titanium clubface is extremely hot.
• Plenty of shaft options make fitting and customization easy.

CONS

• Price point is higher than other drivers.
• Only one loft option for left-handed players could be a deterrent.
• Shipping times may vary, especially if a shaft upgrade is requested.

Conclusion

It’s not often we hear much from Mizuno in the way of drivers, but the ST-Max 230 driver for 2024 is a welcomed surprise that more than lives up to its hype. 

If forgiveness, stability, and accuracy are your goals off the tee this year, the ST-Max 230 driver might not be a bad option.