Mizuno

Why we like it
Plenty of drivers have tried to balance front and rear weighting to pair low spin with forgiveness. These Mizuno drivers add a third element: ball speed. A channel cut into the front of the sole improves flexing of the face for more distance. However, inside the channel’s polymer filling is a steel weight bar to help lower the centre of gravity. A carbon-composite crown piece that wraps around the upper toe saves weight that is used to create four distinct models. These range from one with movable weights to one ultra-oversized version with extreme forgiveness.

ST-G

• The compact, pear-shaped head (440 cubic centimetres) has a deep face.
• The crown wraps around the upper toe to help balance the draw/fade bias.
• A new beta-rich titanium alloy in the face is lighter and stronger for better ball speed.
• 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel).

Top 5 best looking, drivers, low-handicappers

ST-X 230

• A channel cut in the front part of the sole helps the face flex.
• The carbon-composite crown frees mass for a 14-gram weight in the heel of the sole.
• The centre of gravity is closer to the shaft. This makes the head easier to manipulate.
• 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel).

Top 5 quietest, drivers, slower swing speeds

ST-MAX 230

• The largest frame in the Mizuno driver family exudes stability on off-centre hits.
• The sole channel creates more flexing in the face on extreme misses.
• Mass saved from the carbon-composite crown and sole is pushed to the perimeter.
• 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees.

Top 5 highest launching, drivers, slower swing speeds

ST-Z 230

• A low centre of gravity reduces spin, and a centred rear weight adds stability.
• The deep centre of gravity also yields a higher launch.
• The titanium-alloy face and polymer-filled sole channel maximise distance.
• 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel).

Top 10 quietest, drivers, moderate swing speeds