Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review
22 January 2024
By independent reviewer Martin Hopley
The Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver joins the ST-X and ST-Z models in the middle of the range to offer more stability in a 460cc head. Compared to the ST-X the ST-Max head is wider and the graphite composite section of the sole is 40% larger. The blue Cortech Chamber behind the leading edge is also larger to promote faster balls speeds from lower strikes.
These weight savings enable the weight at the back to be moved more centrally and increased in size to 54g to move the CG back and increase the launch and forgiveness.
The crown is still made from carbon composite and the look at address combines the stylish carbon weave with a gloss finish and a distinct leading edge for a classy look.
The face is also upgraded using Beta Rich Ti LFS titanium which is lighter and stronger to create faster ball speeds.
As standard the Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver comes with a longer 45.74 inch shaft, but with SGGT driver custom fitting this can be varied. Using their hosel connecting system I tested the SG-X and ST-Max heads on Trackman using Titleist Pro V1 balls in the SGGT Lyle Studio.
Mizuno drivers have been sneaky good in the right hands now for a while and the ST-Max 230 continues this. There is little to fault in the performance as the ST-Max 230 sounds and feel very good.
The deeper head was spinning a little more for me that the more compact ST-X which is to be expected. However the ST-Max was launching higher so that gave it a small distance advantage.
Playing around with the adjustable hosel to get a lower loft setting might improve things but it would change the face angle as there is only the 10.5° loft head available in both these models. There is a 9.5° head in the more compact Mizuno ST-Z driver, so between the three heads, the right one will choose you.
If you are a Mizuno diehard and have not found the ST-X or ST-Z to your liking then the ST-Max 230 driver could be the answer. The key is to get the set up right as the performance was competitive without being market leading as was the price. The looks are there so if your driver custom fitting recommends the Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver then it would be a worthy choice.
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