Over the past couple of seasons, it feels like Mizuno has been making big strides to be considered a major player in the metalwood market and the Mizuno ST-Max 230 fairway wood looks to continue that trend. The ST-Z 230 and ST-G model have proven to be extremely popular with amateurs and professionals alike. Producing clubs that look aesthetically pleasing has never been an issue with Mizuno and the proven performance from the new Pro 241, 243 and 245 irons and T24 wedges shows it has credibility in every area of the bag.
Mizuno ST-Max 230 Fairway Wood
(Image credit: Future)
It’s interesting to see how there has been a shift in attention from distance and speed to forgiveness this year across all brand’s driver and fairway wood designs. Last year we saw Mizuno release the ST-G – a low launching and spinning fairway wood that looked great and went straight into a lot of Mizuno Staff players’ bags at The Open Championship, but the ST-Max 230 is all about stability with speed.
Mizuno ST-Max 230 Fairway Wood has a gloss carbon crown
(Image credit: Future)
This fairway wood looks superb and the return of the bright blue Cortech Chamber TPU insert on the sole really gives this club some shelf appeal. While the gloss black and carbon fibre crown does provide a nice blend of classic and modern looks, the head shape has changed marginally from the ST-Z 230 that I loved so much. The ST Max fairway wood boasts a larger footprint than we have seen over the past few years and is one that will inspire confidence to any golfer seeking it from their fairway woods, although the deep face would suggest it is better suited to golfers hitting it from the tee rather than a tight lie on the turf.
Mizuno ST-Max 230 Fairway Wood at address
(Image credit: Future)
To give the Mizuno a thorough test, I took it out on the course and wanted to see how it performed in real time, but also alongside last year’s low spinning ST-G model. After just a couple of swipes I could see the difference in flight and performance. As a faster swinger of the golf club and someone who naturally creates a lot of spin, the ST-G did perform better for me when struck off a tee. However, that’s not to say there was anything wrong with the ST-Max 230. It felt as good as I would expect a Mizuno fairway wood to feel through impact and produced a solid ‘thud’ as the face collided with the ball. It did produce a fairly high ball flight that did become a little difficult to control as the wind picked up, but…
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