The 6 Best Mizuno Drivers: Pros, Cons, & Reviews

Mizuno drivers are often overshadowed by their famed buttery soft, durable blade irons. This post reveals the fastest, highest launching, longest and straightest, and best Mizuno drivers for 2023.

The top 6 Mizuno drivers for 2023:

1. Mizuno ST-Z 230  – Overall Best Mizuno Driver
2. Mizuno ST-X 220 – Best Budget Mizuno Golf Driver
3. Mizuno ST-X – Most Forgiving Best Mizuno Driver
4. Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230 – Best Mizuno Drivers For Seniors
5. Mizuno ST-X 230 – Best For Mid Handicappers
6. Mizuno ST-G 220 – Longest Best New Mizuno Driver 2023

After reading this review, you will know that Mizuno drivers are highly adjustable, forgiving, high launching, and produce outstanding feel and acoustics. In addition, I will explain which driver best suits mid-handicappers, seniors, distance seekers, ladies, and golfers on a budget.

Top 3 Best Mizuno Golf Drivers

	Best Overall	Best Budget	Most Forgiving
	Mizuno ST-Z 230	Mizuno ST-X 220	Mizuno ST-X
Pros	Promotes consistent contact Limits spin Maximizes ball speed	Affordable for a Mizuno driver Draw bias profile combats slices Produced rapid ball speed	Optimal forgiveness Combats slices Promotes a high launch
Cons	Priced at a premium Not the best slice fighter	The draw bias nature reduced workability off the tee Faster swing speeds may despise the added launch assistance	The draw bias limits workability Faster swing speeds may struggle to control the flexible shaft at impact
Price Score	79.5	94.8	94.8
Ball Speed	92.8	89.1	88.6
Spin	93.1	90.3	90.8
Launch	94.5	91.7	93.7
Distance	90.8	86.2	84.3
Rating	4.4 Stars	4.3 Stars	4.2 Stars

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team spends thousands of hours trying out and researching golf equipment to help you take your game to the next level. Here’s our product review process.

We can bring these reviews to you through the small commissions we earn if you buy through the links below.

How We Reviewed These Products

Golfspan only shares equipment and brands we trust.

I’m an experienced golfer of 28 years and thoroughly researched and evaluated the drivers shared below. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the list. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information.

To select these drivers, I considered these criteria:

1. Cost
2. Launch
3. Speed
4. Spin
5. Feel
6. Distance
7. Accuracy

Read more: The Best Drivers for Every Type of Golfer

6 Best Mizuno Golf Drivers For 2023

1. Mizuno ST-Z 230  – Overall Best Mizuno Driver 2023

Pros

• Promotes consistent contact
• Limits spin
• Maximizes ball speed
• Encourages straighter flight for improved accuracy
• Adjustable hosel

Cons

• Priced at a premium
• Not the best slice fighter

Specs

• Hand Orientation: RH/LH
• Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°
• Stock Shafts: Mitsubishi Chemical Kai’li Blue, Aldila Ascent Red, Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw, Aldila Ascent Ultralight 40, UTS Mamiya LIN-Q Red

The Mizuno ST-Z 230 proved itself as the best overall driver from the brand for its straight flight, enhanced energy transfer, velocity, and low spin. These factors combined to deliver maximum rebound off the clubface, sending my ball along a mid-to-high trajectory.

I felt the CORTECH Chamber was the star performer in my case, helping me produce consistent contact with the golf ball. An elastomeric TPU boosted energy transfer to impart rapid speed on the golf ball. It received backup from the strategically positioned weight that stabilized the clubface and restricted spin.

My ball velocity was boosted by the sturdy 6-4 Ti material, which contained variable clubface thickness. Mizuno engineers thinned out the clubface on high contact points to increase spring for a powerful golf shot.

I welcomed the increased moment of inertia (MOI) on the ST-Z 230, which resisted twisting during my swing and simplified squaring the clubface at contact. The result was a straighter ball flight for improved accuracy. However, I feel high handicappers struggling with slices may prefer the draw-bias flight on the Mizuno ST-X.

Next, I appreciated the adjustable Quick Switch Hosel on the big stick, which enabled me to strengthen or weaken the loft by 2.5 degrees each way. Finally, Mizuno crafts the ST-Z 230 in a ladies edition, which sports the same technology to encourage straight, long shots.

Rating: 4.4

Read more: How Do The New Mizuno Drivers Compare With All The Mizuno Drivers Thru History?

2. Mizuno ST-X 220 – Best Budget Mizuno Golf Driver

Pros

• Affordable for a Mizuno driver
• Draw bias profile combats slices
• Produced rapid ball speed
• Adjustable hosel
• Promoted a towering launch

Cons

• The draw bias nature reduced workability off the tee
• Faster swing speeds may despise the added launch assistance

Specs

• Hand Orientation: RH
• Lofts: 10.5°, 12°
• Stock Shafts: HeLIUM NanoCore 4 F2, Ascent Red 50,  Ascent UL 40

Mizuno equipment is typically priced at a premium. However, the ST-X 220 shows you can find hidden gems if you search hard enough. The slice-busting, forgiving nature of the driver delivers super game improvement qualities for a fraction of the price.

I felt the core component of the ST-X 220 was its draw bias profile, set up to simplify squaring your clubface at contact. This strengthened my ability to square the clubface at impact to encourage straighter ball flight and accuracy off the tee.

Besides accuracy, I welcomed the easy, high-launching nature of the driver, which slow swingers and high handicappers should relish. The 20-gram back heel weighting positioned the clubface optimally to consistently launch the ball higher off the tee.

Like the ST-Z 230, Mizuno engineers applied their popular CORTECH technology to add variable thickness across the surface. I produced consistent ball speed and reduced spin revolutions, owing to the paper-thin thickness on high contact points.

Finally, the adjustable ST-X 220 is a product of Harmonic Impact Research, which produces a solid feel and amplified audio on tee shots.

Rating: 4.3

Read More: The Best Mizuno Irons

3. Mizuno ST-X – Most Forgiving Best Mizuno Driver

Pros

• Optimal forgiveness
• Combats slices
• Promotes a high launch
• Adjustable hosel
• Accelerates clubhead speed

Cons

• The draw bias limits workability
• Faster swing speeds may struggle to control the flexible shaft at impact

Specs

• Hand Orientation: RH/LH
• Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°
• Stock Shafts: MFUSION 39, EvenFlow Riptide

Forgiving drivers promote consistent distance and accuracy, even on heel and toe mishits. I found the ST-X provided the best leniency on off-center strikes, thanks to its increased draw bias, MOI, and lightweight shaft construction.

Its most forgiving feature is its slice-busting offset, which creates a draw bias profile for straighter golf ball flight. Although it did not completely eliminate my slices, I did reduce the severity of the curve to end in a more favorable lie.

The 39-gram lightweight MFusion shaft was a breeze to swing and unload from the top, but it was a tad whippy and boasted excess torque for my swing. I found it challenging to control the club leading into contact. However, slower swing speeds should thrive and generate higher than usual power on the downswing.

I enjoyed further leniency on low-face strikes prompted by the Optimized Wave Sole Plate, which enhances flexibility. The clubface still transfers sufficient energy to the golf ball for accelerated zip and reduced spin. As a result, I produced a suitable launch and carry distance.

Rating: 4.2

4. Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230 – Best Mizuno Drivers For Seniors

Pros

• Accelerates club speed
• Lightweight construction
• Restricts spin
• Draw bias design fights slices
• Adjustable hosel

Cons

• Priced at a premium
• The stock shaft offered excessive torque for my swing

Specs

• Hand Orientation: RH
• Lofts: 10.5°, 12°
• Stock Shafts: UST Helium Platinum

Mizuno constructed the ST-X PLTNM with exceptionally lightweight materials to give slower swing speeds a design to unload efficiently on the downswing. Besides its lightweight components, the fast face and high-launching nature of the ST-X PLTNM is a welcome combination for senior golfers.

The PLTNM is the lightest driver in the ST-X 230 range by 30 grams, and I found it a breeze to wind up on the backswing and unload on the downswing. The core differences between the PLTNM and the standard ST-X 230 are its lightweight UST Helium Platinum shaft and its equally feathery grip.

My only gripe with the lightness of the driver was the high torque and flex of the shaft, which was a challenge to control at contact. However, slow swing speeds will welcome the added spring into contact, which enhances energy transfer to accelerate ball speed.

Speaking of ball speed, I enjoyed increased levels on all strikes, owing to the CORTECH Chamber. It optimized sole flex for consistent contact, minimal spin, and explosive pace to induce a high and powerful launch.

Lastly, the adjustable ST-X PLTNM 230 is a draw bias golf club, which aided my ability to square the club at contact and produce straighter shots.

Rating: 4.0

5. Mizuno ST-X 230 – Best For Mid Handicappers

Pros

• Encourages workability
• Stable clubface
• Fast clubface
• Minimal spin
• Adjustable hosel

Cons

• Expensive
• Less forgiving than the ST-X PLTNM 230.

Specs

• Hand Orientation: RH/LH
• Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12.5°
• Stock Shafts: Mitsubishi Chemical Kai’li Blue, UST Mamiya LIN-Q Red, UST Helium Nanocore F2

I found the Mizuno ST-X 230 delivered workable flight, exceptional ball speed, controlled spin, and forgiveness, suitable traits for mid-handicappers. In addition, it contains a slight draw bias setup, which helps me combat slices and still produces moderately workable flight off the tee.

Mizuno engineers employed the admired CORTECH Chamber, which raised the coefficient of restitution (COR) to amplify ball speed and restrict spin. The outcome was a high powerful launch prompting impressive carry and total distance.

I also appreciated the stability of the clubface at contact, which helped me restrict spin and prevent velocity drop-off at impact. The result was a consistent launch on most shots, even on heel and toe contact. Mizuno attributes this performance to their Unified Sole Composite.

Like the ST-X PLTNM 230, the standard edition is fitted with the Quick Switch Hosel to alter loft and lie angle by 2 degrees in either direction. Finally, despite its marginal draw bias, I enjoyed the minor workability offered, allowing me to shape my shots in any way.

Rating: 3.9

6. Mizuno ST-G 220 – Longest Best New Mizuno Driver 2023

Pros

• Generates maximum distance
• Adjustable hosel
• Explosive clubface
• Incredibly low-spinning driver
• Consistent high launch

Cons

• Expensive
• The low spin design best suits faster swing speeds

Specs

• Hand Orientation: RH/LH
• Lofts: 9°
• Stock Shafts: PRJX

Players seeking the longest big stick in the Mizuno arsenal need not look further than the exceptionally low-spinning ST-G 220. It sports a highly adjustable setup that enabled me to tinker with the settings to achieve optimal ball velocity, low spin, and the desired launch.

The Optimized Wave Sole and CORTECH face combination ensured a flexible and robust clubface. Their partnership was effective as I enjoyed consistent energy transfer and spring off the clubface to deliver desirable launch, flight, and distance.

I also welcomed the ease of launch from the ST-G 220 owing to its Dual Weight Center Slot that deepened the CG for enhanced lift-off and low spin. Besides performance, I thoroughly enjoyed tinkering with the adjustable hosel, enabling me to weaken or strengthen the loft by 2 degrees and alter the shot bias.

Mizuno shaped the driver to achieve a shorter front-to-back design and a deeper clubface, which aided my ability to curve my tee shots. Finally, the blend of workable flight, explosive ball velocity, and low spin gifted me optimal distance.

Rating: 3.7

Read more: Check out the details of the Mizuno ST200 Driver in the full review

What To Consider When Purchasing A Mizuno Driver

Budget

Mizuno golf clubs are not found in the bargain bin as they are premium golf clubs, which fetch a corresponding price tag. I recommend considering older unused models or even pre-owned options from Global Golf or Rock Bottom Golf if you fancy swinging a Mizuno driver and are on a budget.

However, I suggest seeking more affordable brands like Cleveland or Tour Edge if you still struggle to find pre-owned Mizuno drivers in your budget.

Draw Bias

Several Mizuno drivers I have tested are equipped with a draw bias profile to help the average golf square the clubface and combat slices. While this setup is golden for hitting straighter golf shots, it typically reduces workability, exacerbating hooks, which I struggled with when my transition was off.

Most Mizuno drivers contain an air of draw bias, but if you desire neutral ball flight, I recommend testing the ST-G 220. Its adjustable construction gave me the freedom to achieve my desired shot bias, thanks to its adjustable CG weighting.

Lofts

Mizuno crafts their drivers in 9, 10.5, and 12.5° lofts which suit an array of fast, moderate, and slow swing speeds. My moderate swing speed excelled with the 10.5° driver, and the accompanying adjustable hosel helped me strengthen or weaken the loft if needed.

Despite my performance with the 10.5°, I feel slower swinging amateurs should head straight for the weakest 12.5°. On the contrary, fast swing speeds may find the lower launch and spin of the 9° a superior option.

Adjustable Hosel

Every club I tested in our Mizuno driver review carried an adjustable hosel, which allowed me to strengthen or weaken the loft by 2°. Therefore, I managed to strengthen the loft to 8.5° with a 10.5°. Conversely, I could decrease the loft to 12.5° to promote a higher launching tee shot.

Although most Mizuno drivers sported the 4° adjustable hosel, I found the versatility of the ST-G 220 hosel and CG weights superior to its peers.

Shafts

Mizuno engineers offer stock shafts for every swing speed, starting with super lightweight designs for slower swingers and rising to stiff, heavy options for fast swingers. For example, the ST-X PLTNM is light and helps seniors and slower-swinging beginners launch the ball high, long, and straight.

Conversely, our best overall Mizuno driver, the ST-Z 230, is equipped with a wealth of stock shaft options to cover slow through to super-fast swing speeds.

Conclusion

My review of the best Mizuno drivers for 2023 shows that the masters from Hiroshima can do more than buttery soft forged irons. In my experience, their drivers produced amplified acoustics, optimal forgiveness, low spin, fast ball speed, and an elevated launch.

In addition, I welcomed the versatility afforded by the Quick Switch Adjustability hosel, which let me strengthen or weaken loft by 2° in either direction. My biggest gripe with the Japanese manufacturer is the price of their golf clubs, which is expensive for the average golfer.

However, my review revealed a few value-for-money options to consider if budget is a challenge. Despite their cost, I welcomed their looks and performance, with the easy launching, long and forgiving ST-Z 230 proving the best overall option this year.

Read More:

• The Best Japanese Golf Clubs
• The Best Japanese Domestic Market Drivers