Mizuno ST-MAX 230 Fairway Wood and Hybrid

The Mizuno ST-MAX 230 fairway wood and hybrid is a line extension that rounds out and brings continuity to the brand’s current metalwood franchise.

You might have been expecting more than a single model but this is part of Mizuno’s revamped equipment launch cadence. Given slightly longer product life cycles, Mizuno delays the introduction of certain models to keep the story fresh.

Mizuno ST-MAX 230 Fairway Details

The tech platform on the ST-MAX 230 fairway mostly mirrors that of the current ST Z 230 fairway. Chiefly, we’re talking about the CORETECH CHAMBER and thin carbon crown—but with a couple of notable tweaks. 

This updated carbon crown features a section that extends from the top of the club and wraps around the toe. Reminder: Carbon is lighter than steel, aluminum or titanium. So, when a company replaces a heavier material with a lighter one, the intention is to move mass to a more advantageous position. In this case, that’s low and rear in the clubhead.

Functionally, the CORETECH CHAMBER exists to improve face flexibility and performance on off-center strikes. The updated version sits slightly closer to the face and extends into the switch port area. Mizuno says the primary benefit is additional performance (read: better ball speed retention and flight characteristics) on off-center strikes. 

Compared to the ST Z 230 fairway, the ST-MAX 230 has a larger overall footprint and lower profile (shallower face). In general, the footprint and face height exhibit a correlative relationship. That is, a deeper face is beneficial on more compact designs, whereas fairway woods with greater crown surface area result in shorter (leading edge to crown) face heights. 

Finally, a Speed Bevel (reshaped heel design) improves turf interaction, which likely comes more into play for golfers with a steeper (more negative) attack angles.

Ultimately, the Mizuno ST-MAX 230 fairway is for the golfer who places a premium on forgiveness and can benefit from higher launch and moderate spin. 

The Mizuno ST-MAX 230 fairway is available in 3/15°, 5/18° and 7/21° (RH only) lofts. 

An adjustable loft sleeve (+/- 2°) allows golfers to moderate launch, trajectory and shot shape.

Mizuno ST-MAX 230 Hybrid Details

The ST-MAX 230 hybrid is the same story as the ST-MAX 230 fairway told slightly differently. Within the current 230 family, the ST-MAX 230 is, again, slightly larger with a lower profile to boost forgiveness. 

A thin Waffle Crown (mmm … waffle cones) frees up weight that Mizuno uses to drive the CG lower to generate higher launch without excessive spin. The next generation CORETECH CHAMBER is positioned closer to the face and reaches further into the heel. The result is the largest “sweet area” in Mizuno ST hybrid history. I’m not sure that’s an accolade many outside the walls of Mizuno HQ will celebrate. However, it’s evidence that Mizuno continues to find opportunities for incremental improvements in a club category that often goes unnoticed. 

At address, the ST-MAX 230 hybrid should sit more square, which is great news for those of us who struggle looking down at a club that appears predisposed to miss left (aka the nasty snap hook).

The Mizuno ST-MAX 230 hybrid is available in 3/19° (RH only), 4/22°, 5/25° and 6/28° (RH only) lofts. An adjustable loft sleeve (+/- 2°) allows golfers to moderate launch, trajectory and shot shape.

For more information, visit Mizuno.