When we conduct the MyGolfSpy Most Wanted Driver test each year, the price of the club is not one of the ranking categories. The performance takes the cake and then you can work out whether or not the driver fits your budget. However, we do understand the importance of value in golf equipment. If you have been waiting for one of the top drivers of 2022 to start dropping in price, now is the time.
The Mizuno ST-Z 220 is now 33 percent off. The ST-Z 220 ranked first for overall forgiveness in 2022 and had solid feedback for feel and overall design.
Mizuno ST-Z 220 Features and Benefits
The Mizuno ST-Z 220 features a few new technologies that helped it gain some of its forgiveness. The club features a forged SAT2041 Beta-Ti Face. The high strength and resiliency promote higher ball speed and greater durability of the club head.
In addition, Cortech technology is incorporated into the clubface of the ST-Z 220. Cortech creates different layers of thickness, resulting in more forgiveness low on the face. The low-on-the-face miss is quite common for amateur golfers so companies like Mizuno are always looking for solutions.
With four degrees of loft adjustability, this driver should work for the just about any handicap level. The Z-Axis design uses a combination of carbon composite in different areas on the club head to make it a bit more biased towards a straight flight. This is not a draw-biased driver but instead designed to go straight, which it does.
From a spin perspective, expect to see a lower spin off the face of the Mizuno ST-Z 220.
- Available in 9.5- and 10.5-degree models with four degrees of loft adjustability
- Full 460cc volume
- Higher-launching, low-spin model, visually square at setup
- Harmonic Impact Research technology for less vibration at impact
- Optimized Wave Sole for better ball speed
Performance in 2022 Most Wanted Driver Test
The Mizuno ST-Z 220 ranked as the overall best driver for forgiveness in 2022. That impressive performance makes the ST-Z 220 an excellent choice for the golfer who needs forgiveness but we thought it was best to fill you in on how this driver performed against the top performers in the game.
Overall Performance
The overall score for the Mizuno ST-Z 220 driver was 86.7. This was good enough for a sixth-place finish overall With more than 35 drivers in the test, the performance is quite impressive, especially when you consider the new price. The top ranking in forgiveness certainly pulled up the total results for the Mizuno driver but distance brought it down just a bit. The Mizuno ST-Z 220 is not the longest driver on the market.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness rankings were 89.3 out of 100 and put the ST-Z 220 at the top of the list. The next two most forgiving drivers were the PING G425 MAX and the Wilson Staff Launch Pad with scores of 88.2 and 86.0 respectively. After that, the forgiveness scores dropped off a bit. One of the things that players noticed was that the ball flight off their Mizuno drives was considerably straighter and more consistent than with other drivers in the test.
Strokes Gained
The Strokes Gained category was not the best for the Mizuno ST-Z 220. The total raking was just 81, keeping the club out of the top 15. Of course, Strokes Gained off the tee very likely takes a mix of both forgiveness and distance and the distance category is where the Mizuno lacked a bit.
Distance
As mentioned, the Mizuno’s distance ranking was not great, again falling out of the top 15 with a score of 85.5. The TaylorMade Stealth Plus was the longest overall driver, scoring 93.3. As you can imagine, the price point on this one is still relatively high. Long-distance drivers take a little longer to drop in price.
Looks/Feel
Although there was no actual ranking setup for looks and feel in this test, we asked the testers for feedback about each driver. Interestingly the Mizuno ST-Z 220 was one of the most well-liked drivers for both looks and feel. The club head has a more classic design to it, and the Harmonic Impact technology helps reduce overall vibration in the club at impact. We know Mizuno makes pretty irons and wedges, but apparently, they also have some pull in the long game!
Who Is The Mizuno ST-Z 220 For?
So now we know the Mizuno ST-Z 220 is on sale and it’s rated very high for forgiveness. The question is whether it’s the best golf club for your game.
Golfers who struggle with inconsistency will like what the ST-Z 220 has to offer. As a bonus, it’s going to have nice looks and feel. The slowest swing speed players looking for ultimate distance and carry may struggle to get what they want out of the ST-Z 220. Lower-handicap players who want more workability and control may also want to consider a different driver.
Mizuno ST-Z 220: The Takeaway
When it’s time to purchase a new driver, you have to ask yourself precisely what you are looking for. Mizuno went after the middle handicap range with this ST-Z 220 and they succeeded. The driver is long enough, forgiving and has a great look from the top down.
If you need forgiveness but not quite enough forgiveness to use a draw-biased club, give the Mizuno ST-Z 220 a try.
At 33 percent off, there has never been a better time.
Kevin
1 year ago
just bought this at Carl’s for $189