Review: Mizuno ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood
By Golf Expert
Kyle Emery
Mizuno ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood
$179.99
$299.99
40% off
8 photos
The Curated Take
4.4/5
The Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood is ideal for low to high-handicap golfers seeking versatility and performance. With the CORTECH Chamber that boosts ball speeds and lowers spin rates, it offers excellent distance, forgiveness, and consistency. Its unique design allows for various shot shapes, while maintaining a crisp sound and feel. The club's balanced weighting enables high-launching shots, and its overall forgiveness can help improve mishit shots. Its competitive pricing further enhances appeal.
Ideal for
- Extremely forgiving across the face.
- Consistent ball flight.
- High launching with low spin.
- Best for players seeking point and shoot simplicity.
- Fully adjustable hosel for customization.
- Sleek and modern look.
Not ideal for
- Firmer feel compared to the ST-X.
- Not the best option for correcting a slice.
Workability
As someone who doesn't shape shots too frequently during my rounds, I did enjoy the level of workability on the ST-Z 230. Shaping shots in either direction can be accomplished...Read more
Forgiveness
During my testing of the ST-Z 230, I was highly impressed with the overall forgiveness level. Carrying a bit less forgiveness than the ST-X model, I found the ST-Z to...Read more
Sound
The acoustics of the Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood are very pleasing and should appeal to many players. During my testing, I experienced a clean and crisp sound off the...Read more
Launch
In addition to the balance of forgiveness and workability, the weighting in the ST-Z 230 is also balanced to provide a high-launching ball flight, with a low spin profile. Weighting...Read more
Distance
I don't carry a three wood in my bag currently, so I didn't have a direct comparison against a current gamer during testing, but was surprised to see the distances...Read more
Expert Reviews of the Mizuno ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood
Kyle Emery The Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood is a great all-around performer that offers fantastic distances along with a good blend of forgiveness and consistency. New to the 230 line is the CORTECH Chamber that moves internal weighting forward to help increase ball speeds and lower spin rates. In testing, I could definitely notice how hot the ball was coming off the face as this was one of the longest fairway woods I've tested out. I also noticed the crisp, firm feel on contact that will appeal to a wide range of players. I got immediate feedback as to where the ball was struck. It was enjoyable getting to hit repeatable shots that launch easily and roll forever. I would recommend the Mizuno ST-Z 230 to low to high-handicap players looking for a fairway that produces high ball speeds with a moderate level of forgiveness in a confidence-inspiring player's shape.
Product Specs
| Gender | Men's |
| Adjustability | Yes |
| Adjustability tool | Yes |
| Grip name | Lamkin ST Hybrid 360 60R |
| Player type | Game improvement |
| Used (Y/N) | No |
Review Ratings
Workability
4/5
Kyle Emery gave 4 of 5 stars. As someone who doesn't shape shots too frequently during my rounds, I did enjoy the level of workability on the ST-Z 230. Shaping shots in either direction can be accomplished with the ST-Z 230, while still offering forgiveness. This fairway wood feels perfectly balanced to hit a consistent straight ball or to hit any shot in the toolbox.
Forgiveness
4/5
Kyle Emery gave 4 of 5 stars. During my testing of the ST-Z 230, I was highly impressed with the overall forgiveness level. Carrying a bit less forgiveness than the ST-X model, I found the ST-Z to still have plenty of forgiveness that would suit mid to high-handicap players who might want a more compact option for their fairway wood.
Sound
4/5
Kyle Emery gave 4 of 5 stars. The acoustics of the Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood are very pleasing and should appeal to many players. During my testing, I experienced a clean and crisp sound off the face that I thought was exceptional. Even mishits didn't sound muffled or muted. Definitely one of my favorite elements of the club.
Launch
5/5
Kyle Emery gave 5 of 5 stars. In addition to the balance of forgiveness and workability, the weighting in the ST-Z 230 is also balanced to provide a high-launching ball flight, with a low spin profile. Weighting pushed closer to the face allows for lower spin rates and higher ball speeds, while the rear weighting provides stability on contact to launch the ball high.
Distance
5/5
Kyle Emery gave 5 of 5 stars. I don't carry a three wood in my bag currently, so I didn't have a direct comparison against a current gamer during testing, but was surprised to see the distances from the ST-Z 230. Ball speeds and distances were consistent during testing, and I believe this model can add some extra distance for a lot of players who need an upgrade.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Kyle Emery During my testing of the Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood, I really enjoyed being able to hit different types of shots off the tee. I'm not a player that typically shapes shots a whole lot, but I was able to hit draws and fades. The head has a slightly more compact shape and really promotes confidence to be able to work the ball. I think low to mid-handicap players will really appreciate these elements.
Why did you choose this product?
Kyle Emery The Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood is a perfect option for low to high-handicap players looking for a versatile option that blends forgiveness and workability.
There was very little the ST-Z 230 fairway wood couldn't do during my testing. It displayed elements of forgiveness, workability, distance, and feel. The club really allows you to play any type of shot off the tee or from the fairway or rough. The CORTECH Chamber produces higher ball speeds and a low spin ball flight combined with a rear weighting system produces a consistent launch.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Kyle Emery The Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood provides players with a great value for its all-around performance. Coming in about $50 less than most other new releases for 2023, the ST-Z 230 provides added savings with comparable performance to many other competitors in the market.
What do you love about this product?
Kyle Emery My favorite aspect of the Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood was the overall feel. Crisp, responsive, and powerful sensation coming off the club face. Not as soft as the ST-X, but still a very pleasing feel. Mishits provide feedback and on center strikes feel like they rocket off the face.
