Curated Golf Expert Kyle Emery got his hands on the Mizuno ST-Z 230 Hybrid to test this spring. Check out how it performed, but consider the fact that each and every golfer is different; if you have any questions about the ST-Z Hybrid or need recommendations on which club would be best for you, reach out to a Golf Expert here on Curated.

Before we get started, it's worth noting that Curated Experts are not sponsored by any brands. All of these reviews are completely unbiased.

Brand Claims

What does Mizuno claim about this club? Mizuno claims that the ST-Z Hybrid is designed with tour-level performance, but still playable for all players of all skill levels. It is slightly less forgiving than the ST-X model, but still offers plenty of forgiveness, a lot of stability, and a really consistent high launch, low spin trajectory.

Overall Impressions

What are the specs of the club you are testing? The specs on the ST-Z hybrid that I'm testing are a 22 degree, 4 hybrid with a UST LIN-Q Blue, 75 gram, stiff flex shaft. The ST-Z 230 does come in a 2, 3, 4, or 5 hybrid with loft adjustments on all of those to be able to get the exact distance and ball flight that you desire.

What is your overall impression of the club? My first impressions of the ST-Z 230 Hybrid were that it had a really crisp overall feel on contact. It also had a great overall compact shape and produced a really great sound when I hit clean shots. I also really enjoyed the stability I had with the CORTECH chamber. It made for a really consistent overall ball flight.

Review

How is it for forgiveness? The ST-Z 230 Hybrid was noticeably less forgiving than what you'd find with the ST-X model. So if you're a higher handicap player that does need some added assistance, you would be better suited to go with the ST-X model.

How is it for workability? The slightly more compact shaping of the ST-Z 230 Hybrid is definitely going to be easier to shape shots in both directions.

How is its launch? I found that it consistently launched straight and high.

How is the weight? How is it for stability, ball spin and speed? Mizuno has implemented a CORTECH chamber on the ST-Z 230 hybrid. This is a heavier weight that is pushed forward and encased in a polymer coating to help add stability, give you a low spinning profile, and help increase ball speeds.

What do you find unique about its appearance? The appearance of the ST-Z 230 Hybrid is a really great, not too small and not too large profile. It's not overly small to where you feel like you have to be ultra precise on every shot, and also isn't overly big to where some players may be put off by it looking like almost the size of a fairway.

What may make a player shy away from it? Ultimately, a higher handicap player who wants a larger footprint for some added confidence on contact is going to maybe shy away from the ST-Z Hybrid.

How would you describe the sound of this club and feel at impact? The sound and feel of the ST-Z 230 Hybrid can be characterized as really crisp, really clean, and firm feeling.

Is the club adjustable? The ST-Z 230 is fully adjustable on the hosel. You can increase or decrease loft to get a higher or lower trajectory. You'd also be able to adjust the lie angle to help out with any consistent misses left or right.

Are there any drawbacks to this club? The drawbacks that I would speak to would maybe be geared towards a higher handicap player who may have some difficulties with a slice. Something that's higher forgiving and more offset would help out that player. That would be the ST-X model.

Recommendations

Who would you recommend this club to? I would highly recommend the ST-Z 230 Hybrid to any player who would like to have a versatile hybrid. Something that you can shape shots with or get a consistently straight ball flight.

Who should avoid this club, and what type of club would be a better option for that player? A higher handicap player who may want a high level of forgiveness and some added offset to help out with a slice would be better suited to go with the ST-X model from Mizuno.

Golf clubs work differently for different types of golfers. If you are wondering whether the ST-Z Hybrid is the right club for you, chat with Kyle or any other Golf Experts here on Curated, and they’ll put together free, personalized club recommendations on the best hybrid for your needs.