About this Review: This review is my own honest opinion of the golf club, which I bought with my own money in February 2022.

My take

The Mizuno ST-Z 220 Driver is an all-around driver that’s best suited for beginner to mid-level golfers looking to hit more fairways. It has a sleek, clean look and gives a boost of confidence on the tee box at address.

About the club I own

• Model: Mizuno ST-Z Driver (2021)
• Loft setting: 10.5
• Shaft type: EvenFlow Riptide
• Shaft flex: Regular

About me

• Average score: 40/80
• Handicap: 10
• Experience: 20
• Right/Left-Handed: Right
• Typical ball flight: Fade
• Golf ball used: Titleist® Pro V1®
• Club swing speed: 90-100

Test conditions

• When I bought the club: February 2022
• Days tested: 3 months
• Where I’ve used it: Range/course/simulator
• Weather and wind conditions: All conditions

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a more consistent driver to hit more fairways and control my ball flight.

Why I chose this club

I chose the ST-Z after reading multiple reviews and watching several YouTube review videos on forgiving drivers. I also considered the PING’s G425 driver, but ultimately went with the Mizuno due to already having Mizuno irons and lower price. Already having some Mizunos in my bag helped me make the decision knowing they make high-quality products. I had previously used an older model driver with a much smaller face and I never knew which way it was going to go. The consistency of the STZ is a comforting feeling.

What I love about it

• Forgiveness: It’s by far the most forgiving driver I’ve ever hit due to the balanced toe/heel construction. Almost every ball I hit has a very straight ball flight because of the Z-Axis design built-in that evenly distributes weight across the toe and heel keeping the spin down
• Feel: The feel of the ST-Z is a good combination of smooth and powerful. I can feel right away when I hit the sweet spot, and I know it’s going to be a laser down the middle.
• Workability: I feel very confident in my ball path due to the low spin created. I can hit fades/draws very easily but the club is designed to hit straight so it may not turn as much as others
• Adjustability: There are four loft settings that are very easy to change. This has come in handy on windy days when I want a lower shot.
• Shaft Feel: The EvenFlow Riptide is one of my favorite shafts for my swing that allows me to get a good lag.
• Shaft Performance: I prefer a regular flex shaft, like the ST-Z has, because of its neutral kick point.
• Aesthetic Appeal: I love the sleek, black look that keeps this driver simple and elegant. I’m not a fan of colorful, bright designs for drivers. I can add any shaft to this club and it will look great
• Grip Feel: I have oversized Lamkin® grips, which I prefer to keep my hands out of the swing. The stock grips are Golfpride which are standard well balanced grips
• Launch Angle: My average launch angle is 16 degrees with this driver.
• Spin: My average spin rate is around 2900 RPM, which went down from 3300 rpm with my previous driver which results in a straighter more piercing ball flight
• Other: A great perk is the high-quality leather headcover that comes with the club. It really adds to the “professional” look of my bag.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Distance: It may not be the longest driver on the market, but it gets me right at my target mark while being able to hit more fairways. The distance achieved with this driver is very consistent, and I know exactly what I’m going to get due to the club being the perfect specs for my swing.
• Sound: This driver’s sound is not bad by any means, but it’s louder and more abrupt than the sweet sound of a PING driver. The ST-Z can produce a bit of a shrill sound on mishits.

Best shot with this club

There is a par 4 at EagleSticks Golf Club in Ohio that is 320yd to a downhill green and a left-to-right slope. I was able to launch a slight fade that landed on the green and stuck for a chance at eagle. I made the 12-foot eagle putt on a hole that I usually am lucky to walk away with par

Value for the money vs. other options

I believe this is the best value for a driver on the market due to the superior forgiveness it provides without sacrificing distance. There are very few top-of-the-line drivers that are similarly priced. Similar drivers would be Callaway Mavrik, Cobra Radspeed, and Tour Edge C721

Final verdict

The Mizuno ST-Z has unlocked a part of my game that I’ve never been able to experience before, which is consistently hitting fairways. It’s been a game-changer for my score, easily saving me six to seven shots a round. A high level golfer may not be suited for the STZ as its made for forgiveness which may sacrifice distance