Mizuno ST200 + G and X Models Review

Their 2019 ST190 drivers were well received for their speed, power and low spin. The brand really started to make a mark on the driver market when Keith Mitchell won the Honda Classic with one. It marked the first PGA Tour win with a Mizuno driver in 19 years.

With the release of the ST200 driver series (which includes three head options,) Mizuno seeks to continue its success in the driver market. Mizuno creates drivers and irons that are more affordable than similar counterparts offered by the major golf equipment brands. The ST200 drivers are in direct competition with the TaylorMade SIM and Cobra King Speedzone.

The ST200 offers different head sizes that will accommodate most golfers - the ST200, ST200X and ST200G. These drivers have a carbon composite crown with a simple yet elegant design with a glossy black finish. For the first time in the company’s history, the U.S. and Japanese design teams collaborated. The design is an improvement over previous models, although some may find it too simple and maybe even plain. Premium shaft options include:

• Diamana Blue S+ 60 Stiff
• Diamana Red M + 50 Regular
• Diamana Red M + 60 Stiff

Here is an overview of the three main technologies at work in the ST200 driver series including:

• Compacted wave sole to decrease drag
• SAT Beta rich titanium face - 17% stronger than previous material. Stronger and more durable compared to traditional 6-4 Titanium.
• 11.6g Rear weight to improve forgiveness
• Ability to adjust loft by 4 degrees

Mizuno has been known as a company that tailors its products to the tour player. With this new line, they are also offering up a more forgiving game improvement iron called the ST200X, which caters to golfers with mid to low swing speeds. The main drawback of the ST200 drivers are their tinny sound. Overall, this is an affordable driver that performs well.

Here are the main features of each of the drivers in this series:

• ST200 - Offers a straight line and predictability. Feedback from players has resulted in a flatter crown and slightly flatter lie angle. Low spin and moderate forgiveness. Suitable for most golfers.
• ST200G - This driver is the best option for a tour player or low handicap golfer. It features an adjustable Fast Track system with two weights on the sole. It’s been used by Luke Donald and is the most well-suited to a fast swing speed.
• ST200X - A game improvement driver with a lighter shaft and draw bias. Best for medium to low swing speeds. Offering high launch.

Mizuno’s strategy has been to partner with up and coming players, compared to the more established brands who take on Top 10 players. The ST200 showed up in play at Sea Island for the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic. Here are the PGA and European Tour Pros using Mizuno irons:

• Keith Mitchell
• Bo Hoag
• Rhein Gibson
• Steven Fisk

• Adrien Saddier
• Scott Gregory
• Tom Gandy

If great sound at impact is important to you, there are better options like the TaylorMade SIM. These drivers still have plenty to offer. Mizuno has produced a good driver at an affordable price, with enough variation within the line to suit a variety of golfers and skill levels. The design of these drivers is timeless and sleek, they perform well and it looks like Mizuno is poised to take a share of the driver market from the major brands.