Mizuno’s new ST-Z fairway wood is a unique performer on the golf course. It is designed for a blend of low spin and stability not commonly found in most fairway woods. Combining a throwback shape with modern performance, this is a fairway for a new age. “The fairway wood might be the least regularly changed club in any bag – so we spent a lot of time looking at older models that our tour players had hung onto over the years,” said Chris Voshall of Mizuno.
See the Mizuno ST-Z fairway wood in action in TGW’s exclusive video and learn all about the design in our review.
Mizuno ST-Z Fairway Wood Review by TGW
Technology
The Mizuno ST-Z fairway wood begins with a club face made from MAS1C maraging steel. This is the 3rd generation of MAS1C and it is stronger than ever. It is so strong that Mizuno can make the face thinner to produce the hottest face ever on a Mizuno fairway wood. The multi-thickness CORTECH face boosts ball speed near the legal limit all over the club face.
Mizuno then used an ultra-lightweight carbon crown on top of the club. The lightweight carbon crown helps create a lower center of gravity for improved spin and high-MOI performance.
The ST-Z fairway also features an optimized Wave soleplate. The lighter sole design features a more compact Wave structure that is more forgiving and faster on shots hit low on the face.
Performance
We put the Mizuno ST-Z to the test with the help of Rick Hatfield. Rick is the head golf pro at Flint Hills National Golf Club and TGW’s resident product expert. This test was conducted with the 3 wood where Rick’s average swing speed was 93 mph. His average ball speed was right in the ideal range for a fairway wood at 141.3 mph. Rick also recorded an average spin rate of 3,626 rpm. With a high, easy launch Rick’s average carry distance was 223 yards.
Who It’s For
The Mizuno ST-Z fairway wood is a good fit for the majority of golfers. It launches high and easy with a slightly oversized club head that inspires confidence at address with high-MOI performance. This club also features a classic fairway wood design with low spin that suits players with faster swing speeds. Golfers of all levels can benefit from the technology in the ST-Z fairway.
Appearance
The Mizuno ST-Z fairway wood features a flat black crown made of carbon for a fast, sleek look down by the golf ball. There are minimal graphic designs for a focused style that reduces distractions. A curved, rounded profile in the club head gives this fairway a throwback look.
Feel & Sound
The Mizuno ST-Z fairway wood felt great at impact both off the tee and off the ground. Turf interaction was smooth and clean with a confident feel when you strike the ball. The sound of the ST-Z is a little bit more metallic with a responsive, high-pitched noise.
Mizuno ST-Z Fairway Wood Specs
Mizuno ST-Z Fairway
