Mizuno ST180

golf.mizunoeurope.com X Lofts: 9.5°, 12.5° X Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue X Adjustable hosel: Yes X Loft change: +/- 2°

TECH: For golfers who like the look of a wide driver head, but don’t want the spin usually associated with them. Mizuno’s first driver to have a wave sole (to maximise face deflection and ball speeds) which commits every last gram of weight low and forward to drop spin rates for even the fastest, most downward strikers.

WE SAY: The ST180 is the most expensive driver in this category, so there needs to be some big performance on offer. All three testers felt the head sat a little closed at address, but sound is perfectly acceptable and forgiveness, thanks to the wide head, was good enough to see our test pro’s longest shot come from 7mm away from the centre of the face. Our test pro was the ST180’S biggest fan feeling after some loft tinkering he could easily put one in the bag, even though it wasn’t his longest or fastest driver on test.

TOP GEAR VERDICT

You’ll need to be a serious Mizuno fan to buy at this price but those who do put one in play won’t be disappointed; it’s a decent performing driver. But for most club golfers, there’s probably slightly faster, longer drivers on the market for slightly less money.