METALWOODS KEY INFO
Mizuno ST190
Replacing the GBB Epic woods, the Epic Flash models feature a new Flash Face, said to help all golfers get more ball speed and distance. It is the product of an $8m super computer, which used artificial intelligence and machine learning to cycle through 15,000 face-design iterations and over 100 impact simulations. Learning from each one, the computer then arrived at the final design when it could no longer be improved.
Its unique internal mapping consists of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe that work together to elevate COR in the face’s centre region. The Epic Flash drivers also incorporate two internal Jailbreak bars that connect the crown to the sole, stabilising and stiffening those two parts at impact, allowing the face to take on greater impact load to generate faster ball speed. They also feature a new triaxial carbon fabric called T2C, which has a tighter weave that allows for greater forgiveness.
The Epic Flash driver has a larger address profile and features a 16g sliding weight that can promote different shot shapes. The Epic Flash Sub Zero has a 12g sliding weight and a front fixed weight to pull the CG lower and forward to reduce spin. The Epic Flash fairway woods also feature the new Flash Face, as well as Callaway’s Face Cup, to produce high COR across a large area. Jailbreak bars help to generate faster ball speed. The Epic Flash Sub Zero fairway features interchangeable 16g and 2g sole weights that adjust the ball flight and spin depending on your preference. The ST190 drivers are Mizuno’s fastest and lowest spinning to date, thanks to a stronger Forged SP700 Ti face with re-engineered ribs that help deliver consistently higher ball speeds, as well as improved sound and feel. A large, light (12g) carbon composite crown and an Amplified Wave soleplate help convert each additional mph into extra yards across the face. The ST190 is designed for mid-to-low spin with maximum stability, and features a single, fixed 6g back weight that increases stability on off-centre strikes. The ST190G is engineered for low spin and features Fast Track adjustability comprising twin 7g weights on external tracks that can reduce spin by an additional 200rpm, also allowing players to achieve heavy fade or draw biases.
The ST190 fairway woods are also speed engineered and feature a carbon composite crown and Amplified Wave soleplate, this time allied to a deeper, high-energy maraging steel face. The ST190 fairway woods come with fixed hosels, but there is also the option of an adjustable Tour S 3-wood model that offers a stronger ball flight for the high-speed player. It can be adjusted from 13˚ to 17˚.
A ‘Superlight’ design and Reactive Face combine for faster clubhead speed with increased ball speed and distance. The D7 driver crown features a layer of Dupont Kevlar sandwiched between two layers of carbon fibre to save weight and improve sound.
Dynamic Launch Control comprises progressive head weighting dependent on loft to suit different swing speeds, moving from forward in the 9° head to centre in the 10.5° and further back in the 13°. The lightweight stock shaft ranges from 45g to 57g depending on flex to help increase club speed.
The fairway wood crown features weight-saving, thin-cast pockets, while a stainless steel face insert maximises distance. The Ping G410 Plus driver is the first ever Ping driver to feature moveable weight, specifically a 16g tungsten weight that can be relocated at the back of the clubhead to add ten yards of draw or fade bias while maintaining forgiveness. The 455cc driver also features a forged, heat-treated face that is precision machined to make it faster over a wider area. The weight-saving Dragonfly technology, visible on the crown of the previous G400, has now moved inside the head. The crown turbulators have been enlarged, increasing their effectiveness at boosting club speed by reducing aerodynamic drag. There is also a G410 SFT version, which is lighter and has the 16g weight fixed towards the heel to increase draw bias even more than the G410 Plus in the draw position. An LST (low spin) version is anticipated for later in the year.
The adjustable Ping G410 fairway has a slightly shallower face and a CG that is positioned closer to the face and sole than G400. This delives higher ball speeds while also providing more forgiveness via a high-density tungsten back weight. On the larger SFT version, this moves towards the heel to add draw bias. There is also an LST fairway for the first time, replacing the G400 Stretch model, for players seeking a lower-spinning option.
The G410 hybrid is also larger in size, increasing MOI by 6.5 per cent over G400, helped by a high-density back weight.