Mizuno ST-G 220 Driver £449
GM Verdict
The ST-G 220 is a third ST model from Mizuno that offers a different address and spin profile, as well as moveable weight.
Make a few practice swings and you may notice a loud ‘whoosh’ sound, unmistakably made by the air passing over the weight tracks. We swung this driver 2mph slower on average than our Taylormade SIM2 – this could be down to a combination of the air resistance from the tracks, but also the shorter stock shaft of 45 inches.
But in the low-spin setting (pictured top), the ball speed was actually very similar, so it became more efficient and the strikes were better. In like-for-like loft, both produced almost identical launch, spin and peak height, with the SIM2 carrying three yards further.
In the same low-spin setting, it really impressed out of the middle on the course. The head is incredibly solid with a dense, powerful feel and the reward for centred strikes is a towering flight with a hint of curve at the top. In fact, workability was one of this driver’s strong suits in this setting. Catch it poorly, however, and you’ll lose control fairly easily, which is where you have a decision to make. With the three tracks, you can make this a much more user-friendly driver.
Mizuno says positioning both weights in the shorter rear centre track (pictured left) is the most forgiving setting. When we tested it with the weights at the back of the side tracks, the spin went up by about 200rpm and distance came down by eight yards. So, there is a trade off between distance and playability. Over time, the shorter shaft should mean you have more control of the face than most low-spin drivers. The ST-G 220 is a versatile driver that can be set up to favour distance, control or a specific shot shape, but high-spin golfers will appreciate this new option.