Who’s It For?
Mizuno’s popularity as a golf club manufacturer stems largely from its premium collection of iron set releases over the years. However, Mizuno has also made significant breakthroughs in metal woods that have flown under the radar, such as the Ti100 (golf’s first mass-production titanium driver) and the MP-600 (introduction of sliding weights). In 2019, Mizuno delivers once again with its ST190 and ST190G drivers. These drivers include an ultra-fast Forged SP700 titanium face and an Amplified Wave Sole, each of which help to improve ball speed figures. The ST190 is the more stable, higher-launching option that is likely to fit the widest array of players. Meanwhile, the ST190G more geared toward lower spin rates.
The Tech Story
The ST190 is one of the fastest new drivers on the market thanks to a SP700 titanium clubface, which is 10 percent stronger than the 6-4 titanium typically used to make driver faces. Specifically, the SP700 titanium boasts a refined grain structure that, at impact, resumes shape faster after flexing to generate more ball speed. Face flexing is also enhanced thanks to the Amplified Wave Sole, which includes a large slot, or “wave,” stretching from heel to toe placed parallel to leading edge and several smaller “waves” behind it to create the wave appearance. This technology increases both stability and sweet spot area to provide excellent forgiveness on off-center strikes without added backspin. As a result of a vibration and sound waves study, Mizuno included Harmonic Impact Technology in the ST190 and ST190G drivers, which acts as a set of internal ribs for a powerful feel and sound. The ST190 driver features a large, fixed weight in the rear of the sole for higher MOI (300 gram CM2 to be exact), launch, and spin rates compared to the ST190G. With all of that said, the ST190 driver is designed primarily for excellent ball speed and forgiveness.
Quotable
“The ST190 marks a total change in how Mizuno approaches wood design. We now start the development process with our tour players. The tour-tested molds then become our production molds. In the case of the ST190, this produced a high-speed driver with extremely low spin for the tour, but with the capability of increasing spin for the lower swing speed player.” -- Kei Tsjui, Mizuno Lead Golf Designer.
“Driving was my best category last year. I walked into testing to do ‘Cookie’ (Mizuno, PGA Tour Manager Jeff Cook) a favor, give him some numbers and leave. It turned out to be the easiest change I’ve ever made on the one club I never thought I would switch. The ST190 was faster, straighter, and more forgiving than what I was playing. I’ve used it ever since and haven’t considered taking it out.” -- Keith Mitchell, PGA Tour professional.
Facts and Figures
- 9.5 degrees, 460cc, 45 inches, 60 degree lie angle, left- and right-handed
- 10.5 degrees, 460cc, 45 inches, 60 degree lie angle, right-handed
- Stock Shafts: Atmos Blue 5S, Atmos Red 5R
- Stock Grip: M31 360
- Custom Shafts Available
Get Fit
2nd Swing Golf offers professional, tour-level club fitting at all of its retail locations, as well as a knowledgeable customer service staff that can help answer questions related to fitting. For fitting questions, please call 612-216-4152, and for more information about 2nd Swing’s custom fitting services, locations, and staff, click here (http://fitting.2ndswing.info/).
