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Mizuno have put all their research and technology into producing a driver with one of the lowest spin rates and a face that enhances ball speed and driving distance, they have achieved this by utilising an ultra-fast forged SP700 Ti face which is now lighter using a CORTECH structure giving higher ball speeds. This works with the large carbon composite crown and the Amplified Wave soleplate.
The Forged SP700 Ti face is over 10% stronger than previous Mizuno driver faces and has a fine grain structure that allows a more complex geometry in the CORTECH face, where re-engineered ribs work with the Quick Switch system.
The crown now weighs just 12g and is made from a carbon composite saving 7g of weight from the last version, which has been redistributed to boost ball speeds and reduce spin.
The Amplified Wave Sole is an advancement on the shockwave system and has a heavily amplified first wave configuration that explodes on impact and working with the SP700 Ti face gives greater balls speeds with reduced off-centre performance drop-off.
You will notice a different sound at impact and this is down to the Harmonic Impact Technology that is a study of vibration and soundwaves, and the R&D guys felt there was a need for internal ribs to create a more solid, powerful impact sound.
There are two versions of the driver the ST190 with its 6g fixed back weight, but I tested the ST190G which has the Fast Track system that uses two 7g weights, which are adjustable and can help reduce spin by a further 200rpm with the added bonus of the player controlling directional spin with a fade or draw bias.
The ST190 driver will be available in men’s 9.5? and 10.5? models, both adjustable by 2? up or down. The ST190G driver will be available in men’s 9?, adjustable by 2? up or down
A range of shafts including Atmos Blue 5S, Atmos Red 5R, Atmos Red 5R2, Atmos Red 6R and Atmos Black TS 6S at no extra charge
Conclusion:
It’s not often a driver goes straight from production into the bags of tour players and while you may expect that of contracted players, it’s certainly unusual for non-contracted players to do that with their livelihoods on the line. Such has been the success and word of mouth recommendations from one pro to another that the new Mizuno ST190 is going from strength to strength on professional tours around the world.
After tinkering with my settings on the range, I then took the driver to Germany and Ireland on two testing trips loved the feel and penetrating ball flight that I was getting but it did take me a while to adjust to the new sound at impact. It’s hard to describe but putting it into musical terms it has a more bassie, deeper tone giving a really solid/meaty sound as the ball rockets off the face. To be honest that is in keeping with this driver as it is certainly going to be a heavyweight in the driver category.
