Mizuno · Fairway · 2022
ST-Z 220
CaddyIndex™ breakdown — what the agentic research found across each of the six performance dimensions, with cited sources.
You're a low-to-mid HCP (0-18) at 85-110mph who wants a neutral, low-spin tour-spec fairway with classical looks — comfortable buying second-hand or as a 2022 carryover for under £200.
You want the latest face technology (the 2023 ST-Z 230 or 2024 ST-Max 230 sit above), you need confirmation this is a distinct product release (data integrity is uncertain), or you're sensitive to off-centre acoustic.
Pros
- Carries forward the 2021 ST-Z's class-leading carbon-crown, low-CG forgiveness profile
- 3rd-generation MAS1C maraging steel face — the brand's most powerful and thinnest FW face to date
- Sounds fantastic at impact — clean lines and appealing acoustic from Harmonic Impact engineering
- Throwback tour-spec profile with refinements drawn from tour-pro feedback on prior ST-Z generations
Cons
- Product identity is contested — multiple sources indicate only the ST-X 220 fairway was new in 2022; this may be a carryover or regional listing
- Brand fairways have historically finished near the bottom in independent robot Most Wanted fairway testing
- Off-centre acoustic degrades faster than on competing premium fairways — clean centred pop turns to a dull thud off the sweet spot
- Now 4 years old — superseded by the ST-Z 230 (2023) within the brand's own lineup
By dimension
Forgiveness
Industry coverage: both 220-line metalwoods offer exceptional stability and consistency from off-centre strikes thanks to a 40% larger carbon-sole area and thinning of the titanium — the design language carries to the ST-Z fairway lineup. The compact Wave design lowers the mass contribution allowing for higher MOI and lower Center of Gravity on the 220-generation fairways. Multi-thickness face retains ball speed on off-centre strikes. The ST-Z fairway sits within a family that is straight, low spinning and mid launching for straight and long shots. Above-average forgiveness — inheriting the prior generation's class-leading carbon-crown, low-CG profile.
Distance
The 3rd-generation maraging steel face is the manufacturer's most powerful to date. Optimised multi-face thickness produces the thinnest and hottest fairway face to date. Family characteristic: low-spin, mid-launch design designed to produce long and straight shots from the tee, fairway, and rough. Family carries the 2021 ST-Z fairway's 141.3 mph ball-speed / 223-yd carry profile (at 93mph swing) into the 220-spec hardware. Top-tier 2022 distance for a low-spin neutral fairway — though the related driver only managed a 6th-place industry-test distance ranking, suggesting middle-of-the-pack rather than category-leading total yards on real-world swings.
Workability
Reviewer testing: family heritage on the course was easy to pick up off the fairway and was stable and powerful from the tee — easy to fade per the original ST-Z description. The Z naming refers to the central, deep CG axis — neutral trajectory that doesn't impose a bias. Family includes a tour-spec callout: tour players who have held onto older fairway wood models for years influenced the ST-Z design, suggesting workability-focused engineering. 4° hosel loft and face-angle adjustability lets skilled players dial in trajectory. Above-average workability — neutral CG plus shape-on-demand intent.
Feel
Reviewer testing: vibration-research engineering ensures sound has played a key part in the design and the head delivers vibration patterns elite players associate with a solid feel. The feel is described as solid, with a lively impact sound. Family carries the 2021 ST-Z's multi-thickness pads behind the hitting area for tactile improvement over the ST200 predecessor. Above-average solid mid-tier feel — engineered consistency with the carryover 2021 tactile signature.
Sound
Reviewer testing: the head manages to sound fantastic at impact and it offers clean lines and appealing sound. Vibration-research engineering tunes the acoustic for a more muted, powerful tone consistent with elite-player preferences. Family inherits the 2021 ST-Z's centre-strike mid-low pop signature. Above-average acoustic — clean centred sound, with the same off-centre acoustic degradation pattern noted on the prior-generation fairway.
Looks at address
Reviewer testing: the head has a throwback profile with a 3rd-generation maraging steel face. The compact head shape with subtle leading-edge / hosel transition refinements (drawn from tour-pro feedback) gives a classical aesthetic. Tour players who held onto older fairway-wood models for years influenced the design, leading to subtle touches on the leading edge and transition into the hosel. Above-average looks — premium tour-spec aesthetic with the carryover carbon-crown design.
Sources
Some of the reviews, lab tests and head-to-head comparisons the agentic research read while grading this club.
- Mizuno ST-Z Fairway Wood Review - Golf Monthly
- Mizuno ST-Z 220, ST-X 220 drivers, fairway woods and hybrids - Golf Digest
- FIRST LOOK: Mizuno's new ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 drivers, fairways and hybrids - Golf.com
- Mizuno unveils new ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 drivers - GolfWRX
- Mizuno ST-Z 220 and ST-X 220 drivers Review - Today's Golfer
- ST-Z FWOODS - Mizuno Golf Official Website
- 2022 Mizuno ST-Z 220 Fairway & Hybrid Release Information - GolfWRX (release thread)