Mizuno ST200

Manufacturer claims the ST200 fairway woods combine the unlikely companions of low spin and massive forgiveness for minimal distance loss from off-centre strikes. Weight saved from the compacted Wave Sole and variable-thickness graphite crown has been relocated low and deep to maximize stability without adding spin. The maraging steel face with multi-thickness design helps generate energy transfer across the clubface. However, the engineers themselves acknowledged that outside of the centre of the face, performance depreciated faster than they wanted to see — talking about 2-3 total mph difference. Above-average forgiveness for a 2020 fairway — solid but not category-leading.

Reviewer testing: the adjustable Tour Spoon version produced some of the fastest ball speeds of any 2020 model. Independent launch monitor testing at 108mph swing speed produced an average carry of 253 yards with some shots exceeding 255 yards. The new MAS1C maraging steel face and multi-thickness design supports faster ball speeds across the clubface. The standard ST200 fairway combines the unlikely companions of low spin and massive forgiveness for distance preservation. Top-tier 2020 distance — among the fastest 2020 fairways tested.

The standard fairway is designed for golfers looking for low-spin forgiveness — neutral trajectory rather than imposing a bias. The Tour Spoon variant adds an adjustable hosel and lower spin for skilled players who shape shots. The draw-biased X variant carries the draw bias instead — leaving the standard fairway as the workable middle option. Above-average workability for a 2020 fairway — neutral CG plus the family's structured variant lineup let skilled players pick a head that doesn't fight shaping.

Reviewer testing: the fairway wood feels explosive, much like the driver. The head felt a touch firmer off the face but no less powerful. Vibration-research engineering delivers ideal feel, feedback and sound at impact. Solid mid-tier feel for a 2020 fairway — explosive on centre but a touch firm.

Vibration-research engineering aims to deliver ideal feel, feedback and sound at impact. Reviewer testing characterised the impact as a solid, metallic sound at impact that was really appreciated on the fairway. However, driver coverage noted the family was a little tinny in sound, although the manufacturer says they have worked hard to create a Tour Preferred acoustic. Average acoustic for a 2020 fairway — solid metallic with some tinny notes flagged by reviewers.

Manufacturer messaging: the fairway woods set up beautifully at address with a modified tour-ready profile. Industry awards 2020 Gold panel implicitly validated the address aesthetic by awarding gold across the line. The variable-thickness graphite crown gives a clean dark visual versus a glossy titanium-crown alternative. Above-average looks for a 2020 fairway — Gold-tier industry recognition partly carried by the address presence.