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Why We Like It
Somewhat the fraternal twin of the ST-Z 230, the ST-X 230 shifts the weight saved from its carbon-composite crown and sole slightly toward the heel. While for some, that 14-gram back weight offers a bit of slice correction, its main function is to make the overall head easier to manipulate during the swing. That means it can appeal to players looking to work the ball. Still, its relatively deep position in the head improves overall stability on off-center hits. Just as important to ball speed are the high-strength titanium alloy in the face and a channel cut in the sole to improve the way the face deflects, particularly on lower impacts.
Characteristics
- A channel cut in the front part of the sole creates better overall face flexing.
- The carbon-composite crown and sole sections free extra mass for a 14-gram weight in the heel section of the sole.
- The center of gravity is closer to the shaft. This makes the head easier to manipulate to help those who like to work the ball as well as slicers.
- 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Highlights
- Top 5 quietest drivers, slower swing speeds
Price
$500
HOT LIST PLAYERS FEEDBACK
Ratings are based on players’ assessments in three key performance areas.
Reviews
1 / 3
The crown has a creative design that frames the ball nicely and draws your eye to the sweet spot.
Ryan, 48, Handicap: 102 / 3
Hits on the center of the face are rewarded with low spin and an ideal trajectory.
Jamie, 50, Handicap: 53 / 3
This is a fairway-finding driver. I don’t have to work hard to produce longer drives. Nice piercing, mid ball flight.
Matt, 51, Handicap: 11Max-out Your Speed and Carry Distance with The Driver
Whether you want more distance or a consistent shot shape, you need one skill above all others: the ability to make flush contact with the ball. It’s the No. 1 fundamental in golf, and without it, this game can be an eternal mystery. Here, Sean Hogan, one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Florida, helps you improve your impact with the driver.
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13 / 33
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22 / 33
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23 / 33
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24 / 33
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Heel-biased shaping and weighting make it easier to square the face and maintain clubhead speed.
A special lightweight low-torque shaft helps create more draw than last year’s Stealth 2 HD.
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25 / 33
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26 / 33
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The larger overall size emphasizes forgiveness, but the shape improvements help optimize aerodynamics to maximize swing speed.
The variable-thickness face design targets players whose misses cover a larger area of the face.
This model maintains the higher launch of past versions with less spin.
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27 / 33
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28 / 33
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A movable weight in front and back allows for extreme and moderate spin-reduction settings.
The variable-thickness face favors similar ball speed across a wider area of the face.
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29 / 33
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The Air-X targets moderate to slow-swing speeds through a lighter head, shaft and grip.
Internal weighting on the heelside and deep in the perimeter fights slicing and encourages a higher launch.
Lofts measure higher than the number on the sole to encourage higher launch for slower swingers.
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30 / 33
Tour Edge
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Four carbon-composite sections in the crown and sole save weight to make room for movable rear and front weights in the sole.
Switching the positions of the heavy and light weights can add or subtract spin, but the center of gravity will still be more forward than in E723.
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31 / 33
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This model is the largest of the two and features a 20-gram rear weight for the highest stability in a driver in company history.
The rear weight can be positioned in draw, fade or neutral positions to tweak left or right misses.
Three 40-gram shaft options provide higher launch possibilities for slower swingers.
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32 / 33
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33 / 33
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