The Mizuno MX-700 Driver is the much anticipated successor to the MX-560. The Hot Metal Ti-9 Titanium face expands the high COR area to deliver consistently long drives on even off centre hits. The Hot Metal technology has also lowered the centre of gravity and increased ball speed to produce lower spin and a higher, more penetrating ball flight. The reinforced internal hull of the driver helps to dampen vibration which Mizuno say means the odd sound of the MX-560 is gone to be replaced by a sweet sounding thump at impact.

The MX-700 driver is certainly easy to hit and even higher handicappers will find they can achieve consistent distance and direction off the tee. The club doesn’t feel too big at address but the clubface remains big enough to inspire confidence on every tee. The feel at impact is powerful and solid on even off centre hits and the sound is pleasingly strong without being loud enough to turn heads on adjoining holes.

With four different lofts available better players might want to go lower down the scale while the higher handicapper will be more comfortable with a more generous loft. In our opinion the MX-700 driver delivers a much more reliable performance than many more expensive drivers and with Mizuno ditching their traditional blue in favour of a yellow and black theme it looks great as well.