While many Japanese golf brands are relatively unknown to the masses outside of Japan, Mizuno Golf is one brand with a presence worldwide. However their MP Craft Line and JPX line have long been Japan only products desired by many golfers overseas. This year, Mizuno decided to branch out their high tech JPX line a bit by offering a few JPX products in the global market. This included 2 JPX iron models, the JPX 800 Pro and the JPX 800 as well as the JPX 800 driver, fairway wood and utility. All these models are of course available in Japan plus more. In addition to the JPX 800 Pro (called the JPX 800 Forged here) and the JPX 800, Japan gets the JPX 800 XD Forged. This features similar design and forgiveness as the JPX 800 EXCEPT with a forged body and super spring steel face and ultra strong lofts. The XD Forged is for the average golfer who wants to play a soft feeling iron but still achieve explosive distance and max forgiveness. The 23* 5 irons certainly will help gain a club of distance on the other models.
On the driver side, there are 2 JPX 800 models in Japan, the same JPX 800 model that is a global release plus the JPX 800S model, a smaller 440cc model featuring a heavier back weight (13g) and a longer overall club length 46″ for increased swing speed and distance. Of course where Mizuno really excels for drivers is with their MP Craft models made for the low handicapper and better player. The new MP Craft 425+ was on display and its a beauty with a rounder more traditional compact head, a high back design, with mid deep face. It uses a more exotic alpha and beta ti mix or known in Japan as ELF titanium which is also used in Callaway’s Legacy line for very soft feel. This hybrid cup face driver is forged at Endo and is the choice driver for Asian Mizuno tour staff.
Another very popular item is of course Mizuno golf shoes and they had a whole bunch of new models. They showcased a new design and materials which keep the shoe breathable but completely water resistant. As many buyers of Mizuno shoes know, they are some of the most comfortable and well designed shoes in golf and we can’t wait to get the new ones in. I’ve already put my name down for the summer model with no laces.
Overall Mizuno didn’t have too much that was different on the MP side of things besides the MP Craft 425+ driver. Both the MP-53 and 63 models were show cased as well as new balls, gloves and accessories. Stew actually very much liked the feel of the 425+ when he tested it but during testing the launch monitor broke down and was unable to give proper numbers. I think we do have him hitting at least on video though.
Click on the album below to check out the rest of the Mizuno pics from the 2011 Japan Golf Fair.
[album id=18 template=extend]
Gotta have those shoes, they look so comfy! No Laces too…..also throw me one of those 425’s to demo! LOL
Really like the looks of the new JPX 800 Forged:). How would they compare distance and fell wise to the XXIO that you like so much?
Most likely similar though their feel will be different due to the super TiX in the XXIO vs the Super Spring in the Mizuno. I’ll have to try the Mizuno to do a fair comparison.
Thanks for your response. When do you think you be doing a comparison on those two? When will you have the new Mizunos available on your web site?