This makes three new releases for KYOEI Golf in as many days! All new irons from two new cavities to this stunning blade. Each model is offered in two stunning finishes, enhanced chrome satin, and black PVD.
KYOEI has developed these irons for more than 2 years, originally starting off as a limited run of handmade prototypes then through testing with both customers and expert club equipment testers their designs and features evolved into what has just been released.
Let’s start with some of the most notable changes vs the prototypes. First is the CNC milled grooves and faces which ensure maximum spin and consistent flatness across the face. KYOEI’s designers have some background in dealing with the USGA & R&A which often scans the faces for groove conformity and during this process can find groove depth inconsistency as well as high or low spots on the face, By using computer-controlled milling this eliminates any of those potential issues. Ideally, you want a perfectly flat face as well as grooves that are consistently deep, wide, and sharp.
On all three new models, the back face is also milled which benefits both aesthetics and performance. With the specific center of gravity height/depth locations for each individual number iron, it is important to make sure the weight is placed in the right spot consistently throughout the full production of each model. This creates consistency in performance and ultimately improves accuracy.
While the new Dual Weight II and KK CB share the same mold this new 2022MB is based on an entirely new one. The original handmade prototype MB performed admirably but nowadays it’s becoming harder to create a blade that has noticeable improvements in performance vs blades of old. By changing the mold it allowed KYOEI to lower the center of gravity to design the most forgiving blade in the brand’s history. We all know KYOEI has one of the best traditional blade lineups of any brand with their Heritage, 1964, KCM, and K1 blades. Now KYOEI has their most forgiving player’s blade. Worth noting for the discerning is that the PW has onset :)
The 5-Cut sole grind is another big deal as all 3 new models share this detail. KYOEI has been doing the 5 cut soles for many years but now it has evolved into something almost necessary to improve the performance of their irons. The amount of versatility for both sweepers and diggers is immense and KYOEI now has the perfect sole width, lead, and trailing angles to make this a major advantage versus many of their competitors.
Talking on specs, see below. When it comes to offset, Japan measures in something known as FP or face progression. Simply put 6 is zero offset so as you can see 8/9/PW go from no offset to actual onset. Lofts are slightly strong for a blade with the PW coming in at 45*
Material | S20C Japan Grade |
Availability | #4 – PW |
Finish | Chrome Satin / Black PVD |
Hosel Diameter | .355 |
CLUB | LOFT (°) | LIE (°) | BOUNCE (°) | WEIGHT ( g ) |
---|---|---|---|---|
#4 | 23 | 60.5 | 2.0 | 248 |
#5 | 26 | 61 | 2.5 | 255 |
#6 | 29 | 61.5 | 3.0 | 262 |
#7 | 33 | 62 | 3.5 | 269 |
#8 | 37 | 62.5 | 4.0 | 276 |
#9 | 41 | 63 | 4.5 | 283 |
PW | 45 | 63.5 | 5.0 | 290 |
To summarize the new KK MB 2022 – It’s KYOEI’s most forgiving blade ever, it offers the soft feel of S20C Japanese forging with computer-controlled milling advantages in the face, grooves, logos, and back face. This is a well-vetted design that has been tested and performs extremely well. Offered in 2 beautiful finishes. Specs below and now shipping as head only or custom-built with the widest offering of exotic shafts and grips in golf.
I’d be curious to know if there has been any head-to-head testing of this club versus something like a Mizuno. The look is great, but not being familiar with the club brand, it would be reassuring to see something like test results / comparisons.