Operation: 2012 Mizuno Intel
Earlier this week a lucky MyGolfSpy forum member (we’ll just call him GolfSpy_J for now) got the chance to go down to Atlanta and check out the Mizuno Demo Day….and do a little MGS intel work.
Code Name: RoadRunner
Mission was simple: Test out as much of the new Mizuno gear as possible and shoot tons of pics…then report back to the readers with your findings. And here were GolfSpy_J’s findings.
Enjoy!
2012 Mizuno MP-R12 Wedges (Notes)
- The R&D guys called the finish a “mullet” finish. Business (Satin) in the front and Party (Chrome) in the back.
- Progressive grinds as the loft increases.
- 50* has a killed leading edge with a slight relief on the trailing edge. Very narrow sole.
- 52* same as the 50*
- 54* slight C-grind with trailing edge, toe, and heel relief. Narrow effective sole.
- 56* slight C-grind with trailing edge, toe, and heel relief. A little wider sole than the 54* with a blunted leading edge.
- 58* C-grind with trailing edge, toe, and heel relief. A medium width sole with blunted leading edge.
- 60* very pronounced C-grind. Wide sole with a slight blunted leading edge.
- 64* extreme C-grind. Very wide sole with a slight blunted leading edge.
All wedges have a higher COG with a thicker top flange. This is too keep the ball from riding up the face. Very similar design feature to the Fourteen wedges.
FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIZUNO MP-R12 WEDGES: CLICK HERE
2012 Mizuno JPX Wedges (Notes)
- Great feeling wedge. Feels very similar to the same click from a Vokey or Cleveland.
- Superb turf interaction. All wedges have a killed leading edge with trailing edge relief. Provides a lot of camber.
- These wedges are much better for a digger type swing.
- Fantastic shape that is somewhere in between a teardrop and round wedge.
- Solid distance control.
- The wedges were forgiving but they still felt very solid.
- Slight touch of offset but nothing drastic. No more than a Vokey.
FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIZUNO JPX WEDGES: CLICK HERE
2012 Mizuno MP-59 Irons (Notes)
- The muscle has been altered to fit a titanium insert directly behind the ball. It provides mass behind the ball while moving weight to the perimeter of the iron.
- Leading edge is more blunted than previous models, especially from the middle of the face to the heel of the golf club. This allows for better turf interaction.
- The sole is wider than previous model.
- Trailing edge relief provides a smooth exit for the head out of the divot.
- The muscle is progressive. As the set moves from 3 iron to PW, the muscle moves the COG from low to high. This helps establish more forgiveness.
- Bounce was on the low side but the blunted leading edge prevented the iron from digging.
- Slightly more offset than the MP-69.
- Roadrunner logo was moved from the bottom to the back flange, which keeps the sole cleaner.
- Low/Mid ball flight. This was a real pleasant surprise because I expected a higher ball flight that would be tougher to control.
FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIZUNO MP-59 IRONS: CLICK HERE
2012 Mizuno MP-69 Irons (Notes)
- The muscle is a lot bigger than pictures show. It provides a lot of mass behind the ball.
- Leading edge is more blunted than previous models, especially from the middle of the face to the heel of the golf club. This allows for better turf interaction.
- Trailing edge relief provides a smooth exit for the head out of the divot.
- The muscle is progressive. As the set moves from 3 iron to PW, the muscle moves the COG from low to high. This helps establish some forgiveness.
- Roadrunner logo was moved from the bottom to the back flange, which keeps the sole cleaner.
- Low/Mid ball flight.
FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIZUNO MP-69 IRONS: CLICK HERE
2012 Mizuno JPX-800 HD Irons (Notes)
- Does exactly what it sets out to achieve, super game improvement performance in attractive packaging.
- Progressive pocket cavities in the irons create higher launch as you move up in the irons.
- The offset wasn’t as much as some other SGI irons.
- Not a lot of bounce on the irons.
- The sole was pretty wide but the trailing edge had tons of relief. This improves turf interaction significantly. They do not feel like shovels.
- Very muted feel.
- The JPX Fli-Hi hybrids are included in the set.
FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIZUNO JPX-800 HD IRONS: CLICK HERE
2012 Mizuno JPX Fli-Hi Hybrid (Notes)
- Biggest surprise of the day. Imagine the PING G15 hybrid that resists the temptation to hook.
- Some offset but not as much as the PING.
- It has a medium ball flight. There were no spinners that went too high.
- Had a great feel. Ball sprung off the face like a hollow club but it still felt solid like an iron.
- The sole was a little too thick for my taste. The trailing edge relief was not quite enough.
- The short small ferrule made the club look cheap.
- Very heavy sole.
- Wish they made it in a 2 iron.
- The True Temper XP is a solid performer in the hybrid.
FOR MORE PICS OF THE MIZUNO JPX Fli-Hi HYBRIDS: CLICK HERE
Tim
12 years ago
Just ordered the R12s yesterday and can’t wait to get them in my hands, also ordered the MP-630 Fast Track driver. I bought the MP 53s earlier this year so all I need to have all Mizunos is replace my Taylormade 7 and 5 woods. Love the Mizuno line and plan on playing them from now on.
My purchases had a lot to do with your reviews, great site with great pics, thanks for all you do.