Coming out of this year’s PGA Equipment Show in Orlando this past winter, it was obvious 2015’s big development for Mizuno golf clubs would be a single word — and you can find it on your friendly Periodic Table: Boron.
Late last year, Mizuno sent out a block of the stuff to golf writers to use as a paperweight, teasing that the new substance would be used in this year’s new club offerings. When the Japanese club maker finally decided to pull back the Boron curtain, we had a chance to try out the JPX 850 Forged Irons ($999).
The new 850s use Boron to forge a 30% stronger club face without adding extra width or weight. And, the stiffer metallic combine promises to add extra force (and more power). In fact, Mizuno states that the JPX 850s are the thinnest club faces they’ve ever put out in an iron.
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In testing, the JPXs immediately feel supremely balanced — and that balance helps to keep that stiff club face on plane during swings. Though made of high-tech materials and constructed with care, these latest Mizuno offerings are not for the average player due to cost and their blade-ish design. But, if the player has some low handicap skills, there are no finer consumer clubs on the market.
For the higher handicap player who’s uncomfortable investing a grand in new clubs, Mizuno offers the JPX-EZ ($699) irons. They’re also a blade design, but the EZs offer a bigger club face for more forgiveness. Mizuno uses its H.I.T. (Harmonic Impact Technology) system to improve its cavity design for optimum balance.
The JPX-EZs are intended to give the average player more confidence as he or she stands over a shot. Hitting them, that blade design still demands some competence, but the larger club faces and bottom-centered weight distribution does encourage a smooth grip and rip.
With the choice of these two club sets in front of you, it should all come down to the quality of your game and hoe much you want to invest in your regular equipment.
