When a company like Mizuno Golf decides to use the tag line “History in the Making” for their newest MP iron designs, it goes without saying that the golfing world collectively stops to pay attention.
For those unaware, MP has and always will stand for “Mizuno Pro”. For whatever reason, stateside we seem to either overlook that fact or just not know it at all. Perhaps part of that is the changes that typically take place from an engraving perspective when the previous models have made it here, you see, overseas they have maintained the “Mizuno Pro” script on the irons while here that has typically been absent come U.S. release time.
Well, that changes with the new Mizuno Pro 221, 223, and 225 iron releases. However, that most definitely isn’t the only thing changing.
“Mizuno Pro”
Ask an avid golfer to tell you the first thing that pops into their minds when you say Mizuno MP irons. I would bet copious amounts of money I don’t have that the words “classic”, “tradition”, “art”, “sleek”, “clean”, and even “buttery” would be said. Therein lies the misunderstanding of just what the Mizuno Pro line actually is for the company.
Several THP’ers, myself included, have been able to sit down with Chris Voshall, Mizuno Golf’s Product Manager, many times in 2021 and there has been one constant to his message with this coming release, that the overall concept of the Mizuno Pro is oft misunderstood.
You see, this line has always been cutting edge as far as pushing the boundaries of what irons can be, yet it is the JPX that often gets that attention. The Pro releases instead get hit with the idea of being functioning pieces of art and beauty above all else for most consumers. The thing is, they just hide the technology incredibly well, so people at times have overlooked it. Make no mistake though, the Mizuno Pro iron releases are about evolving and advancing, as Chris Voshall describes it, “The true essence has always been to make history, not be stuck in it.”
So, with all that in mind, the new Mizuno Pro irons are coming, lets take a closer look at the 221, 223, and 225 irons, shall we?
Mizuno Pro 221
“The Ultimate Muscleback” is what Mizuno Golf is calling the new 221 irons, and it’s hard to argue with them when it comes to MB’s as they have pretty much been the standard for decades now. The 221’s come from looking at all the company has done in this style of iron before and evolving them both visually and in terms of overall playability.
There is an overall beveling in play here that has allowed for Mizuno to make the 221’s look even more compact in practically all regards, best part is this beveling technique meant no loss of weight/mass in the upper part of the iron heads. They have also taken feedback from Tour and beyond to heart with the decision to have the 221’s get progressively more compact into the scoring irons.
These remain a Grain Flow Forged iron from Hiroshima, Japan and the copper underlay is alive and well with the 221’s which should make many rejoice. As always, these beautiful blades are aimed at the shot makers of the world who demand both precision and workability without sacrificing feel and feedback. Another nice touch is the combination polished chrome on the body of the iron with satin finish on the face to offer the best of both worlds visually.
The Mizuno Pro 221 irons will be available in 3-PW in RH only. They will be paired with ProjectX LS shafts and Golf Pride Z-Grip full cords as stock options. Pricing will come in at $1,499.95 USD.
Mizuno Pro 223
The 223’s are the irons which have taken the biggest leap in the coming release. These are being called an “Elite Players Cavity” by the company and the premise here is that these irons present everything that the best ball strikers in the world need to compete on modern layouts, but they never thought to ask for. If that doesn’t perk your ears up, I don’t know what will.
Mizuno Golf’s Director of R&D, David Llewellyn has this to say about the 223’s:
“The good way to look at the new Mizuno Pro 223 is that we shrunk the HMB technology platform to the profile of one of our small player’s cavities – comparable to the MP-62, MP-64 or MP-18SC.”
That is some big talk for sure, and exciting might be an understatement. The 223’s are the shape and frame of a classic players cavity iron but with massive, new technology hidden internally, particularly in the 4-7 irons. While the 8-PW remain Grain Flow Forged 1025E Carbon for absolute precision, the 4-7 are Forged Chromolly with a hidden Microslot making the faces even thinner than what the JPX921 Forged were, but in an even more player driven profile.
Mizuno Golf considers the 223’s a distance creating iron that is a true Tour sizing, in fact, even with all this new tech the 223 is smaller than MP-20 MMC irons were. This was done knowing if they were to get them into hands and in bags on Tour, they had to have the right size. These are finished in the sleek Mizuno satin and do possess the soft copper underlay as well.
The Mizuno Pro 223 will be available in 4-GW and as stock paired with Nippon MODUS shafts and Golf Pride MCC Teams grips. The 223 will be available in both RH and LH with a price of $1,499.95 USD.
Mizuno Pro 225
Following up what might still be the most eye-opening hollow body iron design on the market is not an easy task, but Mizuno Golf truly believes they have evolved that design into something even more enjoyable. This is the next Hot Metal Blade and will be the most playable iron for the widest segment of golfers in the new MP offerings.
The biggest thing is that these aren’t as big anymore, in fact, they are smaller in profile than the previous version and the CORTECH face is now allowing for even faster ball speed potential. The irons are Grain Flow Forged in Hiroshima, Japan like the rest of the Mizuno Pro offerings and have that soft copper underlay as well. Although these are smaller, the company is adamant that these are still about ball speed and playability for low to mid handicaps, but still in that MB style appearance so many loved. Not to mention, the satin finish looks stunning.
These aim to stand alone as a full 4-GW set, or as long iron replacements. The stock setup for the 225’s will be ProjectX IO shafts and Lamkin ST Hybrid grips. Pricing will come in at $1,499.95 USD.
Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi
Yes, you read that right, the Fli-Hi in its driving iron type design is back and my how things have changed. The name of the game? Ball speed.
The new Fli-Hi is designed specifically to be played with a graphite shaft, this is a big aspect to the design because it allowed Mizuno Golf to treat it as a standalone entity as opposed to being tied to having to flow into the three iron sets. There is little doubt that the creation of the HMB design has helped create this design change as those flow into the iron sets seamlessly.
With this iteration, there is a longer heel-to-toe length, slightly increased offset, and a wider sole than what the 225’s have. All of these add up to more perimeter weighting, more stability, and more overall playability into these low lofts than a traditional shaped iron. The biggest story, however, is the integration of MAS1C into an iron face, this is a metal typically only used in fairway woods. What does that mean? Speed. A lot of speed.
These are presented in a “blackout” ION plated finish and have gone through Mizuno’s H.I.T. (Harmonic Impact Technology) to ensure the sound is satisfying and in line with expectations consumers have for Mizuno. The Pro Fli-Hi will be offered in 2-4 iron (16.5°, 19°, 21°) with either a Project X U (110g) or ProjectX Smoke Black RDX HY (80g) shaft and Golf Pride MCC Team grips. Pricing will be $224.95 USD.
The Mizuno Pro’s are Coming
The new Mizuno Pro lineup will be available at retail on February 3, 2022. Feedback is sure to come flying in as soon as people begin getting them in hand. Be sure to keep an eye on the THP Community as a handful of our members will have the sets in hand as well. Do the new Mizuno Pro irons catch your attention? What do you think? Jump into the conversation below and on the community to let us know!
Everyone needs to be on their phone or in your vehicles attacking your local stores to see if they have them in yet.
Like.. NOW!
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 10295808, member: 53737″]
Everyone needs to be on their phone or in your vehicles attacking your local stores to see if they have them in yet.
Like.. NOW!
[/QUOTE]
They are out there for the swinging. My shop is busy with ski season and holiday sales and my fitter said playing golf stuff for 20 minutes with me was a nice way to break up the day. I agreed.
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10295832, member: 40185″]
They are out there for the swinging. My shop is busy with ski season and holiday sales and my fitter said playing golf stuff for 20 minutes with me was a nice way to break up the day. I agreed.
[/QUOTE]
They are, but not at as many as usual here. Worth tracking down though.
Great write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. I couldn’t help myself and ran down to the local shop but they didn’t have them yet and weren’t sure when they would see them. I was all in on the 223’s but something about the 225’s have really peaked my interest.
Talking about tweaking lofts – it may also be shaft-dependent and we are all different. I can see tweaking the lofts stronger on the 9i and/or PW of the 223. I want to do it on the HMB but the 225/223’s are coming soon … cross my fingers.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10295377, member: 45706″]
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We need to pull this dude’s THP card I think. He’s obviously lost his damn mind! :p
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 10296030, member: 53737″]
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We need to pull this dude’s THP card I think. He’s obviously lost his damn mind! :p
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Great preview! Beautiful irons, as usual, from Mizuno. Thinking I could likely do 8 – GW in 223, 5 – 7 in 225 and 21* degree Fli-Hi with my skill set.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10296086, member: 45706″]
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I don’t know what the second one is, but I’m preemptively calling it ? ?!
:LOL:
[QUOTE=”MH, post: 10295892, member: 38594″]
Great write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. I couldn’t help myself and ran down to the local shop but they didn’t have them yet and weren’t sure when they would see them. I was all in on the 223’s but something about the 225’s have really peaked my interest.
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Thanks buddy!
A couple of shots:
223
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225
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[QUOTE=”jin_xianjun, post: 10292417, member: 42720″]
You have me really wondering about a T100S vs 223 showdown!
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Same ?
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10296286, member: 40185″]
A couple of shots:
223
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225
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Those results seem to support the “rumor” that the 225 is about a full club longer … right? Thanks for sharing!
[QUOTE=”Puttmaster, post: 10296363, member: 64479″]
Those results seem to support the “rumor” that the 225 is about a full club longer … right? Thanks for sharing!
[/QUOTE]
225 put the muscle in muscle-back. They feel really really good too. I think they can give something like a Srixon ZX5 a run on ball speed and feel, which is a huge compliment.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10295676, member: 1579″]
I cannot wait for the Fli-HI :love:
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I honestly think you will love it.
I have told my self I am not going into a sim till I get my set. Then I will see how all the numbers pan.
Sort of interested in the forgiveness of the 223s. The 223s have the exact same lofts, bounce, swingweight, etc. as the MP-20 HMBs, but obviously with a different construction. I’m thinking of considering taking a look at the 223s, but the HMBs have nice forgiveness, which is somewhat needed for me since I don’t have the best striking.
Spec peeping ?
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Shaft picks :unsure: (there are more). Project X IO is lead ponder. Maybe LZ Blackout just because they are sexy but I think I need a set of IO to play with.
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[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10296426, member: 40185″]
Spec peeping ?
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Shaft picks :unsure: (there are more). Project X IO is lead ponder. Maybe LZ Blackout just because they are sexy but I think I need a set of IO to play with.
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Those blacked out LZ would look great.. eh [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]?
Finally got a chance to read the full home page intro. Great intro JMan.
So curious how this new line is received and performs for everyone. All 3 models look incredible. I’m very curious about the 225 as a combo with the 223s.
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10296426, member: 40185″]
Spec peeping ?
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Shaft picks :unsure: (there are more). Project X IO is lead ponder. Maybe LZ Blackout just because they are sexy but I think I need a set of IO to play with.
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Something very good is missing here…
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 10296512, member: 53737″]
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Something very good is missing here…
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Yeah I saw that. I might sneak by with 6.0 but that’s an oversight.
I know the website says the 225 and 223 7 irons have identical offset, but man does the 223 look more offset to my eye. I suppose its the shaping of the outside heel that caches my attention.
The 225 looks better than I thought it would.
223 left, 225 right
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[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10296522, member: 40185″]
Yeah I saw that. I might sneak by with 6.0 but that’s an oversight.
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I checked and they’re out of stock a few places. ?There’s a small chance I’m partly to blame for that. #letmecountthesets.. haha
You hit the 6.0 well if I recall.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10296523, member: 45706″]
I know the website says the 225 and 223 7 irons have identical offset, but man does the 223 look more offset to my eye. I suppose its the shaping of the outside heel that caches my attention.
The 225 looks better than I thought it would.
223 left, 225 right
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Yeah, the visual doesn’t quite match the specs. There are a bunch like that lately.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 10296530, member: 53737″]
Yeah, the visual doesn’t quite match the specs. There are a bunch like that lately.
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Funny how your eyes can perhaps play tricks on you like that. Or….really cool how manufacturers can alter shaping to reveal or hide specs.
[QUOTE=”McLovin, post: 10296547, member: 23812″]
maybe it’s the angle but those look kinda beefy to me
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JPX Tour and 225 top lines.
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[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10296602, member: 45706″]
JPX Tour and 225 top lines.
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That 921 Tour still has plastic on it? Why is no one hitting these clubs?!? ?
[QUOTE=”McLovin, post: 10296547, member: 23812″]
maybe it’s the angle but those look kinda beefy to me
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It’s the plastic. Adds 10 lbs
For sure am buying a set. Just need to decide if it will be 4-PW 225 or if it will be a combo set of 4-7 225 and 8-PW 223 and then bend them on my loft/lie machine. I need to see comparison pics of the 225 vs 223 in the short irons. Somebody help a brother out please.
Anyone who has hit titleist t100 and this. How do they both compare in terms of feel?
Booked a fitting on GC4 for giggles. Only $50, so why not. Will try out all 3 models and compare them to my 19’ T100S and my Hogans.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10296824, member: 45706″]
Booked a fitting on GC4 for giggles. Only $50, so why not. Will try out all 3 models and compare them to my 19’ T100S and my Hogans.
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Will be curious to hear your thoughts on that!
These are just so beautiful. I would love to try out the 225s for sh*ts n giggles but there’s no way I have the game to put them in action on course ?
[QUOTE=”thewilderside, post: 10296868, member: 59217″]
These are just so beautiful. I would love to try out the 225s for sh*ts n giggles but there’s no way I have the game to put them in action on course ?
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I dunno dude, they’re all about playability!
?
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I was at PGATSS yesterday and did not stop by the demo area … picked up a glove for my son and left. Now I’m saying “Doh!”
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10297154, member: 45706″]
?
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[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10297154, member: 45706″]
?
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?
A blended 223 and 225 set would be amazing, but where to blend? 8i? 9i?
These look stunning
[QUOTE=”Bryndom, post: 10297184, member: 53516″]
A blended 223 and 225 set would be amazing, but where to blend? 8i? 9i?
These look stunning
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I’d say 8i – it’s 1025 steel in the 223
The 8i in 225 is chromolly face but no microslot for speed. The 9i and PW in 225 is 1025 steel. The PW in 225 is 44 loft. I believe the 223 PW is 45 loft. My GW is 50.
Will check the gapping on Trackman when my sticks come in and adjust as needed.
Uhhh…. 223…. ?
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10297228, member: 45706″]
Uhhh…. 223…. ?
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Nice.;)
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10297228, member: 45706″]
Uhhh…. 223…. ?
[/QUOTE]
:LOL: I feel like I’m talking to myself sometimes with you.
I have a Fli Hi II driving iron from circa 2004. “Blue Exsar” shaft.
The new ones, at least in appearance, don’t look any more forgiving than mine–if as much.
Tough to tell from photos, though.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10297228, member: 45706″]
Uhhh…. 223…. ?
[/QUOTE]
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Although not comparable in market percentage,
I think that Mizuno top line irons have the same respect
that I remember Wilson Staff irons having had more than a half-century ago
An intereting similarity is that both are full line sporting goods manufcturers, not pure golf companies.
So I wont be telling you all anything not in JMans article or like 99% of the reviews on YT.
The models perform as advertised.
221 makes sweet love to your ears. But you get out what you put in. Treat her badly and she returns the favor.
223 is what I expected but wasn’t. It is a spicy meataball. The numbers were basically equal to what I was getting out of the 225. I was a little shocked there. Feel wise, it lands right in the middle of the balde and 225 for me. Surprise….said no one.
225. It looks fantastic to my eye. I like the shaping at address a bit more than the 223 tbh. That is me being picky. It def remind me of the HMB but in a bit tighter package. I didn’t love the feel. NOT BAD or anything, it just feels clunky through the ball for some reason to me. I soooo wanted to be all in on these, but not so sure now. I will say, they are VERY friendly on miss hits. Like surprisingly friendly.
If I were to get a setup, think I’d add more 223s after todays demo. Maybe like 225 4, maybe 5 and 223 in the rest.
Here is a summary of some data. My swing is in winter form but I think its fair…
All shots hit with the Cally CSX. Balls I brought with me.
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post, post note: My swings with my 19’ T100S were really not great and I started off with them. I went back to them later in the sesh and the numbers were better than whats shown above.
[QUOTE=”DNice26, post: 10297345, member: 45706″]
So I wont be telling you all anything not in JMans article or like 99% of the reviews on YT.
The models perform as advertised.
221 makes sweet love to your ears. But you get out what you put in. Treat her badly and she returns the favor.
223 is what I expected but wasn’t. It is a spicy meataball. The numbers were basically equal to what I was getting out of the 225. I was a little shocked there. Feel wise, it lands right in the middle of the balde and 225 for me. Surprise….said no one.
225. It looks fantastic to my eye. I like the shaping at address a bit more than the 223 tbh. That is me being picky. It def remind me of the HMB but in a bit tighter package. I didn’t love the feel. NOT BAD or anything, it just feels clunky through the ball for some reason to me. I soooo wanted to be all in on these, but not so sure now. I will say, they are VERY friendly on miss hits. Like surprisingly friendly.
If I were to get a setup, think I’d add more 223s after todays demo. Maybe like 225 4, maybe 5 and 223 in the rest.
Here is a summary of some data. My swing is in winter form but I think its fair…
All shots hit with the Cally CSX. Balls I brought with me.
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Interesting … thanks for sharing. The 223 numbers are equal to the 225 … with softer, better feel? That’s a big win for the 223.
And … looks like they smoked your other two gamers? So, what’s your next move? :unsure:
[QUOTE=”Puttmaster, post: 10297355, member: 64479″]
Interesting … thanks for sharing. The 223 numbers are equal to the 225 … with softer, better feel? That’s a big win for the 223.
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IMHO yes. But the 225 and 223 have a bit different feel/sound. 223 reminds me of the Apex Pro 19 sound a bit. Feels soft and has a bit of a sharp whisp off the face. I hit the TCB right next to it, and the sound was quite similar to me.
The 225 has a bit more massy, bulk feel through the ball to me. Like a tank that will run over your sad miss hit. Lol. The 225 was so consistent on some bad swings just doesnt really have the sound/feel of the 223.
I think my experience here isnt different from what we would expect for the most part.