Mizuno MP-69, MP-59, JPX-800HD

[Tony Covey MGS]

I thought I'd share some more pics of the Fall 2011/ Spring 2012 Iron lineup from Mizuno. Mizuno does an excellent job of sticking to predictable release schedules, so my guess is these will be the only new irons from Mizuno until September of next year (if patterns hold, MP-54/MP-64 will be the highlights).

 

This fall, Mizuno released 3 sets of irons.

 

The JPX-800 HD is a hybrid/iron set. Our sample included #4 and #5 JPX Fli-Hi hybrids, and 6-GW. The JPX-800HD is Mizuno's Super Game Improvement iron, designed to compete with things like PINGs K15s, Adams A12 OS, Callaway RAZR XF, and others of that ilk. While game improvement designs are admittedly not my favorite, the JPX-800 HD is one I like more than most. There's some visible game improvement stuff at work...plenty of offset, a deep cavity, thick topline, etc.. In my opinion, Mizuno has done an excellent job of blending the offset so that it's less offensive, the cavity perimeter weighting and deep cavity is nearly invisible at address. Really, the only thing off-putting to me visually is the thick topline, but hey...this is a game improvement club.

 

 

 

What I particularly like is that the sole on the JPX-800 HDs irons appears to have a bit more camber than the average super game-improvement iron. Not only does it give the iron a less boxy appearance, but I suspect that it helps quite a bit with turf interaction.

 

Mizuno bills the club as suitable for handicaps from 10 to 35. While there are always exceptions, I'm always skeptical that you'll find a 10 handicap playing Super GI clubs, but in the case of the JPX-800HDs, I'm more inclined to believe it.

 

 

 

I'll be spending some time with the HDs in the near future and reporting back. As it stands now, we don't have plans to do a full ULTIMATE REVIEW on the JPX-800 HD.

 

Read more about the Mizuno JPX-800 HD Irons.

 

 

The MP-59s, which we've already discussed quite a bit are a healthy leap away from the JPX-800HDs where playability is concerned. The 59s sit between last season's MP-53s and MP-63s where forgiveness is concerned, and are certainly less of a true player's club than the MP-69s (also released this fall). As you'd expect, the 59s are forged, and feature a Titanium insert of sorts, which adds a bit of muscle to the cavity, while still allowing Mizuno to move some weight to the perimeter.

 

 

The 59s look as good as any cavity back I've ever seen (although they barely qualify I suppose). We're waiting on a couple of sets for an ULTIMATE Review, but just chipping around the house, the feel is exactly what you'd expect from a Mizuno iron...and that's awesome.

 

Mizuno lists them as suitable for handicaps from +2 to 13, but I suspect you'll find guys in the 15-16 range who will also happily bag these.

 

Read more about the Mizuno MP-59s.

 

The MP-69s are technically the least forgiving in Mizuno's current lineup, but for my money are also the most fun to hit. A true muscle back blade, the MP-69 is built on what Mizuno calls 4D Muscle design. Basically the center of gravity is optimized for each clubhead to deliver consistent (and presumably) ideal trajectory.

 

 

 

Like the JPX-800 HD irons, we have no plans to do a full review, however; you'll certainly hear a bit more about them as I and a couple of our regular testers spend some time "playing" with these beautiful irons. I'm played a couple of rounds of golf with them already, and the really are an absolute pleasure to hit...that is when one hits them well. As you'd expect with a blade, mishits do feel a bit harsh, but there's never a doubt where you've made contact.

 

Mizuno lists the MP-69s as suitable for handicaps from +6 to 7. Honestly, even 7 is probably a stretch, but for guys who enjoy a blade, it's hard to argue for too many alternatives here.

 

Read more about the Mizuno MP-69s.

 

Here are some comparative photos of the 3 new irons. These are all of the 7 iron. As you should be able to see, as you move from the JPX-800 HD, to the MP-59 to the MP-69, toplines get thinner, soles get narrow, and the head becomes more compact.