Mizuno is pumping out more irons for 2007

Nov. 22, 2006 By Chuck Stogel GolfWeb Equipment Correspondent

It’s nearly mind-boggling, at first glance, when you take a look at the breadth of new clubs forthcoming from Mizuno for 2007.

There are three new iron sets, a vastly revamped hybrid model, a new utility iron and a new line of forged wedges.

“At Mizuno, we are constantly improving upon technology that enhances the performance of our products,” said Dick Lyons, vp and general manager of Mizuno USA’s golf division, by way of explaining all the new equipment that’s being introduced this fall.

The iron sets are distinctly geared for different types of players. The MP-67 line, with forged muscleback heads, also incorporates the company’s Cut Muscle design and is engineered for the most advanced players. The MX-25 model, a step forward following Mizuno’s highly popular MX-23 series, offers versatility and game improvement for a wide range of players, from advanced to mid handicap amateurs. Meanwhile, the new MX-19 oversized irons, with an ultra dose of game improvement technology, are targeted a mid to higher handicap players.

Perhaps the most interesting introduction is Mizuno’s CLK FLI-HI hybrid, which received very positive reviews in early demo sessions with a variety of golfers assembled by GolfWeb. The new hybrid represents a change in materials construction and strategic weighting from the company’s previous version, which was well received and, confusingly enough, was called a FLI-HI CLK hybrid.

For those who would prefer a more iron-like hybrid, Mizuno also is unveiling its MP FLI-HI utility models. And, at the same time, introducing its latest set of wedges with a classic round shaped head, the MP-R series.

Many of the new clubs were introduced, and used, on TOUR this fall by Mizuno’s staff players, who included Luke Donald, J.J. Henry, Bob Tway, Billy Andrade, Lee Janzen, Jeff Sluman, Tom Purtzer, Keith Fergus and Jonathan Byrd.

Here’s a closer look at the latest from Mizuno.

CLK FLI-HI HYBRIDS

Mizuno’s previous hybrid line, the FLI-HI CLK, was very popular, utilizing a graphite composite crown and variable sole weighting. Now, in the new hybrid model, called CLK FLI-HI, the head of the club comprises an extremely thin, ultralight titanium crown with a stainless steel face and body. As before, weight saved from the crown has been redistributed to the sole and perimeter.

The CLK FLI-HI hybrid clubs have a list price of $165 per club with steel shafts, $190 with graphite.

The result on the newest clubs is a very low and deep center of gravity, along with perimeter weighting, which should yield a high launch and enhanced forgiveness.

Additionally, Mizuno’s CorTech technology utilizes three variable face thicknesses meant to deliver uniform face deflection for enhanced distance, along with variable sole weighting and a moderate offset for greater versatility from a variety of lies in the fairway, rough or sand. Increased relief on the toe and heel further reduces turf draf.

“Utilizing an ultrathin, lightweight titanium crown and brazing it to a stainless steel body allowed us to distribute weight in key locations around the clubhead to maximize launch angle and forgiveness,” said Lyons. “The result is a utility club that is extremely easy to hit from anywhere on the course.”

A consensus of GolfWeb testers, both pros and amateurs, labeled the new CLK hybrid “must consider.”

In reviewing the club, one local pro said: “The new CLK is more hybrid-like than the original. With new weighting. .. the ball launches higher and feels better. .. this one is hotter and higher, with better distance.”

The new CLK comes with either a True Temper steel or Mizuno Exsar graphite shaft, plus Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip. Like most of the company’s clubs, custom shafts and grips are available, usually for an upcharge.

Suggested retail prices for the standard models are $165 each with steel shafts, $190 with graphite.

MX-19 IRONS

In Mizuno language, MX means “game improvement” while MP means “game enhancement.” The new MX-19 irons are loaded with technology designed to assist the mid to high handicap player.

The MX-19s feature oversized heads, an extremely low and deep center of gravity, an extra wide sole, generous offset, a massive pocket cavity and wrap-around power bar design. The result is meant to be extra forgiveness on off-center hits and a high, easier launch with solid feel.

The extreme pocket cavity design in the 4-6 irons moves the weight further down and away from the face. In the 7-SW irons, the deep undercut cavityback has a solid power bar design for enhanced feel and control.

“Not only are the MX-19s easy to hit, they are extremely forgiving on mis-hits,” said Lyons.

The irons are packaged 4-GW as a set, with a matching sand wedge available. Suggested retail prices are $650 per set with steel shafts, $750 with graphite.

MX-25 IRONS

The MX-23 iron, according to the company, has been the best-selling iron set in Mizuno history. The new MX-25 model, similarly geared for low to mid handicap amateurs, takes the concept forward with more technological infusion.

The MX-25 irons have a list price of $900 per set with steel shafts, $1,000 with graphite.

The MX-25s feature a Grain Flow Forged head made out of mild carbon steel. It is engineered with a HEMI pocket cavity that is wider, deeper and longer than the previous version in order to move critical weight further down and away from the face for easier launch and playability.

Extreme perimeter weighting in the clubs forms a large sweet spot area for greater forgiveness and a new, three-dimensional X back cavity pad delivers added mass behind the hitting area for enhanced distance control and accuracy. Weight was redistributed on a variable basis in both the long and shorter irons.

There’s also a triple-cut sole design, with beveled leading and trailing edges and a cambered mid-sole, to help reduce turf drag.

With double nickel chrome plating, a mirror satin finish and modified U grooves, the MX-25 irons are available Nos. 3-PW.

Suggested retail prices are $900 with steel shafts, $1,000 with graphite.

MP-67 IRONS

For advanced players who insist on forged, muscleback irons, Mizuno offers the new MP-67 model with the company’s “Slender” Cut Muscle design.

The MP-67 irons have a list price of $1,000 per set (3-PW).

Crafted from pure select mild carbon steel, using Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forging process, the MP-67s promise enhanced feel, control and workability. The Cut Muscle design precisely positions the center of gravity (COG) in each club for desired trajectory and launch.

The long irons are engineered to deliver a mid-high trajectory, while the scoring irons provide a mid trajectory. Rolled leading and trailing edges, and a cambered mid-sole, enhance playability from a variety of course lies.

The MP-67 model, with Nos. 2-PW, is offered in right-hand only with a True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shaft in R and S flexes. Custom shafts, grips and lie adjustment are available.

Suggested retail price for the irons is $1,000 per set (3-PW).

MP FLI-HI IRONS

The new utility irons from Mizuno utilize Hollow Technology construction and an extra wide sole for forgiveness, Cut Muscle design for precision and Grain Flow Forging for a soft, solid, consistent feel.

MP FLI-HI irons come in Nos. 2, 3 and 4 with lofts of 18, 21 and 24 degrees, respectively. They are meant to be used as replacement for more traditional long irons, offering long-distance shotmaking opportunities with precision and control.

GolfWeb testers labeled the new utility irons best suited for more advanced players.

Suggested retail prices are $155 each with steel shaft, $180 with graphite.

MP-R WEDGES

Mizuno continues its MP-T series of wedges with teardrop shaped heads in three finishes, and now replaces the initial MP series with an MP-R model in either chrome or black nickel finishes.

The MP-R, like its forerunner, has a classic round shape. Features include a tour-inspired, workshop-grind sole and max-milled square grooves. There’s a rolled leading edge, beveled trailing edge and cambered mid-sole.

The series offers seven wedges overall, including bounce options. Lofts include 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees.

Suggested retail price is $120 per club in either finish.