While it won’t move the market like whatever other hot game improvement is, the launch of the S-3, the first iron in Mizuno’s new MP Signature series, is perhaps one of the most intriguing releases of the new year. , especially for old fans of the old school Mizuno irons.
Isolated, S-3 may look like another iron, but, in essence, it represents a division in MP Mizuno lineup which, if things go as planned, will help re-establish Mizuno as the iron of choice for the top player as well as the purists and traditionalists among you.
Background of the Mizuno Pro S-Series
of MP/Mizuno Pro Link there have been many things over the years. At some point, I think the MP could be described as Mizuno’s classic lineup. Of course, many of you have fond memories of the classic Mizuno MP irons like the MP-33, 37, 60, and my all-time personal Mizuno favorite, the MP-32.
Over time, and with the appearance of the JPX line, the technology began to spread to the group with materials such as titanium, boron and Chromoly becoming part of the history of MP. One-piece forges remained in the MP lineup, but specs evolved, multi-material construction and hollow-body were introduced, and the lines separating the JPX from the MP became anything but clear.
Along the way, as more technology-rich designs took over, Mizuno’s priorities shifted away from the best player. Less emphasis was placed on timeless models and there is a case that Mizuno lost ground with the best player.
Drawing lines
Basically, the goal of Mizuno’s new MP S (Signature Series) is to provide more options for top players and Tour staff, who Mizuno probably hasn’t done the best job of catering to over the years. the last one.
The S Series doesn’t so much represent a different side of the MP, but a return to what the MP was.
What the Signature Series designs will have in common is that each will be a one-piece forged iron designed to appeal to the best players and purists. Think of the classic Mizuno irons we love. Those models may have disappeared from the market, but the designs themselves are timeless.
Eternal versus time
Moving forward, what is today’s lineup of MPs will offer what Mizuno calls in time designs. The length of time speaks to the reality that golf club technology is often fast and outdated. It develops and moves forward. What was considered a hot iron back then (call it the old days or even 2021) is slow by today’s standards. Aesthetic preferences vary, and while it’s not fair to call these modern designs forgettable, few of them are iconic or even memorable.
In other words, designs in time have an expiration date.
with no time Signature series, Mizuno seeks to restore the prestige, perhaps even the elegance, of those classic MP models, albeit with new, albeit perhaps not particularly modern, offerings.
As it grows, the S series will bring a mix of cavity and blade designs. Common in the designs will be compact shapes, thin top lines and little offset.
Part of the story of the Mizuno S-Series is that while the timeless designs have almost universal appeal, there is no single iron model that is right for every golfer. Perhaps this is why there are so many one-off variations (often older models) of hollow blades and backs in play on Tour.
Everyone wants their thing because almost no one wants to play MB or CB of a company’s stock.
For its part, Mizuno doesn’t want to join a growing list of one-size-fits-all companies. Instead, it hopes to create a collection of irons that pros will want to play and a segment of amateur players will want to buy.
S-3: The beginning
The first iron of the Mizuno Signature Series is the S-3. While it’s a new model, the design elements should be pleasantly familiar. A one-piece, split-cavity design, the Mizuno S-3 is built on the popular (maybe even beloved) JPX tour chassis.
So while there is no JPX Tour this year, there is a JPX Tour of sorts this year. He has returned to the lineup of deputies where, for sure, he has always met them.
Compared to the current MP24x offerings, the S-3 has a better shape and straighter lines. It’s one of Mizuno’s first irons to feature a triple-cut sole, which combines a high-swell front edge with relief on the back edges. Functionally, it’s a bit like grinding with a wedge on an iron and should work well for the modern player with a steeper angle of attack.
As you might expect, the S-3 is built using Mizuno’s patented Grain Flow Forged HD process. A copper underlay works to further improve feel and, while it may be difficult to quantify, Mizuno believes the triple-cut soleplate will also improve the golfer’s perception of feel.
Extended life cycle
What is perhaps most interesting about the Signature Series is Mizuno’s clear acknowledgment that the category it fits into is slowly evolving. With that in mind, any iron that should find its way into the Mizuno MP Signature series is expected to have a four-year life cycle. In addition to providing the longevity that many golfers say they want, the extended life offers Mizuno plenty of opportunities to offset manufacturing costs.
While not a particularly glamorous part of the story, relying on longevity instead of volume gives Mizuno more freedom to make “golfer” decisions instead of business decisions. The real-world manifestation of this principle is that complete sets of Mizuno Signature Series irons will be available in both right-handed and left-handed versions.
Finally.
Old school features
Refreshingly, perhaps, for the purists among you, the Mizuno Signature Series S-3 irons offer what I assume to be old-school loft characteristics. The 3-iron (yes, there is a 3-iron) is 21 degrees, the 7-iron is 34 degrees (I think it’s a 9-iron in some groups), and the PW is a relatively high 46 degrees.
Price and availability
Available in both right-handed and left-handed, the Mizuno Pro S-3 irons retail for $200 per iron. The stock shaft is a Project X and the stock cap is a Golf Pride MCC Teams Grey/White.
Pre-sale of the Mizuno S-3 irons starts on January 23rd. Full retail availability begins February 7th.
For more information, visit Mizunogolf.com.
Save some money
The Mizuno Pro S-3 represents an exciting new chapter for Mizuno, but $200/club might be more than you want to pay. For those looking for it save some moneyyou can save $300 on a set JPX 923 Tour Cuff.
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