92 replies to this topic

[SamW]

Lefty94, on 20 November 2012 - 08:32 AM, said:

Imagine that. Mizuno continuing their lefty snobbery, even when EVERY other OEM is expanding their lefty offerings. Reason I don't play anything Mizuno. I was ready to pull the trigger last year on Mp 59's, but the fact that I couldn't get anything else lefty was a factor. Looked at getting the 64's this year, but they don't come in lefty either. Oh well, there are plenty of OEM's that are more than happy to take my $$$$, and I am more than happy to give it to them.

The fact there's hardly any Japanese golfers that are left handed has got to be a factor, as old fashioned as it is people are trained to do things right handed in Japan regardless of their natural bias.

[Lefty94]

SamW, on 20 November 2012 - 08:48 AM, said:

Lefty94, on 20 November 2012 - 08:32 AM, said:

Imagine that. Mizuno continuing their lefty snobbery, even when EVERY other OEM is expanding their lefty offerings. Reason I don't play anything Mizuno. I was ready to pull the trigger last year on Mp 59's, but the fact that I couldn't get anything else lefty was a factor. Looked at getting the 64's this year, but they don't come in lefty either. Oh well, there are plenty of OEM's that are more than happy to take my $$$$, and I am more than happy to give it to them.

The fact there's hardly any Japanese golfers that are left handed has got to be a factor, as old fashioned as it is people are trained to do things right handed in Japan regardless of their natural bias.

I would agree with that, and I do understand. It's business and it doesn't make as much sense for Mizuno to tool their machines for lefty, when there is such a small market for high end lefty clubs. I know that only 8% of the golfing population is left handed. But it is still a little frustrating. They have some great gear that we never get to experience it. MY buddy who I play golf with has an entire Mizuno bag (JPX driver, 3 wood, Fli-Hi, Jpx 800 irons and the T-11 (I think) wedges). It is so nice and I drool everytime I play with him how much I would like to hit his sticks.

Edited by Lefty94, 20 November 2012 - 09:17 AM.

[getinthehole]

Love the JPX800 fairway woods and wonder if the 825s are a upgrade other than looks. The color scheme for the 800 woods is strange (black/white shaft combined with a blue head) and probably hurt sales. Mizuno woods are underrated but its hard to jump on them when the are newly released because they are usually reduced well before a new line appears

[kloyd0306]

An earlier post mentions the word "snobbery" regarding Mizuno's supposed disinterest in serving the left-handed market.

I disagree. When you consider the percentage of left vs right handed golfers (ratio is about 1 in 25), Mizuno's offerings in lefty are higher than that ratio.

However, if the discussion centers around drivers, f/ways and hybrids - they don't.

Even for right handed golfers, they do not play the "flood the market" game and while it is possible to buy a brand new Taylor Made driver that was marketed 3-4 years ago, Mizuno prefers to make enough to filter thru the market within the first year.

I call that "wise, business sense" - and that same good sense is evident in their steering clear of the left hand market.

If I had a criticism of Mizuno it is their treating the US market differently from the Europe market. Mizuno has two interesting ranges of putters and their fairway wood range includes a 4 wood - neither are available in the US.

They also market the MP Craft range in Japan - but not in USA.

Mizuno does it well without the chest beating and yelling. Good stuff, well made and timeless. If they scream anything it is: Let's just play golf.........

[freddyottawa]

Europe and Japan (obviously) are far bigger markets for Mizuno than North America and it shows in how they advertise themselves as well as what ranges they offer.

Don't forget, Mizuno has been in the putter market a couple of times in North America and it hasn't really worked out.

As for releasing equipment in Japan and not over here, that is a market all it's own. Every major OEM is releasing equipment in Japan that will never be seen here except for Ebay and JDM specialists such as TSG.

[HISPL]

We have had these in our shop for a month or so now, they look much better than the previous JPX range.

[freddyottawa]

HISPL, on 20 November 2012 - 07:12 PM, said:

We have had these in our shop for a month or so now, they look much better than the previous JPX range.

Totally agree with that. I have the 825 driver and the 800 3 wood. The 825 is definitely the more aesthetically pleasing.

[Big Ben]

I was peppering the 15* JPX 825 fairway today, I found it to be very stable, no bias either way and LONG...love it!! I was worried about the weight of the Orochi Blue Eye but it didn't effect playability at all. I cut down the stock 43' to 42.75' and replaced the M-31 grip (52gr's) with a lighter origional Multi-Compound (46.5gr's) and it now plays dead on D2.5', solid...BB

Edited by Big Ben, 20 November 2012 - 07:34 PM.

[ron lefthanded holmes]

kloyd0306, on 20 November 2012 - 04:52 PM, said:

An earlier post mentions the word "snobbery" regarding Mizuno's supposed disinterest in serving the left-handed market.

I disagree. When you consider the percentage of left vs right handed golfers (ratio is about 1 in 25), Mizuno's offerings in lefty are higher than that ratio.

However, if the discussion centers around drivers, f/ways and hybrids - they don't.

Even for right handed golfers, they do not play the "flood the market" game and while it is possible to buy a brand new Taylor Made driver that was marketed 3-4 years ago, Mizuno prefers to make enough to filter thru the market within the first year.

I call that "wise, business sense" - and that same good sense is evident in their steering clear of the left hand market.

If I had a criticism of Mizuno it is their treating the US market differently from the Europe market. Mizuno has two interesting ranges of putters and their fairway wood range includes a 4 wood - neither are available in the US.

They also market the MP Craft range in Japan - but not in USA.

Mizuno does it well without the chest beating and yelling. Good stuff, well made and timeless. If they scream anything it is: Let's just play golf.........

I think it boils down to mizuno are just not in the same league as TM Ping Callaway titliest and probably others when you consider buying a driver or 3 wood or hybrid,there sales must be really poor compared to like I said the others which is a shame as there woods are quite good,

[jgpl]

Sean25rp, on 19 November 2012 - 04:20 PM, said:

They do look good but Mizuno has really reduced their shaft offerings the last few years. Used to be able to get the proforce red but now it's just the Orochi or project x. Neither of which I really care for.

This is why these will FAIL - Mizuno hasn't got a clue that offering a good range of custom/exotic shafts is an absolute must in todays market.

How can a large company that make such fantastic irons not get this?????????????????

[Konklifer]

Big Ben, on 20 November 2012 - 07:31 PM, said:

I was peppering the 15* JPX 825 fairway today, I found it to be very stable, no bias either way and LONG...love it!! I was worried about the weight of the Orochi Blue Eye but it didn't effect playability at all. I cut down the stock 43' to 42.75' and replaced the M-31 grip (52gr's) with a lighter origional Multi-Compound (46.5gr's) and it now plays dead on D2.5', solid...BB

According to Mizuno, it's already 42.75".

[jacksonalex]

Another line of woods that no Mizuno staff player will play!

[freddyottawa]

jacksonalex, on 21 November 2012 - 10:12 AM, said:

Another line of woods that no Mizuno staff player will play!

Not true, though I highly doubt any of the PGA Tour players will use them.

Edited by freddyottawa, 21 November 2012 - 10:55 AM.

[BigPete]

The current World #3 has a hybrid in her bag already

[Sean25rp]

jgpl, on 21 November 2012 - 03:55 AM, said:

Sean25rp, on 19 November 2012 - 04:20 PM, said:

They do look good but Mizuno has really reduced their shaft offerings the last few years. Used to be able to get the proforce red but now it's just the Orochi or project x. Neither of which I really care for.

This is why these will FAIL - Mizuno hasn't got a clue that offering a good range of custom/exotic shafts is an absolute must in todays market.

How can a large company that make such fantastic irons not get this?????????????????

Completely agree.

[ron lefthanded holmes]

BigPete, on 21 November 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

The current World #3 has a hybrid in her bag already

well sales will go well then

[Big Ben]

Konklifer, on 21 November 2012 - 08:35 AM, said:

Big Ben, on 20 November 2012 - 07:31 PM, said:

I was peppering the 15* JPX 825 fairway today, I found it to be very stable, no bias either way and LONG...love it!! I was worried about the weight of the Orochi Blue Eye but it didn't effect playability at all. I cut down the stock 43' to 42.75' and replaced the M-31 grip (52gr's) with a lighter origional Multi-Compound (46.5gr's) and it now plays dead on D2.5', solid...BB

According to Mizuno, it's already 42.75".

Mine measured in at 43 just about on the button, I measured another which was indeed 42.75' but the swing weight was light at D1 so I took my chances with this one, glad I did! I really really like it...BB

[mathaus]

Does anybody know the release date in the US?  Ordered a hybrid in a pre-release demo day and still haven't gotten it yet.

[getinthehole]

Again, Mizuno fairway woods are solid.  I have had the MP001 & F50 and currently carry both the 800 (5wood), and the 650 (3W). I dont think they are trying to compete with the big dogs in the wood market but I feel like these woods are at least in the conversation in terms of performance. Looking forward to grabbing a demo

[freddyottawa]

mathaus, on 21 November 2012 - 06:26 PM, said:

Does anybody know the release date in the US?  Ordered a hybrid in a pre-release demo day and still haven't gotten it yet.

They have already been released in North America. I would speak to who you ordered it off to have them check the status.

[station2station]

ron lefthanded holmes, on 21 November 2012 - 12:43 PM, said:

BigPete, on 21 November 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

The current World #3 has a hybrid in her bag already

well sales will go well then

That's not the point.  The point is she put this hybrid in her bag quick - and Mizuno isn't one of those company's that forces their players to bag the latest gear.  This shows that really good players are appreciating this club.  And she is REALLY good.  (Stacy Lewis)

[driverwedge]

They're lower spin than the 650s? Seems strange for the GI line to be lower spin than the player line.

[leontom16]

kloyd0306, on 19 November 2012 - 04:19 PM, said:

Attention Lefties:

If you believe that Mizuno is "missing out" on your business, you have an amazing opportunity......

START YOUR OWN LEFTY BUSINESS.

Plain and simple.....

And start by launching Lefty balls!

[Big Ben]

driverwedge, on 21 November 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

They're lower spin than the 650s? Seems strange for the GI line to be lower spin than the player line.

I'm not sure where that information came from but that's not my experience with the fairway woods, the MP lineup is lower spin and launch...BB

[driverwedge]

Big Ben, on 22 November 2012 - 09:37 AM, said:

driverwedge, on 21 November 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

They're lower spin than the 650s? Seems strange for the GI line to be lower spin than the player line.

I'm not sure where that information came from but that's not my experience with the fairway woods, the MP lineup is lower spin and launch...BB

I agree. Thus my confusion. Thanks for the follow-up!

[Big Ben]

No probs, I'm laughing at the comments about the comparisons to the larger US brands and actually thinking that a Mizuno product which cut its tooth as the premium high tech Japanese lineup for years (JPX) is somehow inferior in quality and performance, couldn't be more wrong. MP-650 for example is based on the Japanese MP Craft lineup, it's designed on a 5 piece titanium frame while still keeping a classic players shape and size (think BMW M5!), in my humble opinion it blows most away. Mizuno waters down the graphics and stock shaft and doesn't market these crazy because they sell the JSpec lineup for $500US/fairway and $1200US/driver in the Asian marketplace, I was SHOCKED when they ended the dedicated US wood lineup and crossed into there premium product, I would argue these woods are a HUGE bargain for there respective quality...BB

Edited by Big Ben, 23 November 2012 - 02:30 PM.

[station2station]

Mizuno really worked hard on the 600 series and took what they learned and put it into the 825 woods.  They seriously want their staffers playing their woods.  Yes they are an iron company but they feel like they can compete in the wood market.  Luke gave the 650 a whirl but couldn't turn it over as easily as he wanted.  Due to his length off the tee he likes to play that draw.  Otherwise this was a good club.

[kloyd0306]

station2station, on 22 November 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

Mizuno really worked hard on the 600 series and took what they learned and put it into the 825 woods.  They seriously want their staffers playing their woods.  Yes they are an iron company but they feel like they can compete in the wood market.  Luke gave the 650 a whirl but couldn't turn it over as easily as he wanted.  Due to his length off the tee he likes to play that draw.  Otherwise this was a good club.

I am in no position to question Luke's findings and comparisons between his R11 and equivalent MP drivers, which I am sure he has experimented with.

However, driving is not his strength and I therefore find it difficult to believe that Mizuno cannot build him something virtually identical to the R11. An identical shaft and some added weight to the heel of an MP650 might be a good start.........

On the other hand - Mizuno does not appear to be strongarming him either, which tells me that the company is very respectful of Luke's wants and needs compared to their own hopes and wishes.

Mizuno is all class - product, image, public perception. Luke is the perfect match in that regard.

[station2station]

kloyd0306, on 22 November 2012 - 04:45 PM, said:

station2station, on 22 November 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

Mizuno really worked hard on the 600 series and took what they learned and put it into the 825 woods.  They seriously want their staffers playing their woods.  Yes they are an iron company but they feel like they can compete in the wood market.  Luke gave the 650 a whirl but couldn't turn it over as easily as he wanted.  Due to his length off the tee he likes to play that draw.  Otherwise this was a good club.

I am in no position to question Luke's findings and comparisons between his R11 and equivalent MP drivers, which I am sure he has experimented with.

However, driving is not his strength and I therefore find it difficult to believe that Mizuno cannot build him something virtually identical to the R11. An identical shaft and some added weight to the heel of an MP650 might be a good start.........

On the other hand - Mizuno does not appear to be strongarming him either, which tells me that the company is very respectful of Luke's wants and needs compared to their own hopes and wishes.

Mizuno is all class - product, image, public perception. Luke is the perfect match in that regard.

Building a driver is not easy and they are putting effort into it.  You are right they don't strong-arm their staff professionals.  Charles Howell III is not required to play their wedges but he does because he likes them.

Yes Mizuno is all class.  They are the "anti-TaylorMade".  Polar opposite.

[atomik]

I tried hitting the new irons with a couple of different shafts. Not sure that the "average" golfer is going to mind with the shaft choices.  There is plenty of selection for a 22 index player like me to choose from.  (I know, I don't need these irons and have game enhancement irons rather than the top of the line blades)  I have a soft spot for mizzies as my last 2 sets have been from them.  Liked the feel, but can't justify the price for my limited abilities...