Equipment

2014 Mizuno JPX-EZ Forged and JPX-EZ irons spotted

Published

11 years ago

Aug 15, 2013

[youtube id=”lD6r7VGBMBY” width=”620″ height=”360″]

Mizuno’s new JPX-EZ and JPX-EX Forged irons are a departure from the company’s traditional chrome and satin-finished irons. They have a black-nickel plating that gives the irons a dark finish, and bursts of bright orange in the cavity that begs golfers to take a closer look.

When they do look closer, they’ll see that despite the fresh look, the irons have progressive cavity designs that have been the hallmark of Mizuno’s recent iron releases.

The long irons have the deepest cavities, while the cavities on the short irons are much more shallow. It’s a great blend that will give golfers more forgiveness, ball speed and trajectory assistance with the long irons, as well as more solid-feeling, penetrating shots with the short irons.

Notice the difference between the cavity depth in the JPX-EZ Forged 4 iron and pitching wedge below.

Above: A Mizuno JPX-EX Forged 4 iron, which has a much deeper cavity than the pitching wedge pictured below.

We can’t wait to see how the heads feel and perform, and are especially interested in the difference in the ball speeds between the JPX-EZ Forged and the non-forged model, which we’re suspecting will provide golfers with a lot more distance and forgiveness.

At address, both irons have a look that blends looks and function. Golf is a game of confidence for so many, and these more forgiving designs might be exactly what a lot of Mizuno iron players are looking for from their next set.

Above: A JPX-EX Forged 7 iron in the address position. The non-forged JPX-EX 7 iron is pictured below.

“It’s not a question of ability – just a different approaches to the game,” said Chuck Couch, vice president of golf product for Mizuno. “We found there are two ways to real golfing fulfilment. You can join the ‘Shotmakers and Artists’ who craft their way round the course with more precise instruments like the MP-4 and MP-54. Then there are the ‘Risk Takers’ – players with the ability to shake off negative thoughts and take on every shot. We want to convince more golfers to shake off their fears and become ‘Risk Takers’. That’s what JPX EZ philosophy is all about.”

The JPX-EZ line also marks Mizuno’s return to driver adjustability – though Couch confirms it’s been done the EZ way.

“This isn’t the standard adjustability where the majority of settings are only usable by professionals and tour players. It’s about having 8 settings that are easy to find and useable by all of us.”

Couch said that the new JPX-EZ woods could be the biggest surprise for golfers in the new line.

“In testing these woods have caught better players completely blindsided,” he said. “You expect a pleasant high flying ‘safety first’ type result – what you get is a set of cannons. Mizuno is back in the wood business in a big way.”

The JPX EZ irons are available on Sept. 1. The JPX-EZ woods will follow in Europe during Feb 2014.

Click here for more photos and to see what members are saying about Mizuno’s new JPX-EX irons and woods in the forums.

Click here for more photos and to see what members are saying about Mizuno’s new JPX-EX irons and woods in the forums.

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32 Comments

Jeff Wallace

Jun 18, 2014 at 8:20 pm

Been playing MX20’s for 13 years and loved them. My JPX forged due to arrive tomorrow. If the performance is like the testing and the reviews, I’ll take the performance and get used to the colors. Focused more on the strike and the score than the back of the club. Can’t wait!

Reply Report comment
Jim

Nov 6, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Hey D. You can also go to Mizuno’s web site and see pics of the driver, fairway and hybrids.

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Robert

Oct 19, 2013 at 11:36 pm

I have been playing the 825 this year but have fallen hard for the new EZ line. I personally love the color combo and the feel of the forged is unbelievable, I have only hit the 7 iron demos side by side with my 825 but come spring I will be getting fitted for a set no doubt about it.

Reply Report comment
Michael Martin

Sep 3, 2013 at 11:04 pm

I have been playing the 825 pro’s for the last year and loved them. I went to Roger Dunn this a.m. and decided to test drive the new JPX-EZ.
WOW!!!! I was very impressed. Yes the top line is somewhat different to look down at however, I did not care when I started Nutting that six iron 15 yards farther than my JPX Pro. I know launch monitors are going to embellish perhaps but this accurately reflected my six iron distance, 175 carry. I was constantly roping the EZ 190-205 and hit one 214.I hit them simultaneously and tried five different shaft combos: The DGXP which is the stock shaft. The Project X 6.0, KBS, and the DGS300. What a super sweet crisp click that you only get with superior forging. I ordered them on the spot with the Dynamic gold S300 shafts, 1/2″ over standard. I will be playing them ASAP. I am pumped, I may be taking a hybrid out of the bag, and adding another long iron. That is how hot and EZ to hit these things are. I have always been a Mizuno guy ever since Hogan dropped out of site. Don’t let that top line fool you or put you off hit them yourself you will be pleasantly surprised as I was. Bottom line, whatever gets me closer to scratch goes in the bag.

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howie

Aug 29, 2013 at 1:43 pm

I was fitted this morning for a new set of irons. I hit the new EZ’s 5-7 yards farther with better contact than my trusty old mizuno 23’s.They look just fine at address,so who cares what they look like in the bag!
Keep in mind the stock grips are a bit smaller,so add a wrap or get the grips you want!

Reply Report comment
DoubleDuffers

Aug 21, 2013 at 3:10 pm

I got mixed feelings about these GI’s. I don’t mind the dark satin finish that you’d find on their Mp Blk Ni series wedges and I love orange accents in small amounts as I use orange paintfill to personalize my MP 53’s and MX-25’s. But these JPX Ez irons are just too much orange. Perhaps if they switched the orange badge upside down and used it in the cavity where it’s more hidden than that could work. Even still, the five spoke inlays and center badge are probably what makes it unsitely as there’s too much going on. I’d get these in the forged set but only if there were a way to “fix” the back plating. The orange goes nicely with my cobra amp woods, R1 driver, and nike sports bag with orange and khaki accents. And BTW, Mizzys are no strangers to using bright color accents in their Mp and JPX lines in Japan. Look them up on Japanese retail sites for English versions and you’ll see many variations that I wish we’re sold in the US markets. The prices are decent but shipping is gonna cost you an arm and a leg!! Besides, I’m more of a MP guy now so the new 2014 lineup looks yummy! Mizuno’s still on top of their game and always will be as far as I’m concerned. Those of you who know…Know!

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reggie jaggers

Aug 20, 2013 at 7:30 pm

I have been a loyal Mizuno user since I took up golf some twenty years ago. I’ve got the JPX 800’s in my bag and an old set of Comp EZ in the garage to play the not so nice courses around my area. BUT I have to say Mizuno has fallen prey to the scheme of trying to sell color with hype. On their woods they say they are cannons , please explain how that is possible. Since the PGA has set limits on the faces how can they possibly be any longer unless of course they’ve also lengthened the shafts as most of the companies have done. I for one really hate to see Mizuno take this route. When it comes to blades and even their cavity backs Mizuno has always made the most beautiful clubs out there but now it seems they’ve jumped on the same wagon as Cobra and Taylormade with this color thing. I don’t like it or these clubs, they’re just dull and ugly in my opinion.

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nick driscoll

Aug 20, 2013 at 3:01 pm

I have stood behind Mizuno for 20years and have always believed they were hands down the best looking irons made. Plus they feel unreal, but these irons are hard on the eyes!!!! Ugly

Reply Report comment
- reggie jaggers
  
  Aug 20, 2013 at 7:31 pm
  
  I agree with you totally. Looks nothing like the Mizuno clubs I have played and loved throughout the years.
  
  Reply Report comment
Frank

Aug 17, 2013 at 10:06 pm

Its like Ping and Mizuno has a Baby.

Reply Report comment
Perry

Aug 17, 2013 at 7:06 pm

TT XP 105 shafts. New shaft offering? No mention of it in the article that I saw.

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Z

Aug 17, 2013 at 3:47 am

When did ping buy over mizuno?

Reply Report comment
yo!

Aug 16, 2013 at 10:05 pm

smart move … mizuno going the way of cobra … get some colors in there then sign someone who is interesting and young

Reply Report comment
paul

Aug 16, 2013 at 9:53 pm

My first thought was an attempt to make a g25 look a like.

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Guantanemo

Aug 16, 2013 at 8:02 pm

I personally feel that this is a step back from the 825 series… the 825 Pros looked pretty good, not so with the EZ Pro.

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JJ

Aug 16, 2013 at 7:50 pm

As Charles Barkley would say, “Turrible.” Way too busy for Mizuno. They say “Dance with the girl that brung ya.” For Mizuno, that girl is clean lines and traditional looks. Fail.

Reply Report comment
- nick driscoll
  
  Aug 20, 2013 at 3:03 pm
  
  Amen JJ
  
  Reply Report comment
tyler

Aug 16, 2013 at 11:27 am

Yuck! Never liked any of the JPX lines.

Reply Report comment
- Xreb
  
  Aug 17, 2013 at 12:23 am
  
  Not even the 825 pros ?
  
  Reply Report comment
RH

Aug 16, 2013 at 11:05 am

Love Mizuno but these are UGLYYYYYYYYYYY. Look like a ping i15.

Reply Report comment
- Zack
  
  Aug 17, 2013 at 3:46 am
  
  Was just about to say that. I completely agree with u!
  
  Reply Report comment
c masty

Aug 16, 2013 at 9:58 am

Love everything but the name. Better players that are interested in a Game Improvement iron don’t want it named “EZ”.

Reply Report comment
Bossman

Aug 16, 2013 at 9:49 am

Sorry … black + orange = Halloween

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GGWolverine

Aug 16, 2013 at 8:07 am

I love Mizuno irons. I’m on my 5th and 6th sets. The new Jpx ez and Jpx ex irons look butt ugly. What’s up w/ the orange?! Mizuno trying to be Cobra?

Reply Report comment
Snowman

Aug 15, 2013 at 11:02 pm

@^#$^$## Orange!? from Mizuno = Sign the the apocalypse is here.

Reply Report comment
- david
  
  Aug 16, 2013 at 6:15 am
  
  +1
  
  Reply Report comment
- naflack
  
  Aug 17, 2013 at 12:19 pm
  
  +1
  
  Reply Report comment
- KCCO
  
  Aug 21, 2013 at 10:09 am
  
  I really like the concept of look, but doesn’t look mizzy…..it’s like they gave blue to that other huge company, and got different colors and a little more badging on some of their products in return. Not specific to these irons, but 54’s as an example with extra badging/added plastic not seen from mizuno
  
  Reply Report comment
Don

Aug 15, 2013 at 9:24 pm

I just got drool all over my iPad! I was gonna go a new set of 825’s now I have to wait!!!!

Reply Report comment
TG

Aug 15, 2013 at 7:47 pm

Mizuno is the best company in the golf business! Go #TEAMJPX

Reply Report comment
D

Aug 15, 2013 at 6:37 pm

So where are the pics of the woods???? Don’t talk about it in the article if you don’t have pics of them like you do with the woods.

Reply Report comment
- d
  
  Aug 15, 2013 at 7:44 pm
  
  LOL…man, the woods are in the video.lol
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

5 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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