Mizuno probably isn’t the primary identify you consider in relation to golf balls. It doesn’t have the Tour rep of the bigger OEMs nor does it provide the fashionable cachet and worth proposition of the DTC manufacturers.
Nonetheless, maybe it’s price contemplating what Mizuno has to supply with the brand new Mizuno Professional S and Mizuno Professional X golf balls.
The second-generation RB Tour and RB Tour X had been, for my part, probably the most nice surprises from our 2023 Golf Ball Take a look at. The unique RB Tour sequence flew low and spun so much … like Kirkland so much.
The 2023 fashions elevated peak, dropped spin and had been typically strong all-around performers. “We’re actually pleased with the place we’re,” says Chris Voshall, Mizuno’s Director of Product for the Western World, “however there are some things we wished to tweak.”
Mizuno Professional S and Professional X golf ball updates
On the highest degree, Mizuno’s goal for the brand new Mizuno Professional S and Mizuno Professional X was to fulfill or exceed the efficiency of the most-played golf balls on the PGA Tour.
To that finish, Mizuno made a couple of notable modifications.
Thinner Cowl: Mizuno lowered the quilt thickness by 12 % in comparison with RB Tour and RB Tour X. Whereas it’s counterintuitive, all issues being equal, a thinner urethane cowl is a extra sturdy cowl.
Thicker Mantle: To extend COR and in the end ball velocity, Mizuno made the mantle six % thicker.
12-P.c Softer: With elevated COR from the mantle, Mizuno was in a position to make the cores of the Mizuno Professional golf balls softer.
New Dimple Sample: In contrast to many smaller manufacturers, Mizuno develops its dimple patterns in-house. The brand new aerodynamic package deal contains a 332-dimple design, a big improve from the 272-dimple cowl on the present balls.
From a efficiency standpoint, Mizuno says the brand new dimple sample affords decrease drag with a decrease peak trajectory off the motive force. “It doesn’t get as excessive nevertheless it stays within the air,” says Voshall.
Improved wind efficiency can be a part of the package deal.
The opposite benefit of the brand new dimple sample is a bit tougher to quantify. Mizuno believes that with the upper dimple rely, the brand new ball simply seems higher.
“It [RB Tour] seems slightly goofy as a result of the dimples are so bit,” says Voshall. “It appeared slightly JPX-y.”
The short efficiency rundown
In testing performed by Mizuno, the brand new balls had been proven to be sooner and lower-spinning off each irons and the motive force.
With irons, Mizuno noticed greater peak peak with steeper touchdown angles and extra distance.
Off the motive force, the brand new balls flew decrease, had shallower descent angles and had been longer than their RB Tour equivalents.
The identical exams present Mizuno’s new balls examine favorably to the Titleist Professional V1 and Professional V1x.
Whereas it’s not strictly a efficiency metric, in participant testing, golfers most well-liked the texture of the Mizuno Professional over the Titleist equivalents on each wedge photographs and when placing.
Mizuno Professional S versus Mizuno Professional X
As you possibly can in all probability guess, the Mizuno Professional S affords decrease compression and softer really feel than the Mizuno Professional X.
Mizuno says the Professional S affords a mid-trajectory flight whereas the Professional X ought to fly greater. Whereas, like everybody else, Mizuno says each balls provide excessive greenside spin charges, the Professional S ought to produce decrease spin within the lengthy sport and presumably off the motive force as effectively.
Actuality verify
In contrast to others within the class, Mizuno has no critical aspirations of turning into the No. 1 golf ball model. It’s not misplaced on the corporate that it’s a must to give golfers a motive to play one thing aside from a Professional V1 and so whereas there are positive to be Titleist loyalists who by no means give Mizuno Professional a re-assessment, there isn’t any actual scarcity of golfers will to attempt one thing completely different.
That mentioned, the golf ball is rarely going make or break the Mizuno Golf model. For Mizuno it’s not a lot about taking on the market as it’s making a ball it may be happy with and get its brand in entrance of extra golfers – whether or not that’s on the course or on retailer cabinets alongside the handfuls of different golf ball choices.
In a single sense, being seen is nearly sufficient however, not for something, the RB Tour sequence was under-the-radar good and there’s no motive to anticipate that the Mizuno Professional lineup gained’t be even higher.
Availability and pricing
Mizuno Professional S and Professional X golf balls carry a retail worth of $47.99. Availability begins Jan. 22.
For extra info, go to MizunoGolf.com.
Searching for a deal?
Whereas provides final, the now prior-generation RB Tour and RB Tour X golf balls are promoting for $34.99. Whereas ball becoming is golfer-dependent, I’m notably keen on the RB Tour X.
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