Whereas it received’t command the market consideration of regardless of the subsequent scorching game-improvement iron occurs to be, the launch of the S-1 – the second iron in Mizuno’s MP Signature Sequence – represents a big enlargement of an idea that’s proving to be extra profitable than even Mizuno anticipated.
When the S-3 launched earlier this yr, we knew it was just the start. It wouldn’t be a lot of a “sequence” with only one mannequin and gross sales numbers recommend Mizuno was onto one thing. The S-3 has confirmed to be a real success story with gross sales up 83 % in comparison with its predecessor, the JPX 923 Tour.
Now comes the S-1, a single-piece cast blade that serves because the useful alternative for the Mizuno Professional 241. Like the S-3, it’s an extension of the Signature Sequence, not a alternative, and given the numerical conference, it’s cheap to count on Mizuno will proceed including fashions to the lineup.
Mizuno Signature Sequence philosophy
The basic objective of Mizuno’s MP Signature Sequence stays unchanged: to supply extra choices for higher gamers and Tour employees whom Mizuno maybe hadn’t served as properly lately. The S-Sequence represents a return to what MP was—traditional, timeless designs constructed to enchantment to higher gamers and purists.
What Signature Sequence designs share is that every can be a single-piece cast-iron designed with longevity in thoughts. Take into consideration these traditional Mizuno irons we keep in mind fondly – the MP-33, 37, 60 and MP-32. These fashions might have disappeared from the market however the designs themselves are timeless.
The S-1 continues this philosophy with a four-year lifecycle that gives golfers the longevity many say they need whereas giving Mizuno the liberty to make what it describes as “golfer selections” as an alternative of enterprise selections.
Enter the S-1
The S-1 is, basically, a small blade. There’s modest offset all through the set however Mizuno has taken a progressive method: extra offset within the lengthy irons, much less as you progress towards the scoring golf equipment. The skinny toplines get progressively thicker by the set to lift the middle of gravity in scoring golf equipment, selling extra penetrating flight and better spin charges.
Whereas blade size is technically a bit longer by a lot of the set in comparison with the 241, we’re speaking about fractions of millimeters that you simply’re unlikely to note at handle.
The extra pronounced departure from the Mizuno Professional 241 comes within the shaping. Whereas the 241 featured a rounded toe and softer traces, the S-1 is extra squared off with straighter traces. It’s a mirrored image of present traits on tour and there’s proof to recommend it’s a design choice that has traction industry-wide.
Channel again innovation
What provides character to the S-1’s design is its “channel again”: a noticeable cutout working by the again cavity. The absence of fabric within the channel allowed Mizuno to relocate mass to the highest part of the membership for elevated vertical stability.
Make no mistake. This isn’t a forgiving membership. It’s not meant to be. However the channel design does present a modest MOI bump whereas sustaining the pure really feel and workability higher gamers demand.
Sustainability focus
An ancillary story price noting is Mizuno’s dedication to sustainability. With any cast design, there’s important materials misplaced within the forging course of. The “flash” – leftover materials that spills over the mildew when the form is shaped – provides up over a manufacturing cycle.
With the S-1, Mizuno was in a position to cut back flash across the hosel by 43 grams per iron. Which may not sound like a lot but it surely provides as much as about 50 tons of fabric financial savings yearly – a significant discount in waste.
Tuned for really feel
As a part of its ongoing dedication to really feel, Mizuno retooled its sound evaluation software program for the S-1. The corporate says the updates permit what they expertise within the lab to higher mannequin what golfers expertise on track. The brand new software program doesn’t simply simulate frequencies. Mizuno now has perception into the length of these frequencies, giving them elevated capacity to tune sound and really feel to participant preferences.
A lot of this improvement was pushed by PGA Tour staffer Ben Griffin’s suggestions. The adjustments are refined however intentional. Mizuno’s Chris Voshall describes it as offering a “barely firmer really feel” that’s “much less mushy” than earlier designs. This isn’t to say the sound is harsh or clicky. You’re nonetheless getting the copper underlay and tender Mizuno really feel however the S-1 is designed so that you can really feel a bit of bit extra of what’s taking place at impression.
Sensible particulars
The S-1 maintains comparable specs to different Signature Sequence irons: a 46-degree pitching wedge, 34-degree 7-iron, no 3-iron choice. The prolonged lifecycle permits Mizuno to supply the S-1 in each right- and left-handed variations, one thing that wouldn’t be economically viable with shorter product cycles.
Wanting forward
With the S-1’s arrival, Mizuno’s Signature Sequence roadmap exhibits one other mannequin presently in tour testing for a possible September 2026 launch. The technique is working: offering higher gamers with real choices whereas sustaining the timeless aesthetic and efficiency traits that made traditional Mizuno irons legendary.
The S-1 isn’t attempting to be every part to everybody. It’s a blade for golfers who admire precision, really feel and the arrogance that comes from taking part in an iron designed to reward good swings whereas offering the suggestions to enhance unhealthy ones. In a market typically centered on forgiveness and distance, there’s one thing refreshing about an organization doubling down on what it does greatest.
Specs, pricing, availability
The inventory shaft within the Mizuno Professional S-1 is the KBS Tour. The inventory Grip is a Golf Pleasure Tour Velvet. Retail value is $215 per membership.
For extra info, go to MizunoGolf.com.
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