Mizuno doubtless isn’t the primary title you consider in terms of golf balls. It doesn’t have the Tour rep of the bigger OEMs nor does it provide the stylish cachet and worth proposition of the DTC manufacturers.
Nonetheless, maybe it’s value 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 have been, in my view, probably the most nice surprises from our 2023 Golf Ball Take a look at. The unique RB Tour collection flew low and spun loads … like Kirkland loads.
The 2023 fashions elevated top, dropped spin and have been typically strong all-around performers. “We’re really happy with where we are,” says Chris Voshall, Mizuno’s Director of Product for the Western World, “but there are a few things we wanted to tweak.”
Mizuno Professional S and Professional X golf ball updates
On the highest stage, Mizuno’s goal for the brand new Mizuno Professional S and Mizuno Professional X was to satisfy 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 diminished the duvet 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 pace, Mizuno made the mantle six % thicker.
12-P.c Softer: With elevated COR from the mantle, Mizuno was capable of 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 bundle includes 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 provides decrease drag with a decrease peak trajectory off the driving force. “It doesn’t get as high but it stays in the air,” says Voshall.
Improved wind efficiency can also be a part of the bundle.
The opposite benefit of the brand new dimple sample is a bit more durable to quantify. Mizuno believes that with the upper dimple rely, the brand new ball simply appears higher.
“It [RB Tour] looks a little goofy because the dimples are so bit,” says Voshall. “It looked a little JPX-y.”
The core of a Mizuno Professional S golf ball
The fast efficiency rundown
In testing performed by Mizuno, the brand new balls have been proven to be quicker and lower-spinning off each irons and the driving force.
With irons, Mizuno noticed increased peak top with steeper touchdown angles and extra distance.
Off the driving force, the brand new balls flew decrease, had shallower descent angles and have been longer than their RB Tour equivalents.
The identical checks 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.
The core of the Mizuno Professional X golf ball
Mizuno Professional S versus Mizuno Professional X
As you’ll be able to most likely guess, the Mizuno Professional S provides decrease compression and softer really feel than the Mizuno Professional X.
Mizuno says the Professional S provides a mid-trajectory flight whereas the Professional X ought to fly increased. Whereas, like everybody else, Mizuno says each balls provide excessive greenside spin charges, the Professional S ought to produce decrease spin within the lengthy recreation and presumably off the driving force as effectively.
Actuality verify
In contrast to others within the class, Mizuno has no severe aspirations of changing into the No. 1 golf ball model. It’s not misplaced on the corporate that you need to give golfers a motive to play one thing aside from a Professional V1 and so whereas there are certain to be Titleist loyalists who by no means give Mizuno Professional a re-assessment, there isn’t any actual scarcity of golfers will to strive one thing totally 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 up the market as it’s making a ball it may be happy with and get its emblem 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 collection was under-the-radar good and there’s no motive to anticipate that the Mizuno Professional lineup received’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.
On the lookout 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 significantly keen on the RB Tour X.
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