All the Gear: Titleist and Mizuno go back to black
It’s been quite the week for new equipment with releases from Titleist, TaylorMade and Mizuno to name just a few. Lots to salivate over so let’s crack on…
Titleist unveil limited edition black T-series irons
They’re at it again! The black SM8s simply weren’t enough as Titleist have now unveiled new T100S and T200 irons in a limited edition black finish.
This really stemmed from Cameron Smith winning the Sony Open while using a set of T100 Black irons. Lanto Griffin asked for some shortly after and then won the Houston Open with them.
“The first time I saw these irons they looked so good I didn’t want to put a scratch on them. The black finish just looks tighter to me and really fits my eye. It also helps to keep a little bit of the shine off which I really like,” said Smith.
The irons feature a high polish black PVD coating, which is combined with a glare-reducing matte black shaft and an all-black Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip to give that full black finish. They will be available in both left and right handed models.
Not sure which T-series iron is right for you? Check out my full run down of the Titleist iron range before to find out more.
Available: August 28, 2020
RRP: £185 per club or £1,295 for a set of 7
Shafts: Project X LZ Onyx (T100S) DG Onyx AMT Black (T200)
More information: Titleist website
Limited edition SM8 wedges
Not content with dropping a new golf ball on us, Titleist have also revealed an update to their Vokey SM8 line.
What is it about an all-black finish that makes a golf club look even more appealing?
The wedges feature a black shaft, grip, and special jet black raw finish. I especially like the additional detailing of having the logos and text blacked out too.
You can also add personalised touches such as text, image stamping and different paint colours by using the WedgeWorks custom service.
“I’ve been stocking more and more jet black heads on the tour van each year,” Titleist’s man on tour Aaron Dill tells me. “Players love the look of it.
“Jet black also helps players reduce glare on those really bright days.”
Available: August 28, 2020
RRP: £185 per club
Shafts: Dynamic Gold S200 Black Onyx (custom fitting available through wedgeworks)
More information: Titleist website
- Related: Which tour player has the most unusual wedge setup?
- Related: Have you got the right bounce on your wedges?
New Mizuno range
Speaking of incredibly good looking clubs, here come Mizuno with their JPX921 series featuring four new irons.
The JPX921, Mizuno tell me, combines the power of chromoly into a full body forged iron for the very first time to create their fastest irons ever.
The JPX921 Tour is the most popular on tour and just looking at it its easy to see why. Mizuno have narrowed the sole slightly for smoother turf interaction and have added a thicker cavity pad behind the hitting zone for a softer feel. These will also be available in left handed for the first time.
Finally, we have the JPX Hot Metal and Hot Metal Pro. Here we see higher ball speeds and more forgiveness thanks to a more complex face geometry, cup face technology, variable sole thickness, and extreme perimeter weighting.
But the new Mizuno releases don’t stop there. We also have some snazzy new ES21 wedges and, I’m sure you’ll agree, the shaping and black finish here is delightful.
The big story is a sweet spot that is more central and higher up the face than the traditional slightly heel side position. This will give you a squarer strike and more control.
Oh, there’s more? Oh yes, there are new hybrids in the form of the JPX Fli-Hi range.
It has a wider footprint than its predecessor and a new stainless steel face for faster ball speeds. It also features a bendable hosel for lie angle adjustments.
We also see a gradual shape change as we move through the lofts. The stronger lofts have a wider fairway wood style shape which becomes more iron like as we move down to the most lofted 29° offering.
Available: September 11, 2020
RRP: £120-150 (JPX irons) £155 (ES21 wedge) £135 (JPX Fli-Hi)
More information: Mizuno website
FootJoy expand apparel collection
FootJoy have added two brand new lines to their apparel range.
The Arlington and Emerald Bay collections each feature three polos and what FootJoy are calling a “chill out piece”.
I love the red, white and navy colour combination in the Arlington range and there is a really nice variety of printed and more clean designs.
As the name suggests the Emerald Bay collection is, well, emerald. FootJoy have really nailed it with their colour schemes here.
I like a bold print so the palm tree and floral patterns have really caught my eye. The summer vibe is also perfect for those holidaying at home this year.
Available: Now
RRP: From £40
More information: FootJoy website
Top to toe styling from Stromberg
Not only have Stromberg released a new clothing line they have also added footwear to their collection for the first time.
First let’s talk shoes. There are both spiked and spikeless options available and they are perfectly colour co-ordinated with Stromberg’s garments. I love this idea as there is nothing worse than getting the perfect outfit and then your shoes not matching. You know what I mean, right?
The clothing line features mid-layers, jackets and polos and use fabrics specifically designed for the UK climate. There are two main colourways – a very British red, white and blue offering, and a more modern black, white and lime green option.
Available: Now
RRP: From £24.99
More information: American Golf website
TaylorMade drop new irons, wedges and putters
TaylorMade dropped such a huge launch on us this week that I had to do it all in a separate piece.
With new irons, wedges and putters it’s felt like Christmas has come early in the Holden household.
You can either watch the video below or click here to read about it all.
Phew! I think that’s enough gear for one week. If you’re after more equipment content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
If you have any questions about anything gear related, feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or Instagram.
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
