First look: New Mizuno JPX850 driver, fairways and hybrids
5 Mizuno has announced a raft of new technical breakthroughs in what they a calling ‘a year of innovation’ with the new JPX850 line.
The line boasts a number of technical and manufacturing breakthroughs for the Japanese manufacturer – aimed at increasing ball speed and distance.
The JPX850 range also includes two new sets of irons.
There is a re-introduction of Mizuno’s Fast Track sliding weight system in the JPX850 driver.
The new Fast Track sliding system works back from the face – allowing golfers to dramatically change their spin rates.
The Shockwave sole is a new take on increasing ball speed from the face of the smaller headed hybrids and fairway woods.
we are incredibly proud to unveil these breakthroughs and help golfers hit the ball further than ever before “It’s rare to have so many breakthrough technologies at one time,” said Tetsuya Kanayama, Senior R&D Manager.
“Normally golf equipment evolves with incremental changes. So we are incredibly proud to unveil these breakthroughs and help golfers hit the ball further than ever before.”
JPX850 Driver
Mizuno has evolved the Fast Track sliding system to be able to customise spin rate and launch angle.
The piercing blue JPX-850, first seen on tour in April 2014, uses twin 8-gram weights which can be located on either the central sliding rail, or two lateral slots. There are 10 unique settings for players to dial in their perfect launch and spin.
JPX850 also offers lofts from 7.5 to 11.5 within one head.
“The genius of the new Fast Track is that it adds the dimension of launch angle and spin rate. Now we’re truly in control of maximising all aspects of their ball flight off the tee,” said Chuck Couch, VP Product Management.
Details
Mens – Left and Right handed
Ladies – Right handed only
Standard Shaft – 2014 Fujikura Orochi
SRP: £349
Pre Launch Limited Availability: Nov 2014
General Release: Feb 2015
JPX850 Fairway woods (3/5/7)
The primary characteristic of the JPX850’s Shock Wave sole is to enable the entire club head to contract and expand on impact – delivering an additional energy source to the clubface.
The additional mass also lowers the head’s centre of gravity, maintaining high ball speeds directly off the turf.
There is a 4 degree range of loft adjustment possible within each fairway head.
“The Shock Wave sole overcomes the size limitation of fairways and hybrids – by enabling the entire head to flex,” said David Llewellyn, R&D Manager
Details
Mens – Left and Right handed
Ladies – Right handed only
Standard Shaft – 2014 Fujikura Orochi
SRP: £219
General Release: Feb 2015
JPX850 Hybrids
The profile at address leans towards the neutral lines preferred by Mizuno’s professional players.
“The Shock Wave sole is a hugely improved way to increase ball speed without the downside of moving the sweet spot too high up the face,” said David Llewellyn, R&D Manager.
Details
Mens – Left and Right handed
Ladies – Right handed only
Standard Shaft – 2014 Fujikura Orochi
SRP: £179
General Release: Feb 2015
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.