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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the Mizuno Pro S3 irons.
The Mizuno Pro S-3 irons are the pinnacle of a player’s irons. Mizuno are steeped in history and have gained a reputation about producing the best feeling irons. For many years people have often said; nothing feels like a Mizuno iron.
So, how did we find their latest player’s irons when we took them out to Spain at the La Cala Golf Resort? Check out our Mizuno Pro S-3 Irons review to find out…
I have to say these Mizuno irons are some of the best looking clubs behind the ball I’ve seen this year. Hitting these clubs was a joy and the level of control they allow a golfer to have over approach shots is not only extremely impressive but ideal.
A premium look that mirrored the top quality performance. For me these are the perfect players’ irons and will serve low handicappers well this season.
PROS
Fantastic feel
Consistent performance
Really good looking irons
CONS
Possibly not as suitable for inconsistent ball strikers
The Mizuno Pro S-3 features a narrower sole and topline than what we typically expect from the brand.
This is purely for aesthetic purposes and I have to say at address it does look really thin.
I personally love this style; it looks fantastic. These irons are visually striking and invite you to take a swing. With ample loft, they give the impression of launching at a higher trajectory off the clubface rather than a low one.
These Mizuno irons resemble precision surgical instruments, giving me confidence that I can expertly control my shots to land on the greens. This level of accuracy is exactly what a low handicapper like myself seeks when making approach shots.
These are one of the most appealing clubs I have seen behind the ball this year.
I also love the Mizuno Pro font that has been used. It looks classic, it’s painted white and adds to the all-round simplicity of the styling of the club head.
NCG Verdict
For a player the appeal of an iron can often be how they feel and not always what the data says. I know for me a players’ 5-iron is going to go around 185-190 yards, so anything around there I am completely happy with.
From the first two strikes I hit with a longer iron from the Mizuno Pro S-3 set I loved the ball flight I was seeing. They both went very straight on a high and soft flight.
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These are irons certainly do the Mizuno name justice. They feel amazing both to swing and upon contact with the golf ball. Smooth and solid strikes was the consistent outcome.
Moving into the data, we can see from the sole 5-iron strike that the Trackman actually picked up, that the numbers were bang on. The 5-iron launched at 13°, which is absolutely perfect for stone carry distance. A spin rate of 6605 rpm shows there is plenty of spin for great control when the ball landing on and around the green.
In terms of the shorter irons, you can really see the compact head length of the players’ iron. Mizuno have worked really hard on trying to make all the lines feel straight; square leading edge, square leading grooves, square to the hosel and square leading shaft.
The 122-124mph ball speed for a 7-iron is right on the money in terms of what I look for from my swing.
I found the 9-iron to be extremely playable and could work different types of shots into the green.
What I look for in players’ irons is a good launch angle, effective spin number and a ball speed that isn’t too hot. All of which I experienced in these Mizuno irons and on a consistent basis.
There is barely any offset on the shorter irons and they feel and look like blade irons behind the ball. Although, they do still have that classic Mizuno shape that we know and love.
Mizuno have crafted the Pro S-3 irons from 1025 Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel which is a really soft material. The irons also have the copper underlay Mizuno have been using over the last few years to make the feeling even softer.
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For us golfers, it doesn’t affect the playability of the irons and just because the irons are soft doesn’t meant they’re slow.
I love how the iron head is pressed, it’s all one piece of material. There is nothing stuck on or fake about it and gives off a premium appearance.
One thing you do loose if you go for a players’ iron, which have a more compact club head, is a more forgiving turf interaction.
The irons are built for golfers who play different courses as the soles are designed to work when the ground is firm, wet, soft, dry etc. Mizuno have built something that will help a good player score low.
Overall, I believe Mizuno have made the perfect set of irons for me. Even the Project X 6.0 shaft is ideal and suits my game to a tee. I could definitely see myself gaming these irons this season and are certainly under consideration.
They feel fantastic, they look great and if you are in the market for new players’ irons then you should give these a go.
We were fortunate enough to head out to the La Cala Resort in Spain to conduct some of our equipment reviews. A picturesque resort that is located in the Sierra de Mijas, just 30 minutes from Málaga Airport and 20 minutes from Marbella.
The place offers outstanding views of the Andalusian countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as well as three magnificent golf courses. All three were designed by Cabell B. Robinson and it’s a popular choice for players seeking variety, challenge, and stunning scenery. For more information head to La Cala Resort’s website here.