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Mizuno are renowned for their incredible feeling irons and they may have smashed it out the park again with the S1 irons…
It’s irons like these that made me want to start reviewing golf equipment in the first place. Mizuno has long been considered to produce the best feeling irons on the market and now they have released a new set, the Mizuno S-1 irons.
After the success of the S-3 in the players-distance category, the long-anticipated S-1 blade arrives with much anticipation. So have Mizuno rediscovered that magic feel that made their irons the go-to for so many years? Find out in our full Mizuno S-1 iron review…
NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
The Mizuno S-1 iron are compact forged blade aimed squarely at single-figure handicappers and elite ball strikers. It features Mizuno’s trademark copper underlay, a new Channel Back design for subtle forgiveness, and H.I.T., Harmonic Impact Technology, to perfect sound and feel.
While they offer unmatched consistency, clean aesthetics, and supreme feedback It is worth noting, they do not cater to golfers who stray far from the centre of the clubface. This is a blade in the purest sense, honest, elegant, and demanding.
PROS
Stunning classic looks
Unmatched feel and sound through impact
Consistent launch and spin
Excellent turf interaction and feedback
CONS
Can look slightly intimidating for higher handicap golfers
The Mizuno S-1 irons make an immediate statement. Straight out of the box and onto the mat, these blades demand attention. With a thin top line, minimal offset, and that classic Mizuno satin finish, they scream players iron. The S-1 oozed pedigree before I even hit the ball.
I have to say these irons are compact, clean, and razor-sharp behind the ball when stood at address. So much so that I actually felt somewhat of a ball striker when holding them, they really do look great. At address you can see the grooves stretch near the toe, the top line is slim, and the satin finish avoids glare while looking pristine in the bag.
NCG Review
The S-1 irons did not disappoint during testing. With the nine iron, I was able to carry the ball 140 yards with 9000 rpm of spin, exactly the kind of control and precision expected of a players iron. The seven iron followed suit, delivering 164 yards of carry with 7000 rpm of spin. What impressed me though most was the consistency I was able to unlock. There were no ‘jumpers’ or unexpected hot shots, every strike travelled the expected distance, which is crucial for elite players who rely on tight dispersion.
Where the S-1 truly shines is in feel and sound. Mizuno’s copper layering and H.I.T. technology combine to deliver superb feedback, both audibly and through the hands. Mizuno has historically nailed this part of an iron better than any other golf brand or club manufacturer.
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Despite being a traditional blade, the S-1 irons are packed with intelligent design choices. Mizuno has employed its renowned 1025E Pure Select carbon steel forging, enhanced with a copper underlay to provide an ultra-soft, responsive feel. A new Channel Back design allows Mizuno to reposition mass lower in the head without adding unnecessary bulk. This offers improved forgiveness vertically on the face, which helps stabilise performance on slight mishits.
Another standout feature is Mizuno’s new H.I.T. (Harmonic Impact Technology), which focuses on perfecting the club’s sound and feel at impact. This is something Mizuno has absolutely nailed – every strike provides a crisp auditory and tactile feedback that reinforces why so many golfers associate Mizuno with elite-level feel.
The Mizuno S-1 irons are best suited for lower handicap golfers and even then, only for those who consistently strike the centre of the face. These are not irons designed to mask swing flaws. They are made for the player who values precision, feel, and control above all else.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I certainly believe the Mizuno S-1 is a return to form for the brand. It’s a proper blade. Clean, crisp, honest, and beautiful. It rewards great ball striking with unmatched feedback and punishes mishits. For the low-handicapper who lives for feel, consistency, and precision, it may be the perfect iron.
Mizuno has taken its time with this one, and it shows. They are definitely contenders to be put in my bag for this season.
