Mizuno MX-200 irons blog

Mizuno’s MX-200 irons were launched last autumn targeting the low-to-high handicap market. A touch puzzling, since as an 18-handicapper who struggles to play consistently to that number, I’m always told that there is one piece of kit for the better players and another for worse ones.

With my game registering regular scores in the early 90s, it is natural that my ball striking is always in need of equipment medication. We’re talking fine margins between a snap-hook and a vicious slice, but finding the right irons to eradicate this in such a diverse market seems almost as tough as righting the faults in your game.

From the many new arrivals that come into the office, it would be fair to say I’m always sniffing about at the front of the queue – much to the annoyance of some, I might add. Indeed, “Step away from Equipment cupboard Narey” is a regular cry in the office.

But I see this as one of the perks of this job. Problem is, I always need a shove in the right direction when it comes to making a change, and so often recruit of advice of GM’s equipment guru, Paul O’Hagan, for a bit of a steer. After countless hours of badgering, my office neighbour usually caves in to my demands; in this case, he handed me a sparkling set of MX-200s. Anything to shut me up…

Brand-wise, Mizuno has always been held closely to my heart; a set of T-Zoids (lifted from my dad’s garage) were my first set some years ago on the rare occasions I would venture out onto a course. Performance-wise, they were no better than the chopper who held them; I knew nothing about golf equipment back then, highlighted on one such occasion when I chose to “borrow” the old man’s Mizuno pro blades (I think he might have won them) for a round at the local nine-holer. Ugly stuff!

But the MX-200s have served me well. Highlighted in Golf Monthly’s New Arrivals range in our November issue, they combine the feel of a forged iron ‘designed to offer enhanced forgiveness” while the deep cavity has a reinforcement pad that “expands the sweetspot and provides an extra nine yards per club than other MX models”. Also, the forged U-Grooves offer optimal spin and control.

As for the looks, it’s a polished finish (double nickel chrome plated) and the price is relatively attractive too – graphite shafts retail at £85 a club, steel £75 per club. All in all, the Mizuno MX-200s need serious consideration from those looking to invest in a new set of sticks in 2009.

SEE ALSO:

- Mizuno MX-700 range