Mizuno launches balls 2013?

[johnstitch]

I was speaking to the manager of our local stockist. He confirms Mizuno will launch their ball range in Europe from Feb 2013.

[freddyottawa]

[quote name='johnstitch' timestamp='1354819390' post='6028041']
I was speaking to the manager of our local stockist. He confirms Mizuno will launch their ball range in Europe from Feb 2013.
[/quote]

Did they mention which balls in particular they would be stocking?

[Shrapnac]

[quote name='PingG10guy' timestamp='1354800172' post='6026627']
[quote name='Par-A-Medic' timestamp='1354676274' post='6020017']
These are probably the smoothest balls on the planet
[/quote]

Yep!
[/quote]

Think they use wax or Nair?

[KrazyTrain18]

They look nice, would be cool to play around with them sometime, but I don't expect that will be the case.

[Par-A-Medic]

[quote name='Shrapnac' timestamp='1354846564' post='6030271']
[quote name='PingG10guy' timestamp='1354800172' post='6026627']
[quote name='Par-A-Medic' timestamp='1354676274' post='6020017']
These are probably the smoothest balls on the planet
[/quote]

Yep!
[/quote]

Think they use wax or Nair?
[/quote]
Glad I'm not the only joker around!

[PingG10guy]

[quote name='Shrapnac' timestamp='1354846564' post='6030271']
[quote name='PingG10guy' timestamp='1354800172' post='6026627']
[quote name='Par-A-Medic' timestamp='1354676274' post='6020017']
These are probably the smoothest balls on the planet
[/quote]

Yep!
[/quote]

Think they use wax or Nair?
[/quote]
Not sure. I've only seen them in magazines and online. We'd need an answer from someone who's been up close and personal.

I'm sure they're amazing. They make great running shoes.

[gprointraining]

I have always heard rumors from my Asian clientele that Mizuno balls are regarded as the best in the Japnese market, may just be stories.

[WT Door]

I played 18 with the Mizuno MP-8 today and liked it - A LOT. No launch monitor or such but the temp was in the high 40s/low 50s with 10 kts of wind so I had plenty of room on the course to hit quite a few comparison shots with Pro V1, Pro V1X, B330-RX, e5, e6, and Hex Chrome. To put this in perspective, my driver and 6 iron ss are 102 and 86 and hdcp is 5. I have also seen on the market an MP-8X for higher swing speeds and JPX (which feels like an economy distance ball).

Driver: For me it was best of the lot. This is the least consistent part of my game so I hit a lot of balls with driver. Avg carry was at least as far as next best which were typically e6 and B330-RX but it seemed to roll out a little better. It did not balloon into the wind.

Irons: Performance was quite good. Very controllable in the wind. Did not stop quite as quickly as the Titleists or the B330-RX but was pretty close and was plenty playable even into the 5 iron. I'd say it was like the Hex Chrome with a little more distance in this regard.

Greenside work: Not its strongest suit with regard to spin. About like the e5 or Hex Chrome. Noticeably better than the e6 but not in the same class as either Titleist or B330. As noted above, there is another MP ball - the MP 8X designed for higher swing speeds. Based on observation in the store I would be surprised if it had better greenside control.

Durability: Superb. With the exception of one ball that had a slight scuff after bouncing off the cart path when I airmailed a green on a flyer, they looked practically unused after the round.

Feel: I saved this for last because it was my favorite part of this ball. I'm not quite sure how to describe it other than it felt 'heavier' or more substantial on contact. This was true at all swing speeds from driver, full mid iron, pitching, and putting. It was true on absolutely flushed shots and slight misses. Big misses feel like a pile of dung just like any other ball.

One previous poster said he had been told Mizuno balls are best in the market here. I've never seen one in play nor found one on the course. I have no marketing data but by pure anecdotal observation, Tour Stage is far and away the leader. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised more Tour Stage is played than all others combined. BTW, I do see quite a few Titleists out there.

I think this could be a very popular ball but it would have to be priced correctly. Here it sells for the same price as Pro V1/Pro V1X (which is substantially higher than the US equivalent btw). I'm not sure you could move anybody out of either Pro V (or any other premium ball) at the same price point due to the short game performance. I am fairly certain it would be regarded as an overall better package than the Bridgestone 'e' series, Titleist NXT, or even Hex Chrome. It is a near ideal combination for me but bigger hitters won't need the distance boost and short game wizards will want a little more responsiveness.

Best characterization based on today's evolution would be slightly better than e6 long game performance and e5 green side performance with superb durability and an unique - and fantastic - feel.

[damnorcross]

No chance that Mizuno enters the US golf ball market. No chance.

[STEC]

I wonder how these would compare to our top golf balls...

[sirukuma]

[quote name='STEC' timestamp='1355178567' post='6048001']
I wonder how these would compare to our top golf balls...
[/quote]
I've sampled Mizuno balls for several years and the current MP8/8X are as good as any top ball in US. I think the MP8 model is a very good balance between distance and soft feel/spin. I'm not a big fan of the new (intro March 2012) JPX line. I think they feel too "clicky" and don't feel as good with short game.

I do hope Mizuno stays out of US market. I usually bring back several boxes every time I go to Japan. Like to hand out a sleeve or two as a gift to anyone who invites me to a round at their club and the rarity of these goes over well and has helped me to make contacts to score invites to some very private clubs.

[WT Door]

Played another 9 holes with the MP-8 today. My impression remains the same. It is a very nice ball in all areas except greenside spin. It is certainly playable around the green but not in the same class as the Pro V1/V1X, Hex Black, Bridgestone 'B' series, etc. Folks playing NXT or 'e' series Bridestones may be moved for the right price but folks currently playing (and actually needing) premium balls would not likely be swayed.

[BigPete]

Officially launching in EUROPE (not in the US) in March - just this one ball for now.

[color=#000000][size=3][b]MP-S[/b][/size][/color]

[color=#000000][size=3][b][i][u]Tour Performance with ultra soft Urethene Cover[/u][/i][/b][/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3]The MP-S is Mizuno’s multi-piece tour level ball, with a new ultra soft, tacky urethane cover for exceptional traction on short greenside shots. [/size][/color]

[color=#000000][size=3]A combination of large inner core and highly resilient inner cover result in high initial ball speeds – with 318 large, shallow dimples to produce a mid trajectory and stable, efficient ball flight. [/size][/color]

[color=#000000][size=3]Though the MP-S offers a distinctive balance of touch and control that will predominantly appeal to skilled players - any golfer dealing with firm, fast conditions will appreciate its ability to stick to the green. [/size][/color]

[color=#000000][size=3]“[/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3][i]Mizuno launched balls into Japan in 2005 – with a plan to hold back from the western market until there was a construction that met the tour’s expectations. What we liked about the MP-S is that it stops as quickly as it takes off. We could tell from the first touch of the tacky cover, that it would be incredibly responsive around the greens[/i][/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3].” - Andy Kikidas, Tour Operations Manager[/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3][i]. [/i][/size][/color]


[color=#000000][size=3]· [/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3][b]Extra ‘tacky’ Urethene cover:[/b][/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3] New thermo-setting urethane cover for short game traction. [/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=3]· [/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3][b]Large inner core: [/b][/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3]Highly Resilient Polybutadiene Rubber for softest feel and high initial ball speed. [/size][/color]

[color=#000000][size=3]· [/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3][b]Highly resilient inner cover: [/b][/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3]Ionomer Inner for high initial ball speed. [/size][/color]

[color=#000000][size=3]· [/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3][b]318 Large Diameter Dimples:[/b][/size][/color][color=#000000][size=3] Provides a mid trajectory and stable ball flight.[/size][/color]

[H.A. Kerr]

Probably just re-badged Nikes.

[Honman]

I've played two rounds with these so far. Not bad. Decent length off the tee. Maybe a fraction short with the irons, lots of control around the greens, and a decent feel with the putter.

[Bad9]

[quote name='kloyd0306' timestamp='1354653593' post='6018111']
Many comments here are not only surprised that Mizuno makes a ball but then go on to say that attempting to break into the US market would be impossible.

The premise appears to be that all companies want to emulate Titleist or Taylor Made - that of being the biggest etc etc.

I'm not sure that Mizuno wants to be the biggest. I do believe, however, that they strive to be the best and as far their irons irons are concerned, many think they are the best.

Biggest is not best. Mizuno goes about their business in a calculating, conservative way and keep producing high quality products without the bling and the chest thumping.

They are not Taylor Made and likely do not want to be Taylor Made - they want to be Mizuno.

Do you not think that Taylor Made would love to have Mizuno's reputation for forged irons? You betcha!

If Luke found a substitute for his 2006 version of the Pro V and won his first major - who knows what would break.

Mizuno does things their way and in many ways are very successful.
[/quote]

People also seem to forget that Taylormade has only been in the ball market around 10yrs and Callaway not a whole lot longer.

[ckay]

Mizzy has been making balls for a while

[Hawkeye_7]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSXi8sTzyV0

[Sean25rp]

Any more thoughts on the MP-S ball from those in Europe?

[BigPete]

[quote name='Sean25rp' timestamp='1363364214' post='6617185']
Any more thoughts on the MP-S ball from those in Europe?
[/quote]

Easier to link here

http://www.mizunoforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16758

[BigPete]

They also released a mid range D201 distance ball btw

[url="http://golf.mizunoeurope.com/balls/"]http://golf.mizunoeurope.com/balls/[/url]

So -

US gets MPH4 full sets, better shaft choices and PlayFamously
Euros get balls, putters, shoes and occasional limited finishes
Japan gets everything and more

[Sean25rp]

[quote name='BigPete' timestamp='1363364497' post='6617223']
[quote name='Sean25rp' timestamp='1363364214' post='6617185']
Any more thoughts on the MP-S ball from those in Europe?
[/quote]

Easier to link here

http://www.mizunoforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16758
[/quote]

Thanks for this.

[naths]

Played a couple of rounds with the D201, and they are easily on a par with Titleists NXT range....which i normally use, very similar feel but if anything more spin on cleanly hit wedges and chips around the green....sorry Titleist i'v been converted to Mizzys!!...lol

[Heavy d]

i found a mizuno ball when they did testing at my local club and they are fantastic tons of spin around the green i would love for them to release them in the us

[Badgergolfer2]

[quote name='H.A. Kerr' timestamp='1360952606' post='6434971']
Probably just re-badged Nikes.
[/quote]
That might be a good jab if Nike balls werent just rebadged Bridgestones.

[Badgergolfer2]

Mizuno needs to offer these, along with the MP-A putters and golf shoes in the U.S. Period. Its silly that they dont.

[Alec Leamas]

Anyone else gaming the D201 and can comment on that?