MX 200

I've had a few weeks to play with the MX 200 and I have to say they feel identical to the MX 25, perhaps a tad firmer on feel..but very close..you're not going to be missing or noticing much.  The heads are EXACTLY the same size and shape (less the newer graphics).  These irons are so much fun to hit and the feel is exceptional when you make contact.

I always hear other golfers saying "Oh, Mizuno..those are hard to hit.."  No, they aren't..period.  Ok, if you are just starting out..yes, these OR any cavity backed club will be "hard' to hit...or any club for that matter.  The MX 200 are such a joy to hit for the intermediate golfer.  I say if you are in the 20's or less (index) you will TRULY appreciate the MX 200.

The headsize is not too small nor a shovel like the Callaways..it's perfect and inspires confidence everytime you look down.  Seriously, you feel like "How can I miss with these?" It's the perfect size head for the intermediate golfer (see above).

If you are looking to replace your MX 25's (or previous MX's) check the MX-200 out FOR SURE!  With the MX-300 being out, you will surely find some good deals on used MX 200's (like me..off of Craigslist).  Anyway..keep'em straight!

Testing..

I've been playing with the MX-25 for a few years now and I've had no complaint about this fantastic set.  I've played with numerous sets throughout my golfing career, but the day I tried out the MX-25's..I was in love..again.  My introduction to the Mizuno family was way back when the T-Zoid Pro's came out.  I have to admit I was no where near the skill level to use these, but I had nothing to lose as well.  I was determined to become better to be able to use them..and eventually..after a few years..I was shooting in the low 80's on a consistent basis..and they felt like butter..as everyone who is familiar with the Mizuno forged feel can attest to.

So here we..fast forward..and I'm back with my first love.  The MX-25's off the bat and without a doubt are the most softest feeling set of forged irons I've ever tried.  Literally, if you hit your shots on the button they feel like you're hitting marshmallows..and who doesn't like doing that..right?

Well, after a few years I was at a crossroad.  My current MX-25's were getting beat up (I did get them used) and I had been furiously doing my own analysis of current Mizuno set out right now.  I ended up testing a set of JPX-800 PRO's.  At first glance they are gorgeous looking irons and have the identical headsize as my beloved MX-25's..and they're forged (unlike the JPX 800)..a must for me.  The satin finish is oh-so-beautful as well.  They have a little less offset than the MX-25, but nothing to scare me away.

Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving and in this case it was.  I got to play a few rounds with the JPX 800 PRO's and have to say they are much less forgiving than anticipated, compared to the MX-25.  They had that nice Mizuno forged feeling when you you made good contact, but the feeling was a much tighter and firmer feedback I'd expect from Mizuno.  I wouldn't say it was "clicky", but a muted version of that.  They did seem to have a penetrating flight but I'd say that has alot to do with the stronger loft and the firmer feel.  Either way the JPX 800 PRO's are a lot more to chew than expected coming from the MX-25's..which I think is still a much better feeling forged iron compared to the JPX 800 PRO.

Alas, I just got the MX 200 and althought I haven't tested them out yet, these are to be the EXACT replacement for the MX-25.  Even when I hold them side by side to each other..they are mirror opposites..less the new graphics (which some people have taken off) which I tend to like..the true Mizuno blue.  Once I get to play with the MX 200 I will let you guys know of the results.  But if looks are anything, oh wait that didn't work before did it?, well these MX 200's look like the twin brother/sister to the MX 25.  Stay tuned!!

Enough is enough!!

One thing I am adamant about is that my golf clubs must look "clean".  Clean meaning void of useless, cosmetically, un-appealing stamps, graphics, etc. from the manufacturer.  One of my favorite designs off all time, well used to be, was the classic Cleveland 588 wedges.  It was flat-out plain, clean and beautiful.  Lately, however, the latest Titlest wedges and Cleveland wedges are just flooded with so many engravings, stamps, etc. on the head that it makes me naseous..and just makes the wedges ugly..and appealing.  Do we need to be "reminded" by the manufacturer what the wedges do or how they are different.  Are we as golfers that dumb?  Does K.I.S.S. come to mind?

Take a look at the heads on the latest offerings from Titleist and Cleveland..yucK:

Do we need the flying "BV", "SM4"..really?..really?, and forgot it is a "Vokey Design"

 











and

No need for explanation here..who makes this again?  This would be so bad ass without 99% of their graphics.

Seriously, what is up?  Do we need to be "reminded" that it is a "SM4" and isn't the "BV" enough..did we forget it's a "Bob Vokey" design.  I play with the older generation Spin Milled and personally that the little circular saw blade was a tad atrocious..but learned to get over it..but now..ugh.

NOW..look at the 588..what the hell?!?  I understand that it's a forged club..that's why I bought it, right? but, please I don't need a stamp saying "Precision Forged" and what up with that weird emblem underneath the Reg. 588?  Yes, I guess it's supposed to stand for "CF"? Cleveland Forged..I guess...but once again..yucK!  I still never like their "Tour Zip Groove" stamp either..similarly in the same place as a Vokey SM stamp.  We are not dumB! or perhaps they'll soon be selling ad space by other companies on them.  I can see it now..a little Starbucks or McDonald's stamp..

Mizuno has seemed to stay true and realize that simple is good..simple is great..simple is simple:

Mizuno R12..perfect.

How beautiful is this?  Hullo Titlest..Cleveland?

If you guys want to see some other gorgeous and "simple" wedges check these out..but *cough* it's gonna cost ya, but soooo worth it"

I got it BAAAADDD!!

Signs that the golf bug has bit you on your ass (off the top of my head):

1. You check Craigslist and Ebay..incessantly.
2. You try to justify why you need to replace your current set (irons, woods, putters or all 3..lol)
3. You re-grip your irons when they aren't needed.
4. You scour the internet and sports/golf stores for the best prices and deals on Pro V1's.
5. You clean your irons better than your own teeth.
6. You golf bag is better organized than your own workroom..and you constantly re-organize.

For me:
1. Yes (scored major deals today..OMG so happy!!)
2. I bought, but sent back..seriously I love my current Mizzy's (Mx 25's)..what was I thinking?!
3. I contemplated it..and was going to get a great deal..but think old age is making me a wiser man..if it ain't broke why fix it..right?
4. Yep..
5. Yep..
6. Yep..