Mizuno Pro 221 irons are billed as “The Ultimate Muscleback” and one of four new models released for 2022. GolfReviewsGuide.com takes a look at the new release.
The 221 irons are part of what Mizuno describe as history in the making, and are joined by the 223 irons, 225 irons and the Fli-Hi irons.
The Mizuno 221s are the muscle back blade and have been based on the MP-20 irons, which they will replace. The biggest change is in the smaller clubhead size of the 8-iron to PW following tour feedback.
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What Mizuno says about the Pro 221 irons:
“Inspired by the iconic blades of Mizuno past – evolved to be more playable through incremental refinements in shape and weight placement.
“Bevelled for the appearance of a shorter face profile and narrower top line – without loss of mass in the upper blade.
“With dramatically more compact scoring irons than its predecessors. Grain Flow Forged in Hiroshima, Japan, with a soft copper underlay for a uniquely satisfying Mizuno sensation at impact.
“We’re obviously working in small increments on a Mizuno muscleback – we have to dig quite deep to get any negative feedback.
“The copper underlay and grain flow forging was such a great foundation on the MP-20. Players with a good eye will enjoy the subtle shape changes the set – especially the 8, 9, PW.”
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Mizuno Pro 221 Irons Design & Features
Mizuno have taken the popular MP-20 irons and improved them with a number of design tweaks based on feedback from stars of the tour.
The irons are constructed from one-piece Grain Flow Forged HD from carbon steel produced at Mizuno’s iconic facility in Hiroshima, Japan.
Like the MP-20s, they feature a microlayer of copper beneath a nickel chrome club head to give the softest feel of any Mizuno iron coupled with pure ball striking.
In a design tweak, Mizuno have moved mass from the heel and into the muscle pad in order to produce a more muted noise off the club face.
There is also a thinner top edge and a marginally shorter head length too for a more compact appearance that golfers have been craving.
The 8-iron to pitching wedge have also been significantly reduced in size compared to the rest of the set. The upper part of the blade has been heavily taped to help produce the perfect trajectory.
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Verdict: Are the Mizuno Pro 221 Irons any good?
These irons are sublime in looks and even better in performance the their predecessor the MP-20.
Subtle changes in the design have resulted in an even better ball striking and distance, while the dramatic alterations in the 8, 9 and PW is an interesting move.
There is a lot to like about these musclebacks, but they are for low-handicap golfers and real ball shapers. If you need more forgiveness, then the 223 model is more likely to be for you.
FAQs
How much do Mizuno Pro 221 Irons cost?
The irons will retail for £165 / $187.50 per club.
What is the Mizuno Pro 221 Irons release date?
The new irons will go on general sale from February 2022.
What are the Mizuno Pro 221 Irons specs?
| Iron | Loft | Lie Angle | Offset (Inch) | Length (Inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-iron | 21 | 59 | 0.102 | 39 |
| 4-iron | 24 | 60 | 0.098 | 38.5 |
| 5-iron | 27 | 60.5 | 0.094 | 38 |
| 6-iron | 30 | 61 | 0.091 | 37.5 |
| 7-iron | 34 | 61.5 | 0.087 | 37 |
| 8-iron | 38 | 62 | 0.083 | 36.5 |
| 9-iron | 42 | 62.5 | 0.079 | 36 |
| PW | 46 | 63 | 0.075 | 35.5 |
Stuart Bell provides insightful analysis of the latest golf equipment and reviews golf gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com. Life goal is to become a scratch golfer!
