If you are reading this review, then I probably don’t need to give you a history lesson on Mizuno Golf. For years now, Mizuno has forged some of the best irons in the game from its Japanese base, and now it has released a new muscleback that will look to disrupt some of the best blades in the game; the Mizuno S-1.
Tech-wise, as always with a bladed iron, this section is a little thin on the ground; however, Mizuno would be keen for me to highlight some of the clever design features of the S-1. Starting with the new soft white satin finish that is designed to complement the refined aesthetic, but also to reduce glare.
The Pro S-1 is forged using Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forged HD process from a single billet of 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel. The inclusion of a copper underlay, which has become a Mizuno calling card, is designed to subtly refine vibration patterns to produce the purest, most satisfying feedback.
Furthermore, the S-1 incorporates a Channel Back Design that redistributes mass in an attempt to provide greater vertical stability and a more consistent center of gravity.
Finally, the S-1 introduces a re-engineered sole design that features a flatter camber, a sharper leading edge, and an additional degree of bounce to the Mizuno Pro 241.
In terms of the looks, I have precisely no notes! I will just let you admire the pictures I have taken, and hope that they do this beautiful club justice.
Based on tour feedback, Mizuno has produced a very compact profile with a square toe design, a thin topline, and straight edges that Mizuno says “convey discipline and purpose”. It is tough to argue with that. Along with the Pro S-3, Mizuno may well have the number one and number two in terms of best golf irons on the market for looks right now.
The performance in terms of raw launch monitor data would probably be exactly as you’d imagine from a moderately lofted (7-iron is 34˚) set of forged blades, and it was exactly what I would hope for. High levels of spin and predictable carry numbers were the order of the day, but it is the feel that is the real showstopper for me here.
Complemented by some nice, slippery turf interaction, the impact feel is otherworldly. The ball melts into the face, and it feels like I could tell you to within 0.1 of a millimeter where I struck each and every shot; the feedback is that good!
With the somewhat squat, compact blade length, manipulating the face is extremely easy, so the shot shapers out there will most certainly appreciate what is on offer from the Pro S-1.
Do you get high levels of forgiveness? No. Do you get much help with launch (other than the conservative lofts)? No. Is there any tech on offer to boost your distance output? Also no! However, what you do get with the Mizuno Pro S-1 is one of the most beautiful modern blades I have ever seen, combined with extraordinary feel and as much workability as anything I have tested. In the right hands, the Pro S-1s are as good as it gets.
