Mizuno is known for making some of the best irons in golf.
While they might not be known for their drivers, woods, or putters, they know how to make a phenomenal set of irons. Each year, they unveil new models to help more and more golfers with their mid-game.
2022 is no different as Mizuno rolled out the newest Mizuno Pro editions. There are three models that will likely be a huge hit for the company in the new year. Paired with their line of JPX irons, they have a set for every type of golfer.
But it’s important to play the right set for your skill level and swing. Keep reading to learn more about these awesome new irons and see which one is right for your game.
Mizuno Pro Irons Review for 2022
With their 2022 release, Mizuno has four types of their new Pro iron series; the 221, 223, 225, and the Pro-Flight long irons. While each one is made with a specific type of golfer in mind, they do share some similarities.
The first thing they all have in common is where they were designed. Mizuno is known for their master craftsmanship when it comes to making some of the best irons on the market.
These irons use one-piece Grain Flow from mild carbon steel at their facility in Hiroshima, Japan. They’ve been making clubs from this facility since 1968 which is wildly impressive.
Second, all irons feature a soft copper underlay which is a microlayer beneath the gorgeous nickel chrome exterior. This yields the purest irons out there and was first introduced in 2018 and further improved in 2020.
But that’s about all they have in common as each of the sets are customized for the specific type of golfer.
The 221 is made for advanced players with a smaller head length, sole width, and offset. While the 223 and 225 versions have a more forgiving design but still a player’s iron set. (If you’re not quite a player yet, head over to the best irons for beginners and high handicappers to find some irons that will help you grow into a better player.)
Mizuno Pro 221 Irons
The Mizuno Pro 221 series is the ultimate muscle back iron set. These are absolutely gorgeous from an appearance standpoint with their perfect shape and design.
Mizuno notes these were inspired by their past blades but have evolved to make them more friendly than old school irons. They offer the shortest face profile and narrowest top line, making them great for scratch and low handicap golfers.
Point-blank, this is a player’s set of golf clubs. If you struggle with ball striking still, avoid these or you’re just making the game much harder on yourself.
But if you’re an advanced golfer who loves to shape the ball, you’ll love these irons.
They are the shortest CG to shaft axis from 3-PW, to allow maximum playability. Whether you want to hit fades or draws into the green, these clubs make it easy. But since they’re so playable, they’re not nearly as forgiving as the other two sets.
What makes these unlike most irons sets is how much they change in the short irons. Following a lot of feedback from PGA Tour players, Mizuno made the 8-PW significantly smaller.
This reduction in size allows you to control the trajectory and have more shot shaping capabilities. Since you don’t need as much forgiveness in the shorter irons, they’re perfect if you like to flight them differently to attack the greens.
These are available in 3-PW and are the “weakest” of the three sets. Meaning, the lofts aren’t very strong as they’re made for higher caliber players who aren’t necessarily looking for distance. Currently, these are available in right hand only.
Mizuno Pro 223 Irons
Next up is the Mizuno Pro 223 series which are more forgiving than the 221. Despite being slightly more forgiving, they still offer a Tour profile and don’t have a thick topline.
As they said on their website,“The Mizuno Pro 223 was sized to get into the hands of tour players – where looks are the first barrier. The Mizuno Pro 223 is smaller than its predecessor, the MP-20 MMC – most noticeably in the scoring irons.”
The 4-7 irons use forged Chromoly with flow microslot for more speed in the longer irons. While the 8-PW offers 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon steel for more control and precision. The short irons are the same design as the 221 edition.
The 223 set is available in 4-GW in both right and left-hand options.
Mizuno Pro 225 Irons
The third version from Mizuno is the Pro 225 which is the most forgiving of the three main iron sets. But still definitely a player’s set of irons. This is the second generation of these irons and known by Mizuno as the “Hot Metal Blade.”
Don’t worry, despite their blade appearance they’re significantly more forgiving than they look. But they are more compact than the original HMB which is easy to see in the short and mid-irons.
The first major difference is the Grain Flow Forged 4135 Chromoly face and neck. This creates a thinner profile across the face to produce a higher ball flight and increase ball speed naturally.
This is offered up to the 7 iron, but things change in the scoring irons (like the other two sets).
While the 9-PW offers 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon steel for a more penetrating ball flight in short irons.
Another one of the biggest differences is the loft which is stronger than the 221 or 223. For example, the 221 has a 7 iron loft of 34, while the 223 has a 7 iron loft of 32, and this set’s 7 iron is 30 degrees. Stronger loft means more distance without any extra effort on your end.
This set is available in 2-GW, not that you need a 2 or 3 iron, but it’s possible. Some players will likely elect to purchase longer irons in these and pair with the 221 or 223 for extra forgiveness in long irons.
The 225’s are only available in a right-hand version at this time.
Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi Irons
Rounding out our list of the pro series from Mizuno is the Pro Fli-Hi long irons. There are quite a few differences from this set vs. the other three.
First, they are not a full set of irons but instead, a long iron replacement for those who want more ball speed. Basically, they’re easier to hit than the long irons in the three previous sets but don’t look like a driving iron or hybrid. The Pro Fli-Hi has a graphite shaft which helps with those pesky long irons that most of us struggle with.
Second, they have a much larger head length to help with forgiveness across the face. These Mizuno irons are slightly offset, with a wider sole for higher launch and easier to hit from different lies.
Finally, the appearance is quite different as well. The Pro Fli-Hi irons have a graphite black design, switching it up from the normal chrome appearance of Mizuno irons.
The result is a long iron replacement that looks sexy, launches it high, and is more forgiving than a normal long iron. These are available in three different lofts; 16.5, 19, and 21.5 degree options. At this time, they’re only available in right-handed models.
FAQs about Mizuno Irons
Do you have more questions about the latest new sets of irons from Mizuno? If so, we have answers below…
What are the stock shaft options?
Mizuno doesn’t sell their clubs on Amazon or major retailers so the stock shaft options vary. In fact, they work with you in a fitting session to find the right clubs for your game.
Like most golf club manufacturers, they offer a wide range of shafts from all the big names.
Do any pros use Mizuno?
Yes, Mizuno has plenty of players on the LPGA and PGA Tour. Some of them include Luke Donald, Keith Mitchell, Erika Hara, and others.
Does Mizuno offer wedges?
Yes, Mizuno offers a variety of wedges. Each of the three sets mentioned above all come with a pitching wedge and you have the option to invest in a matching gap wedge as well.
Additionally, Mizuno has an entirely different line of wedges in the T22 and ES-21. Both are great additions to any of their seven iron sets.
How do these compare with the JPX 921 Hot Metal Irons?
The Mizuno Pro series is made for lower handicap golfers. While there are three different designs, they’re still geared toward a more consistent ball striker.
While the JPX 921 Hot Metal irons are made with mid to high handicappers in mind. The JPX 921 series also has four different options.
That’s a total of seven different irons for this top manufacturer. Needless to say, there are plenty of choices in helping you find the perfect set for your swing.
Do any of the sets come with hybrids?
No, all these sets are irons only. They do not offer a mixed bag of hybrids as long iron replacements like Callaway and other manufacturers.
Mizuno does offer the CLK hybrid and JPX Fli-Hi.
The CLK is made to fill the gap between your fairway woods and irons. There are five loft options and you can adjust each by four degrees to make sure your set is gapped properly. This is also the most forgiving model and a great tool to attack longer shots.
The JPX Fli-Hi is a precision hybrid that is meant to replace the long iron(s) that you hate. They offer a wider footprint to make them more forgiving but still launch extremely high. Like the CLK, they offer adjustable hosels as well.
Or, you can opt for the Fli-Hi irons if you prefer a larger iron vs. a hybrid.
Should I get fitted for Mizuno irons?
Getting fitted for your golf clubs can benefit your game but it’s not for everyone.
Oftentimes golfers think that getting fitted is the key to instantly improving, when it’s not necessarily the case. Sure, it can help playing the right clubs for your game, but they won’t make up for marginal ball striking.
But if you’re a golfer who is committed to improving and want to learn more about shafts, flex, weight, and other specs, it’s worth it. Plus, Mizuno has the new shaft optimized 3D tool to make fitting even more effective. Visit their website to find a dealer near you.
Final Thoughts on the Mizuno Pro Irons (2022)
As you can tell, Mizuno has another huge hit on their hands with these new Mizuno pro irons. Each year, they seem to find a way to make these irons better and better. Plus, with three options, there is a set for every type of golfer out there.
Remember the Mizuno Pro 221 is for the most advanced players. They require a consistent swing and plenty of natural speed, so make sure you’re ready for these blade irons.
If you want more forgiveness but still playability, opt for the Mizuno Pro 223. These are the best of both worlds and great for mid-handicappers.
Finally, the Mizuno Pro 225 is best suited for golfers who want the most forgiveness of the three. They’re still very much a player’s club but also provide more distance thanks to the lower loft features.
Don’t forget the Fli-Hi irons too in case you hate hitting long irons and don’t like hybrids either. These are great long iron replacements that can help you on more challenging shots from longer range.
You can’t go wrong with any of the new Mizuno Pro irons in 2022.