If you’re hoping for an in-depth essay elucidating how Mizuno infused Nanoalloy tech into the JPX ONE fairway woods and hybrids, I have some bad news. They didn’t. But not because they didn’t want to.
The simple explanation is that face materials other than titanium (e.g., carbon, Nanoalloy and possibly others) need plenty of surface area to create a clear benefit. So, because fairway woods and hybrids have smaller faces than drivers, the proverbial juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
That aside, it makes the JPX ONE tech story that much simpler and straightforward. Score one for brevity.
And as much as I don’t love it when my beloved fairway woods get the “matching luggage” treatment, the reality is that, in most cases, brands lead with the driver, understanding that the rest of the metalwoods sales tend to draft off how the driver performs at the register.
So, while this fairway wood and hybrid story majors in subtle refinements, the minor details reveal an intriguing set of features and benefits at a fairly refreshing price point, all things considered.
JPX ONE fairway and hybrid construction
The tech story regarding the JPX One fairways and hybrids is, as mentioned, not a significant departure from what you’ve heard before. Mizuno’s keystone fairway wood tech remains its Cortech Chamber. This “through-slot” construction pairs a dense stainless-steel weight with an elastomeric TPU which removes some stress from the clubface while providing for increased deformation.
Compared to the previous Cortech Chamber, the updated version widens the gap between the internal metal and the body, mostly in the heel and toe. And while this marginally improves top-end ball speed, the chief benefit is improved ball speed and forgiveness on off-center strikes with no negative impact on center-face performance.
The rest of the parts and pieces
A wraparound ultralight nine-gram composite crown removes weight from where you don’t want it (above the center of mass) and allows Mizuno engineers to reposition it in more advantageous locations. Most noticeable to consumers is the standard eight-gram weight affixed to the rear of the clubhead, although a significant portion of the weight savings is reallocated to the Cortech Chamber structure.
The body material is SUS630 steel and Mizuno again uses a MAS1C forged face insert. Where the fairway wood and hybrid differ is in face topology with the JPX ONE hybrid featuring a uniform eight-millimeter face thickness and the JPX ONE fairway woods leveraging variable-face thickness.
One additional note: Mizuno blunted the leading edge on the JPX ONE fairway woods a bit more to reduce turf interaction and give golfers a better chance at clean contact from varied lies. It’s not a major visual difference but it should provide some benefit.
JPX ONE lofts and options
At least in the metalwood space, it’s fair to consider Mizuno a challenger brand. As such, the JPX ONE name is entirely appropriate, given that Mizuno has a single model in each category. What this leaves out are designated low-spin, draw-biased or otherwise niche setups which might limit golfers looking for something other than a “core” model.
The JPX ONE fairway is available in 3/15°, 5/18°, 7/21° and 9/24° models. Mizuno doesn’t have a designated mini driver (yet) although there is a 15°/3T option if you’re looking for a slightly lower, more penetrating trajectory.
The JPX ONE hybrid is available in 3/19°, 4/22°, 5/25° and 6/28° models. As with the JPX ONE fairway woods, every model includes a Quick Switch Adapter with multiple lie settings and +/- 2° of loft adjustment.
My $0.05
Mizuno wants to become a more serious player in the metalwood game and the best way to accomplish this is by giving golfers a reason to try (and hopefully purchase) its driver. The Nanoalloy tech story is solid and should create enough intrigue to move its market share in a positive direction. How much? It’s always tough sledding when Callaway and TaylorMade will likely account for the majority of sales. Then you have to consider that PING, Titleist and COBRA will eat up a good chunk of what’s left.
So, if Mizuno gains any measurable market share in this category, it’s going to be based on performance and possibly because their pricing is $50 to $100 less than most competitors.
What does any of this have to do with the JPX ONE fairways and hybrids? Not a whole hell of lot other than a tacit acknowledgement that Nanoalloy will be instrumental in driving eyeballs to the JPX ONE driver and hopefully some percentage of those eyeballs are in the market for a matching fairway wood (and hybrid!)
Pricing and availability
The JPX ONE fairway woods are $349.99 and JPX ONE hybrids are $279.
Pre-sale begins Jan. 12 with full retail availability Jan. 22.
For more information, product specs and sundry details, visit mizunogolf.com.
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