JPX-825

A new L-Face construction enables a rounded edge between face and sole allowing the face to flex like a much larger surface - for higher ball speeds and incredibly long flight. A maraging steel was chosen to ensure the L-Face flexes to maximum effect across the largest possible area.

It seems a little strange to look down on a wood today and see a black head and shaft still lying behind the ball.

The clubhead is bigger than it looks and that was appealing, yet I'm not particular taken by the unusual triangular-shaped head.

Alignment is decent enough but the sole design will not be winning anything in the beauty stakes. I also found that sun shining down on the crown was a slight problem.

Another interesting trait here is the slight onset hosel that positions the leading edge of the face more in front of the shaft.

Smooth to swing and feedback was subtle but easily perceived thanks to its patented Harmonic Impact Technology. The clubhead felt heavier at address, and that delivered exceptional energy through impact. As always, nothing feels like a Mizuno.

But performance is where this club really excels - much more so than the JPX 825 driver. Solid enough distance and off-centre hits still went straight off the deck. Hitting my favoured draw wasn’t as easy as some of the others I've tested this year but all in all, a very consistent ball flight.

Verdict

Although I didn’t like the shape of clubhead, feel and performance was both hard to fault. Easy to launch, forgiving and powerful. There are, however, only two lofts available and no adjustability which may hinder some players.

Pro Verdict - PGA pro Grant Guerin

Sleek looking club that’s versatile enough to hit all of the shots I want. There’s a little too much glare on the crown in the sun, but I quite like the unusual looking head shape. Ball striking felt really nice, too. This fairway gets high marks for distance, feel and appearance. 

Click here to see how the Mizuno JPX-825 got on in our Ten of the Best fairway woods test.