Mizuno - Your thoughts on their 'brand'

[thecraw]

Mizuno = quality. Plain and simple in my mind.


There are a few manufacturers out there that if you asked 90% of the British golfing public they wouldn't have a clue on. The biggest is still probably Adams Golf (now TM) who are huge in the states but seen as "cheap" over here by people who don't have a clue.

Add in quality manufacturers like Fourteen, Scratch, Royal Collection etc which again will leave the majority scratching their heads.

Brand snobbery is rife (boom boom) I like my Puma shoes and UnderArmour clothing and a lot of that is down to personal perception and even experience. For instance, Galvin Green. I can appreciate the following they have and the amount of people who will buy them based on media exposure and X,Y and Z wear the brand so they perceive it must be the best. I wouldn't touch another GG jacket as I had two which were replaced within 3 months due to leaking.

 

[splashtryagain]

Agree they are quality clubs - didn't like the mp59 or 63 when I went for a fitting though (have used comp ez and mp33 (best looking club ever?) before!) I disagree that they have never entered the "argos" variety of clubs - anyone remember the widec or astro? Unfortunately for Mizuno I think other brands have closed the gap on them in terms of forged, good looking irons. They are no longer the epitome of class and quality as other companies have released irons to compete.

 

[dufferman]

I rather like them actually

I'll agree that Mizuno don't advertise half as much as the other names (Cally, TM, Nike etc) but then again neither do Miura, Vega or MacGregor (......And Orka) but they do some fantastic equipment.

It's like any sport. One you actually participate in it and learn more about it the more you understand about the quality you get from each manufacturer.

I'm a (teeny, tiny) bit brand loyal to Mizuno, simply becuase of the quality they offer. The "Made for" version of the Fubuki shafts in my woods absolutley muller the TM Made for (Especially the Motore in the R9). The quality of their forgings, as has been said, is fantastic especially for players at handicap level proving you don't need to play on tour to sample fine, forged heads.

I used to consider Nike a lesser make, a trainer maker if you will, but not any more. Some of their equipment is simply excellent. Mizuno dabble in other sports such as running, judo, volleyball etc. Does this mean that Mizuno should be branded a tranier maker also?

If so, you could say the same about a lot of companies in the industry with TM being owned by Adidas. Puma owning Cobra. Titleist being owned by Fila. Would this change your opinion on these brands?

I think the reason I had those thoughts (as with Jungle, since joining these boards as well as really learning about the game my idea of Mizuno has changed) was because of the lack of advertising, so to a newer golfer they walk into American Golf with Taylor Made and Callaway already in their minds as the best clubs. It is interesting to see how people who know about the brand and people who don't know a huge amount (mainly new golfers) compare.

I'm not dissing Mizuno or saying they're doing anything wrong as such, just as a youngster my opinion was different because of the lack of advertising. I guess it says a lot about the power of brand advertising and big names really!

 

[Monty_Brown]

Good thread this.

Brand and reputation can be very fickle things and it can take the smallest thing to damage or boost a brand and send a firm soaring or crashing.

In my mind the "quality" brands in golf: Mizzy, Titleist

Mid level: Callaway, Ping

That leaves Taylor Made, Nike, Wilson, Cobra (and yes I play a lot of their gear) as seemingly less classy brands. That is a purely subjective view and I am happy to accept that all firms make good kit at various times, and conversely, even good firms occasionally make some duff products.

The key is to know how to spot the good stuff from the bad, irrespective of who makes it.

 

[Scottjd1]

I like Mizuno, I like the look of their irons and what they try to accomplish. Having played Callaway Fusion irons for a few years, which were a club I beleive that were one of the first to put the plastic in the back, I was keen to play simple, well made irons.

I like the fact they are recognised as quality without ramming it down your throat, also, they do update/revise their range but not every 5 minutes to tempt you into the latest offering.

I cant see me changing away from them for my irons.

 

[LeeTurner]

In terms of non golfing use check out this thread: http://www.mizunoforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5733 . You might be surprised, boxing boots, football boots, baseball kit etc.

Best pic in the thread is David Cameron wearing Mizuno trainers.

 

[Minhoca]

They thrive on a solid reputation they have built over the years... No advertising required! At £699 a set for their MP ranges I wouldn't put them in the poorer club makers bracket.

They are understated but up there with the big boys, I like to think of them as the Aston's of the 'superclub' market!

 

[Karl102]

Nail on the head!

Mizuno invest a lot in Athletics. They make excellent running shoes and spikes. Kind of on the same level as the Asics brand. Just depends on your interests, what you follow and the size of the company!

 

[Qwerty]

I believe their running trainers are superb as well, specialist trainers like the relatively unknown Brooks and Saucony.

 

[Fader]

Forgot to mention earlier, they make some top of the range Gi's for martial arts, as well as training gear. Mostly worn in Judo, but have seen some in Taekwondo events and BJJ comps i've been in.

Very high quality and very well priced.

 

[Minhoca]

top of the range Gi's for martial arts, as well as training gear. Mostly worn in Judo and BJJ comps i've been in.

Very high quality and very well priced.

I Totally agree with this!

 

[Alex1975]

They have a large selection in their stable but they only change the stable every two years.

I understand the JPX825 Pro will replace their JPX800 Pro and MP53 so there will be less if that is true.

Mizuno tell me "Yes - The JPX825 Pro will replace JPX800 pro. The new MP-64 is a combination of the MP-63 and 53." So no 54 coming and one less in the range.

 

[Deleted member 15717]

Got to say, I love my JPX-800 Pro's and I don't think I would have any other iron than Mizuno! My next set will be a set of MP irons though. I love the 59's and the 64's....but may just have to wait another year or so!

 

[Alex1975]

Got to say, I love my JPX-800 Pro's and I don't think I would have any other iron than Mizuno! My next set will be a set of MP irons though. I love the 59's and the 64's....but may just have to wait another year or so!

JPX 825 Pro are screeming at me... Mark Crossfield is uploading a review on them now. I am interested to see how they have thinned the top line and have a progressive offset. I really dont need them as the 800 Pro are good but... I can dream...

 

[RGDave]

and whilst I was playing as a youngster, Mizuno as a 'brand' seemed a bit - well, cheap. I'm not posh or only believe in £££ brands, but, growing up, Mizuno kinda looked like they were in the same league as Dunlop & Slazanger (not from a golfing POV, just from a 'brand' POV).

Never thought that myself. Then again, I only ever heard of them in 1992 when I started playing and ONLY in golf terms.

I think my daughter (she runs properly) has some Mizuno footwear? I'll ask.

They made excellent clubs 1990-onwards, but t.b.h. the bags were dodgy.

 

[sydney greenstreet]

I have always thought of them to be a great brand, and i might be wrong but were not Dunlop and Slazenger a top brand back in the 50's 60's and 70's ?

 

[sydney greenstreet]

Never thought that myself. Then again, I only ever heard of them in 1992 when I started playing and ONLY in golf terms.

I think my daughter (she runs properly) has some Mizuno footwear? I'll ask.

They made excellent clubs 1990-onwards, but t.b.h. the bags were dodgy.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...sports&hvadid=21809597&ref=pd_sl_7gepzi9ttj_b

 

[dufferman]

Never thought that myself. Then again, I only ever heard of them in 1992 when I started playing and ONLY in golf terms.

That's what I mean - as an overall 'sports brand' I never thought much of them. They were in the same league as Dunlop and Slazenger, whilst their clubs might be good, when you can pick up a driver for £25 in Sports Direct it doesn't scream 'quality'!!!!!

 

[Karl102]

JPX 825 Pro are screeming at me... Mark Crossfield is uploading a review on them now. I am interested to see how they have thinned the top line and have a progressive offset. I really dont need them as the 800 Pro are good but... I can dream...

Glad it's not just me! They look amazing !!!

 

[patricks148]

That's what I mean - as an overall 'sports brand' I never thought much of them. They were in the same league as Dunlop and Slazenger, whilst their clubs might be good, when you can pick up a driver for £25 in Sports Direct it doesn't scream 'quality'!!!!!

you can't pick anything up for £25 that Mizuno make in SD .

Not quite sure what yyou are getting at?

Aston Martin don't spend that much on TV ads does that mean the are a budget brand, just cos you had not heard of mizuno does not mean anybody else has.

And how does selling a set of Irons starting at £500 upto £700 make them budget?