More than a decade after they were first released, Mizuno has announced the latest model of its Fli-Hi long iron replacement, which seeks to make the higher end of your irons more playable and consistent.
Merging the benefits of both an iron and hybrid together, the JPX Fli-Hi aims to allow golfers to launch the ball high and land it soft, making it a real weapon when approaching the green even from greater distance.
The Fli-Hi is designed to transition seamlessly between the woods at the top end of the set and the short irons, producing what is effectively a combo set. The models range from 4 to 7, with the numbers representing the iron that they are intended to replace.
The JPX Fli-Hi’s ‘face-forward’ profile is geared towards high launch, as it allows the leading edge to glide through the turf at impact to retain loft and get the ball going more easily.
The Wave Soleplate works to allow the front section of the sole to flex which increases ball speeds, especially on those lower strikes which usually lose distance easily.
The Drop Down Crown design is said to aid with visual alignment at address, as well as mirroring the top line of an iron which may suit some people more. It allows more weight to be moved further down in the club head which again helps with a higher launch.
A Flow Cog Design has been incorporated into the clubheads which takes account the fact that irons become harder to launch the longer they are. In the longer 4 and 5 models, the weight is further back in the head to create easier launch, whereas in the 6 and 7 models the weight is slightly further forward to stop the ball going too high.
Available from February, the JPX Fli-Hi's will cost £120 each and will be available in four right hand lofts – 19˚ (#4), 22˚ (#5), 25˚ (#6) and 28˚ (#7). The simple and effective technology could benefit many golfers by creating a forgiving and easy-to-hit iron replacement without the price tag of a top-end hybrid, so go and try them out to find out if they could be what your game is missing.