The Mizuno Wedges are fantastic in all aspects, including their appearance, their feel and their performance. There are four different sole options available to deal with a variety of swings and situations. Grooves and CG are both meant to keep the ball spinning at a fast rate.
One of the most exciting developments in golf equipment recently has been the introduction of new wedge designs. Companies are expanding their offerings to include game improvements, the use of computer graphics that move in all directions, full-face grooves, high toes, raw faces and more. The new Mizuno T-22 wedges are developed with elements that are intended to maintain consistent and long-lasting spin. This puts the emphasis on the more experienced player.
Looks
The Mizuno T-22 is a small wedge that frames the ball without much extra while it is in the address position. Although Mizuno refers to the shape as a “Modified Teardrop,” it is impossible to adequately describe the complete line with just one descriptor. As the loft is adjusted, the head takes on a somewhat different form. Wedge clubs with a lower loft have a leading edge that is closer to being square than other types of wedges. The higher lofted wedges are more curved than the lower lofted wedges; they are taller in the heel and have a leading edge that is more curled. The 56-degree wedge, which can be seen in the image to the right, sits in the centre of the range of possible lofts.
There are three different finishes available for the Mizuno T-22 wedge: satin chrome, raw and denim copper.
As the branding is kept to a minimum, the attention in the bag is mostly directed towards the finish. The paint fill in the denim copper finish is mostly blackand the running bird logo has been left blank.
Sound & Feel
The “Nothing feels like a Mizuno” motto is justified when applied to the Mizuno T-22 wedges. Even when struck with a range ball, they have a feel that is both soft and sharp. It’s the type of feeling that makes you want to rake over another ball as soon as possible so you may experience it once again.
This sensation is due to Mizuno’s one-piece grain flow forging and an underlay of soft copper, both of which work together to create this sensation. It is important to keep in mind that the raw finish does not have the soft copper underlay; therefore, the texture may be somewhat different.
This wonderful sensation is accompanied by a soft hit that can hardly be heard. Because it is so quiet, the distinction between a true strike and a mishit is not nearly as clear as it would otherwise be. In a similar vein, the input that is received via the hands is rather little. In order for players to determine the position of the hit, they will need to pay attention to the strike.
Performance
After reading over the technical features of the T-22 wedge, it is clear that Mizuno placed a significant amount of importance on the spin. What is particularly impressive about them is the fact that they did not merely concentrate on producing a high level of spin; rather, they were built to produce spin even in damp conditions, maintain spin for an extended period of time and consistently.
A well-positioned CG is the foundation of high spin. This is achieved through Mizuno’s Spin Weighted Blade Design, which makes the top section of the blade thicker or thinner, depending on the desired outcome. The end effect is spin, which is much higher than usual at each loft. This increased spin can be seen across the board with wedge strokes, from pitches to complete swings and it’s a consistent trait.
HydroFlow Micro Grooves are etched onto the face using a laser by Mizuno in order to repel moisture. These are designed to “release moisture and reduce spin drop off.” In order to verify this, someone sprayed an extensive quantity of water across the face before each image was taken. They lived up to their reputation, maintaining an above-average amount of spin throughout their performance.
In conclusion, Mizuno used steel that had boron incorporated into it so that each wedge would have a longer lifespan. Because boron makes steel tougher, it should be able to maintain its freshness and spinniness for a greater number of rounds.
Even though a great deal of attention was placed on the spin, Mizuno did not overlook the importance of the sole. The Mizuno T-22 wedge is available in S, D, C and X grinds, each with its own unique characteristics. The S Grind has the broadest sole and it’s available in the most different lofts than any other sole. The next three grinds are each available in a total of five lofts. As one moves from D to C to X, the relief in the heel and toe becomes more acute, which makes it easier for the face to open up. The X, in accordance with Mizuno, is designated as being “for short game artists.”
During the testing, it was discovered that there was a discernible difference between the grinds, but one that was not as significant as what was seen with other brands. This is in line with Mizuno’s overall emphasis on improving player performance. When compared to the S Grind, the X Grind keeps the leading edge of the board noticeably closer to the ground, while the C Grind splits the distance between the two. It is also important to note that the sole of the X Grind wedge, which has a lower bounce than the others, seems to be broader than the soles of the other wedges.
Conclusion
Mizuno has produced a wedge called the T-22 that has a classic appearance but has modern upgrades to its performance. Players with experience will like the fact that the spin remains the same no matter the circumstances or the period of time. Golfers have lots of options to choose from, but it won’t be too overwhelming for them due to the four different soles.
