Three New Balls Announced for March 2015

University collaboration leads to ‘Dimple-clusters’ for extra airtime.

Mizuno has revealed that its second wave of golf balls will land in Europe during March 2015. Accompanying the pro level MP-S and MP-X is Mizuno’s new ‘dimple-cluster’ concept ball, the JPX.

Working closely with the Fukuoka Institute of Technology, Mizuno’s research team identified that the ‘descent’ phase of ball flight was the least optimized by current dimple design. By adding a cluster of micro-dimples around each larger one, the collaboration found that descent could be slowed down – effectively extending airtime and distance.

By stalling the descent, we were able to increase the JPX’s overall airtime.” Masashi Tamakoshi – Head of Golf Ball Development.

“The micro-dimples have little effect at higher ball speeds generated at impact. However as the ball peaks and slows, they start to take effect. By stalling the descent phase just a fraction, we were able to increase the JPX’s overall airtime.” Masashi Tamakoshi – Head of Golf Ball Development.

The MP-S and MP-X balls continue Mizuno’s long standing relationship with the better player. After months of seeding both prototypes, the manufacturer is confident that it is ready for the next stage in its evolution as a credible ball manufacturer.

“We’ve been testing the new MP-S and MP-X since late September,” commented Alex Thorne, Head of Tour Operations. “This time round the younger elite players are more familiar with the Mizuno ball. We already have some highly ranked amateurs ready to put the new ball into play. The golf ball is possibly the most sensitive piece of equipment in a better players bag – so it’s better to work with the players young and bring them through with our specific feel and technology.”

“We are also working with Chris Wood with a view to him playing the MP-X on the European Tour in 2015. There are also 5 players on the Japanese Tour committed for 2015.”