by Kevin Caron, Club Fitter
Features: When it comes to wedges, manufacturers design the heads to perform consistently with regard to launch and spin as well as the overall feel, whether it is off the clubface or through the turf. With the T-22, Mizuno has improved in all of those areas. From a feel standpoint, Mizuno has introduced a soft feeling copper underlay in the head (Satin Chrome only) to increase control at impact but also to give the user a crisper feeling contact. Similar to their recent iron models, the T-22’s offer a one-piece Grain Flow forged head infused with Boron, allowing for similar groove design, softer feel, and a better durability. In regards to launch and spin, Mizuno utilizes a few design features to enhance performance. HydroFlow Micro Grooves appear on the face in an effort to help remove moisture from the hitting area to produce less spin drop off on shots where water may be present. The CNC milled grooves also vary based on the specific loft of each face. There are deep and narrow grooves in the 45-53 degree designed to mimic the performance and shot control that a player may get from their short irons. The 54-62 degree wedges have even deeper and wider grooves which help remove water, sand, and other debris from the clubface. This will surely increase the overall consistency of launch and spin on every shot. One awesome feature that Mizuno offers is the option of custom ordering wedges with every single degree of loft from the 45 degree all the way to the 62. This is great for the golfer who prefers exact loft gaps from one club to the next.
3 Finishes: There are three different finishes offered in the T-22 wedges:
- Satin Chrome: Traditional wedge finish that will match the appearance of most iron sets. Features a copper micro layer beneath Nickel chrome plating to enhance control and feel.
- Denim Copper: Weathered look that will patina over time with exposure to moisture.
- Raw: Softer metallic appearance. Does not come with the copper underlay but will naturally rust over time with some exposure to moisture for a tour inspired look.
4 Grinds: Mizuno offers the T-22 wedges in four different grind configurations:
- S Grind: The most squared shape from heel to toe. Designed for the golfer that prefers to play wedges similar to their irons. This sole has minimal relief in the heel and toe. Offered in lofts between 45 and 58 degrees.
- D Grind: This sole has a moderate amount of heel and toe relief. Designed for golfers who want to manipulate the clubface for different lofted shots around the green. Offered in lofts between 54 and 58 degrees.
- C Grind: Designed with heavy relief in the heel and toe. Better suited for either skilled players or golfers who play in firm conditions. The leading edge is more aggressive and lower to the ground allowing for crisp contact off of those tricky tight lies. Offered in lofts between 56 and 60 degrees.
- X Grind: The most heel, toe, and trailing edge relief. Designed to be the most versatile for players looking to hit all shot types around the green. Offered in lofts between 58 and 62 degrees.
Performance: Now let’s take a look at the most important part of the review and dive into some numbers from testing. To keep the amount of variables at a minimum, the same number of shots were hit with each wedge and with the exact same golf ball. The shafts on each club were the stock wedge flex that you would see on the rack (Dynamic Gold – S400). These are designed to control launch and spin on full swings while still having a great feel and performance on shorter shots around the green. I did my best to test each lofted wedge for the shots they would be used for on the golf course from anywhere between 50 to 120 yards. The 50 degree gap wedge was hit only on full swings aiming for 120 yards. The 54 degree was hit 75 and 100 yards while the 60 degree was hit 50 and 75 yards to mimic the ideal yardage that I myself would use them for on the course. Below are my averages for 5 shots with each wedge and included are the clubs specs as well as the desired yardage:
50* / S-Grind / 07* Bounce – 120 Yards (5 Shots)
| Club (Yardage) | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Landing Angle | Carry |
| 50* (120) | 26.4 | 7927 | 43.8 | 123.5 |
54* / D-Grind / 08* Bounce – 100 & 75 Yards (5 Shots Each)
| Club (Yardage) | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Landing Angle | Carry |
| 54* (100) | 29.1 | 10199 | 45.2 | 99.3 |
| 54* (75) | 31.0 | 7898 | 42.9 | 77.6 |
60* / X-Grind / 06* Bounce – 75 & 50 Yards (5 Shots Each)
| Club (Yardage) | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Landing Angle | Carry |
| 60* (75) | 31.8 | 9587 | 44.8 | 76.2 |
| 60* (50) | 30.7 | 8308 | 38.1 | 48.2 |
Final Thoughts: In my opinion, I am very pleased with the T-22 in all aspects. The look, sound, and feel are comparable with what you would expect from all other manufacturers, specifically the Titleist Vokey Design wedges. I enjoy looking down on them at address as the slightly slimmer topline and teardrop look gives off more confidence in the club’s shot making ability. The introduction of the copper micro layer in the head gives amazing feedback on all shot types from high flops to low spinners. Mizuno’s HydroFlow Micro Grooves are a great addition for launch and spin control on shots where moisture may be a factor such as an early morning round when dew is present. Visually, the finishes are a really good combination that should fit just about any golfer’s eye. From a performance standpoint, all three wedges did exactly what I was looking for. The launch angle, spin rates, and even the landing angles on stock shots were ideal, while the feel was superb. Very soft at contact while still giving off productive feedback on the touchy shorter shots. The only addition that I wish Mizuno would have put in the lineup would be a darker finish such as a matte black. Many other manufactures have introduced this finish into their regular lineup and they have performed/sold relatively well. Hopefully, that will become an option in the near future. All in all, these are great performing wedges and I highly recommend them for the vast majority of players.
