What you need to know: With its first U.S. club launch in several years, Bridgestone isn’t just dipping it toe back into the water but jumping right in with three iron models: the 220 MB, the 221 CB, and the 222 CB+, all of which feature forged construction and precision-milled grooves. A line of BRM2 wedges also is being introduced.
Pricing/Availability: The 220 MB and 221 CB are available in 4-iron through PW ($1,050) while the 222 CB+ is available in 5-iron through PW ($900). The BRM2 wedges come in 52-, 56- and 58-degree lofts. The irons and wedges will initially be available solely at Club Champion to ensure every player is fit properly.
3 Cool Things
1. Mad skills only
The 220 MB, is a traditional muscleback iron with what the company refers to as a “Tour Groove Design” for consistent spin rates. Not for every day players, this iron is aimed at professionals and competitive amateurs looking for the precision over power in their iron game.
Bridgestone Golf partnered with legendary Endo Manufacturing in Japan’s metalworking capital, where the most skilled and experienced clubmakers ply their trade.
“We are very excited to be back in the club market with premium Japanese forged offerings that are true to the Bridgestone legacy of tour-quality equipment,” said Dan Murphy, president of Bridgestone Golf. “The new irons and wedges round out our full line of premium products including golf balls and accessories very nicely.”
2. A little bit of help
Like the MB, the 221 CB is a one-piece, forged construction but with some twists. The addition of a small cavity leads to a slightly higher moment of inertia to help mitigate ball speed loss on mis-hits. A wider heel thickness boosts stability while a sharp leading and trailing edge delivers smooth turf interaction.
The 221 CB also features a dual-pocket cavity design in the 4- and 5-irons, creating a lower center of gravity for improved trajectory and a steeper angle of descent on approach shots. The 6-iron through PW feature a progressive CG for optimal spin rates due by placing more mass in certain locations.
The 222 CB+ is the most forgiving of the three models and boasts a dual-pocket cavity design throughout the set that lowers the CG for easier launch with added forgiveness. A slightly thicker area in the center of the clubhead helps dampen vibration for improved feel at impact, while a wider sole allows the clubhead to slide through the turf with less digging.
3. Wedge it in there
In addition to irons, Bridgestone is offering forged BRM2 wedges in 52-, 56-, and 58-degree lofts, with a milled groove design inspired by Bridgestone Tire’s tread technology. The new wedges also offer a choice of two sole designs, the M, aimed at players who play a wide variety of shots around the greens that require an open clubface, and the A, with slightly more bounce that’s best for golfers who play both square and open face shots.
As for the limited retail presence to start with its iron and wedges, Murphy provides his rationale. “For now, we’re taking a scaled approach to clubs, focusing on premium irons and wedges with a heavy emphasis on fitting and customization. We have always believed strongly in golf-ball fitting and the importance of playing optimized equipment. We’re taking the same approach with clubs and encourage anyone interested in our premium forgings to take the time to get fit.”
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
