JPX850 Driver – What’s The Lowest Spin Setting?

The JPX850 Driver was launched into Europe during February – which has given the Mizuno UK Fitting Staff a little while to get to grips with the new Fast Track system.

While the tour players gravitate to a low spin / fade weight position (middle front and toe), we wanted to see what amateurs and club pros were favoring.  Simon Smart, a Mizuno UK fitter and serious ball striker himself has probably fitted more golfers to the JPX850 than anyone in Europe.

JPX850 Driver with weights set middle and front

Simon has the weights set to middle and front….for him the best feeling setting.  “To me the driver just feels a little more solid with the weights central. I can get pretty similar numbers with the weights in the side ports – but it doesn’t quite have the same feel to me there.

“Having said that – weights in the side ports is the most common outcome as it makes a 440cc head pretty forgiving. Pretty often I’m fitting the driver with the weights in that setting, then using a higher loft. For lots of people those side settings keep the spin very low as well – so they need that extra loft.”

“Weights in the side ports is the most common outcome as it makes a 440cc head pretty forgiving.” Simon Smart.

While we observed, Simon smashed his own JPX850 (with Speeder 6.3TS shaft) to the back of The Wisley’s never ending range.

Simon smashes his 850 at The Wisley

Simon’s own driver (with Speeder 6.3TS)

• Total Distance: 333.9 yards
• Spin rate: 2267
• Launch angle: 11.8 degrees
• Ball speed: 179.6 mph

Then with the weights set to the external ports and a slightly looser swing;

• Total Distance: 340.7 yards
• Spin rate: 1927
• Launch angle: 11.3 degrees
• Ball speed: 179.6 mph

Checking out the data

“I still prefer the weights through the middle,” said Smart. “It’s a feel thing. The draw settings aren’t for me – but again it does help to release the hands.”

So is the JPX850 only a driver for the stronger ball striker? “It’s a very low spinning head – so it’s definitely a high ball hitters driver,” replied Simon. “If you’re the sort of player who struggles to get it airbourne, then this isn’t for you. But for the guy who spins it a little naturally – it’s got the tools to generate some extra yards. It’s the lowest spinning head i’ve ever played.”

Simon demonstrates his point by losing a few yards with the higher spinning EZ driver. The lower centre of gravity brings his launch upto 14.8 degrees and spin to 2782 spin. Though most mortals would kill for the resulting total yardage of 321.

The Motore Speeder 6.3 TS and Mizuno Orochi shafts

What about the shaft? With the Speeder 6.3TS available at a pretty reasonable upcharge, has there been a rush away from Mizuno’s own Orochi? “No – in the end most players walk away with the Orochi. It’s a slightly lighter shaft and generates a bit more spin……which most players find they need with this head. Most people are trying to prove that the ‘standard’ shaft isn’t right for them – and are a little disappointed to find out that it’s the best one for them.

“You do get people who ignore the numbers – but on the whole, most people face up to facts when given a choice of +/- 10 yards.”

Simon Smart is one of a number of Mizuno Fitters at events across Europe. Check out our schedule.