Bridgestone Golf unveiled today a lineup of classic forged irons and wedges. Each model, according to the company, is forged from ultra-premium materials in Japan and is aimed at players who appreciate the look, feel, and performance of traditional designs. To ensure the highest possible quality and consistency from iron to iron, Bridgestone Golf partnered with legendary Endo Manufacturing in Japan’s metalworking capital, where the most skilled and experienced clubmakers ply their trade.
“Historically the Bridgestone brand has been synonymous with best in class forged irons that are built to exacting standards, and this product continues that tradition,” said Elliot Mellow, marketing manager, Bridgestone Golf. “This family of irons can fit the best players in the world, as well as amateurs, and has already been in play at the tour level. Each one of the sets delivers the perfect balance of launch and spin for maximum performance for various player profiles.”
Bridgestone’s family of irons is comprised of the 220 MB, the 221 CB, and the 222 CB+, each of which feature premium forged construction and precision milled grooves. The 220 MB, which is a traditional muscleback iron with an exceptionally precise Tour Groove Design for consistent spin rates, is aimed at professionals and competitive amateurs looking for the most exacting performance possible. Like the MB, the 221 CB also features a one-piece, premium forged construction but with the addition of a small cavity for a slightly higher MOI, a widened heel thickness for enhanced stability, and sharp leading and trailing edges for smoother 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-PW in the CB set feature varying CG locations for optimal spin rates due to a Gravity Control design that places more mass in critical locations in the clubhead.
The 222 CB+, the most forgiving of the three models, features a dual pocket cavity design throughout the set that lowers the CG for easier launch, added forgiveness, and higher trajectory shots. 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. Like the CB, the CB+ also features a Gravity Control design to promote optimal spin rates throughout the set for improved control and stopping power on the greens.
In addition to the irons, Bridgestone is offering new BRM2 wedges that are also forged from premium materials in Japan. Available in 52-, 56-, and 58-degree lofts, the new wedges feature a milled groove design with an aggressive pattern inspired by Bridgestone Tire’s tread technology. The new BRM2 wedges ($150 each) also offer a choice of two sole designs, the M, which is aimed at players who play a wide variety of shots around the greens that require an open clubface, and the A, which has slightly more bounce and is best for players who play both square and open face shots.
The 220 MB and 221 CB are available in 4-PW ($1050) with Nippon PRO Modus3 Tour 120 steel shafts while the 222 CB+ is available in 5-PW ($900) with Nippon PRO 950 GH steel shafts. BRM2 ($150/each) wedges come standard with Nippon PRO Modus3 Tour 120 steel shafts in 52-, 56-, and 58-degree lofts in the M Grind and only 58-degree loft in the A Grind.
“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. And the new irons and wedges round out our full line of premium products,including golf balls and accessories very nicely,” said Dan Murphy, president of Bridgestone Golf. “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.”
Bridgestone’s new 220, 221 CB, and 222 CB+ irons and BRM2 wedges will initially be available at Club Champion, ensuring that every player is fit properly before putting one of the new iron or wedge models in play.
Photos Courtesy of Bridgestone Golf