Mizuno Vs Honma

Beneath the buzzwords and brand identity that golf brands use to market their products, how much of that actually translates to performance improvements and a better overall score? Japanese brands, in particular, are known to be well made, but if you take two opposing brands like Mizuno and Honma, is either actually better than the other?

Mizuno has a broader range of golf clubs and sporting equipment with a much lower cost barrier. On the other hand, Honma clubs are known to be very well made but tend to be much more expensive on average. Regardless, you can find suitable clubs for all skill levels within each brand.

Although skill will always reign supreme, having the right equipment will go a long way in improving your performance. Today, I’ll shed some light on both Mizuno and Honma to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get into it!

Mizuno Vs Honma: A Direct Comparison

Shaft flex, feel, and feedback are integral to a good club and can make or break your game. Still, when choosing a club, it’s essential to ensure you match your wallet to your desired performance. 

Let’s take a look at both factors and see how each brand measures up.

Performance

In terms of performance, both brands have substantial advantages here. Both have forged irons instead of cast, which many say results in a better overall feel and feedback when they strike the ball.

There is some truth to this beyond just selling the product, but in reality, the difference for most players is minuscule. What really matters is the form factor of your club and how it feels to you.

So if you want better performance, a brand with a well-made custom fit and greater variety to tailor that fit even more wins. 

With this in mind, Mizuno is a clear choice. While there is something to be said for Honma’s forging process and the effort put into each club, the sheer variety that Mizuno offers is staggering. 

With so many options for grip, shaft, clubhead, material, and even various balls with different cores (Honma only sells a dual-layered ball), you’re much more likely to find the perfect fit with Mizuno.

Cost

While performance improvements can be minimal depending on player preference and skill, the cost is a more objective point. Here, Mizuno is by far the cheapest option, especially considering the variety they offer.

Honma’s cheapest offering, the TW757 B Iron, will set you back over $200, a significant leap from Mizuno’s cheapest offer.

Mizuno’s variety also plays a part here, as you can find a lot of good equipment at relatively affordable prices. 

If you’re a beginner, I’d advise you to always go for what’s cheapest. Getting your form and swing right is far more important than how much your equipment costs. 

To put it in perspective, spending $1000+ on a “premium” club without proper skill is the equivalent of putting a high-end engine in a 20-year-old Peugeot. It’s nice to have, but you’ll likely be unable to take advantage of the improvements. 

Considering that some of Honma’s clubs sell for nearly $20,000, you’re much more likely to get better mileage from a Mizuno. 

Still, if you’re actually in the market for luxury, Honma should be your first stop. While they cost a lot, they are exceptionally well made, and you’ll be sure to turn heads at any course.

The Verdict

Mizuno is a significantly better choice as a middle-ground between cost and performance. It’s also the more popular brand, so getting a custom fit is easier. On the other hand, Honma is a luxury golf brand that maintains its niche well— premium quality with a price to match.

Regardless, always remember to hit with your club before buying it. There’s no replacement for personal experience, and what feels good to you might feel worse to a different  person.