Back in 2010-2011, Bridgestone Golf was on top of the world. Not only were they making waves establishing themselves as the #1 Ball-Fitter in golf, a title which they still claim today, but they had also carved out a nice following when it came to golf clubs, specifically irons.
Well, in 2024, Bridgestone irons are back. We can give confirmation to the world that the 220 MB, 221 CB, and 222 CB+ as well as BRM2 wedges will be available here in the United States.
Bridgestone Irons of the Past
From the J38’s to the J40 CB and DPC, Bridgestone ions were lauded by many, including our staff as well as community members here at THP. Four years later, the J15 Cast, CB, MB, and DF all dropped stateside and they too were met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. However, in 2016 that momentum faltered a bit with the JGR lineup, and that was the last we saw of iron releases from Bridgestone in our part of the world.
Interestingly though, they never stopped producing clubs in the JDM market (as Tour Stage and Bridgestone), but here in the states the decision was made to put total focus on golf balls. What was the root of that decision? Was it the reception of the JGR? Perhaps it was the seismic shift in market share which the golf ball segment as a whole was undergoing? Maybe the leadership changes which occurred within Bridgestone at the time? Though we may never know the precise reasoning behind the move, it happened, and past is past.
That past makes this an interesting release from Bridgestone on many levels. First, though they are new to our market, the 22-Series of irons and BRM2 wedges are not designed specifically for here. In fact, they were previously released in the JDM market in 2022-2023. Second, that might actually work well here because they are irons where Bridgestone is getting back to their roots, player style irons that are forged in the legendary Endo Manufacturing facility.
This ensures that each design in this release will live up to the lineage of the J38 and J40 irons for feel and precision. Not only that, but they also seek to take what made those special, and bring them more modern without over-altering the DNA.
The Bridgestone 22-Series Irons
First up, the Bridgestone 220 MB irons are exactly what you would expect, classic blade irons. These look to showcase the Endo forging processes and are a traditional looking muscleback that has been brought modern with what Bridgestone is calling their “Tour Groove Design” for more consistency in spin while still offering the precise shot-shaping that the traditional MB center of gravity placement allows.
Next, the Bridgestone 221 CB is one that will tug at the heart-strings of those who loved the J40 CB irons. The set DNA is very much in line with those, as they are a one-piece forged small cavity back design. This move ups the MOI slightly to increase playability from the MB’s, just as the slightly wider sole intends. That sole does feature what Bridgestone is calling “sharp” leading and trailing edges as well, something that certainly appeals to a more finite segment of golfer. In a nice twist though, the 4 and 5 irons do feature a Dual Pocket Design to get the CG lower which helps the longer irons get up in the air easier and come down with a better descent angle. Also worth noting, the 221 CB 6-PW do have variable CG locations to optimize the set thanks to the “Gravity Control” design where the cavity shaping in each irons lets mass be relocated as needed within each individual head.
Then we have the Bridgestone 222 CB+ irons, which if the CB excited J40 CB users, then these will absolutely elate the J40 DPC and J15 iron users of the past. The CB+ are the most forgiving of the three forged iron offerings, and that is thanks to every iron in the set featuring the Dual Pocket Cavity design. This means lower CG thanks to mass being taken out and moved to the perimeter while also allowing for a slightly thicker center-of-clubhead portion to create a more dense feeling at impact. The sole here is slightly wider than the 221 CB which seeks to aid golfers who might need a little help through the turf. As with the CB, the CB+ also uses the “Gravity Control” design to help optimize the spin for each iron in the set.
The Bridgestone BRM2 Wedges
Finally, yes, there are wedges too. The Bridgestone BRM2 Wedges are one piece Endo Forged just like the three iron sets, and will be offered in just three lofts (52, 56, and 58) which is likely a good move by the company to not overextend. The wedges will come in two sole options, the M which offers heel and toe relief for versatility, and the A that provides more bounce for golfers who are more straight forward in their short game. While the shaping of the wedges has allowed for CG optimization, the story here is in the groove pattern which is inspired by Bridgestone Tire’s tread technology to increase overall spin as well as efficiency in non-ideal conditions.
The Details
The 220 MB and 221 CB irons will be available in 4-PW sets standard with Nippon N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour 120 shafts for $1050, while the CB+ will come 5-PW with Nippon N.S.PRO 950GH for $900. The BRM2 Wedges will come with Nippon N.S.PRO Modus3 Tour 120 shafts with a price to be announced.
Interestingly, initial availability of the new clubs will be exclusively through Club Champion for an undisclosed period of time. This comes back to Bridgestone Golf’s belief in fitting and optimization, though it will be interesting to see just how this aspect is received. As such, the standard shafts listed above will be the only ones available for “stock” purchases, and combo sets will not be available to order.
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