Mizuno Pro 243 Irons vs Pro 245 Irons

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of the Mizuno Pro 243 irons vs Pro 245 irons.

I’m an avid golfer, 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

In this comparison of the Mizuno Pro 243 irons and Pro 245 irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which iron set I’d buy.

Mizuno Pro 243 Irons

The Mizuno Pro 243 irons are player distance cavity back irons.

The heads are compact, but the topline and sole are ever-so-slightly thicker than pure player irons.

Mizuno achieved some of the added distance by strengthening the lofts by a couple degrees throughout the set.

The 4-iron through 7-iron have a thinner 4120 Chromoly face, micro-slot, and lower COR for help with launch and more distance.

The 8-iron through wedge have more traditional construction with 1025 carbon steel and a shallower cavity.

Mizuno has also reengineered the sole for better turf interaction through the set.

I hit a few nice shots during my round. But, I couldn’t just swing away with these. I needed to swing more disciplined and let the clubs do the work.

Pro 243 Irons Specs

Club	Loft	Lie Angle	Length
4	22*	60*	38.75″
5	25*	60.5*	38.25″
6	28*	61*	37.75″
7	32*	61.5*	37.25″
8	36*	62*	36.75″
9	40*	62.5*	36.25″
PW	44*	63*	35.75″
GW	48*	63*	35.5″

Launch Monitor Data

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance (yds)	Peak Height (ft)	Spin Rate
GW	73	92	121.2	75.5	7110
PW	75.5	97.5	132.9	78.8	6043
9	77	102.7	144.7	70	5332
8	81	112	168.9	73.8	4347
7	81	116	178	61	3466
6	83.4	119.2	183.5	57.6	3349
5	85.6	122.3	191.2	60	3462
4	86.8	127	178	38	2495

Mizuno Pro 245 Irons

The Mizuno Pro 245 irons are muscle back player distance irons.

The heads are larger than pure player irons, but they aren’t large. The sole and topline are a touch thicker too.

The face and neck are constructed with 4135 Chromoly which allows for Mizuno’s thinnest face.

A 47g tungsten chunk is welded into the back piece and suspended above the sole, which allows the sole to flex a little with impact, improving COR. Mizuno says this helps with launch and carry in the long irons.

The 9-iron through wedge are 1025 carbon steel with a higher COR for a more penetrating ball flight and more accuracy.

What really stands out are the strong lofts. They’re one club stronger starting through the heart of the set.

I was able to launch the ball high and easily until the 6-iron. I still hit solid shots, but the flight came down noticeably. Same with the 5-iron.

I nailed quite a few shots during my round, but I don’t think it would hold most greens.

Pro 245 Irons Specs

Club	Loft	Lie Angle	Length
5	24*	60.5*	38.25″
6	27*	61*	37.75″
7	30*	61.5*	37.25″
8	34*	62*	36.75″
9	38*	62.5*	36.25″
PW	43*	63*	35.75″
GW	48*	63*	35.5″

Launch Monitor Data

NOTE: I hit the 5-iron terrible off my mat. (It’s mostly a 4-iron). I had much better luck during my round off of nice fairways with the ball sitting up. I striped more than a few.

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance (yds)	Peak Height (ft)	Spin Rate
GW	75	93	123.8	70.7	7211
PW	79	104	146.5	77.7	5736
9	78	110	162	74.6	4670
8	81	113	171	72.8	4042
7	84	118	181.5	68.6	3726
6	85	123	190.38	59	3342
5	85	119	181.5	53	3314

Testing & Playing The Pro 243s & 245s

I’m basically restarting my season with these two sets. I took 2 months off from playing or practicing.

So, I’ve accumulated some rust and I’m using club testing season to clean if off. But it’s a work in progress.

I was hit and mis during my rounds and my testing with both sets. The wedges and short irons are easy enough to hit well.

They look great at address with zero intimidation. They launch the ball well and carry a long way on center contact. The 243s are long. The 245s were looong to explosive when I caught them.

I got to test out the forgiveness quite a bit. Both fat and thin shots. I was appropriately punished by both sets. There’s help, but not a ton of it.

Flighting the ball into the wind is and shaping the ball are not a problem with either set. I got my normal slight draw when I swung well.

They both do a fine job out of the rough too.

Conclusion: You need to be able to hit your mid and long irons well to game these sets. I didn’t find as much help with launch as Mizuno advertised.

Are there big differences between Mizuno Pro 243s & Pro245s Irons?

Cosmetics…very much.
Distance on flushed shots stood out to me with the 245s.

Looks – 243s

The 243s are cavity backs and the 245s are muscle backs that resemble blades. I like, but don’t love the looks of either set.

I prefer the 243s.

Sound/Feel – Draw

Exceptional for both. So soft and solid without a hint of harshness, even on mishits.

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy – 245s…maybe

I give a slight edge to the 245s in the long irons – 5,6. It took work on my part to elevate them, especially the 5. But, they both go when you catch them.

Forgiveness – 245s

Again, a slight edge to the 245s in the long irons.

Distance – 245s

The 243s are plenty long when you flush them. The 245s were crazy long when I caught them.

Value – Draw

Pro 243s – ~$200/club
Pro 245s – ~$200/club

• Both expensive, but in line with premium player distance irons.

FAQs

Final Verdict

Man, these are close. Performance and feel are nearly a wash.

I think the deciding factor will be what you like looking at. I prefer the Pro 243 cavity backs to the Pro 245 muscle backs.

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Mizuno Pro 243 irons vs Mizuno Pro 245 irons.