TEST: Mizuno MP-15 irons

These well-crafted irons blend good looks and technology for better striking. So how did they play?

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Mizuno MP-15 4-iron to pitching wedge, fitted with stiff-flex steel shafts.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: These are really sleek-looking clubs – attractive in a visual way and in a golf way – as Mizunos always are. They feel good to swing; well-balanced if a little imposing thanks to the compact nature of the clubhead.

VERDICT: I enjoyed hitting the MP-15s. They were far more user-friendly than I suspected they were going to be. Yes, there was a bit of an adjustment period early in the round but overall I was able to generate the kind of strikes I was hoping to see and still with forgiveness on mis-hit shots. Impact felt like hitting butter and the sweet spot played larger than it seemed like it should, given the design of the iron, and was genuinely lenient outside that spot. For distance the MP-15s are similar to my irons but I did find it more difficult to curve shots with them when required. The flip side is I hit these irons much straighter.

WHAT I LIKED: The forgiveness. My bad shots still flew relatively straight and despite falling marginally short still behaved like good shots.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: It might sound odd – especially after really liking these irons – but I still view these as visually intimidating clubs. Rightly or wrongly, I’d have a hard time getting over that.

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Mizuno MP-15 4-iron to pitching wedge, fitted with stiff-flex steel shafts.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I’m normally a cavity-back iron player so I’m keen to try a set of blade-style irons. These are attractive clubs that feel good to swing. I can really sense the weight of the clubhead as distinct to feeling the weight of the shaft, which I like. They’re easy clubs to set up to – you don’t have to consider too much at address because of the way these irons sit.

VERDICT: The MP-15 irons felt great to swing. I didn’t have the best day on the course but it wasn’t down to these clubs. I found them very comfortable to hit and sensing the weight of the clubhead helped the flow of my swing. Impact felt solid, but comparable to most other clubs. The feedback from contact was excellent but these are definitely irons for better strikers as there isn’t the forgiveness of some other models – not that I expected that. For distance and accuracy, my best strikes with the MP-15s were comparable to my irons and other irons I’ve hit. I’d happily trial these irons again.

WHAT I LIKED: The overall feel of the clubs. They feel well-balanced, which creates confidence.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I can’t say anything bad about the clubs but I sense it would take time to grow accustomed to them.

FACTS & FIGURES

SUITABILITY: Better players and strong ball-strikers.

SHAFTS: The standard steel shafts are Dynamic Gold R300 and S300. Custom steel shafts are available.

SET COMPOSITION: 3-iron to pitching wedge.

LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: No.

HOW MUCH?: $200 per iron (with no up-charge on steel shaft custom options).

MIZUNO SAYS: “Forgiveness without sacrifice – the MP-15 embodies the definitive balance of tradition and technology for the stronger ball-striker.

“At address the MP-15 appears every inch the classic Mizuno MP iron: compact with clean lines designed to enhance both feel and workability. Forged directly inside the 1025E steel framework is a re-engineered Titanium Muscle insert, which maintains thickness behind impact for solid feel, while allowing weight to be shifted to the perimeter to provide ‘full cavity’ forgiveness.

“The MP-15’s refined Ti Muscle weighs just ten grams (replacing 38 grams of steel) yet its increased curvature and thickness ensure that feel is not sacrificed to achieve off-centre stability. A reworked steel framework also ensures the body and insert work as one to maintain solidity at impact.

“The playing profile and head-size of the MP-15 is based on the classic MP-64 with ten percent greater forgiveness created through the use of the Ti insert. As the Ti insert is engineered to create off-centre stability rather than launch forgiveness, trajectory is comparable to Mizuno’s more traditional Tour irons.”

Contact Mizuno on (03) 9239 7100 or visit www.mizuno.com.au