TEST: Mizuno MP-T5 wedges

With one of the most comprehensive ranges of loft and bounce options available, check out what our testers thought of these wedges.

MODEL AND LOFTS PLAYED: Mizuno MP-T5 52°, 56° and 60° wedges with the Black IP finish.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I love the look of these wedges. Sure, the black finish is appealing but just setting up to the ball at address the varying bounce angles seem perfect for the shots you’d need to play with each individual wedge.

VERDICT: The Mizuno MP-T5 wedges were fantastic to hit. Admittedly, I did skull the first shot of the day way over the green but thereafter I became used to the weight, feel and every aspect of each wedge. I found I generated far more spin with them compared to my wedges. I used the 52° gap wedge a lot for general chip and pitch shots and kept coming up short at first because of the spin but once I allowed for it I found more success. The gap wedge was also terrific for fuller shots of 80 metres or so. The lob wedge didn’t see much action but the sand wedge was excellent on the bunker shots I played with it. If I practised with the MP-T5s for longer, I’m convinced I would get used to their attributes and hit the ball even closer to the flag.

WHAT I LIKED: How comfortable these wedges felt at address. Being able to visualise how the wedge would perform through impact built confidence.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Nothing.

MODEL AND LOFTS PLAYED: Mizuno MP-T5 50°, 54° and 58° wedges with the White Satin finish.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: My wedges closely reflect these ones, with an identical loft sequence and similar bounce angles. The pairing of the loft and bounce angle of these three wedges makes sense to me. The clubs are obviously fresh, new and have that Mizuno soft feel, but I also like the clean look and how well they sit to the ball at address. I use and am a long-time fan of Mizuno irons so trialling their wedges is a logical fit.

VERDICT: The MP-T5s were great to use. I really noticed the feel that comes with high-quality forged wedges. Whether it was a running chip, conventional pitch, lofted flop or bunker shot, it felt to me like these wedges allowed me to play the type of shot I wanted or needed to play. I didn’t play my best today yet can’t remember hitting a bad shot with the Mizuno MP-T5s. I felt confident to throw the ball right at the pin and know that it would stop and not scoot on through. That sense of trust helped on just about every shot around the green.

WHAT I LIKED: Definitely the quality of the workmanship behind these wedges and the feel you get playing a variety of greenside shots.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Nothing at all.

FACTS & FIGURES

SUITABILITY: Golfers seeking workability over forgiveness in their wedges.

SHAFTS: Dynamic Gold is the standard steel offering, with a wedge flex.

LOFTS: Every loft between 49° and 62° is available, with many lofts offering multiple bounce options.

LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: Yes, but in the White Satin finish only.

HOW MUCH?: $185 per wedge.

MIZUNO SAYS: “The MP-T5 wedges deliver the touch and precision of Mizuno’s renowned Grain Flow Forging construction where it benefits most – around the greens.

“A refined teardrop profile – based on the Tour grind of short-game magician Luke Donald – allows mastery of the ball from a variety of set ups and positions. There are now 25 combinations of loft and bounce, with two sole types to suit varying techniques and turf conditions.

“Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forged heads combine the softest touch with a backspin rate only possible through the use of loft-specific grooves. Mizuno’s Quad Cut Groove concept utilises a wider, shallow groove from 54° to 62° lofts (to grab on softer, partial strikes) and a narrower, deeper configuration from 49° to 53° (for fuller shots). All grooves are precision CNC milled to ensure exact manufacturing consistency from wedge to wedge.

“A new lush Black IP (plated) finish is designed to maintain its looks over time. The alternative White Satin finish is also permanent and the ultimate glare-resistant option.”

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