MP testing models 63, 69, 4, 15, and 5

DGMP

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
HCP
2
Local club/country
United States
Irons
MP63 3-PW
Driver
JPX-EZ
#1
Over the recent months I have acquired full sets of the following Mizuno Mp iron models, all fitted with DGS300 shafts.

MP63
MP69
MP4
MP15
MP 5


First off, I applaud Mizuno Corporation for making this type of comparison test possible. No other brand that I know of introduces new iron models, but still  maintains the same finished lengths, lie angles, and lofts. This specification consistency allows for a fair comparison of various models.

As for results, after playing a few rounds of golf, as well as range time, with each of the above models, my observation is that these MP models are all superb performing iron designs. Below I have listed a few criteria categories.

APPEARANCE: each model is of medium type head size. The MP 4 has the smallest head of the fives sets above, but it is still a relatively large head (compared to classic blades of the 1970's and 1980's era). All five sets have a brilliant chrome finish and are very attractive.

DISTANCE: virtually identical carry distance produced from all five models. For reference, my PW=avg 120 carry yardage, 7 iron =avg 155 carry yardage, 5 iron =175 yard carry average. These yardages are at seal level, flat terrain.

TRAJECTORY: virtually identical trajectory from all five models.My swing produces reasonably high trajectory shots from the wedge through the 5 iron. There is not a 4 or 3 iron made with which I am able to strike high trajectory shots; for me the 3 and 4 long irons fly flow then bounce and roll.

SOUND: compared to the MP63, 69, 4, and 5 models, the MP15 has a more dense , muted impact sound.This is true for both quality strikes as well as slightly mis hit shots.

FEEL: for golf shots I believe that SOUND equals FEEL; the two are the same thing.

So, my initial observations are as above, and I attribute most of that to the fact that the lofts, lies, and shafts are the same for each of my sets. My golf handicap averages about a 2, so I am a respectable ball striker, or at least better than average. I am sure Tour pros such as Chris Wood or Luke Donald could  offer up much more detail as to the subtle playing differences among MP sets, but I am not of that caliber player.

I will continue rotating the above five sets, both for golf course and range play. It's a true  pleasure for me to be able to enjoy Mizuno's fine products.
 

Celtic_Bil

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2009
Location
North Yorkshire
HCP
6
Local club/country
Hunley Hotel & Golf Club, North Yorkshire
Irons
MP18SC/MP5/MP54
Driver
JPX850
#2
Good to hear your thoughts DGMP.

Keep us posted with updates as you continue your testing, especially if you find any noticeable differences between the sets...
 

DGMP

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
HCP
2
Local club/country
United States
Irons
MP63 3-PW
Driver
JPX-EZ
#3
Celtic Bill,

It's been nearly a year and I've concluded that the MP63 is the best all around fit for my swing and game.
Regarding feel-sound I believe all the MP models I've tried to be very similar.
The 63's sole design-shape is what like best about this model.
 

DGMP

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
HCP
2
Local club/country
United States
Irons
MP63 3-PW
Driver
JPX-EZ
#4
Now on to my second year playing the MP63. I've switched out the original standard grips and have installed the GolfPride MCC +4 model grips.
One factor I've come to appreciate about the MP63 is that the design of the 3 and 4 irons (slightly deeper cavity) makes them relatively forgiving. I've experimented with a hybrid or two but keep going back to preferring the MP63's long irons.
The MP63's short and mid irons are sensational.
 

DGMP

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
HCP
2
Local club/country
United States
Irons
MP63 3-PW
Driver
JPX-EZ
#5
For the past several months I started carrying the (MP63) 3-iron on a regular basis (instead of rotating it in and out of the bag against a hybrid as I had done for years). This means both the 3-iron as well as my JPX EZ 5-wood get more play (than if I had a hybrid in the bag).
As it has played out, I do not regret not having a hybrid. Specifically, the 3-iron is used for medium trajectory bounce and roll shots (short narrow par 4 tee box shots, some par 5 second shot layup shots, and on occasion a 220 or so yardage par 3 tee shot where there is room to land short and bounce-roll to the middle of the green.
From a lie within the rough, if I open the club face a touch, and grip down on the shaft a bit, the 5-wood has proven to be a suitable replacement for those 180-200 yard shots where I formerly swung a hybrid.
So, I've found that the bounce and roll from a 3-iron is often useful. The higher trajectory of a 5 metal is sometimes the more appropriate shot. Keeping the 3-iron and 5-fairway metal in the bag, and learning the shots these clubs can produce, has me thinking it's a sensible set up , without a compelling need for a hybrid.
 
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