Mizuno MP-32's

[jdbmcletchie]

Hi folks, first post. Wanted to get opinion on Mizuno MP-32's. Currently play Callaway x-14 pro series but have never really taken to them despite playing 4 seasons with them - possibly the rifle shafts - I don't know. Anyway, I've always wanted to play blades ('cut muscle' isn't pure blade I konw but you get my point) but have never had the bottle to actually buy a set. I'm a 4 handicap and quite fancy the MP-32's - anyone played these???

 

[MAHALLEDAY]

I have demoed them a few times and if i had the cash they'd be in my bag. I play to about a 10 handi-cap and I pure them. Definatly go try them out im sure you'll love them. Also give the Cleveland CG1's a shot.

 

[jdbmcletchie]

Thanks, good to know. Always been a bit scared of blades but my thinking is it'll make me practice more and if nothing else, these are the best looking irons I've ever seen. I've hit them in the nets at the shop but there's no way I'd buy without seeing ball flight etc...

 

[jdbmcletchie]

Well, I took the plunge a couple of weeks ago and bought a set of MP-32's. I've played 4 rounds with them so far and I have to say that I've been slightly disappointed. After reading rave reviews from various different sources on the web with guys playing to 15 handicaps and above claiming that since changing to these from cavities, they've dropped 4-5 off their game, I guess I had over-hyped these clubs...

From the limited rounds that I've played, I've found them very hard to hit and distance and trajectory control has been all over the place. I play off a 4 handicap and consider ball striking as the best part of my game. Therefore, considering how hard I've found these to hit, I find it very difficult to imagine that anyone who has a higher handicap would benefit from these irons...

Don't get me wrong - they look fantastic and when you do flush one they are better than anything I've ever hit and of course 4 rounds isn't enough to judge and I'm going to stick with these and get used to them (it took a month or two to get used to my current irons). And I also realsie that everyone is different etc etc. However, my point is that from what I've read online and the marketing of these clubs, you'd think that anyone could pick these up and start drilling it straight, high and long since they are so forgiving for blades - you can, but only if you put the perfect swing on it, otherwise get used to coming up short guys... Problem I've had so far is that I'm starting to play for a slight miss-hit in terms of yardage, and that's usually when I make a solid swing and I airmail the green. Very frustrating.

These take work and I'll be spending a lot of time on the practice ground. I'm sure they'll be worth it though. My advice though would be to avoid unless you play 4-5 times a week and above all, be realistic - if you're not a low single figure handicap then IMO these aren't the sticks for you.

JMcL

 

[bames]

Although one may not need to be a low handicap player. Most low handicap players are low due to phenomenal short game. Most of us can get it from tee to green in 2 or 3, but are like me, IMO, can't chip and putt well enough to score. The reason I write is not to refute your review which I might add I greatly appreciate because I too have been trying to decide whether or not to switch from my G2s to a muscle-back. I'm writing to know what you think about someone who is a pretty decent ball striker with cavity backs, switching to this club.

 

[jdbmcletchie]

I know what you're saying about the short game being essential to good scoring - 'drive for show...' etc etc. However, I've never fully subscribed to that. When I played my best golf as a junior and youth playing for my county, my game was based on hitting greens in regulation and holing a put once in a while - not scrambling or holing everything in sight. In fact, I honestly think if my short game was as good then as it is now, especially putting, they I'd have been scratch at worst...

From my limited experience of these irons - and therefore IMO all blade/muscle back irons, I really think that unless you've either grown up playing them, play an awful lot of golf, or have a swing as smooth as Steve Elkington, you should really stick with cavity backs. Don't get me wrong, it's early days for me and switching will take a lot more than 4 rounds to get used to, however, I can catogorically say that they are NOT as easy to hit as some reviews would have you believe and I'd suggest that you're handicap is likely to go up before it starts to come down after switching.
JMcL

 

[bames]

Thanks, keep me updated on the pro/re-gression.

 

[captglover]

What about the MP-60s? They are sort of a cross between blade and cavity aren't they?

 

[JEFF4i]

Even some pros use cavity backs. They may not be as pretty, or solid when you do hit it well, but they are also the best for all around play.

And the comment saying that low scoring golfers generally have a good short game, is so very true. A great shortgame can make you a single digit nearly every time.