Mizuno Game Improvement Primer

[skwon11]

Is there one out there?

MX 23, 25, 100, 200, 300... I know there is a difference between each successive line they bring out but... what's the real difference?

I am going to purchase some new irons and felt good with Ping's after hitting them but my father (a Mizuno lifer with 3 sets and a ton of loose old Mizuno blades all over the garage) is urging me to try Mizuno one last time before I buy... I feel obligated to heed his advice but wanted to go about it in some systematic way.

Any web sites better than the Mizuno site (not very good)? Thanks... I know there are a ton of Mizuno loyalists out there so... educate me! Oh... if it helps... I've been hitting with my father all my life never playing consistently until last year. Took some lessons and went from atrocious (120's) to now passable (90's). I'm not an MP'er!

[Shindig]

What level of game improvement are you looking for? At a 20 handicap, I would consider game-improvement (but not super-game improvement) if you aren't in the market for players' irons.

I would suggest taking a look at the MX-200s. If you're looking at buying used, let me know and I'll try to suggest previous years' editions.

[GaijinGolfer]

At your level, anything in the MX series is going to suit you.
I think you should buy the clubs that you want though. Your father is a Mizuno lifer and thats great, but who cares? You need to buy the clubs that feel the best to you, regardless of what your father thinks.

[boogielicious]

I've been researching Mizuno as well. They have a chart at Golfers Warehouse that is not on their website that suggests the MX-200 is for handicaps of like 18 down to 8, MX-300 was like 16 to 8, MP-52 14 to 6, etc. But what does this really mean? What if you are a good ball striker by lousy in the short game?

The difference for Mizuno models are the progressive offset, sole width and center of gravity for the MX series. MP series have even lower offset, sole width and COG as well. the MX series also has a front bevel in the sole to reduce digging on fat shots. It's tough to test this on mats at golf shops to see if the sole width and bevel make a difference.

What I have been doing is hitting a bunch of clubs in the same skill range to see how they feel. Take your time and don't feel pressured to choose immediately.

I was also surprised at the quality feel of the PING G series. they're not much to look at but they have a sweet feeling on contact.

Scott

[sean_miller]

" . . .they're not much to look at but they have a sweet feeling on contact."

That's how my wife describes me. Seriously though - good advice.

I've always been a fan of Mizuno irons. Before I found this site, I thought I was in the vast minority. Personally though, I'm no more a fan of some MX irons (especially after they've been used for a couple years - someone posted some pics here and their irons looked seriously abused) than I am of PING's recent G and I irons. The newest PINGs aren't as repellent as previous years offerings (S series notwithstanding - those look good). One thing about finding the right set of PINGs for your game - you'll likey play them for life and only have to get them regripped. From what I've read, there are as many fanboys raving about vintage PINGs as there are for Mizzy blades - there's usually a solid reason for their devotion.

[skwon11]

What level of game improvement are you looking for? At a 20 handicap, I would consider game-improvement (but not super-game improvement) if you aren't in the market for players' irons.

Yes used as well.

At your level, anything in the MX series is going to suit you.

Thanks for the concern and yes I will buy what I want... my father just wants me to hit them again... he says that once your swing has some consistency (I think mine does now), the Mizuno's will feel better. Last I hit them, I was hitting in th 120's!

[Golfaway]

I am a stout Mizuno fan as well. My MX950's are nothing but great. To tell you the truth though, I would've loved them more if they did not have the hollow wide sole mid irons (5, 6, 7). The short irons and the hybrids are just great though.

I would recommend you try hitting everything. The MX200s are certainly a good choice. Also check other forged Japanese irons, like Bridgestone J36 pocket cavity and Srixon I701. You can get these new for very good prices if you know where to look at, much cheaper than the Mizzies and nothing short of quality.

Good luck on your search and let us know what you end up getting.