Mizuno MP 20 Review

I have been playing golf for over a decade and during this period, I have tried several different clubs to see which one can improve my game as well as for review purposes (I love talking about golf clubs and the game in general).

Recently, I decided to try the Mizuno MP 20 irons, a set of three different models that are designed to offer the ultimate feel, performance, and versatility.

In this Mizuno MP 20 Review, I will share my experience with these irons and how they perform on the course.

What is Mizuno MP 20?

The Mizuno MP 20 is a series of irons that consists of three different models: the MP 20 MB, the MP 20 MMC and the MP 20 HMB(Reviewed Here).

The MP 20 MB is a muscleback iron that is aimed at the purists and traditionalists who want maximum shotmaking performance, distance control and a responsive feel. The MP 20 MMC is a cavity back iron that is aimed at the elite players who want a balance of forgiveness, workability and feel.

The MP 20 HMB is a hollow body iron that is aimed at the modern players who want more distance, forgiveness and launch.

The common feature of all three models is the use of a layer of copper underneath the brushed satin outer finish and protective nickel chrome layers.

This layer of copper is said to enhance the feel and feedback of the irons, as well as creating a softer sound at impact. This technique was used by Mizuno in the past, such as in the TN87 model from 1988.

Look/Impression

The first thing that caught my eye about the MP 20 irons was their classic and elegant look. They have a matte silver finish, a thin topline, a minimal offset and a compact blade length. The irons look sleek and refined, but also powerful and confident.

The MP 20 MB has the smallest head size, the thinnest topline and the narrowest sole among the three models. It has a graduated taper blade that promotes a lower launch and more penetrating ball flight.

The MP 20 MMC has a slightly larger head size, a thicker topline and a wider sole than the MB. It has tungsten weights in the toe and heel that stabilize the face on off-center hits.

The MP 20 HMB has the largest head size, the thickest topline and the widest sole among the three models. It has a hollow construction and twin tungsten weights that increase forgiveness and launch.

Key Features/Technologies

The MP 20 irons have several features and technologies that make them stand out from other irons. Some of them are:

Grain Flow Forged HD: The irons are forged from a single billet of 1025E mild carbon steel using Mizuno’s patented process that enhances the grain density in the impact area for more solid feel and feedback.

Copper Underlay: The irons have a thin layer of copper underneath the outer finish layers that adds softness and richness to the feel and sound of the irons.

Movable Weight Technology (MWT): The MP 20 HMB has two split weights (12g each) that can be switched between the back and the front of the head. This allows golfers to adjust the spin and launch angle of the iron according to their preference.

The standard setting (12g in the back) provides more forgiveness and launch, while the low spin setting (12g in the front) provides more distance and control.

Tour Proven Technologies: The irons also incorporate some of the proven technologies from Mizuno’s other irons, such as Harmonic Impact Technology (HIT), which optimizes sound and feel at impact; Quad Cut Grooves, which provide consistent spin control; Pearl Brush Finish, which reduces glare; Stability Frame, which enhances stability on off-center hits; Multi Thickness Face, which maximizes ball speed; Plasma Welding, which creates a seamless transition between materials; Forged Titanium Muscle Plate, which adds strength to thin faces; etc.

Performance

I tested the MP 20 irons on the range and on the course, using both settings of the MWT in the HMB model. Here are my observations on how they performed in different aspects:

Forgiveness:

The irons are very forgiving, especially in the HMB model. Even when I hit it off-center, the ball still went straight and far. The tungsten weights, hollow construction and stability frame technologies really helped me correct my mishits and maintain distance. The irons also have a large sweet spot and a multi thickness face that make it easy to hit.

Speed & Distance:

The irons are fast and long, especially in the low spin setting of the HMB model. I was able to generate high ball speeds and low spin rates with these irons, resulting in more carry and roll out. The irons also have a high launch angle that helps them fly over obstacles and land softly on the green. I gained about 5-10 yards more with these irons than with my regular irons.

Comfort & Sound:

The irons are comfortable to swing and have a great sound at impact. The shaft is lightweight but stable, and the grip is tacky but not too thick. The irons also have a solid feel that gives me confidence on every shot. The sound is soft but not muted, and it matches the performance of the irons.

Pros & Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of the MP 20 irons:

• Pros
  • Versatile: can be mixed and matched to suit different preferences and abilities
  • Forgiving: corrects mishits and maintains distance
  • Fast: generates high ball speeds and low spin rates
  • Long: provides more carry and roll out
  • Comfortable: has a lightweight shaft and a tacky grip
  • Solid: has a great sound and feel at impact
• Cons
  • Expensive: costs $1,299.99 for a set of 8 irons
  • Limited: only available in one finish and one shaft option
  • Demanding: may not suit players who prefer more offset or more bounce

Who Should Play This Club?

The MP 20 irons are suitable for players who prioritize feel, performance and versatility over distance and forgiveness. They are also ideal for players who appreciate the classic and elegant look of Mizuno irons.

The MP 20 MB model is for the purists and traditionalists who want maximum shotmaking performance, distance control and a responsive feel. The MP 20 MMC model is for the elite players who want a balance of forgiveness, workability and feel. The MP 20 HMB model is for the modern players who want more distance, forgiveness and launch.

Comparison with Other Models

The MP 20 irons are similar to other forged irons on the market, such as the Titleist T100, T200 and T300; the Callaway Apex, Apex Pro and Apex DCB; the Ping i210, i500 and G425; etc. However, they have some advantages over them, such as:

Copper Underlay: The MP 20 irons are the only irons that have a layer of copper underneath the outer finish layers, which adds softness and richness to the feel and sound of the irons.

MWT: The MP 20 HMB is the only iron that has MWT, which gives it more adjustability and customization.

Tour Proven Technologies: The MP 20 irons incorporate some of the best technologies from Mizuno’s other irons, such as HIT, Quad Cut Grooves, Pearl Brush Finish, Stability Frame, Multi Thickness Face, Plasma Welding, Forged Titanium Muscle Plate, etc.

Conclusion

The MP 20 irons are a set of versatile and forgiving irons that can help players improve their feel, performance and versatility. They have a classic and elegant look, a solid feel, and a fast performance.

They also have some innovative features and technologies that make them stand out from other irons. They are a great set of irons for players who want to have more fun and confidence on the course.