Mizuno MP-33 Irons
Mizuno MP-33 Irons
[Jun 28, 2004]
Hawaii Hockey
Shoots in the 80s
Model Reviewed:
MP-33
As a fairly recent convert to forged irons, I've hit dozens of sets over the spring and early summer trying to find the best ones to replace my aging and fairly unforgiving Mizuno True musclebacks. I didn't have to look far to find the best in the MP-33. The difference between these and all the other clubs I tried was obvious and immediate in terms of ball flight, consistency and feel, or I should say, FEEL! While my game is still adjusting to the higher loft and ever so slightly shorter distance, I have to say these were the best clubs of the recent and past offerings including Titleist 690's and 680's and their new forged cavity backs, as well as Hogans Apex styles, and even the supposedly more forgiving MP-30, MX-20 and the others in the Mizuno line. Nothing felt so good or hit so pure, and I love the swing weight, top line and overall beauty--this is a GOLF CLUB!!! After two weeks and 5 rounds, I am about to get a 2 degree upright/+1/2" adjustment per my fitting results (I'm 6'1") which should make things even better-- not that they're bad now. Even with the very flat Mizuno lie and slightly short shaft for me, I'm hitting them pretty well, maintaing my standard rounds in the high 70's/low 80's without problems. I also plan on moving to a Winn midsize soft grip which will help with tension in my grip. I may consider strengthening the loft one degree if I'm not in my accustomed range, but only if the pro feels it won't adversely affect the bounce too much. I got a great deal on these pro demo clubs from a mini-tour player who preferred his MP-14s. These are standard loft and lie and although my fitting indicates a fairly significant adjustment is in order to the traditionally flat Mizuno lie, I was excited to try them for a couple rounds before bending them. The Project-X shafts are highly recommended-- my ball flight is incredibly accurate and workable. The 6.5 is a little stiff unless you've got monster swing speed, but so far there's a noticable improvement in lateral accuracy. I expect this to improve even more once adjusted and I hope to gain back my 5 yards of lost distance with the shaft extension. I never thought I could have this kind of confidence standing over a blade, but when you can pure a 3 iron through the wind to a repeatable distance with no ballooning, you know you're dealing with a special instrument. My only complaint is the ball flight is higher than I expected in the mid-high irons which can sometimes be a factor in the wind-- I might have tried the MP-37 for a more mid-level COG. Again, strengthening the loft might help, but do so under the advice of a pro and only if your fit adjustments don't do the job. Compared to the other clubs that could only come close (RAC CGB), the MP-33 new is a much better value--but make sure you get a fitting. It's been 4 years since the MP-33 debuted and I think it will be very hard to improve upon what is perhaps the finest off-the-shelf forged clubs ever created. Customer Service None; used clubs. Though I may try calling Mizuno prior to making my fit adjustments. Similar Products Used: Mizuno True, Taylor Made X-300, Taylor Made Burner Tour (actually a great club), Taylor Made Burner OS. Tested a ton: Titelist 690CB, 690MB, 704CB, 680 (struggled to hit any of these as pure); Hogan APEX Edge Pro, CFT, FTX (not bad, but less feel and consistency); Taylor Made RAC MB, CGB, Combo (nice but too pricey); Nike forged combo (no), Mizuno MX-20, MX-23, MP-30 (the MP-33 was CLEARLY superior to even the "forgiving" cavity forged) |
[May 14, 2004]
grazo
Shoots in the 80s
Model Reviewed:
MP-33 DGS300
I went to a mizuno demo day looking to try the MX-20s after reading so many good things on this site. I currently use Top Flite Tour irons with a 5.5 rifle shaft - I've had these for about 3 years and they have served me well, however I was about a 27 handicapper when I bought them and am about half that now. So I think it might be time to upgrade, especially since these clubs have a large offset design. I thought the MX range would be suitable - tried them and wasn't that impressed with the feel, espcially after reading online about how good the mizuno feel is. So I though I would give the MPs a go - WOW - talk about feel! The feeling was great/soft and that was using range balls! I was really puring the 6 iron and thought I must be fluking them. But the fact is that these clubs reflect the swing you put on the ball. I normally hit a fade/push but am always trying to work on my draw. With my current irons they start right but don't come back - but these rippers come back! I found that my ultra-strong grip which creates a hook with my normal irons actually creates a nice draw with these. The ultimate proof for me came when I tried the MP-33 3 iron. Like most players I struggle to get the 3 iron going so I thought that if i could hit a 3 iron blade OK then these could be the clubs for me. Well, after the first shank everything else that came of the face was PURE - either dead straight or with slight draw 180+ metres down the line. I found that these clubs were about half a club shorter than mine, but when you can control where the ball is going who cares?! Unlike most other people I found that the clubs were lighter than expected (I was using the Dynalite) and maybe this accounts for the slight loss in distance. I don't have much to compare these clubs to in way of blades, but my friend does have some Cobra blades and they just don't compete in terms of feel. If your handicap is in the teens don't be afraid to try these - they feel fantastic. Just gotta save some pennies... Customer Service N/A Similar Products Used: Cobra Blades (Norman Grind) |
[May 06, 2004]
bpslamda
Shoots in the 70s
Model Reviewed:
Mizuno MP-33
I have been playing cavity backs for 10yrs now, and this is my first set of blades to own. First off..just laying these things down in front of you at address is incredible, they just look like they are ready to leave you a 5 footer for birdie. I never knew feel till I smoothed a 5 iron with my new sticks. I definetly recommend switching to a forged blade if you have never tried them, feel, weight, looks, can not be beat, and Mizuno quality is tops, and I have been playing Titleist all my life. The transition is easy for a low handicaper like myself, mis-hits feel like mis-hits, but center groove shots feel like what golf shots were meant to feel like now. Thank You Mizuno! Similar Products Used: Titleist DCI orig, 762, and 990 |
[Mar 19, 2004]
R G Ellis
Shoots in the 70s
Model Reviewed:
Mizuno MP-33
This site was a grat help in my selection of new irons. The Mizuno MP-33 irons are just great for me. The swing weight at D-4 is just right for my medium tempo swing. I have the DG s-300 shaft. The feel off the face of this club is soft, yet solid. I can really feel where the ball is going at impact. Great looking club on top of the high quality workmanship. I was deciding between the Titleist 690-MB and the Mizuno MP-33. The Mp-33 won out on the "feel" factor. I find this club very easy to hit due to the great balance and sole design. This iron plays well on all lies with minimal digging. May feel too heavy for players not used to muscle back forged irons with the heavy DG shaft. Highly recommend this club for all the right reasons, feel, balance, trajectory, workability, spin, distance, and looks. Customer Service N/A Similar Products Used: Titleist 690MB, Titleist 990, Maruman Forged Blades, Titleist DCIs |
[Jan 14, 2004]
jcarullo
Scratch Golfer
Model Reviewed:
Mizuno MP-33
After almost three full seasons with these clubs, there is nothing bad to say. They're terrific clubs - as long as your expectations are realistic. MP-33's are less forgiving than other clubs but not as unforgiving as you might think. The feel IS everything these clubs are cracked up to be. I like them so much I bought a 2nd set to keep as a spare. They slice through light rough so easily, it's almost like hitting it out of the fairway. Heavy rough is less of a problem than with other irons. But beware. These clubs have a lower flight trajectory than I was used to. This is not a problem - just beware. They play longer than other clubs I've played -so the lower trajectory is not an issue. Just take 1 less club if you need to hit it higher and let it rip. The softer steel also causes the grooves to wear faster than other clubs - especially if you hit a great deal of the typical range ball. They're GREAT clubs for a good to decent golfer. A beginner or high handicapper would be better served by a more forgiving club. Improve your game and get a set of these (or whatever it's replacement model is when you're ready). Customer Service Several E-mails with product questions got quick and couteous responses. |
[Jan 07, 2004]
Arnold K
Shoots in the 80s
Model Reviewed:
Mizuno MP-33
The MP-33 is your typical blade. Tough on mis-hits and great feel on shots around the sweet spot. Obivously do not attempt to play with these if you have a poor swing but everyone else with good basic fundamentals and willingness to learn could benefit greatly from playing with these blades. The clubs are a little heavier than the Hogans I'm used to. This has lead to a smoother swing but a slower snap at release - producing a more consistent game. The clubs look great, feel great, and sound great. Anyone with a decent swing will be able to appreciate these clubs. Similar Products Used: Ping ISI's, Titleist 690MB, Hogan Apex Blades |
[Dec 17, 2003]
al woods
Shoots in the 80s
Model Reviewed:
mizuno mp33
I keep reading these irons are supposed to be very difficult to hit, they're not. They're an absolute doddle! I used to play with Taylor Made Burner Tour irons which are cavity backs but the MP33's are so much more forgiving and hit straighter shots(where desired). The weight of the club really helps me with my tempo. If you've got a tendancy to get a little too quick from the top, these irons may just be what you need. I've also tried the Nike,MacGregor and Ben Hogan blades. They just don't come close in feel |
[Nov 13, 2003]
David
Shoots in the 70s
Model Reviewed:
MP33's
I have had these irons for over 2 months now and they have been the best purchase I have made. I previously played DCI 962's and found the move to musclebacks easier than I would have thought. Everyone talks about the feel of the MP33's which is a given. The best part of this club for me is the weighting of the clubs. I have never found an iron that I liked the overall balance and feel of - these irons are great. Only consistent ball strikers should try these irons but you dont have to be a low handicapper since this reflects your entire golfing ability of which the short game is huge part. Once you reach a certan level being able to hit different shots is a great benefit and cavity irons actually make this harder. Also cavity irons arent as forgiving as you might think. They help with distance but in my opinion don't reduce stray shots very much. These clubs make you focus on the shot and not the thousands of other distractions people think about when they are over the ball. Don't be scared by these irons as they are quite an easy muscleback to hit - your scores will improve aslong as you are dedicated to practicing. If you dont have much time to practice then they wont offer you any benefit. Similar Products Used: RAC blades, DCI962,Ping blades |
[Oct 15, 2003]
chris
Shoots in the 70s
Model Reviewed:
Mizuno MP-33
I just got the MP-33's at my local store, and find them very satisfying. They provide a solid feel when struck well, and give great feedback. I find it very easy to carve the ball with these irons, and control my tradjectory. So far after trying almost every blade on the market, the MP-33 provides the best performance. Similar Products Used: mizuno MP-14, Mizuno MP29, titleist 690MB, titleist 681, titleist 680, nike forged |
[Sep 19, 2003]
dek sayeh
Shoots in the 90s
Model Reviewed:
mp-33
i demoed these just because i had nothing else to do (after hurricane isabel), and because of most of the reviews i was a little intimidated. Forget all the reviews! My swing is definately not amazing, but if i swing consistently and controlled, i always make good contact. With these clubs, you dont really have to whack the ball hard to get good results, and it just feels so good every time. I didnt really try to draw/fade the ball that much, but one can imagine it is pretty easy to do that w/the design of these sticks. I am DEFINATELY getting these for christmas; however, before i do, i will demon the nike blades, and maybe the ta-7s. MP-33s are the best, MP-37s are may be even better (havent tried those yet though) Customer Service ? Similar Products Used: taylor made LCG |