PRODUCT REVIEW! – Mizuno MP-58 Iron Review
Posted January 19, 2010 by mygolfspy
Mizuno MP-58 (They Just Found A Place In My Bag!)
I first have to say that I really did try and try again to find a better set of irons to beat out the new Mizuno MP-58 irons in head-to-head competition…but I just couldn’t do it. So after a whole lot of testing it was obvious…I had to give them a spot in my bag for 2010. There just too good not to.
For many years I have felt that Mizuno has made one of the best irons in golf. And I feel if there were no equipment sponsors on tour and everyone just played what they felt were the best iron for their game that a large % of guys would be playing a set of Mizuno’s. Yes…there are a lot of good irons out there…but I have hit almost all of them but the feel from a Mizuno forging is just…well…different. And when I say different I really mean better. You might remember us showing you the YouTube video where Mizuno shows you what they call “The Sound of Feel”. And where this might seem like just another video marketing pitch this one actually has truth behind it.
Like we said there are a lot of great feeling irons out there…but here is the difference with the Mizuno MP-58 irons compared to others that just feel good….the Mizuno MP-58’s are INCREDIBLY forgiving! Especially for a mid-low handicap iron design. And that is because these guys have specialized on improving their forgings for longer then any other company I know of. Many of the other companies that used to have great forgings have had issues…whether it be their forging house going out of business or having to move to a different foundry all together or different ownership with different ideas on where the company should be going in regards to its designs.
However…Mizuno has always focused on this sector of the golf market. You can tell by the way their designs change from year to year. You might not see a whole lot of change in shape…but they are constantly improving when technology becomes available which will allow them to improve on past designs. I was skeptical when I got these to whether they could be that much better then the last few years releases of irons from Mizuno…although I was amazed at how much better and more forgiving they actually were. I even tested some Mizuno models from the previous years side-by-side with the MP-58’s and they beat them all as well.
First Impressions
When I first saw them months ago it was literally for only about 30 seconds…but my first impression was they looked nice. Although when we pulled them out of the box I instantly felt like this was almost the perfect design for an iron. It was a nice mix of both modern and classic designs. It has a monochromatic color scheme that flowed seamlessly together. And the actual design itself was incredibly sound. And after my first bucket of balls these irons without a doubt got my approval as being the best iron set I have tested in a long time.
“These irons without a doubt got my approval as being the best iron set I have tested in a long time.”
I have always like a sole with a rolled leading edge a flat mid-sole and a rolled trailing-edge. This type of sole design helps tremendously from all kinds of lies. And for the guys that are concerned with the groove issue. You don’t have anything to worry about because the MP-58’s have modified U-grooves that conform to the Condition of Competition for 2010.
Forgiveness
We tested the irons for forgiveness by using striking tape and hitting shots off the sweet spot, toe and heel. This iron actually performed better then many game-improvement irons when it came to both off-center hits off the toe and the heel. There was minimal loss of distance (around 2-4 yards) from both and feel was almost not impacted at all. Pretty amazing when you look at some of the other perimeter weighted irons out there that cannot achieve this. Accuracy on off-center shots was not impacted as much as we thought it would be with a design like this either. There multi-material forged design scheme we assume is the reason. Because they are still using the same Grain Flow Forging process but these show a pretty dramatic difference from what we could tell.
Feel
Like we stated earlier the feel of a Mizuno iron is just different in my opinion. You might not be able to tell this if you just take just one set you are demoing to the range and hit them. But if you take 10 sets or even just 5 sets to the range and hit all of them side-by-side you get instant feedback on being able to compare feel amongst a large group of irons all at the same time. There is no way you can remember from one day to the next if you test them one at a time. That is why I feel this is the best way to test irons when looking for a new sticks. And if you are thinking, “Well I can’t get 10 sets to test side-by-side” but you actually can. You can go to shops that allow you to take sets to try or try and find a demo day coming near your hometown. Like we have said before there is no reason to spend money on a single golf club unless it improves on what you already have. So make sure you take every chance you get to test equipment out there.
If you are able to test these side-by-side with other competitive irons you will instantly notice how much more feedback you get in your hands with the Mizuno MP-58 irons. You will also notice a much softer feel then other forgings you might have played. And if you are a mid-handicapper don’t think that this set might not be for you. Many of the players we had test these irons were in the mid-handicap range and all agreed that they were improvements on their current irons.
OVERALL
Hard not to give this one an A+ when it beats out all the other competition we put it up against and all the testers give it an A+ as well. I think we will be hard pressed to find an iron that we test in 2010 that beats out the Mizuno MP-58’s. Don’t quote me on this though…cause we do have a few more coming in soon that I think might have a shot. But we will have to wait and see. But up to this point the MP-58’s are the best I have seen and that is the reason they have found spot in my bag. They definitely get my approval and if you are in the market for some new irons I would highly recommend giving them a try.
PROS
- Beautiful Design
- Incredible Feel
- Versatile Sole Design
- Great Forgiveness
CONS
- Hmmm…couldn’t think of one
Price $999 – Mizuno MP-58 Iron Set
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MIZUNO MP-58 FORGED IRONS MP58 4-PW HIT 1X GOLF CLUBS US $457.00 (13 Bids) End Date: Sunday Mar-21-2010 11:04:55 PDT Add to watch list |
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January 19th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I haven’t hit them so i can’t say anything about that, but as far as looks go i agree 100%. These days to many companies get mixed up in colors. Their irons have these bright eye grabbing colors that catch your eye, but after you’ve looked at it, the irons are just plain ugly. Mizuno has the right idea here. Simple color, and a blending of modern and old styles. By far the best looking iron i have see so far for 2010.
January 19th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I agree that these are one of the best looking irons out there. Mizuno has always been top notch in that category. But, I have a hard time believing that these are a suitable iron for a mid-handicap golfer (where cavity backs typically reign supreme). For instance, I am a mid-handicap and I game a mixed set of Ping Rapture and I5’s. Would these truly be more forgiving on mis-hits than my current set? I guess I need to demo them but I’d go into that session pretty skeptical.
January 19th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Well the Raptures are about as wide and as perimeter weighted as they come. We actually tested them against this years G15 just for fun and obviously they are two entirely different types of irons. But I think you will be surprised at the forgiveness of these for what they are. And offset in the two sets is at two opposite ends of the pole as well. So really cannot compare the two side-to-side. But give them a try against you set. One thing I know you will walkaway saying is that the feel is tremendously improved.
January 19th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Well, to give myself a little credit, I only play the Raptures in the 4 and 5 irons (really almost like hybrids for me). Most of the set are I5’s. All of them have a custom bounce grinds by Ping WRX. BUT…I know what you’re saying about feel. I hit my friends MP-52’s every now and then and they do enhance feel – no doubt.
January 19th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I figured it was a mix set-up something similar to that Blaine. Not putting it down at all. For some people you might want to throw a MX-300 in for this set if you felt more confident hitting those 4 & 5 irons. I just think for a lower handicap iron design like this they are the most forgiving I have tried. I think your set-up is sound especially if it works for you…thats all that matters. I just cant hit irons with that much offset for long…my natural draw swing style does not mesh well with them.
January 19th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I know exactly what you’re talking about when you say that MIzunos feel like no other irons on the market. I have MX-950 irons, and while the medium irons (5, 6, 7) have a hybrid design that sacrifices some feel in favor for forgiveness (but they still feel great when flushed), the short irons (8, 9, P) are forged from a single 1025 Carbon Steel pellet and they feel just incredible. I have three different sets of irons (these, Callaway X-14 and another old Wilson set) and when hitting them side by side, the Mizunos win by far. Their feel is just amazing.
My next set will be a Mizuno, and the one after it, and the one after it. I’m a Mizuno man for life.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:44 am
I would agree…until something beats them out these are staying in my bag
January 19th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
How would you compare these irons to Scratch irons? I am thinking about getting a new set soon. I am leaning towards MP-58s or a set of Scratch EZ-1s. I have never hit Scratch’s irons but I have the wedges and love them.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:43 am
Great question Jack…we actually are getting a set of the brand new Scratch irons to review for you…so as soon as we have put them through their rounds we will post the results.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
here’s a con…NO LEFTY
January 20th, 2010 at 7:34 am
I will shoot an email to Mizuno and see if they have plans to offer them in LH soon for you Trevor.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Definitely gotta agree that the MP58’s are beautiful and enticing to put in the bag. Would you happen to be able to compare the 58’s to the MP32’s in terms of flight and forgiveness? I really like the 32’s but need a set for days when I’m not striking it my best. Thanks!
January 20th, 2010 at 7:27 am
I would have to hit them side by side which I did not do in this test to really give you the best feedback. But I can say the MP-58’s are more forgiving better feel overall and the ball flight was a little higher. But the MP-32’s are a superb set…still one of my favorites of all time…especially when you make them satin like the ones in this article:
http://www.mygolfspy.com/best-golf-blade-iron-designs/
January 21st, 2010 at 7:10 am
How did these compare to the MP-52s?
January 21st, 2010 at 9:16 am
I would say there is a little bit of overlap performance wise but the 58’s have a more blade look to them at address. Although I actually think the feel on the 58’s are a little better but this could have been because of shaft differences when testing too. In my opinion both would be a great choice for the 0-12 or even 0-15 handicapper.
January 21st, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Thank you!
Would you say the soles on both irons are simmilar?
January 21st, 2010 at 7:12 am
These look great, I have yet to hit them but have been very impressed with Mizuno for years.
I have a feeling these are going to end up in my bag this year too! Thanks for the review, did you by chance put them side by side against the Titleist AP2?
January 21st, 2010 at 9:10 am
Unfortunately the AP2 irons were not one of the irons they went up against. They are supposed to have come in for the this but did not come in on time. I will look forward to reviewing those for you guys though Eric.
January 21st, 2010 at 7:36 am
How do they compare with forged KZG’s ?
January 21st, 2010 at 9:09 am
Was not able to test a forged KZG side-by-side in this comparison but I have side-by-side tested KZG Tour Evolution and MP-52’s and I still think the feel is much better with the Mizuno’s. I think that KZG makes a great forged iron although they just do not have the big dollars that Mizuno has and the infrastructure in regards to R&D to test and test and test some more to get to the point that Mizuno can with their irons.
January 21st, 2010 at 7:49 am
The 58’s look amazing! Mizuno has a way of capturing my eye on all their forged irons. I’m interested to know how they stack up to Ping I15’s as I’m scheduled to have a Ping fitting soon. I originally was thinking G15’s…and still might depending on my fitting, but after hitting the I15’s, I was pleasantly surprised.
I guess it’s time to try the Mizzies before I decide!
Great review!
January 21st, 2010 at 9:06 am
In my opinion they are a big step above in both forgiveness and feel. I actually will be posting the i15 review on the site soon. And I think they are a great set of sticks. But the Mizuno MP-58 is the better choice without a doubt. I tested those two side-by-side and the Mizuno IS the better iron of the two.
Glad you liked the review Ian.
January 21st, 2010 at 8:26 am
I actually reached almost the exact same conclusions as you did when reviewing these irons. WEhat a great set. I am currently a 16 capper after losing 5 strokes to a heart attack. I am currently working on my game from ground zer, , and hope to put these in the bag some day.–next season more than likely. Mizunos were my club of choice to get from an 11 to the single digits but after the little cardio melt down I had to re-tool the bag with cheap and eay to hit. I am awaiting the return of my game, and the clearance by my doctors that will allow me to walk the course again, rather than ride around in a stupid little cart. When that day comes–I am looking forward to purchasing those Zunos. Their feel is unbeatable–period. These have to be the best set of irons to come out this year.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:04 am
Well I hope everything is feeling better for you Bill. I hope you are able to get back out and walk the course sooner then later.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:22 am
Thanks Simon. Keep these quality reviews coming!
January 21st, 2010 at 9:31 am
Name is Colt actually…Simon was another reader that posted a comment
January 21st, 2010 at 9:31 am
Of course Bill. I usually never misses the cut when it concernes golf or golf products
. Get well soon!
January 21st, 2010 at 8:58 am
This is the best forged irons 2010. And that they can be compared to Ap2, X22 tour when it concernes to forgivness. The range of players hcp I think the MP58 can be played up to 10-12 hcp. However the customers that doesn´t have the power to strike the ball like the pros needs to get shafts that are in the range of 85 gram like the Nippon shaft. I know that Mizuno didn´t have this shafts 2009 because of the shafts didn´t reach the requirements during tests in cold temperature. Don´t know if they have this shafts in the custom shafts for 2010, is there anyone that know better?
Great review by the way
January 21st, 2010 at 9:02 am
I would agree Simon I think some 15 handicappers with a certain ball striking ability might be able to get benefit from these.
Thanks for the compliment by the way
Hope to see you around more on here.
January 21st, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I realize I have a different view and may be attacked for it, but after playing the 58s for a few months I completely disagree with an A grade. They look nice, but I question the “technology breakthrough” they are supposed to offer. I play to a 4 due to poor putting, and have been much lower when I was younger, but ball striking has always been my bread and butter. I feel the 58s are a downgrade from previous years offerings. They lack the consistency, and even forgiveness of the 32s. I believe the titanium is a gimmick and wont be offered for very long because it is everything that the MP line is not supposed to be. To me it is a tricks and advertising attempt to be like TaylorMade, when they are a great line of irons because they never have had to stoop to the gimmicks level. I tried them since early December and my experience on the course was that they did not meet the Mizuno reputation. Maybe I am the only person to be disappointed by them, but I think Mizzy has much better choices.
January 21st, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Well I and yes all the others so far would disagree with you…but I appreciate your feedback. Although the titanium is far from a gimmick. And Mizuno would be the LAST company I would compare to Taylormade…that one almost made me spit my drink out. Titanium is a lighter metal then 1025 and if you had seen the R&D reasoning for it being used then maybe you would see it is no gimmick…just purposefully used for the right reason in this design. You don’t see them marketing the “Titanium” aspect of these irons…it is strictly for functionality purposes. And I actually compared the MP-32’s side-by-side with these and would also disagree with your finding on that as well. But like I tell other people that is why they make more then one iron…different strokes for different folks.
January 21st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Like someone else stated earlier, no lefty version is a shocker, esp when they have the 68 in lefty.
January 21st, 2010 at 4:46 pm
i’ve said on here before that i’ve been with with callaway for a while now due mostly to an unbeatable industry rate[P.U.D.] that im thankful to have. that being said i was messing around with my friends 58s last week and as much as i like my x22 tour’s i loved that mizuno better. there is just something to be said about the simplicity of a mizuno player’s iron muscle/cut muscle/or cavity back. in my opinion-MIZUNO JUST GETS IT!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
Did you compare the 58s to the 62s? I’m a 5 hcp (usually play to more like a 9-10) that when I’m on, I hit the 62s as pure as anything I’ve ever hit. When I’m off, the 62s are usualy fairly forgiving. While I’ve never hit the 58s, I find it hard to believe they can feel even better. I think my 62s are awesome! Do you really feel that the 62s are that much more forgiving, and would it be worth a switch?
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I have the mp-68s and love them. had a set of mp-32s before that. mizuno makes great clubs. i may have to try these now. i also think that their woods are underrated. i have a mp-600 and hit it great.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:40 am
[...] No secret to our readers that I am now bagging the MP-58’s from Mizuno. And as I said in our review that is because I simply could not find a better iron to replace them…they are that good. [...]
February 21st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I just tested the MP-58 6 iron at my local Golf Galaxy. I loved it. I’ve been playing MP-60’s for the last four years, and the MP-58 demo feel was equal to if not better than my MP-60s. The distance, according to the simulator, was 10-15 yards longer than my normal 6 iron with the MP-60s. Could this be the simulator, or the club?
March 9th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
what shaft did David use to get the extra 10 _ 15 yards over the MP 60