Too bad for the American golfer. I bet you’d love these.

This will be the third time that I have written about the Mizuno MP-A series putters. It was a solid line when I reviewed the initial line of putters (HERE), became even more impressive when new models were added (HERE), and today I have a couple of putters that are the strongest of the lot.

Strongest arcing that is.

Before we get to these two big sweepers, let’s reset the specifics of the MP-A putter line.

Black IP Finish

The black finish on the Mizuno MP A-Series putter line is still irresistibly pretty. Still not sure what the IP stands for, but you will be hard pressed to find a nicer black finish. It’s glossy, but free of glare. It sparkles, but remains subtle.

Based upon the play with previous models, it also holds up very well.

Milled Carbon Steel

So soft and buttery, yet you still know when you are off the sweet spot at impact. Mizuno irons are not going to fix poor swings, but they definitely reward you with sweetness when you pure them. Putters work the same way. Very soft and rich at impact, but giving a little clunkness if you wander the face.

Different Shapes

This is one of my favorite lines from the last article I wrote about the MP-A Series, “Creativity in design is refreshing, especially when the putters are attractive and well performing.”

That definitely holds true for the new models. I don’t have a sample of the A309 to share, but its extended flange is not typical, yet the rest of the head displays classic heel-toe weighted architecture.

The A307 and A308 are dead-on classic shapes, but with the MP-A tweaks, they become very new at the same time.

With the release of these three new models, the MP-A line is now diverse enough in heads that I truly believe 90% or more of the people looking to find a putter, could find one that fits in this line.

Alignment Bevel

If you square the face to aim, this line is a huge plus. While I hate trying to photograph black and white putters (cuz it’s hard), the sharp contrast in color makes for a powerful visual at address. Others have produced similar schemes, thinking of Big T and such, but I find the more subtle nature of the Mizuno system to be more visually palatable.

It just looks like it should be there, instead of being a huge set of lines slapped on the top at the last minute.

General Specs:  Mizuno MP-A Series Putters

• Forged 1025 Carbon Steel
• CNC Milled
• Black IP Finish
• Top line alignment bevel
• Face “Score Lines” to reduce skid and promote true roll
• Oversize Golf Pride grip

Three six NINE Head shapes (A301, A302, A303, A304, A305, A306, A307, A308, & A309)

Today’s Two: A307 and A308

These two putters are probably the closest siblings in the MP-A Series family. They both are arguably the most traditional of the heads. The designers added the alignment bevel, the Black IP finish, and the standard MP-A Series face, but really left the rest alone.

I’m impressed that they knew what to tweak, but also knew when to let what works keep working.

A307

The A307 is classic Zing. You have the short flow neck. There’s the pound of steel out in the toe. The big swoops on the bumpers are there, unadorned with anyone’s name…

Again, Mizuno knew when to tweak, and when to leave it alone.

All in all, the strong-arc putting crowd should be really pleased with the swing of this Zing-esq beauty.

A308

If Phil ever heads over to Mizuno, his putter will be waiting for him. Like the A307, this putter has a deep toe hang and will fit the strong-arc player.

Also like the A307, the A308 retains a classic shape, this time it’s a heel-shafted half-mallet shape, akin to the Odyssey #9 and others. The only slight variation that I see is that the weight is not quite as toe-bumper skewed as some #9’s are. Definitely still more mass on the toe bumper, just not as much as one could expect.

And again, you can’t have one.

These are only available through Mizuno Europe, and it’s a real shame. The MP-A Series could do really well in the US market. It’s got diversity, Mizuno quality, and carbon steel feel. That steel would be a huge draw. One wouldn’t even need to know anything about metallurgy to feel the difference when you hit one of these after the more common stainless corral crew. We are a bit carbon steel light in golf shops these days.

I’m sure there is a reason that Mizuno USA doesn’t sell these here. It’s probably a good reason too. Regardless, it’s too bad for the American golfer. I bet you’d love these.

My European friends should revel in the fact that they have something special that we don’t.