MIZUNO MP-H5 IRONS
Our testers loved the look of these irons, which included a 1- and 2-iron. Checkout what they thought of their performance.
I hit the MP-H5s straighter than my irons. It was also good to hit a 1- and 2-iron again as they seem to be a dying breed.
GARY PILLING
GA HANDICAP: 5.4
MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Mizuno MP-H5 1-iron to pitching wedge, fitted with regular-flex graphite shafts. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I like the design of the clubhead, especially the wide sole and the way they sit at address. I probably would have liked to see a little offset but that’s just me and the style I prefer. VERDICT: The first shot I had with the Mizuno MP-H5s was with the 1-iron and I creamed it right onto the back of the green, so that got my attention in a hurry. I found these irons to be more forgiving; I hit a couple of shots fat but the ball still behaved in the air and on the ground like a well-struck shot might. I didn’t notice any appreciable difference in distance but I did hit the MP-H5s straighter than my irons. It was also good to hit a 1- and 2-iron again as they seem to be a dying breed. At the other end of the scale, strangely the pitching wedge was the only club I struggled with. Overall, I was very happy with these irons but would need a little practice time to become completely used to them. WHAT I LIKED: The sole design and the forgiveness factor throughout the set. WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I’d still like to see a little offset to the design. Other than that, they were great.
ROSS POWELL
GA HANDICAP: 16.5
MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Mizuno MP-H5 1-iron to pitching wedge, fitted with regularflex graphite shafts. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: There’s a nice weight to the clubheads. These irons feel well balanced in the hands and they present to the eye very nicely. I’m intrigued by the 1- and 2-irons and plan to use these long irons a few times to see what they’re like. VERDICT: I ended up playing three rounds with the Mizuno MP-H5s. If you hit them sweetly out of the middle, the ball goes a long way and it feels so easy. However, catch them slightly off-centre and there’s a jarring sensation that flows back into the hands and wrists. The good strikes felt terrific and I flew the ball a little higher than usual, but the overall forgiveness isn’t there for my handicap level. Even though the MP-H5s are intended for golfers up to a teens handicap, I’d suggest they’re better suited to singlefigure markers. Saying that, I found the 1-iron not nearly as intimidating to hit as I thought and several times off the tee it chased out within 20 metres of where I usually hit a driver. WHAT I LIKED: The weight and balance of the clubs and how they feel at address. WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: When you don’t strike them out of the middle they give you a pretty nasty kickback.
If you hit them sweetly out of the middle, the ball goes a long way and it feels so easy. However, catch them slightly off-centre and there’s a jarring sensation.