Review: Mizuno MP-57 Irons

Equipment

By Sean ⋅ January 28, 2008 ⋅

I played my first Mizuno irons, the MX-23s a couple years ago. I still remember the feeling the first time I flushed a 6 iron with those clubs…wow. I have played, demoed, tested numerous other irons since, and really, for me at least, nothing compares to the buttery soft feel of a well struck Mizuno. I spent a good part of 2007 and part of 2006 playing with a set of MP-33 irons. If you are not familiar, they are regarded as one of the easiest to play muscle back irons created. Of course, they are blades, and while I love them when I am playing well, they certainly are not the most forgiving club in the world.

I had tried the MP-60 and MP-32 irons in the past, and did not find them to be as soft feeling or any more forgiving than the MP-33 irons. In comes the MP-57.

Mizuno MP-57 Irons

When Mizuno released information about the MP-57s, my jaw dropped. Limited off-set, Increased forgiveness, but at the same time a playable sole and the potential for that same buttery soft Mizuno feel. They haven’t disappointed.

There are a lot of pictures in this review. As always, if you want to see a larger version of the image, just click on it. You can also see most of the MP-57 Pictures I took on my flickr site.

Background

The New MP-57 irons are a crowning achievement in the evolution of MIZUNO’s award-winning Grain Flow Forging® and Cut Muscle technologies. The Product Development team undertook the task of making the MP-57’s the first MP iron with a Full Cavity, resulting in a significantly larger sweet area than any other iron in the history of the MP line. Along with increased forgiveness, the MP-57’s produce a slightly higher ball flight in the long irons, and a mid trajectory in the scoring irons. They also deliver the solid feel and shot making ability that the MP iron player craves. Most importantly, the MP-57’s achieve all these playing aspects, yet in a classic head profile that appeals to better players.

From Left to Right: MP-67, MP-33, MP-57

The ideal combination of solid feel and workability, with unbelievable forgiveness, make the MP-57s the most playable MP irons ever.

Features

First ever Full Cavity MP iron for increased forgiveness with a reinforcing muscle pad for enhanced feel.
Innovative Cut Muscle design provides ideal COG location, perfect trajectory, enhanced solid feel, and complete ball control.
Exclusive Grain Flow Forged®, 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel provides the ultimate soft, solid, consistent feel.
Durable Double nickel chrome plated finish.
Modified U-grooves produce the ideal spin rate, for maximum playability in all conditions.
Rolled leading edge, cambered mid-sole, and rolled trailing edge deliver consistent striking ability from all types of lies.

Specifications

The clubs I am reviewing are fitted with ProjectX shafts. Here are the standard specifications for the clubs. Since these clubs are forged, they are quite easy to have adjusted by your local clubfitter.

Looks

MP-57 at Address

As with all of the clubs in the Mizuno MP line, the MP-57 is a clean, elegant looking instrument. Even with the large cavity, there is nothing there to distract you. The club is all about business, and helping you get the job done.

The MP-57 is actually pretty similar in size to the MP-33 and MP-67 irons. I did not have an MP-60 on hand to take side by side pictures, however, it is also similar in size and obviously appearance to the MP-60.

Even the top line and sole of the MP-57 (MP-57 Top Line Picture - Right) is quite similar to that of the MP-33 and MP-67 irons (Picture - Below). For a forgiving, almost game improvement class iron, there are a lot of playability qualities inherent in this design. The MP-33’s top line is slightly less noticeable than either the MP-67 or MP-57. But holding the MP-57 next to the MP-67 at address, it is difficult to distinguish between them. This is a good thing in my book, and I would guess in the minds of anyone who likes the look of a classic blade at address, but wants the forgiveness of modern, technologically ‘advanced’ irons.

From Left to Right: MP-57, MP-33, MP-67 - PW

As you can see above, the MP-57 (left) has a slightly beefier heel area than the MP-67 (right). In the Pitching Wedge it is difficult to see, but as you go up in club, the MP-57 is slightly more offset than the MP-67. The MP-67 sticks to 0.110″ for most of the irons, where as the MP-57 gets up to 0.160″ for the 3 iron. The irons pictured above are all Pitching Wedges.

You will have to drop down to the MX series to see a noticeable difference in club head size.

From Left to Right: MP-57, MP-33, MX-23 - 6 Irons

As you can see above, the MX-23 (which is very similar to the new MX-25) is a tad bit larger than the MP-57 and MP-33 from toe to heel. It also adds more weight to the heel, presumably to help promote a draw. There is also considerably more weight on the perimeter and down low to help get the ball up. A little later in the review you’ll see a shot of the sole of the MX-23 vs the MP-57 as well, which shows another area of difference.

Feel

I usually combine Look and Feel…but come on now, this is Mizuno. People say feel is subjective. To me, there is no better feeling than a Mizuno forged iron. Well struck, they are soft as butter, smooth as silk. The MP-33 irons are, bar none, the best feeling irons I have ever struck. The MP-57s are similar to the MP-33, though not quite the same. Given the amount of ‘meat’ behind the ball with the MP-33s, this is not surprising. Now, compared to the MP-32 and MP-60 irons, I really cannot tell a huge difference in terms of feel. The are very, very similar, to me.

MP-57 Cavity

When I was playing with the MP-33 irons full time, I was absolutely in love with the pitching wedge, it felt so amazingly soft. I couldn’t wait to get 135 yards in so I could hit that club. Well, unfortunately I hit a rock with it at some point and…well you can read about that saga here. End result was I replaced it with an MP-67 pitching wedge. The MP-67 felt nice on full swings, though never had the same buttery soft feel on 30-40 yard pitches. The MP-57 is in the same boat. I love it on the full swings, though it’s not quite as soft as the MP-33. Again, given the design, that’s to be expected. I’ll say this much, I’ll definitely be playing the MP-57s more often than the MP-33s…and we’ll get into why now…

Performance

These clubs really live up to the hype. I was trying to hit the ball all over the face, and while not as forgiving as say the Taylor Made R7 CGB Max irons, anywhere near the center of the club face and you’ll get nice distance out of these clubs. The nice thing is, hit them a little off the center, and you know you’re off the sweet spot. That was something that always bothered me with the Super Game Improvement irons, I could never tell if I hit the sweet spot, or a little left…little right..how do I ‘improve’ my game with that kind of feedback?

MP-57 Leading Edge

Again we can see similarities between the MP-57 and MP-67 irons. The leading edge of the MP-57 (seen above) is very similar to that of the MP-57 and even MP-33 irons. I never had a problem with the club digging, and was able to play with the club face open or a little closed quite easily.

The sole is also an absolutely perfect width. Knockdown shots are a breeze. The club face is very easy to align. It really is a precision instrument in your hands. If you look back at some of my reviews of super game improvement irons, like the Nike Sumo irons, you’ll notice just how huge the soles of these clubs can be. This is great for high handicap players who need some help, but, takes a lot of options out of the bag. I always had a hard time hitting low, high spin shots with clubs with wide soles. You can argue whether anyone but PGA Tour players should be trying such things, but I find it fun!

From Left to Right: MP-57, MP-33, MX-23

I was playing these clubs in a Project X 5.5 shaft. So perhaps a little weaker than the Rifle 6.0s in my MP-33s. Distance was pretty similar, not much different. Sure, they’re a little shorter than the TM Burner Irons, but they’re also at least a degree weaker, with the PW being 47*. In any event, when it comes to irons, distance should not be your primary concern. You can always club up or down, play with the lofts or swap shafts. What I am concerned about with irons is getting the ball close to the hole, with consistent distance. The MP-57s delivered consistency when it came to distance. I never found myself unexpectedly airmailing a ball 15 yards over the green.

These really are remarkable clubs. If you have been considering the MP-60s, MP-32s or MP-67s, I would suggest you at least hit the MP-57s. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor on those days where your swing is just a little off.

Conclusion

About a year ago, Terry Koehler (The Wedge Guy) wrote up a great post about Blades vs Cavity Backs. He discusses how people may be doing themselves a disservice by playing so called game improvement irons. Having played the MP-33s for quite some time as well as various game improvement irons, I really do believe these MP-57 irons provide some of the best of both worlds. The iron is very playable, provides instant quality feedback, is very accurate, while at the same time is very forgiving.

MP-57 vs MP-67 (left) and MP-33 (right)

Now, I am certainly in no place to be telling anyone what they should or shouldn’t play, but if you’ve been considering playing blades, or are struggling to score playing blades now, do yourself a favor and check out the MP-57s. I certainly cannot see these clubs leaving my bag anytime soon.

Find a full set of Mizuno MP-57 irons on eBay between $600 and $700. Just remember, if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research and buy from reputable sellers. Just keep in mind you can also buy the MP-57s from Paragon Sports online for $849. If you are not ready to shell out $600-$900 for a new set of irons, but still want to see what this whole Mizuno feel thing is all about, try and find a set of used MP-33 irons on eBay, a decent set should run you about $200. If nothing else, they’re a great set of irons to practice with, you’ll get instant, definitive feedback on your shots.

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Mizuno MP-57 Pictures
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Discussion

19 comments for “Review: Mizuno MP-57 Irons”

Awesome review of these awesome irons.

Plenty of pics as well for those not fortunate enough to already own a set ,or yet to have seen them up close and personal.

As you already know “I Love My New Mizuno’s”, and I’m glad you’ve finally got yourself a set to play about with.

Although some of the new Titleist Irons look pretty hot… especially the Titleist AP2 irons.

Adam Scott definitley thinks so after winning in Qatar and shooting a 61 course record on the final day.

Cheers

Sean Cassidy “Real Men Swing Fast”

Posted by Sean @ SwingSpeedGolf | January 28, 2008, 10:59 pm
Hey Sean,

Yeah, I haven’t seen any pics of the AP2 irons, I saw the AP1 irons, they reminded me of the Nike CCI irons. Not sure I was a big fan of those, looked very chunky.

But yeah, obviously Adam Scott loves them! Now he just needs to head over to Dubai with them and take on Tiger

Posted by Sean @ Deep Rough | January 28, 2008, 11:17 pm
Great review! Thanks! I am going to get MP-57 myself. I have been playing with MX-20 which I enjoyed very much. I think it is time for me to move on.
Your review really gave me the full assurance with my decision. To me feel is the most important aspect in good iron set. Again, thanks and keep on swinging!

Posted by Donald Pak | January 31, 2008, 7:04 am
thanks for the review, this was just what i was looking for. The comparison between the mp 57 and mp 60. You’re extensive in depth analysis is very useful and has cemented my decision on which irons to get.

Posted by joseph | February 4, 2008, 3:07 am
i ordered the mizuno mp 57, from waveland golf. its been 10 days and none of the workers there knows anything about the status. They just told me the owner is out sick. I have a tourney coming up and would like to at least 1 round in before competition.

Posted by joseph | February 13, 2008, 7:45 pm
Joseph, that’s too bad. Unfortunately sometimes you get that with these smaller internet retailers. What made you go with waveland golf? I haven’t had any experience with them in the past.

Posted by Sean | February 13, 2008, 7:51 pm
Great article.

My suggestion is to go to a place like The Golf Mart in Del Mar California. They let you demo as many clubs as you like without pressure of setting up a time or preasure to perform infront of an instructor.

Once you come back over and over again and demo as much as you like they will hock you up, once you find the club of your desires, with the indoor monitor and fine tune your specs. They will also help you pick a club if you are new and unsure of your abilities!

That is great! I unforturnately found this place after jumping through the hoops.

Started with MP-60 which I couldn’t hit. Went with Adams Idea Pro which are longer in distance with good accuracy and forgiveness, still have but I was waiting for Mizunos. Golf junky. MP-57 came out and I demoed them against TM R7 Tp, and MP-60s again, and the MP-57s and the adams.

Mizuno is a shorter club. I bought them with PJ-X 5.5 and couldn’t stand the shaft. Had the TT Super Lights put in plus 1/4 inch length. I also had the lofts strengthened 2 degress. Now that is a club to swing. As long now as my Adams, and The Taylormade r7 TP. A psych thing.

I play usualy in the low-mid 80s up in the 90s now due to swing issues and short game issues. All in the works, thats golf. 80s here I come again. Played Cobras SSi, Cleveland TA2, Callaway X-20, MP-60, Adams Pro, now the MP-57.

MP-57 is more forgiving than MP-60 but still bites if you swing her wrong. Practice makes perfect. Demo and get fitted.

TT SL shaft is nice and seems to get a higher ball flight than the TT gold which is suppose to be the same just heavier. The SL is easy to adjust ball flight if fighting a wind. Best of both worlds I guess.

Posted by Ramsey | March 28, 2008, 5:38 pm
Ramsey,

Thanks for the detailed comment, always great to hear about other people’s experiences with these clubs.

I too have a set of Adams Idea Pro, though mine are fitted with some SUPER high flying GS-75 shafts. They are extremely light, and…hit the ball to the moon. With the lighter weight, they are about a club longer than the MP-57s fit with the PX 5.5 shafts.

While sometimes I feel like the PX shafts are a little ‘harsh’, I like the ball flight. They seem to hang the ball in the air.

The set of MX-950 irons I had were fitted with the TT SL shafts, and I agree, nice ball flight, and a little less weight than normal DG, considerably lighter than the PX shafts…and certainly more ‘playable’ than the high flying GS-75 shafts.

Right now, I am experimenting with a mixed set of my old MP-33 irons in 8-PW and the MP-57 in 4-7. Only problem is the MP-33s are fitted with Rifle 6.0 shafts, while the MP-57s have the PX 5.5, so the ball flight is considerably different. I just feel a little more precise with the MP-33 on the ’scoring irons’. Though, we’ll see…still barely spring!

Posted by Sean | March 29, 2008, 1:01 pm
Hey Sean,

Great blog you have. It’s nice that you share your enthusiasm for the game with everybody.

I’m a 12 hcap on paper, but a little lacking in practice - I don’t doubt that if I had a little more time to practice I’d be playing off single hcap! But currently I’m shooting anywhere between 80 and 88. I’m swinger, not a hitter and am a faily strong iron player.

My irons for the last 5 years have been Ping i3 blades, with Ping tour wedges. They work perfectly fine and I can play them well enough, but after hitting a pal’s forged Mizunos….it’s time for a change.

I’ve narrowed it down to MX25 or MP57 (shaft specs will depend on the outcome of the fitting session).

Having used the MP57, do you think someone like me is biting off more than I can chew and would be better off with the MX25 or are he MP57s really forgiving enough for a mid hcapper?

Also how would they stack up against the i3 blades in terms of forgiveness?

Thanks for any insight you may have.

Cheers
Ian

Posted by Ian | June 1, 2008, 9:27 pm
Hey Ian,

Thanks for reading and for the comment!

Sounds like your iron play is a strength of your game, so I wouldn’t think they MP-57s would be too much for you. I have not hit the i-3 irons myself, so I cannot comment on the forgiveness.

There is no question that the ‘feel’ of a well struck Mizuno iron is remarkable. I have been playing a set of Callaway Fusion irons the last few rounds, and while they are nice and very forgiving, the feel just isn’t the same.

Forgiveness wise, the MX-25s will let you get away with much worse swings than the MP-57s. You’ll lose a lot more distance on hits off the toe with the MP-57s. But, the MP-57s will be more workable. I wouldn’t worry about them being ‘too much’ for you. But, if all you are worried about is hitting the ball high, and long…with a nice forged feel, the MX-25s are a great option as well.

Your best bet is to find a qualified fitter, and hit both clubs in a variety of shafts. You may find the MP-57s spin too much, or too little, or any number of things. You may just fall in love with the ball flight of one over the other. Any decent pro shop should let you spend a good amount of time hitting the clubs before you have to make a decision.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

Posted by Sean | June 2, 2008, 8:34 am
Hi, i bought a set of MP 57’s. I tried various sets at the time and felt that the feel, weight and accuracy of the club suited me. However, not having tried the the full set at the time, I am now really dissapointed with the distance generated by all the clubs.
I always landed previous 9 irons around the 135yard mark.With theMP57,s I am lucky to reach 110 yards. They have started to cost me strokes on the course.

I am sure they can be improved by delofting and lenghtening.

Does any one in the know have any ideas. I have a 12 handicap.

Thanks

Sc

Posted by Simon Colah | June 5, 2008, 5:39 am
Simon,

What shafts did you go with on the MP-57s? What clubs were you using previously? What shafts in those clubs? If you were using ’strong loft’ irons with lightweight shafts, that could explain 10 or 15 yards, especially if you went with something like the Project X 6.0s.

I haven’t noticed much of a yardage loss compared to other similar irons (ie. mp-57s, idea pros, mp-33, i-10s). Compared to something like the TM Burner XD or CGB Max irons, yes, they’re probably a good club short.

If you read Ramsey’s comment, the shaft made a big difference for him:

“Mizuno is a shorter club. I bought them with PJ-X 5.5 and couldn’t stand the shaft. Had the TT Super Lights put in plus 1/4 inch length. I also had the lofts strengthened 2 degress. Now that is a club to swing. As long now as my Adams, and The Taylormade r7 TP. A psych thing.”

Good luck Simon!

Posted by Sean | June 5, 2008, 9:08 am
Well, almost there!

I went for a fitting session with the Mizunos, which turned up a few surprises. For one, my Ping specs weren’t what they were supposed to be (bit too flat and a bit too long), so that can’t have been helping my game all this while!

Anyway, after swinging MX25 and MP57, though they both feel nice, the 57s feel that bit nicer. It’s a great feeling when you ‘flush’ one! Also, the 25s do start to look a bit chunky in the long irons, which was another factor.

So, half an inch longer, one degree upright with Project X 5.0 was prescribed by the fitter, which incidentally felt great in all respects - the guy had a set made up in exactly the same specs as me, but sadly they are for somebody else - he let me hit a few with them though

The only drawback is that over here in Singapore, there is no outdoor fitting centre for Mizunos, so I’ve not had the luxury of seeing ball flight.

Based on the fitter’s reputation, I’m 95% confident to go with his recommendations, but do wonder about the shafts…

There has been much said about PX shafts, some good, some bad. In the net it feels great and based on my 6 iron swing tempo, smooth ~80mph, the fitter reckons the shafts will work out fine. The impact tape vindicated this, but I still have that nagging doubt at the back of my mind…what if I should be 5.5 instead of 5.0 or what if the flight of the PX just don’t work.

I did a bit of homewok on the JZ stiff shafts in my Pings. The weight is similar to PX5.0, but the ball flight is a med high, as apposed to a low-med in the PX5.0. Apart from that, it’s tough to compare…

Sean, or anybody else for that matter, any inputs before I part with my green is much appreciated!

Ian

Posted by Ian | June 10, 2008, 8:31 am
Ian, I do not know much about the shafts you are currently using. But if you are in the 80mph range, with a smooth swing, 5.0 should work fine for you…especially if you liked the feel (even into a net). Generally, I have found that the PX shafts feel a little stiffer than their ’stiffness counterparts’ in other shaft types. I was playing 6.0 rifle shafts, and have 5.5 PX shafts in the MP-57s. They feel pretty similar.

Ball flight wise, the thing you may notice is a little flatter trajectory with the PX shafts…and that they look cool!

Go for it! I would assume that if things don’t work out for you on the course, you could go back to the clubfitter and have him tweak the setup for you. Though make sure you confirm that before you buy!

-Sean

Posted by Sean | June 10, 2008, 12:25 pm