The Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons have garnered significant attention since their release, often praised for their innovative blend of classic design with modern technology. Targeted at a wide range of golfers, the MP-20 HMB offers a unique combination of performance, forgiveness, and playability, which positions them well in Mizuno’s prestigious MP line. In this Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons review, sangaspargolf will explore various aspects of the irons, including their looks, sound and feel, technology, performance on the course, and much more, providing you with a detailed overview to help determine if these irons are the right fit for your game.
Looks
Mizuno is renowned for its attention to aesthetics, and the MP-20 HMB Golf Irons are no exception. At first glance, these irons showcase a sleek, minimalist design, giving a nod to the classic blade look while incorporating modern elements that subtly enhance their performance.
The thin topline and compact blade length are unmistakable features, offering a visually appealing appearance at address, especially for players who appreciate traditional irons. The chrome finish with a satin look not only gives the irons a luxurious feel but also helps reduce glare under bright conditions, maintaining a focus on the ball.
A key aesthetic feature of the Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons is the combination of muscle-back styling with cavity-back technology. The hollow body construction provides a hint of additional forgiveness without compromising on the traditional blade’s clean and elegant profile. Golfers who prefer a refined and classic look on the course will undoubtedly appreciate the aesthetic craftsmanship Mizuno has delivered with the MP-20 HMB.
Sound & Feel
Mizuno has long been revered for the superior sound and feel of its irons, and the MP-20 HMB is no different. Featuring a forged chromoly construction and soft copper underlay, these irons offer an exceptional feel that connects the player to each shot. The sensation upon striking the ball is a satisfying, dense “click” that resonates through the hands in a controlled manner.
For golfers who prioritize feedback in their equipment, the MP-20 HMB irons deliver a well-balanced experience. Mishits are communicated subtly, giving the player enough information to know where they went wrong without the jarring vibrations often associated with other irons.
The forged construction with the copper underlay plays a critical role in achieving this feel, providing a soft yet solid contact point that many players find highly addictive. In this Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons review, the sound and feel stand out as major selling points for players who value connection and control in their irons.
Technology
The Mizuno MP-20 HMB (Hot Metal Blade) Golf Irons incorporate several cutting-edge technologies that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. This combination allows the MP-20 HMB to deliver a premium feel, enhanced performance, and added forgiveness without losing the sleek aesthetic of a classic blade. Here’s a detailed look at the technology that makes the MP-20 HMB irons stand out.
Hollow Body Construction
The MP-20 HMB irons utilize a hollow body design, which allows Mizuno to pack more forgiveness and distance into a club that looks like a traditional blade. This hollow construction places more weight around the perimeter of the clubhead, increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) and making the irons more forgiving on off-center hits. It also allows for a thinner, faster face that generates higher ball speeds.
Forged Chromoly Face
The face of the MP-20 HMB irons is forged from Chromoly steel, a strong and flexible material that Mizuno has used to create a thinner face profile. The result is an enhanced “trampoline” effect at impact, which generates faster ball speeds and ultimately longer distances. Chromoly is traditionally used in Mizuno’s game improvement irons, but its integration into the MP-20 HMB enables players to benefit from increased distance without sacrificing feel.
Soft Copper Underlay
One of the key technological advancements in the MP-20 HMB irons is the use of a soft copper underlay beneath the chrome and nickel layers of the clubhead. This copper layer is what gives the irons their signature soft feel. Originally featured in Mizuno’s classic TN87 irons from the 1980s, the copper underlay helps create a softer, more responsive impact, which is particularly noticeable on well-struck shots. The feel and feedback provided by the soft copper layer are considered some of the best in the industry, adding to the MP-20 HMB’s appeal for discerning players.
Tungsten Weighting
The long irons (2-7) in the MP-20 HMB set feature 12 grams of tungsten weighting strategically placed in the toe section. This tungsten insert helps to lower the center of gravity (CG), making it easier to launch the ball higher and with more stability. The lower CG also increases forgiveness by improving the club’s stability through impact, ensuring that even off-center hits achieve a decent trajectory and distance. This weighting is especially beneficial for longer irons, which are traditionally harder to hit.
Harmonic Impact Technology (HIT)
Mizuno is known for paying close attention to the sound and feel of their irons, and the MP-20 HMBs are no exception. Using Mizuno’s Harmonic Impact Technology (HIT), the MP-20 HMB irons have been meticulously engineered to produce a satisfying sound at impact. The hollow body construction and forged face are tuned to deliver a dense, solid sound that appeals to better players, while also enhancing the feedback golfers receive with each shot.
Grain Flow Forging Process
While the hollow body design is new to Mizuno’s MP line, the company’s renowned Grain Flow Forging process remains a key component of the MP-20 HMB irons. Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forging technique ensures that the metal’s grain structure flows uniformly from heel to toe, promoting consistent energy transfer and a uniform feel across the entire face. This forging process is what gives the MP-20 HMB irons their unparalleled softness and consistency, allowing players to shape shots and control distance with precision.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons excel across multiple areas, particularly in terms of distance, control, and forgiveness. Unlike traditional blades that are often unforgiving, the MP-20 HMB irons offer a higher level of playability, making them suitable for a broader range of golfers, from low handicappers to mid-handicap players seeking additional help.
Distance
The chromoly face and hollow body construction enable faster ball speeds, translating into longer distances on well-struck shots. Compared to the more traditional MP blades, the MP-20 HMB irons consistently produce a few extra yards, especially with the longer irons (2 through 7). The tungsten weighting ensures that the center of gravity is positioned lower, promoting higher launch conditions, which further aids in gaining distance.
Forgiveness
Despite their blade-like appearance, the MP-20 HMB irons are far more forgiving than one would expect. The hollow body design and strategically placed tungsten weights contribute to a wider sweet spot, reducing the punishment on off-center strikes. While these irons are still designed with better players in mind, they offer a level of forgiveness that makes them a viable option for mid-handicap golfers as well.
Control
Where the MP-20 HMB truly shines is in its control. Players who value precision will appreciate the workability of these irons. The irons allow for fades, draws, and stingers with ease, offering skilled golfers the opportunity to shape shots without feeling restricted by the club’s design. The copper underlay and forged construction provide consistent feedback, allowing players to refine their swings and shot shapes.
On The Course
Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons stand out for their versatility. Whether it’s a tee shot on a short par 4, an approach shot into a tricky green, or even a recovery shot from the rough, these irons perform admirably across the board.
Players will appreciate the higher ball flight and added spin from the long irons, which make holding greens easier, even on longer approach shots. The short irons and wedges provide precise control, allowing for delicate shots around the greens and consistent ball-stopping ability.
Mizuno’s ability to blend classic aesthetics with modern technology results in an iron set that feels reliable in every situation. Golfers who require versatility will find that the MP-20 HMB irons deliver consistently, providing confidence both from the fairway and challenging lies.
Specifications
- Construction: Forged Chromoly with Soft Copper Underlay
- Set Composition: 2-PW, GW (Customizable)
- Lofts: 2 Iron (16.5°), 3 Iron (19°), 4 Iron (22°), 5 Iron (25°), 6 Iron (28°), 7 Iron (32°), 8 Iron (36°), 9 Iron (41°), PW (46°)
- Shaft Options: Dynamic Gold, Nippon Modus, Project X, KBS Tour, and others (customizable)
- Grip: Golf Pride MCC or custom options available
Pros
- Classic, blade-like appearance with added forgiveness.
- Excellent sound and feel, thanks to the forged chromoly and copper underlay.
- Hollow body construction allows for enhanced distance and playability.
- Versatile performance across various types of shots.
- Suitable for a wider range of players than traditional blades.
Cons
- Less forgiving than true game improvement irons.
- May still feel intimidating to higher handicappers.
- Premium pricing might be a barrier for some golfers.
FAQs
Are Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons forgiving?
Yes, the Mizuno MP-20 HMB irons are more forgiving than traditional blades, thanks to their hollow body construction and tungsten weighting. While they still cater to better players, they offer a wider sweet spot and more forgiveness than classic muscle-back irons.
How far do Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons go?
The MP-20 HMB irons tend to produce slightly longer distances compared to traditional blades due to their faster ball speeds. On average, players can expect to gain a few extra yards, particularly with the long irons.
Do Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons feel good?
Absolutely. One of the standout features of the Mizuno MP-20 HMB irons is their feel. The forged chromoly construction, combined with the copper underlay, delivers a soft yet solid feel at impact, making each shot feel controlled and responsive.
What’s the difference between Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons and Mizuno JPX919 Forged Irons?
| Feature | Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons | Mizuno JPX919 Forged Irons |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Low to mid-handicappers | Mid-handicappers |
| Design | Hollow body construction with a forged chromoly face | One-piece forged design with a thicker face and wider sole |
| Forgiveness | Moderate (more than traditional blades, but less than game improvement irons) | High (more forgiving due to thicker topline and sole) |
| Feel | Soft, responsive feel due to copper underlay and forged chromoly | Soft, solid feel with enhanced feedback due to Grain Flow Forging HD process |
| Ball Flight | Higher, controlled ball flight with added spin in longer irons | Higher ball flight with lower spin, designed for distance and forgiveness |
| Workability | High workability, ideal for shaping shots | Moderate workability; more forgiving but slightly less maneuverable |
| Distance | Increased distance due to thin, fast face and hollow construction | Consistent distance, but less explosive than MP-20 HMB due to thicker face |
| Looks | Classic blade-like appearance with a thinner topline and compact head | Slightly larger profile with a more forgiving look, yet retains a sleek appearance |
| Loft Strength | Traditional lofts | Stronger lofts for added distance |
| Tungsten Weighting | Yes (in longer irons for added forgiveness and launch) | No |
| Player Profile | Suited for players who want a blade feel with a bit more forgiveness | Ideal for players who need more forgiveness but still desire a forged feel |
Are Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons good for high handicappers?
While the MP-20 HMB irons offer more forgiveness than typical blades, they are still designed with better players in mind. High handicappers may struggle with consistency and might benefit more from true game improvement irons, though confident mid-handicappers might find them playable.
How much do Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons cost?
The price of the Mizuno MP-20 HMB irons can vary depending on the retailer and customization options, but they generally fall within the premium category, ranging from $1,200 to $1,400 for a standard set (4-PW).
Conclusion
Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons are an exceptional blend of classic design and modern performance. For players who appreciate the aesthetics of a traditional blade but seek added forgiveness and distance, the MP-20 HMB irons provide an ideal solution. While they may not be as forgiving as dedicated game improvement irons, their versatility, sound, and feel make them a top contender for low to mid-handicap golfers looking to elevate their game. In this Mizuno MP-20 HMB Golf Irons review, we’ve explored their strengths and limitations, making it clear why these irons have become a favorite among discerning golfers.