by GolfWRX member “swanry30″
PRODUCT TESTED:
2012 MIZUNO MP-T4 Wedges
CLUB SPECIFICATIONS:
Loft / Bounce: 50.06, 58.10, 54.09
Shafts: STOCK SHAFT DG SPINNER was substituted with DG S300
PROS:
With input from the one of the games most precise wedge players, Luke Donald, Mizuno has designed a “tear shaped” wedge from 1025E “Pure Select” mild carbon steel – and incorporated their patented QUAD CUT GROOVES. The results are a well balanced scoring weapon.
CONS:
Mizuno’s “STRATEGICALLY ENGINEERED SOLE GEOMETRY to provide more toe and heel relief for maximum shot making versatility,” may not provide enough options for those who are looking for a wedge with a variety of LOFT/BOUNCE/GRIND options. SEE BELOW FOR MP-T4 SPECIFICATIONS/OPTIONS. Lefties who prefer the BLACK NICKEL finish are “left” out in the dark.
BOTTOM LINE:
Mizuno has taken their superior technology and unsurpassed quality in irons – producing a wedge designed to elevate your game to the next level.
Click here to discuss the Mizuno MP-T4 Wedges in the GolfWRX forums.
EDITOR/TESTOR REVIEW:
LOOKS:
Mizuno MP-T4 wedges, 50, 54 & 58 degree lofts
With a design that is not too busy or too plain – the Mizuno MP-T4 simply put is perfect. From address its subtle “tear drop” shape and precise machined QUAD CUT GROOVES help frame the ball regardless how the player chooses to execute a shot.
Honestly, after receiving the wedges, I spent nearly two hours looking at them and taking pictures of the back of the club. In my mind – I was sold on the aesthetics before evaluating the face/address position.
For my personal preference – there needs to be a slight progression in head shape and groove depth/width. The Mizuno MP-T4 nailed this in my opinion with a very subtle and appropriate evolution as the loft increases.
Both finishes – Exotic White Satin Chrome and Black Nickel are stunning to the eye. The Exotic White Satin doesn’t look too delicate or soft and its counterpart in the Black Nickel doesn’t create a harsh crisp look that potential could transfer over into feel.
Click here to discuss the Mizuno MP-T4 Wedges in the GolfWRX forums.
The specialized option of custom stamping is a wonderful touch. There are a variety of colors to choose from: Royal Blue, Yellow, Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Black, Gold, White, Silver, Pink and Light Blue. I ended up taking the neutral route and had SWAN stamped in BLACK, which complements the simple elegance of the wedge.
FIRM CONDITIONS – FAIRWAY/ROUGH/BUNKERS
Coming off summer – the courses I frequent were starting to officially bake out. I found the MP-T4 wedges to perform VERY well from the tighter lies – probably because I am use to wedges with more bounce. I was able to execute a variety of shots that varied from HIGH SOFT to LOW SPINNING. For me a wedge needs to SPIN – but also have the capability to reduce the spin imparted by the groves and strike to let a shot run if necessary. Some of this is technique – some is the wedge. The MP-T4 provided the opportunity for me to be versatile in my shot making. Shots from the rough provided great spin allowing me to hold greens when I put myself out of position off the tee.
Around the greens the wedge performed better for me from tighter lies than deep rough. There is a subtle sole grind which allows you to open the face to hit a flop shot a variety of lies – but I prefer to hit this shot utilizing the bounce. The bounce on the 58 is 10 which is right on the bubble for me. For those of you who prefer the bounce in this range – the MP-T4 should be on your radar.
Soft sand was negotiated with slightly more effort and a modification to my technique. The stopping power was there – but the needed bounce was not. I had to make sure I came through shallower than if I was using a wedge with higher bounce.
Click here to discuss the Mizuno MP-T4 Wedges in the GolfWRX forums.
WET CONDITIONS – FAIRWAY/ROUGH/BUNKERS
Well… The weather has turned – and the rain is here to stay. Initially I was concerned to how wedges with less bounce than I am accustom to would perform in wet conditions. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised. Approach shots from various distances in the fairway were easy. This is where I feel the “balance” that Mizuno advertises came into play the most. I could open the face and drive one low or lob one soft – no digging or abnormally large divots. Perhaps the only shot that was difficult to execute – because of the bounce was when I dropped a ball “short side” on a shaved down area. It took me a couple of balls to really execute the shot correctly.
The rough around the green was easy to navigate – no surprises.
Escaping wet bunkers were very easy – long or short. The stopping power is fantastic – add that to wet sand and soft greens – ATTACK AWAY!
Mizuno MP-T4 wedge – 58* at address
FEEL:
It has been a long time since I have played a forged wedge… For me performance and versatility are the primary focus of a scoring club. Can I get the ball close? Does it stop when I need it to? Can I hit all of my shots? Feel is way down on the list. Well… I found out what I have been missing out on playing a cast wedge now for years. Mizuno defines SOFT with their GRAIN FLOW FORGING process.
As golfers – we tend to use culinary terms or phrases when describing feel. “SOFT AS BUTTER” comes to mind. I honestly don’t know how to describe feel – but Mizuno has given me an appetite for the element of FEEL in wedges.
OVERALL BOTTOM LINE:
Mizuno is a serious competitor in the wedge market. With the input they received from the top golfers in the world – the MP-T4 is a well balanced scoring machine. Ironically – it may not be the flashiest wedge, one that is in your friends’ bag, or on the front display of your local golf store… However, IF you try them – you will more than likely be purchasing them. Subtle beauty, combined with outstanding craftsmanship and superior technology. Even if you are not in the market for wedges – try out Mizuno’s latest offering in the MP-T4 and have your eyes opened. For more talk and what members are saying, please continue the discussion in the GolfWRX forums.
Mizuno MP-T4 Options
