Mizuno MPT-11 Wedge Review

Mizuno. The mere mentioning of the name immediately brings to mind the word ‘forge.’ Yes, Mizuno is more known for its buttery soft irons but did you know that their forging process is in their wedge line too? I’ve had Mizuno’s latest line of wedges, the MPT-11, in my bag for quite some time now have come away more impressed than I thought I would be. You see, there is more to this wedge line than just ‘groove technology’, ‘bounce’, and ‘sole grind.’ What is it? It’s the shaft and it’s not your typical shaft either. Now that I have your attention, forge ahead my fellow golfer and see what these wedges have done for me and my game in a short amount of time. Check it out.

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From the Company
These new MP T-11 wedges combine Mizuno’s patented Grain Flow Forged feel with a Tour proven head shape and sole to provide unmatched precision in the short game. The MP T-11 wedges are Grain Flow Forged from 1025E “Pure Select” mild carbon steel to provide the most soft, solid and consistent feel available, while an innovative 360° grind and thinner top line deliver maximum shot making versatility and control.

The MP T-11 wedges feature a CNC milled face along with acclaimed QUAD CUT GROOVE technology, which enables Mizuno to precisely control the width, depth, draft angle and shoulder radius of each groove to deliver maximum spin control and ball stopping ability in all playing conditions. These QUAD CUT GROOVES combine with a new revolutionary shaft, the DG Spinner from True Temper, to provide the maximum level of spin for unmatched precision. The new MP T-11 wedge line is available in two finishes; Two Tone White Satin chrome and glare resistant Black Nickel.

*”Condition of Competition” QUAD CUT GROOVES along with a CNC Milled Face for Maximum Spin in all conditions
*True Temper DG Spinner shaft for enhanced spin and controlled trajectory to deliver ball stopping power.
*Patented Grain Flow Forged 1025E “Pure Select” mild carbon steel for soft, solid, and consistent feel.
*Innovative 360° sole grind for shot making versatility
*Tour Proven teardrop head shape.

Look
Mizuno is known for simple yet elegant designs. Truly some of the most beautiful, classic looking clubs you will ever find and the tear drop head shop does not disappoint. That in itself can inspire confidence but there’s a twist to that elegant design concept. The MPT 11 wedges come in two different finishes, chrome and black nickel. The ones I tested were black nickel and they are dead sexy. Stealthy yet classy. Sleek yet trendy. These wedges are meant to impart spin on the ball but the finish is meant to kill glare and does. Once you have the darker finish in your hands I think you’ll find it difficult to go back to a chrome finish. Not only does it help with glare but I think the darker finish helps frame the ball and square the club face to your target. It’s like having an alignment aid on your wedge!

Normally the shafts on wedges are your normal stock looking shafts. Nothing special or technologically advanced but not with these wedges. Enter the DG Spinner from True Temper. This shaft is truly a unique idea that directly contributes to the performance of the wedge and ultimately, your golf ball. But let me tell you, there’s something to these shafts beyond their different look. After you get over the shaft, you’re drawn to a sleek yet beautiful club head.

The profile is slightly smaller than your typical wedge profile but not overly noticeable. The top line appears a bit thinner and rounder than other wedges but it seemed to flow and work with the entire club and I thought it was a nice look overall. Looking at the club face, you’ll notice the milling that’s been done across the QUAD CUT GROOVES in order to provide more friction area for your golf ball to hold onto. This definitely goes beyond your standard looking wedge and gives you a sense that you’re not just swinging another wedge. You’re swinging an instrument. An instrument meant to harmonize your swing with the golf ball. Read on maestro.

Technology
I won’t spend a ton of time on the in’s and out’s of the shaft as THP has dedicated one of its ‘In the Rough’ radio shows to this topic. Take a listen to the show here if you haven’t already and decide for yourself if the technology is different or not. I think there’s definitely something to these shafts and that they do work as intended to. Magic? Nope, technology.

The club head and club face are other stories altogether. The club head features 360° sole grind which is what makes this wedge so versatile. You can open or close the wedge for whatever shot is required and you can expect the same performance no matter what lie you manged to put yourself in.

Looking at the grooves you’d think that they’re just ordinary grooves. Wrong. Mizuno has re-written the book on groove technology that goes way beyond milling and width/depth in my opinion. The Condition of Competition QUAD CUT GROOVES are designed to produce maximum spin by combining groove depth, the width of the grooves, and the angle of the grooves. Sounds complicated doesn’t it? Maybe this helps, then. The lower lofted wedges (50-54*) have deeper and narrower grooves that give you more control with the stronger lofts. The higher lofted wedges (56-64) in turn have wider and shallower grooves to give extra spin. Very cool stuff. For the readers who understand things better when presented with something visually, check out this diagram and maybe you’ll pick up what I’m putting down here.
Blue- 50-54*
Red- 56-64*

Testing
OK so these wedges look great and are packed with a whole bunch technology but do they work? ‘Yes’ doesn’t even begin to cover it. The weighting of the club is slightly heavier than those I’ve swung before and I think that helps a lot. You definitely can feel the club head throughout your swing. You never lose track of the club from takeaway to swing, to follow through. I think this comes in handy the most during the follow through where the weight seems to help you go through the ball instead of at it.

The shafts are legit and the real deal. I could almost ‘feel’ the technology of these shafts working in tandem with me and the club head. Feel. There’s that word again. Isn’t that what Mizuno is known for? They certainly deliver in this arena. The spin I was getting from the shaft in conjunction with the grooves was none like I’d ever seen before. The 60* wedge is one of the most consistent and versatile wedges I’ve ever hit. For those nervous or unsure about hitting a 60* wedge you’re missing the boat if you don’t at least check this out. The weight of the club almost sets the club under the ball, even when opened, which helps prevent blading the ball across the green. Come on, you know what I’m talking about right? Like you’ve never done that before.

Now I’m not the biggest spinner of the ball out there but even I was noticing some action on the greens. For those expecting to start backing the ball up six feet or more when they couldn’t do it before are going to be saddened. What I can tell you is that these were imparting enough spin to give me either a nice ‘hop and stop’ or a nice ‘hit and back up a little bit’ shot. When I mean a little bit I’m talking no more than a foot and that was on hard, aggressive full shots. My normal wedge shot is a ½ to ¾ swing and even then I was seeing some results. The most consistent result I saw were of the ‘hop and stop’ variety where before I played for minimal roll out so this did take get some getting used to. Once I did though it was much easier to create shots on the green that you normally just think about.

Where these wedges really shine are on chip and pitch shots. Oh my stars and garters, talk about consistent feel. The feel and sound of these wedges going through the turf was awesome to hear. Crisp contact always ensued and watching the ball spin and either come to a rest quickly or roll just a hair was something to really behold. Again you have the weight of the club head, the shaft, the grooves, and the milling of the face all working for you here. I think the only thing that would counteract all of these factors would be if you’re playing a harder covered ball where it may not stick to the club face as well but if you are, I think you’re going to like the results just like I do.

Overall
Mizuno has really hit a home run with the MPT-11 wedges. The feel and quality is the same for what Mizuno is known for and the technology delivers results as advertised. I’ve used Mizuno wedges since 2007 when I was playing the original MPT line so I’m definitely a big fan of the forged feel that Mizuno is known for. I’ve hit other wedges that are cast and even forged as well and there is just something to the Mizunos that makes them feel like they were created just for you. These ‘Mizzy’s’ have been a pleasant addition to my bag and have even encouraged me to practice the short game more than usual due to the confidence I’ve gained and the fun I have seeing how the ball consistently works off the club face. It will be a long time before I even have a thought about replacing these any time soon that’s for sure.

The Mizuno MPT-11 wedges retail at $119.99. A shade more expensive than your average wedges but as you may have read, these are not your average wedges. To read more about the Mizuno MPT-11 wedge, the technology behind it, and the forging process Mizuno uses to create it, click on over to their website here to see what all the fuss is about. If you’re in the market to change your wedges, do yourself a favor and at least include Mizuno on your ‘need to hit’ list. You can find these wedges and other great products available at THP partner www.blind9golf.com.

May the forge be with you.

T. Hanks

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