Mizuno Golf struck gold with their re-entry into premium milled putters in 2020 when they introduced two blade models as well as a mid-mallet. With 2021, they have decided it was time to round out that lineup, literally and figuratively, by bringing in three more models which would appeal to the non-blade users. Let’s take a detailed look with this Mizuno Putter Review.
THP was able to get the new M.CRAFT V, a “deep mallet” as Mizuno calls it, in-hand for a thorough workout. Read on for more!
Quick Take
Premium. There is truly no better word than premium to describe the M.CRAFT V putter, as well as the rest of the M.CRAFT putter lineup. A milled putter that is truly deserving of having the Mizuno name on it with all the weight which that carries. Pleasant through impact, incredibly well balanced, and with three different finish options, Mizuno has one of the best bang-for-your-buck putter lineups on the market. Not to mention, the V might just be the biggest star of them all.
Mizuno M.CRAFT Design
Before I get into my time with the V specifically, it’s worth taking a little stroll down M.CRAFT boulevard for a rundown of just what is behind the premise of the lineup for those who may not have familiarized themselves with them in 2020.
Something that can’t be said enough is that Mizuno doesn’t just put their name on anything, they understand that the brand has a reputation that they have worked extremely hard for decades to achieve and tarnishing it for the sake of having more releases isn’t in their belief system. At the same time, Mizuno listens, and they have heard the clamoring out there asking if the kings of forged golf clubs would ever dip their toe back into putters.
With the momentum that the last two release cycles of both MP and JPX irons have gained them, the time to strike was now. Even then, it wasn’t a decision they took lightly. Copious amounts of work was done to decide how to take on the balance of shapes that people enjoy, while still making things unique to Mizuno. So, in 2020 the M.CRAFT line was born with three models, the I, II, and III shapes which offered a little bit of classic and modern with bladed and mid-mallet options. This year, that is expanding with the IV, V, and VI which range from a wide-blade to a true winged mallet.
The key to the M.CRAFT putters is precision. These putters are forged from 1025 carbon steel with the same strenuous specifications that Mizuno uses for all of their legendary forgings. From there, each putter is CNC milled in order to create the specific shape, alignment, and 355g weight they are seeking. Beyond that, each of the six shapes are available in three different finishes (Satin, Black Ion, and Blue Ion), and every single one comes with a full weight kit at no extra charge in order to make use of adjustability.
Mizuno M.CRAFT V Putter
Aesthetically, I got the Blue Ion version of the V in hand and it is as stunning in person as it is in the pictures. I will say though, having also seen the classic Mizuno Satin and Black Ion in person there isn’t a finish that doesn’t stand out. One thing of note, the Blue Ion varies in its depth based on the size and shape of the head, the thing about the Ion finish is that it’s never exactly the same. For the I, II, and III the blue is quite vibrant, but in the V for example, it is a bit deeper, but equally as beautiful. The question of longevity when it comes to the finish is often asked, and to date I have about 30 rounds on the V already and the finish is excellent, but that of course will be dependent on how the individual golfer cares for it, well as using the headcover through a round.
For me, the V has the potential to be the standout of the entire M.CRAFT lineup. This shape is a familiar one in its deep flanged mini-mallet type look, but Mizuno has taken it and seemingly massaged all of the curves and lines just enough that it is visually stunning. From the clean engraving on the sole to the running-bird in the cavity, this is a simple look that lets the shape stand tall. The number of comments I have received, and the amount of people who have asked to try it, are significant. Like clockwork, the eyes go to the blue, but then they stay fixated on the shape and the way it squares the golf ball.
On the course and in practice, the M.CRAFT V stands toe to toe with any premium milled, including those three or more times the price. The tight mid-depth milling combined with the mass location in the head makes for an audible feedback in line with that “forged feel” denseness so many seek. There is not an overly firm “click” through impact, but rather a deeper “tock”. That sound/feel is accompanied by a tight roll, and a consistent one at that. The amount of balance of the head from a visual to in-stroke perspective set a hook of addiction and confidence that surprised me.
One thing to remember, the V in particular is a slant neck, and with the deep flange it has a solid amount of toe-hang which will typically fit those with a certain amount of arc in their stroke. That said, as a golfer who hovers on a more moderate arc, I used the weight kit to place the heaviest (13g) option in the heel and lightest (3g) in the toe instead of the stock dual 8g setup. This helped mitigate that hang just enough for me to be extremely comfortable. Another reason why the weight kit that comes with these deserves to be touted more, it makes for easy fine tuning.
Sound, feel, looks, roll, and any other parameter I could come up with, the M.CRAFT V scores exceptionally high in my books. There is no doubt in my mind as more become aware of the lineup and get to roll them, this is just the beginning for Mizuno and its re-entry to the putter segment.
The Details
All six models in Mizuno’s full forged M.CRAFT putter lineup come in at $300.00, which is extremely competitive given the three finish choices as well as the full weight kit included with purchase. With the 2021 expansion, Mizuno has quietly created one of the most complete collections of milled headshape options out there, and the sky should be the limit from here.
What do you think about the M.CRAFT line? Have you had the chance to roll the V or any of the other options yet? Let your voice be heard and jump into the conversation below or directly in the THP Community!
I’ve been enjoying my V since it arrived last Friday… I think I’ve easily hit 100 putts per day without trying just because its fun to use and look at. The LGS has ordered a IV for me in blue that I will take a looky-lou at when it comes in.
Yup. Was discussed on Off Course when Canadan had me on this last time!
I’ll leave the 13-3 answer for James, however, I wanted to know what the stock 8g-8g setup was compared to some of my blade putters. Stock weights, the V is right at 45* toe hang.
I may just have to take a trip to the store this evening and check that out myself., but if I could save a drive the family may appreciate it. I still love the look of these….
Visually it doesn’t change it much if at all when checking for hang in the standard ways. In the stroke though I’ve got no problem saying it’s noticeable. Not life changing in its difference, but a noticeable tuning tweak.
They’re astounding. And I say that as the staff resident putter geek.
The bang for the buck given the quality is pretty stunning
The V is my favorite of the group. That head shape (V) really makes the blue look deep.
I have not rolled the V yet, but the III is just about the best putter I’ve ever tried. Really hard not to pull the trigger.
I like the shape of the V but that toe hang probably isn’t great for me.
Cool writeup.
I don’t know if you like the "Wing" style mallets or not, but the VI is a great example of that style, looks incredible, and is face-balanced.
I actually use this style right now. This is the one I was most excited about when I saw it was being released.
I actually tried it side by side with the III and was actually disappointed that the III beat it for me because the wing is my preferred shape ?
EDIT: actually, I just realized I put a lot of "actually " in that post. I don’t actually say actually that much. Actually. ?
Actually
It continues to be a bright spot for me, and one that’s pretty much taken over the bag outside of other ongoing reviews. I didn’t expect to like them to be honest, but when I saw and rolled this one in the THP Club Lab, I was pretty stunned, and that continued through the length of the review period and now beyond.
I think these would surprise you. There’s enough shape options now too there should be something in there that comfortable to look at.
I plan to try if I can find one DC area
Interesting. Definitely curious to see if the shaft plays any role in the feel dept.
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That may be what is driving my curiosity
Prepare to be infatuated.
I mean I’ve gone in and out of my golf store like four times this past month just hitting the Mizuno putters and I finally succumbed to my want haha.
i’m loving the blue color. I almost got the black but figured the blue stands out more and that’s typically how I feel ha ha so it’s gonna be fun
If I don’t get picked for the MC, that’ll free up some cash so I think I’m gonna grab one. They are SO good.
the feel was super good. Felt softish, but had density to it as well. Roll was good for the most part. Only time I noticed a lot of skidding was due to my stroke on a few putts. Forgiveness wise….. it could be better for an almost mallet but it’s not something that would knock it out of my bag.
I placed the heavier weights in due to me wanting to even out my stroke. I noticed in the store and at home that with the 8g weights, my stroke was a little iffy. Not super smooth and kind of shaky. The heavier head weight definitely helped that.
A couple negatives though. The headcover….. beautiful indeed, but I need magnet closure man haha. Also I feel like it could be slightly bigger or have a cut by the hose to allow the head to go a little deeper into it. Second negative was I felt like the ball was coming off much softer/less speed than my Byron Morgan and I was having issues getting the ball to the hole on longer putts. Now that can be from a lot of different variables. My stroke could have been off, not being super comfortable with grip, etc. so probably not the putter itself but it was noticeable.
overall I’m very happy. Made a lot of putts yesterday. Was seeing lines and Hitting them very well also.
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In terms of forgiveness, a one piece milled mid mallet is never going to offer what a full mallet does, ya know? But I’m also in the camp that people don’t typically “miss” with a putter as much as we think we do.
Looking forward to continued thoughts.
Nice photos
Full investment!
It’s a great look.
Indeed! I am putting a round grip on it this week though. ?
haha I just like the magnets. Not really a make or break thing. The Velcro always gets dirt or sand or something caught up in it or it starts to fray and get that weirdold tennis ball vibe.
ya I know the forgiveness isnot going to be like a full mallet. But I feel like it’s marginal compared to my Byron which is a very bladed putter haha (his bombora style from a few years ago).
still a great putter though and like you said, I don’t typically miss my putter enough to have the forgiveness thing matter. I miss more due to alignment/face path than Because I hit the toe or heel haha.