Mizuno MP-30 Irons
First introduced in 2003, the Mizuno MP-30 irons have carved out an interesting place in the storied history of MP irons. They’re a player’s forged cavity back (CB) blade iron designed for the golfer seeking a compact profile with a little extra forgiveness. Interestingly, as I’ve dug deeper into the MP-30 upon coming across this set, I’ve found regular feedback that this was one of the worst forged blades Mizuno produced in the modern era. That said, I regularly saw comments along the lines of “any forged Mizuno is still a great club”. This implying that even if not as good as some other Mizuno irons, they’re still pretty good. In my mind, they couldn’t be that bad so I had to find out for myself. Naturally.
The Looks
I certainly don’t see anything wrong with the Mizuno MP-30 irons from a looks perspective. Everything looks like a player’s blade should from address. The head is compact with minimal offset and a rounded toe. Though the topline isn’t razor thin, it’s not bad and about where I’d expect a contemporary blade to be. There’s a very slight “roundness” to the leading edge, but like the topline, isn’t razor sharp.
The MP-30’s cavity is very much “classic early 2000s Mizuno”. It’s very subtle with most of the mass located toward the sole of the club. This is also where you will find the only branding on the club featuring a blue Mizuno wordmark and an MP-30 stamp. A chrome finish completes the package, offering a look that is both elegant and understated.
How Does it Feel?
The forged steel construction is the heart of the Mizuno MP-30 iron’s feel. Solidly struck shots deliver a satisfying response that allows better golfers to precisely control their distance and direction. The forged construction also contributes to a smooth feel for strikes off the center of the face. That said, the sweet spot is certainly minimal. I suppose this is an area that could draw some of the negative feedback I found in my research. This club certainly isn’t going to do much to bail you out and you definitely feel it in your hands. Additionally, off-center hits can result in a noticeable drop-off in distance and control. However, a well-struck shot will definitely have that signature forged Mizuno feel that the brand’s famous for.
How Does it Sound?
I’ve always said that there’s just something about how a forged Mizuno blade sounds. One might even argue that it’s textbook, especially in more classic models. Specifically, I felt like it really stood out when Luke Donald was getting lots of TV coverage during his “World Number 1” days. It was this perfect muted “click” at impact. Of course, a lot of that has to do with a pro striking the ball, but it’s so clean. The Mizuno MP-30 iron absolutely has that pure forged click on a good shot. However, beware as you leave the sweet spot. The sound very quickly deadens up and becomes “rocky”.
On-Course Performance
The Mizuno MP-30 irons are designed for skilled golfers who can consistently strike the ball well. Let’s not lose sight of this fact. Cavity back or not, they aren’t anywhere near a game improvement iron. Though they’re CB irons, they’re still small blade heads. These characteristics definitely contribute to making the MP-30s a solid option for a good ball striker that likes to shape the ball. They’re going to perform, it’s just a matter of if you can consistently put a good swing on the ball. If you can, they’re great for working the ball both directions and flighting it up and down. Ball flight will generally depend on shaft choice, but was fairly piercing with a mid trajectory for me.
Final Thoughts – Mizuno MP-30 Irons
I think the Mizuno MP-30 irons sit in a weird middle ground for the better ball striker who is good at controlling their shots. I also think that players that put a premium on feel and control, and can consistently strike the sweet spot, would probably be fine with a better feeling muscle back. They just aren’t getting the usual cavity back benefits out of this club. (Relative to player’s blade CB irons.) They can likely find similar performance with more forgiveness in a different CB club. That’s the “conflict” I found in my experience, at least.
I’d say the Mizuno MP-30 irons are a perfectly fine forged player’s blade. Yes, there are certainly better accessible options from Mizuno if you’re looking to pick up an old school set. While they may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a classic design, forged feel, and precise control will enjoy the MP-30s. And, because they’re not one of the more popular MP irons, you can usually find decent sets at pretty affordable prices.
Stock Mizuno MP-30 Irons Specs
| Club # | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | PW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft º | 18º | 21º | 24º | 27º | 31º | 35º | 39º | 43º | 47º |
| Lie º | 57.5º | 58º | 58.5º | 59º | 60º | 61º | 62º | 62.5º | 63º |
| Length | 39.25″ | 38.75″ | 38.25″ | 37.75″ | 37.25″ | 36.75″ | 36.25″ | 35.75″ | 35.25″ |
I have a set of these that I bought a few years ago, when a nearly mint set popped up for a terrific price, purely for sentimental reasons: A deceased family member (who was a great ball striker) played them for years and loved them. I have a little golf display area and I thought it’d be nice to have them there.
However, I’ve taken them to the range and onto the course quite a few times and I’ve found that I hit them really, really well.
I’m aware of their reputation, as Bill lays out here, of being unforgiving. So I spent some time working with a fitter trying to work out WHY they work for me, and came to a few conclusions: 1) I strike irons a bit heel-side. With a small head like the MP-30s, that’s basically the middle of the club face. But if you give me an iron with a long blade, my wear pattern will look pretty clearly toward the heel. 2) I deliver too little dynamic loft with basically everything but driver, so the weaker lofts help me get my launch, spin and landing angle into a better window. 3) The softer but heavier shafts (mine came with DG S300s) help me smooth out my tempo.
Understanding these things has helped me with being fitted for newer irons, as well. The MP-30s’ specs are pretty well outside the realm of where fitters have typically started with me in the past, so being able to give them that quick download has been really useful.