Mizuno MP-001 Fairway Review

Mizuno was one of the first companies to join the "Comp" craze when it introduced its MP-001 line of drivers and fairway woods last year. While the driver has already been shelved in favor of a larger head size, the fairway woods are still in line.   The idea behind any of the carbon composite …

Mizuno was one of the first companies to join the "Comp" craze when it introduced its MP-001 line of drivers and fairway woods last year. While the driver has already been shelved in favor of a larger head size, the fairway woods are still in line.
 

The idea behind any of the carbon composite woods is that it allows for more "discretionary" weighting. This basically means that because the crown piece is lighter more additional weight can be placed lower and deeper in the head or around the perimeter to improve launch conditions with a lower center of gravity. The stainless steel face is constructed using the trademark CORTECH technology. This is a face that uses three variable face thicknesses to generate higher ball speed. The club is available with True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shafts or Mizuno's Exsar graphite shaft as well as many custom options.

 

Mizuno has always been a great iron manufacturer but for some reason they just can't seem to get it right with drivers or fairway woods. The MP-001 is included in that group. Despite the carbon composite crown for a supposed low center of gravity the MP-001 actually produces a fairly low ball flight. The sweetspot is not nearly as sweet as competitors clubs and even though the MP-001 is meant to have a classic, traditional look, something about it just doesn't set up right. Customers and industry people that I talk to just flat out don't like this club. I do truly hope that soon Mizuno will come out with a solid line of woods to go with their irons but this one just isn't there.

 

Overall Rating – 20%

 

Target Handicap: 20 and under

 

Ball Flight: Mid to Low

 

Lofts: RH available in 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, and 21 degrees

 

LH available in 15 and 18 degrees

 

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold steel or Exsar 60 graphite