Mizuno MP-69 and MP-59 irons revealed

Look out for two new models from Mizuno, which the Reading-based company claims will give it an even stronger grip on the iron market. The MP-69 is a pure muscleback evolved from the highly acclaimed MP-68, while the more forgiving MP-59 is a Forged Ti Muscle featuring what Mizuno describes as 'cavity forgiveness with blade workability and feel.'  

Aimed at the Tour player and high level amateur with its classic, clean looks, the 2011 MP-69 has a slightly more pronounced toe, last seen in the MP-32 and a muscle pad that makes the longer irons easier to hit with a marginally higher trajectory. The shorter, scoring irons are more compact at address, with a raised centre of gravity for greater trajectory control.

The MP-69 is available in any custom combination from 3-PW (£120 per club)  with MP Fli-Hi (2,3,4) available as long iron replacements.

Says David Llewellyn, Mizuno head of Research &Development: “Mizuno has an incredible history in blades with the TN87, MP-14, MP-29, TP-9, TP-19s and MP-33s. The MP-69 sits comfortably in that elevated company. We did everything possible to keep it clean to the eye – nothing protruding or distracting above the ball”

Meanwhile US PGA Tour regular Charles Howell has put the MP-59s straight into his bag.

These Forged Ti Muscle combine the workability of a blade with the forgiveness normally found in a cavity design, delivering, say the makers, stability from off-centre strikes. Mizuno claims the thicker material behind impact also ensures that accurate strikes are rewarded with a solid impact. With the centre of gravity close to the clubface ball strikers can produce controlled draws and fades.

A thinner top line and weightier sole is completmented with a new sole grind developed by Mizuno’s Tour players available in any custom combination from 3-PW (£120 per iron) with MP Fli-Hi (2,3,4) available as long iron replacements.

"In the MP-59, we’ve created a more familiar, softer Mizuno feel by the way we’ve shaped and bonded the Titanium insert to the steel casing. It’s a solid looking iron now with a less ‘clicky’ feel and beautiful looks,” says Mizuno's Chris Voshall.

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