Jump to content

MP 18 SC - More forgiving than the blade?


swing thoughts

Recommended Posts

I'm getting some new (used, new for me) irons soon and really like the MP 18 SC. I currently play either mp 69's or Nike Vapor pros but want a little more forgiveness. Ive talked to some folks who are saying that their SC's aren't very forgiving, like only slightly more than the mp18 blades or other mizuno blade/musclebacks. Is this the experience you've had playing them? I think they just may be saying that to make their game look better, they're kind of that kind of guys. Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got fitted for Mizunos in the summer, and i didnt see a huge difference between the sc18 and the mp18. I ended up getting the mmc fli hi in the 4 and 5 iron(bent 1 degree weak) as the 4 and 5 in both sc and mp werent that forgiving.

 

I have 6 to pw in mp18s. I hit them great.

 

I dont know if that means the sc18s arent forgiving, or the the mp18s are more forgiving than other blades, if that makes sense?? I certainly didnt notice a huge difference, and in fact in 2 fittings i hit the MP18s better, hence wjy i went with them.

 

I came from CF16s.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't say for certain as I don't own a set of either, but I feel like its a common understanding that a cavity back is more forgiving than a muscle back.

With that said, Maltby says otherwise: https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/MPF_MIZUNO.pdf

 

If MPF is not relative to forgiveness, someone please chime in. I could be wrong

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've got a set of MP-18 in 5-PW. During the fitting, I didn't see any difference in numbers or perceived forgiveness between the MB and SC. Misses went the same distance and direction. The only thing that was different to me was that the SC was slightly thicker on the top line and didn't feel as soft when struck out the center.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I played the SCs for a while and just found them to be 'meh' in all categories.

I would say they were similar to my Apex Pros and 716 CBs in terms of forgiveness.

Driver (10):  Titleist TSR3 (Tour AD DI 6s)
3 Wood (16.5):  Titleist TSR2 (Tour AD DI 7s)
Hybrid (19):  Titleist TSi2 (Tour AD DI 85s)
Hybrid (22):  Titleist TSi2 (Tour AD DI 85s)
Irons (5-G):  Titleist T100S (TT Elevate Tour)
Wedges:  54/58:  Vokey SM9 (PX LZ 6.0 -- Onyx)
Putter:  Toulon Las Vegas 2022

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I played about 15 rounds with the MP-18 SC and found my MP-5's to be more forgiving.

 

I played MP-5's for two seasons. I purchased an MP-18 SC 7 iron to try for a few rounds, thinking it might be slightly more forgiving. However, after a few rounds I found that the MP-5s were just as forgiving, if not more so.

Ping G425 Max Driver 12 (0 Flat) - Aldila Ascent Red 50 Stiff (46")
TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver 16 - Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 Stiff
Ping G410 7wd 20.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (43")
Ping G410 9wd 23.5 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 65 Stiff (42.5")
Ping G425 6h 30 (0 Flat) - Alta CB 70 Stiff
PXG 0311P Gen3 6-P (2 Deg Weak, 1 Deg Flat) - True Temper Elevate 95 S /

Ping i200 6-P Orange Dot (2 Deg Weak, 2 Deg Flat) - True Temper XP 95 S
Ping Glide 4.0 52-12 S, 56-10 Eye2, and 60-10 S Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - Ping Z-Z115 Wedge
PXG Blackjack 36" - SuperStroker Flatso 2.0

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was convinced I was going to finally replace my MP33’s with the SC’s. After testing the SC’s, the 900T, the 18 MB, and testing them, and testing, and not being able to decide, I went with the JPX 919T. They were never on my radar to begin with but they ended up being the most forgiving of them all. I was pretty confused about it to be honest. I couldn’t understand why I hit them better than the SC, but I did. I also like the shape of them more. So before you buy them, hit them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can’t speak from personal experience, but one of my mates put a combo set of SCs and MBs together and wished he’d gone full MB. He thinks the SCs are less forgiving and don’t feel as good as the MBs.

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Fubuki ZT Stiff
Callaway XR Speed 3W Project X HZRDUS T800 65 Stiff
Wilson Staff FG Tour M3 21* Hybrid Aldila RIP Stiff
Cobra King CB/MB Flow 4-6, 7-PW C-Taper Stiff or Mizuno MP4 4-PW
Vokey SM8 52/58; MD Golf 56
Radius Classic 8

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got fitted for Mizunos in the summer, and i didnt see a huge difference between the sc18 and the mp18. I ended up getting the mmc fli hi in the 4 and 5 iron(bent 1 degree weak) as the 4 and 5 in both sc and mp werent that forgiving.

 

I have 6 to pw in mp18s. I hit them great.

 

I dont know if that means the sc18s arent forgiving, or the the mp18s are more forgiving than other blades, if that makes sense?? I certainly didnt notice a huge difference, and in fact in 2 fittings i hit the MP18s better, hence wjy i went with them.

 

I came from CF16s.

That makes perfect sense. Thanks for the feedback.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I own a set of the blades and 900T, would recommend either one or the other and dismiss the SC.

 

The SC take as much skill as the blade to put in play but the blades are way ahead in feel.

 

The 900T, which I played a round a couple days ago are easy to hit and out perform them all at the expense of a firmer clicky feel thru impact.

 

Somebody mentioned the 919T, I haven’t hit them yet but can imagine they improved the feel with their new HD grain process.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm getting some new (used, new for me) irons soon and really like the MP 18 SC.

if you're going used shop around for a set of MP 62,63,64 irons first. IMO three of the best (which one is "best" could be WRX debated to death) in that iron category MIZUNO has ever made. And I'd play any of them over the MP18-SC.

 

(edit: to give my opinion context I staffed sets of the MP62 , MP63, and MP4, and currently have MP18 blades)

 

KLP

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm getting some new (used, new for me) irons soon and really like the MP 18 SC.

if you're going used shop around for a set of MP 62,63,64 irons first. IMO three of the best (which one is "best" could be WRX debated to death) in that iron category MIZUNO has ever made. And I'd play any of them over the MP18-SC.

 

(edit: to give my opinion context I staffed sets of the MP62 , MP63, and MP4, and currently have MP18 blades)

 

KLP

 

Boy, those MP63s were really an afterthought in comparison to the 62s and 64s. I liked all 3 sets, but thought the 63s were fantastic performers. Longer for me than the other two with slightly denser feel, IMO. The other two were better looking, but the 63s played better.

 

As for the 18s, I think the differences within the MP line are more about trajectory than forgiveness. MBs will launch a little lower (i.e., be a little harder to elevate) than the SCs, but the actual difference in forgiveness is pretty negligible.

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, I haven’t played the MB but I come from TM M2 irons.

I’m 14 HC and I can tell the MP18SC ARE NOT difficult to play for me.

 

I love them. I have a set of p790 which has only two rounds ... because the MPsc’s are reallly great.

 

One thing I can tell is the correct shaft makes all the difference. I got them with Steelfiber i110 stiff and I really struggled. I replaced the shaft to SFi95 and wow. Different set.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I had the SC and MB sets, the only difference I could find was how the wider sole of the SC offered a bit more margin for error on heavy strikes.

Ping G430 Max 10K 10.5° driver - Diamana GT 60S

Ping G430 Max 15° #3 fairway - Diamana TB 70S

Ping G430 Max 21° #7 fairway - Diamana TB 80S

Ping G430 Max 26° #5 hybrid - MMTh 90S

Mizuno Pro 243 4-PW irons - MMT 105S

Mizuno T24 Raw 48°-10S wedge - MMT 105S

Mizuno T24 Raw 54°-10S and 60°-06X wedges - MMT Scoring Wedge 105S

Ping PLD Ally Blue 4

Titleist Pro V1x

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love mine, and the MMC's in the long irons are also really good, my only gripe is the pitching wedge, a bit big and doesn't seem to match the rest of the set, think im going to change it to a SM7

Ping G425 LST 9*

Cobra LTDx LS 14.5*

Cobra SZ 17* hybrid

Ping G425 Crossover 3

Ping I500 5-PW

Ping I210 UW

Ping Glide 4.0 54/58

Odyssey OG Rossie "Rahm"

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe a little OT, but I have read and I agree there is not a lot of difference between the SC and MMC. This weekend the MMC made their 3rd trip to the course with me after a long year trying to get back into golf at a decent level. This year I played:MP18- MMC,i200,1210,P750,P770,X-Forged,CB, MP5, and could be forgetting a couple.

IMO, the MMC is the most forgiving (the way I judge forgiveness on the course) of the bunch. The big difference for me is that while I hit some greens with all, I was not getting close to the pin near often enough with most. The MP18 MMC is forgiving enough to help some less than good swings, but the good swings give me very, very predictable results. I FINALLY shot even last round for the first time all year and that is because the MMC excelled in tough wind conditions giving the exact flight and distance I expected with my swing.

In my head, I judge forgiveness by:

1. What does it do if I miss the center of the face.

2. Also, what does it do if I miss the center with a closed or open face when trying to hit draws and cuts.

3. What does it do when you have a crap lie (in the rough, setting down in a divot, etc.).

 

For me, clubs like the i210 excelled from the short fairway if you had a wide open shot to the green where trajectory did not matter. They were horribly unforgiving if I was in the rough and needed to keep the ball under tree limbs, ball in divots and the shot required anything low, etc.. The CB was beautiful on straight shots, but my amateur swing overcooked cuts and draws into the wind.

 

The MMC and P770 were for me the most forgiving clubs I have played on the course when different shots demand different trajectory, movement, etc.

 

Just one guys thoughts!

Driver- Titleist TsR2 with Graphite Design Tour AD

4w - Titleist Tsi2 with Tensei Raw Blue shaft

19 Hy - Titleist 818 H1 with Atmos Tour Spec

23 Hy - Titleist 818 with Graphite Design Tour AD-DI shaft

5i-PW - Bridgestone J15 CB with Recoil F4 110 shafts

50,54,and 58 Wilson Staff wedges with SF shafts

Ping Prime Tyne 4 PSD

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im trying to decide between the mp18 SC and jpx919T. Are the tours really more forgiving!?

 

No noticeable difference between the two. 18sc has a slightly smaller blade length. I have the 919T and hit 18sc when I was deciding to buy. If you are after forgiveness, these are not the right club. They both provide great feedback and give you the ability to vary the trajectory of your shots.

 

If that's not what you want, look elsewhere. Maybe check 919F or 919HM

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im trying to decide between the mp18 SC and jpx919T. Are the tours really more forgiving!?

From the 900T to the 919T they made the sole wider and moved more weight to the toe, both of which made it more forgiving (compared to the 900).I prefer the head shape of the 919T to the SC when at address,, so I honestly didn’t give the SC the full treatment. I just fell in love the with T. I could easily play the SC though. They are slightly more forgiving than the blade. It’s like when people said the MP 30 was harder to hit than the 33. I played both and that just wasn’t true. The SC have a wider cambered sole which alone makes them more playable than the blades. The cavity back allows them to move weight around the head to make it more forgiving. You need to hit them and decide for yourself though.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't say for certain as I don't own a set of either, but I feel like its a common understanding that a cavity back is more forgiving than a muscle back.

With that said, Maltby says otherwise: https://www.golfwork.../MPF_MIZUNO.pdf

 

If MPF is not relative to forgiveness, someone please chime in. I could be wrong

 

The "SC" have a high sweet-spot (AVCOG) at .906". This is counter productive for most players, especially in a longer iron.

 

The MP-18 Fli Hi have an AVCOG of .738"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't say for certain as I don't own a set of either, but I feel like its a common understanding that a cavity back is more forgiving than a muscle back.

With that said, Maltby says otherwise: https://www.golfwork.../MPF_MIZUNO.pdf

 

If MPF is not relative to forgiveness, someone please chime in. I could be wrong

 

The "SC" have a high sweet-spot (AVCOG) at .906". This is counter productive for most players, especially in a longer iron.

 

The MP-18 Fli Hi have an AVCOG of .738"

Does that mean that balls struck lower on the face are punished?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can't say for certain as I don't own a set of either, but I feel like its a common understanding that a cavity back is more forgiving than a muscle back.

With that said, Maltby says otherwise: https://www.golfwork.../MPF_MIZUNO.pdf

 

If MPF is not relative to forgiveness, someone please chime in. I could be wrong

 

The "SC" have a high sweet-spot (AVCOG) at .906". This is counter productive for most players, especially in a longer iron.

 

The MP-18 Fli Hi have an AVCOG of .738"

Does that mean that balls struck lower on the face are punished?

 

Yes. Solid contact in the 'vertical aspect' of impact, comes from getting the COG of the head design at or better yet below the center (COG) of the ball. The center of a ball is .840", so any head design with an Actual Vertical COG that is higher than that, tends to more difficult to hit for most players.

 

So in the example above, the Fli-Hi has more room to work with in the vertical aspect of contact.....making them easier to hit and "more playable" for most.

 

For reference, your Mp-69's were measured at .790" and the Vapor Pros at .885"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not exactly what you asked but I hit the SC's vs the 919 Forged and found the forged's to be much more forgiving in terms of flight and ball speed. The SC's felt and seemed to play much more like a true blade... just a touch bigger than the regular MP18.

 

Edit: And if I'm read this maltby table right... the "MPF" number would indicate that higher number = easier to hit. If that's the case... the SC's are be harder to hit than the 900 tours (135 vs 355). Heck... even the bladed MP-18 is 284! It's actually the lowest MPF on the whole list.. less than MP18 blades and also less than MP4 and 5 blades, which look to be fairly forgiving for blades.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's interesting that all the more "professional" reviews say the SC is much more forgiving than the blade, but everything I've heard here and on the course is the opposite. Makes you wonder about those reviewers...

 

I'm torn because I hit them and a couple other irons when getting fitted for iron shafts and hit them well and loved them, but that was indoors on a mat and a machine, so my experience on the course could be completely different. Sucks because I've had my heart on them for a while now but everyone says they are pretty difficult to hit! Oh, well, such is life.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not exactly what you asked but I hit the SC's vs the 919 Forged and found the forged's to be much more forgiving in terms of flight and ball speed. The SC's felt and seemed to play much more like a true blade... just a touch bigger than the regular MP18.

 

Edit: And if I'm read this maltby table right... the "MPF" number would indicate that higher number = easier to hit. If that's the case... the SC's are be harder to hit than the 900 tours (135 vs 355). Heck... even the bladed MP-18 is 284! It's actually the lowest MPF on the whole list.. less than MP18 blades and also less than MP4 and 5 blades, which look to be fairly forgiving for blades.

 

Any design that has a sweet-spot (AVCOG) higher than .840" is penalized in the MPF. A higher sweet-spot is simply "harder to find" on a consistent basis from normal to tighter lies (not an 'up' lie), for most players

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies
    • 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put and questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #1
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #2
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Ben Taylor - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Garrick Higgo - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Billy Horschel - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Justin Lower - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Lanto Griffin - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bud Cauley - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Corbin Burnes (2021 NL Cy Young) - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Charley Hoffman - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Nico Echavarria - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Victor Perez - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sami Valimaki - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ryo Hisatsune - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Jake Knapp's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      New Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Tyler Duncan's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sunjae Im's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ping's Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Vincent Whaley's custom Cameron - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Odyssey Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Super Stroke custom grips - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Zac Blair's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bettinardi Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       

       
      • 12 replies

×
×
  • Create New...