Mizuno MP-67 range review...

[2over]

I had a chance to hit the MP-67 at the range today. Just the six iron, but it gave me some clear impressions. I've been playing the MP-33 since it first came out in 2000 and haven't found a better iron for my game yet. I've hit most all of the modern blades from Titleist, Hogan, Taylor Made, and Nike. Knowing how much I love the 33s, the pro at the golf shop saw me walk in today and said "I've got a new Mizuno blade for you to try--tell me what you think." Hey, I won't say no to that kind of offer! I'm a low single digit handicapper with driver SS about 105 mph and an average 7 iron for me is about 160.

 

Looks: I have to dissent from those who say "The MP-67 is just an MP-33 with a little cut out of the muscle." To my eye the MP-67 has a noticeably different grind. The muscle back goes up a bit higher toward the top line than the 33 for one thing. The sole of the 67 seems slightly thinner than the 33 and also more cambered front to back and heel to toe. The trailing edge is so rounded there is no line visible, it just rolls into the muscle. I like the look myself quite a lot. If the original RAC MB and an MP-33 had some illicit affair, this sole might well be the result (a good one, to my eye). Also, the heel of the 67 is totally rounded off (like a Cleveland CG-1 or RAC MB) and doesn't have the little shelf edge line you can see on the heel of the 33. Leading edge grind looks similar, very rounded, anti-dig leading edge. Again, all good to my eye, even subtly better than my beloved MP-33. At address the 67 looks ever so slightly less boxy than the 33, especially in the heel area, which seems slightly taller and rounder than the 33. The length of the blade and basic set up is very similar, but the 33 grind has definitely been tweaked a little bit--and to my eye in a good way. The 67 has a sandblasted finish that wraps over the entire top line and eliminates glare better than the 33. Another subtle but appreciated improvement. The running bird logo on the sole I could have done without, but it didn't gather as much dirt as I thought it would and was easy to wipe clean. Plus, at least the way I swing, I just can't see the sole during my golf swing

 

Feel: My favorite thing about the 33 is how soft and sweet and solid it feels. Well, to me the 67 felt identical! Same buttery Mizuno MP-33 feel that I've become addicted too and a major reason I struggle to find any other blade I like as well. I was a little worried that taking mass away from behind the center of the clubface would ruin the feel, but it didn't at all. Felt great!

 

Performance: Another thing I love about the 33 is the excellent performance from all sorts of turf conditions. Firm harpan to mushy rough, the 33 cuts through all lies without digging too much or bouncing too much. Perfect for me. I didn't have a chance to evaluate this too extensively, but it seemed to me the 67 will resist digging or bouncing just as well as the 33 (which is my gold standard in that regard).

 

Ball flight: I really didn't notice much difference in flight. Medium high with both 33 and 67. The 67 might have a very slightly flatter flight into the wind and seemed just a couple paces longer for me. But no big difference. Those expecting a big change from the MP-33 ball flight will be disappointed I think. Those who might like a slightly flatter flight will perhaps find it in the 67. But differences in performance are very subtle indeed, if any--which to me is a good thing because I love how the MP-33 performs.

 

In summary I think anyone who liked the MP-33 will be very happy with the MP-67. It offers all of the great performance and feel of the 33 with possibly some very subtle improvements in a couple areas. I've been thinking about snagging a back up set of 33s (as mine are getting on six years old). But after hitting the 67 I put that thought out of my mind. I could move right into a set of MP-67s and not miss a beat.

[LeftRev]

Excellent review, 2over. Thanks.

 

Based on your comments, those of us who still hold the MP-33 in high regard will have to get our hands on an MP-67 demo...soon.

[freddiec]

These mp67s definitely seem like they are going after the MP33 player market. They do sounds like a great club, I just wish they left off the roadrunner, to me its just a horrible concept, but I'll be checking them out the 1st chance I get. I liked the mp33, but the mp32 more. I really like the rounded look of the leading edge and less of a boxy look at address, so i'm really looking forward to seeing these.

[six00imola]

awesome review.

 

great great stuff.. thank u!!

[2over]

Someone asked how they compare to the MP-32 and MP-60. I haven't hit the 60 and have only hit the 32s a few times. I'm biased towards muscleback blades and while I thought the 32 was a fine club, it didn't have the same feel and feedback to me as the 33 or 67. I also really didn't see any extra forgiveness from the 32 and I thought the sole tended to dig a little more than the 33 or 67. But, as I said I really haven't hit a lot of balls with the 32. Hope that helps a bit...

[onesixeight]

What is the retail release date for the MP-67?

[ajgolfer]

If I am not mistaken....Sept. 15th would be the release date for the MP 67s!

[cueist]

What is the retail release date for the MP-67?

 

 

i was told it was September 5th.

 

 

 

great review!!! everytime i have gotten a chance these last two weeks to hit the MP-67 demos i have loved it!!

 

 

anyhow, i do like the return to the Runbird

[kgk]

Great review. I've been mulling over a new set of irons, and the 67's will definitely be on the demo list based on all the glowing reviews.

[exlinegolf]

Have players found digging with the 32's or 60's? I still have my 33's (not in the bag)l and never found them to dig, but found some digging in the 60's.