Head-to-Head: The key differences between Mizuno’s MP-20 MMC and MP-20 HMB irons

There are few golf brands in the world that inspire thoughts of traditional looking and feeling forged irons like Mizuno. Names like Faldo, Woods, Koepka and many others immediately come to mind, as do those “No. 1 on Tour” ads from the ’90s. Its rich bloodline is mostly rooted in the famed MP, a top-three choice for more accomplished players for the better part of a quarter century.

However, time and technology marches on, and every manufacturer—even traditionalists—have to keep up with the competition. The great news for Mizuno fans and anyone who values beautiful forgings is the new MP irons are not only gorgeous but also more advanced than ever. Take a look at two of the models in the new line, the MP-20 MMC and the MP-20 HMB to see which might suit your game.

MP-20 MMC

Considered the “middle child” by Chris Voshall, golf marketing manager at Mizuno, the MMC is a “player’s cavity” design complete with titanium plate, tungsten weight and copper underlay that yields a feel reminiscent of classic Mizuno blades from the late ’80s and ’90s.

Aimed at low- to mid-handicappers who want improved long-iron performance and more workable short irons, the newest MMC features a thinner topline than the previous MP-18 MMC as well as improved placement of the titanium plate in the cavity. The new design positions the titanium behind the impact spot on the clubface for a more solid feel as well as incremental perimeter weighting for enhanced performance and stability on both center and off-center strikes.

The longer irons in the set (4–7) also feature 12g tungsten sole weights in addition to the 12g titanium plate, while the shorter irons (8-PW) feature only a 10.5g titanium plate. The result is progressive performance with lower CG locations and higher launch in the longer irons and higher CG locations and more boring trajectory in the shorter irons.

MP-20 HMB

The HMB is a different animal than the MMC and is geared toward mid- and even some higher-handicap players with solid swings (though low handicappers looking for enhanced distance might be very interested as well).

Positioned as a “player’s distance iron,” the HMB features a hollow muscleback design in the longer irons (2–7) with a grain-flow forged Chromoly (think hot metal) face and neck. Two 12g tungsten weights in the heel and toe areas provide a lower and deeper CG location and easier launch with more forgiveness. A multi-thickness clubface enhances COR and ball speed at impact while a slightly wider, cambered sole improves turf interaction.

Like the other members of the MP-20 family, the HMB also features a copper underlay for a softer feel at impact. mizunousa.com

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