-- Golfweek Photo

Mizuno's new MP-54 irons balance a classic forged look and modern design, including a milled pocket cavity for better trajectory control.

Mizuno's new MP-54 irons reflect a philosophy that the company has labeled “traditional aggressive." They look very much like traditional Mizuno forged irons, officials say, but add an element of forgiveness along with improved trajectory control.

The design emphasis for the MP-54 was to balance old-fashioned forged quality with modern technology. The MP-54 stresses forgiveness on off-center hits, and its milled pocket cavity is intended to enhance trajectory control. Yet from address, these irons look very much like the storied forged irons that have been produced by Mizuno for 80 years.

“The MP-54 is for players who have grown up on forgiving golf equipment but want a little bit more from their shotmaking," said David Llewellyn, Mizuno's golf club research and development manager. "It has all the forgiveness most modern players are used to, but with so much more feel and workability.”

The stock shaft for the MP-54 is the True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 steel shaft. The stock grip is the M-31 Mizuno grip from Golf Pride. The irons, which became available at retail this month, cost $999 for a set of eight clubs. All Mizuno clubs also are available on a custom-order basis, so shafts and grips can easily be changed for personal preference.