32 replies to this topic

[Golfer1659]

I played division one golf back in college and dont get as much time to play since I fish now. I have some mizuno blades but my mishits bother me too much, I am looking for a little more forgiveness.


Was wondering out of the 3 would be the better choice and why??



I still shoot in the 70's and low 80's.

[kellygreen]

Golfer1659, on 01 May 2012 - 05:19 PM, said:

I played division one golf back in college and dont get as much time to play since I fish now. I have some mizuno blades but my mishits bother me too much, I am looking for a little more forgiveness.


Was wondering out of the 3 would be the better choice and why??



I still shoot in the 70's and low 80's.

Either the mp59 or the AP2.   Both of those clubs were designed with someone like yourself in mind.

If you are not practicing much these days, I would probably go with the AP2.   It was designed to offer near-GI iron level forgiveness in a compact head.   But still be playable and workable.

I wouldn't go with the AP1s, unless your clubs never see the light of day until you go play a round.

[t2490jh]

Two months ago, I went through my test phase of wanting another set.  I was playing Mizuno MP57's.  I play to a 6-7 hdcp once month into the season.  I tested the MP68's, MP59's, and the Nike VR blades.  I'm looking to get a club which can cut my hdcp in half. I liked my MP57's for feedback (soft feel) but many times I would wonder if I hit it solid.  Last year  I had four rounds with 5 birdies, but my rounds would end up like this.  Six birdie chances, six pars, and six whatever.  It's the whatever, which I'm trying to control.  

I eliminated the MP68's (I'm just not good enough).  When you mishit these you know it.   Really liked the Nikes.  They have come a long way with these clubs.  Was thinking about the combo set, but I was concerned with the 10 yrd consistency between clubs.  The cavity backs were clunky. I was 95% sure I was going to get the MP59's.  Then I read a thread on the Ping S56's.  Wasn't sure I wanted to go back to a cast club.

I have played one round with the Pings and been to the range four times.  All I can say is WOW.  I've gained all I wanted.  One club longer, mishits much more forgiving, dispersion rate is narrower, playability, and the feel is incredible.  They feel like forged.  The ball launches off this club.  The wedges (Tour S) are fantastic.  Incredible feel and consistency.  I shot a 40 my last round (9 holes)  missed two putts by one inch short of the cup.  If I didn't hit the green in regulation, I was next to the green.  Never came close to a double bogie.  Five pars and four bogies, with a feeling I sucked.  If I make the two putts, I shoot a 38 with a feeling I sucked.  Get the idea,  when I really dial these clubs in, I can see myself as a 1-3 hdcp'er.

The MP59's aren't as forgiving as you think.  I have tried to like the AP2's but the launch point is too high for me.  In addition, the weighting was too bottom heavy.  I was concerned with taking too much of a divot (fat hits) with my swing type.

I have convinced two people to hit the S56's prior to buying Mizuno's.  They ended up buying the Pings.  At least try them out.

[PhillyMac]

kellygreen, on 01 May 2012 - 05:31 PM, said:

Golfer1659, on 01 May 2012 - 05:19 PM, said:

I played division one golf back in college and dont get as much time to play since I fish now. I have some mizuno blades but my mishits bother me too much, I am looking for a little more forgiveness.


Was wondering out of the 3 would be the better choice and why??



I still shoot in the 70's and low 80's.

I wouldn't go with the AP1s, unless your clubs never see the light of day until you go play a round.

What's wrong with the AP1's?  Great clubs IMO.

[redefined]

Every time I see pings I see such a fat sole and I can't stand that. I've never seen any 'players clubs' made by ping though in person. I'd assume they are not as fat?

[ayotte2]

Much fatter than a forged blade but much slimmer than most other Ping irons.

[redefined]

What is the reason that Ping gives for such a fat bottom? Suppose to be easier to hit? Isn't there a point where it's just to bulky. I couldn't get over the looks of the others. Maybe I'll take a peek at these next time I'm at the store.

[kellygreen]

PhillyMac, on 01 May 2012 - 07:02 PM, said:

kellygreen, on 01 May 2012 - 05:31 PM, said:

Golfer1659, on 01 May 2012 - 05:19 PM, said:

I played division one golf back in college and dont get as much time to play since I fish now. I have some mizuno blades but my mishits bother me too much, I am looking for a little more forgiveness.


Was wondering out of the 3 would be the better choice and why??



I still shoot in the 70's and low 80's.

I wouldn't go with the AP1s, unless your clubs never see the light of day until you go play a round.

What's wrong with the AP1's?  Great clubs IMO.

Nothing wrong. Just a huge transition for someone used to playing blades.

[Colonel_Mustard]

Not quite sure how Ping even came into it having read the OP.  

MP-59s are all you could ever want.

[Gunner22]

AP1s. Topic Over.

Great feel, forgiveness, and workability all in one. I am a single digit hcp and won't consider anything else after hitting the 712 AP1s w/ KBS shafts.

[gvogel]

I play AP1's - why not take advantage of an easier to hit straight club?  I do play an AP2 PW.

I also have a set of blades - it's my hickory set, which I play in tournaments with the Society of Hickory Golf guys.  I really enjoy hickory golf.  But, the blades are definitely a bit less tolerant of a slight miss from the sweet spot.

That's why when I play my modern set, I play AP1's.

[HighandDry]

I have the AP1 and AP2. Have been using the AP2 for the past 2 years, but sometimes will play the AP1. Personally, I like the AP2 better. Like the look and less offset and don't find it that much different in forgiveness than the AP1. Saying that, my miss is usually not off center, but a little fat or a little thin.

Since you played D1 golf, you have skills that most don't have and I would think that any of the irons would work for you. Coming from blades and a low single digit handicap, I don't think you would like the chunky AP1 (maybe not even the AP2).

[golfer64]

I have a set of AP2's, I don't hit them bad but I have a problem with them digging into the ground to much. I know other have said they have the same problem. Thinking about going with the Mizuno MP59 or the Mizuno JPX800Pro comments???? What is the difference with this club when striking the turf??

Edited by golfer64, 02 May 2012 - 02:30 PM.

[AChapa8807]

May want to try and look at all Mizuno offerings since you played them before. The MP58, 59, 53, 63 are all good options I think. Not bashing the AP series So look into those as well. I don't think you'll love the AP1's but you might like them and as for the AP2's I think you may find those a little nicer feeling.

[iShift]

golfer64, on 02 May 2012 - 02:22 PM, said:

I have a set of AP2's, I don't hit them bad but I have a problem with them digging into the ground to much. I know other have said they have the same problem. Thinking about going with the Mizuno MP59 or the Mizuno JPX800Pro comments???? What is the difference with this club when striking the turf??

Well if you dig I would assume its due to the thinner sole so mp 59s would prob also give the same problem. As far as jpx, no comment bc I don't know.

[golfer64]

iShift, on 02 May 2012 - 09:21 PM, said:

golfer64, on 02 May 2012 - 02:22 PM, said:

I have a set of AP2's, I don't hit them bad but I have a problem with them digging into the ground to much. I know other have said they have the same problem. Thinking about going with the Mizuno MP59 or the Mizuno JPX800Pro comments???? What is the difference with this club when striking the turf??

Well if you dig I would assume its due to the thinner sole so mp 59s would prob also give the same problem. As far as jpx, no comment bc I don't know.

The AP2 do not have a lot of bounce on the sole. looking for something comparing to Adams A4's sole.

[alw1791]

I prefer the MP-59s because they allow for playability while retaining some forgiveness.  Best of both worlds IMO.  They feel better than either the AP-1 or AP-2 to me

[golfer64]

alw1791, on 02 May 2012 - 09:39 PM, said:

I prefer the MP-59s because they allow for playability while retaining some forgiveness.  Best of both worlds IMO.  They feel better than either the AP-1 or AP-2 to me

Do you feel that the MP59's are all around better club, and what about distance. Tha AP2 just dig into the ground to much, how does the 59's feel stricking with the turf.

[jpalermo]

710's or 712's dig too much? I have the 710's and hit the 58's and 59's but liked the forgiveness factor of the AP's better. All good choices, try them all and buy what YOU like best. I did also like the Ping Anser Forged but not enough to drop the extra $

[alw1791]

golfer64, on 02 May 2012 - 09:42 PM, said:

alw1791, on 02 May 2012 - 09:39 PM, said:

I prefer the MP-59s because they allow for playability while retaining some forgiveness.  Best of both worlds IMO.  They feel better than either the AP-1 or AP-2 to me

Do you feel that the MP59's are all around better club, and what about distance. Tha AP2 just dig into the ground to much, how does the 59's feel stricking with the turf.

In a word:  crisp.  Given a clean strike of course, the 59s are immaculate.  Distance is exactly what I was expecting, long and true which immediate differences if I hit it higher or lower on the face.


So yes, I do believe that the MP59's are an all around better club--for me. If you're not totally thrilled with MP-59s, please do not miss hitting the MP-63 or MP-53, the 59s closest relatives... the 63 being more of a player's club and the 53 being slightly more forgiving.

[yrose]

golfer64, on 02 May 2012 - 09:42 PM, said:

alw1791, on 02 May 2012 - 09:39 PM, said:

I prefer the MP-59s because they allow for playability while retaining some forgiveness.  Best of both worlds IMO.  They feel better than either the AP-1 or AP-2 to me

Do you feel that the MP59's are all around better club, and what about distance. Tha AP2 just dig into the ground to much, how does the 59's feel stricking with the turf.

If you're digging then you're digging.  I have a fairly steep swing yet i have been fitted for the mizuno 5 series for the past 5 seasons from a very reputable clubfitter, but only because my quality swings get the most out of the mizunos.  There really is no replacement for them when you're swinging well.  But thats the question.  Like another reader posted depends on how much you play/practice.   If you step out there once a month and want to get the most out of your round then i would consider seomthing like AP1, JPX pro, R11...   Given your experience with D1 golf I would imagine those clubs would make your iorn game fairly easy to command, just not with unlimited flexibility as the MP-59s, S56s and so on,

Then again the pros play those so called GI irons so why shouldnt we.   To each his own, and I really think that unless you have a proper fitting then nothing about this forum matters.

All I know is that the MIzuno-59s and exceptionally forgiving (for blades when compared to Titleist and TM MBs) 69s for scoring irons are unparralleled in terms of feel and look.  I have tried pretty much every iron in demos and fitting at my club

[yrose]

One more thought I have is that one of the main reasons that I have continued to play Mizunos is because of the neverending quest to improve.


I dont know that many can quantitatively evaluate the stroke impact of using clubs like the 59s vs the AP1s  (I exclude the AP2s because I dont see them as a much different club than the 59s.  Just a different fit for a different swing)


Due to lifestyle (16 hours a day work on the mind and a 2 year old with one on the way)  I play very few organized 18 hole rounds, yet I do manage to get to the golf course at least 3 times a week for some form of golf.   Usually that includes some actual playing whether it be 9 holes or 4 holes.  


Point is that unless you are playing competitive golf just commit to what you want... The look and feel of Mizuno, or the consistency of some other game improvement irons..

[golfer64]

Thanks for the info the titleist AP2 just dig in the ground to much, just wondering about the MP59. Iam not a bad golfer I have a 2 handicap.

[yrose]

[quote name='golfer64' timestamp='1336019002' post='4837598']
Thanks for the info the titleist AP2 just dig in the ground to much, just wondering about the MP59. Iam not a bad golfer I have a 2 handicap.
[/quot

Have you tried the mp-58s at all.  I ask because coming from them to the 59s there is a substantial difference in the turf interaction.  You'll notice a significant difference in the grind of the 59s getting rid of some of the dig from previous models.   I cannot directly compare the AP2s to the 59s in this regard.

[Strauss6868]

My AP2s arrived this afternoon, and I will pick them up either this evening or tomorrow afternoon.

As far as comparing the Mizuno clubs that were mentioned and the AP2, it's hard to compare them because at this point, it all come down to your swing. I would think that at your level, the shaft would have more to do with your preference than the head because both are fine clubs

I will let you guys know how the AP2 s work out after a few rounds.

[AChapa8807]

yrose, on 02 May 2012 - 11:42 PM, said:

golfer64, on 02 May 2012 - 11:23 PM, said:

Thanks for the info the titleist AP2 just dig in the ground to much, just wondering about the MP59. Iam not a bad golfer I have a 2 handicap.

Have you tried the mp-58s at all.  I ask because coming from them to the 59s there is a substantial difference in the turf interaction.  You'll notice a significant difference in the grind of the 59s getting rid of some of the dig from previous models.   I cannot directly compare the AP2s to the 59s in this regard.

I would really look into the MP series, most of their MP's will have very nice turf interaction. I tend to dig a little and the 58's perform awesome for me so look into the 59's as they have improved that club from the 58. The sole grind is very nice, having a rolled leading edge to a flat midsole and them to a rolled trailing edge helps from all lies and swing types.

[knickerbocker]

I have hit all of the irons listed above and more and I walked away with Ping S56.  I loved the feel of forged irons, and the S56s are right there even though they are cast.

Match them with the KBS tour (no upcharge) and they are perfect.

[mr_divots]

Probably the 59's given what you are accustomed to. AP2's are a strong set too. ('08 AP2 is all I have experience with.)
The AP1 710's I had were nice, but especially in the long irons they have a very GI-like quality about them. If you're still in the 70's with your scores, check out the 59's and AP2's. As people have said, pretty much the demographic they were designed for.

[gambit]

I went from 58 s to 710 AP2s and it was a good change for me. The AP2s are workable and provide a little more forgiveness. That bein said, I think that the 53s felt better than both of those and my next set is probably going to be that or whatever replaces them.

[Zurb]

Honestly, it's all opinion at this point. Both of those clubs will do precisely what you want them to do if you hit the center. Having hit both of them I can say that the AP2 is no more forgiving than the MP59. Feels like people propagate some internet misnomers. The MP59 is very forgiving.

I chose the MP59 for a couple reasons..

1) The top line is perfect for the eye.
2) The feel and sound when stuck as it should, is like a pillow of power, pure sex. It actually turns heads at the range.
3) There is some pretty sweet technology there with the titanium forging in the back and the purpose makes sense, you get a blade with unbelievable playability with a bit of help. .
4) The AP2s are $200 more? Really? Why? are you kidding me? There are deals out there, I got my MP59s for cheap.

Don't listen to me, I'm still in the honeymoon phase with mine..

Good luck, you really can't go wrong. Just rationalize and justify one and spend.  If you are a decent player, I would really just narrow it to the AP2 or MP59 as others have said.