Mizuno TP-9, should I play them?
I might be able to buy a Mizuno TP-9 iron set (unfortunately missing the i6) for less than $100 so I'm leaning towards it. However, I'd like some input as to if I'll just be wasting my time trying to play these clubs.
I only have a 17 hcp so I can probably not handle these clubs very well. But, I've been told it can be beneficial for your technique to play clubs that are too difficult since they will indicate every time you hit a less than perfect or at least very good shot. I play a very forgiving set of cast irons now so it's hard to tell the quality of my ball hit a lot of the time.
Knowing nothing about the TP-9s, the only thing I've realised is that they're supposed to be very unforgiving. Are they too difficult for me so I should look for other blades instead to improve my game?
-FatLoser
8 Replies
The Mizuno TP-9 irons are definitely a classic set, but you’re right—they’re true blades and not very forgiving, especially compared to modern cavity-back or game-improvement irons. At a 17 handicap, you’d likely find them pretty tough to hit consistently, and the mishits could be frustrating. That said, you’re also correct that blades like these give very clear feedback on your ball striking, which can be helpful if your goal is to refine your swing and improve technique and . For less than $100, they could be a fun second set to practice with, but I wouldn’t recommend making them your only
The Mizuno TP-9 irons are definitely a classic set, but you’re right—they’re true blades and not very forgiving, especially compared to modern cavity-back or game-improvement irons. At a 17 handicap, you’d likely find them pretty tough to hit consistently, and the mishits could be frustrating. That said, you’re also correct that blades like these give very clear feedback on your ball striking, which can be helpful if your goal is to refine your swing and improve technique. For less than $100, they could be a fun second set to practice with, but I wouldn’t recommend making them your only
There has got to be something in the title of this thread that causes internet searches/bots to pick up on it. Multiple necro bumps from such an innocuous thread.
philljones22 absolutely slapped with that review.
Evidently Bots like golf too.
FWIW I play Mizuno JPX 825 Pro. Absolutely love them. I went into the PGA Tour Superstore convinced I was going to buy some Ping cavity backs. Blind hitting in the bay, the Mizunos blew everything else I tried off the charts.
Granted that was 10+ years ago when I could play to a 10 handicap. Getting fat and old sucks. But I still hit them pretty well. They're older but there is a 3 year gap of non-use when I broke my left wrist in 3 places.
Probably going to upgrade my wedges though. No telling how old they are.
Some notes:
Handicap is not necessarily a measure of ball striking. The two are often strongly correlated, particularly in higher index players, so it's a reasonable rule of thumb, but not a hard and fast 'rule'. You may be a 5 hcp iron player, a 20 hcp driver of the ball, a 15 hcp putter, etc.
The key difference between blades and game improvement irons are distance on off center strikes and turf interaction.
Imo, turf interaction is the most important and often overlooked as the sole of a traditional blade is thinner and has less bounce than a game improvement iron. This means if you hit fractionally behind the ball, the consequences will be far more severe than with a big, thick sole as the club will dig into the ground more easily.
Old Mizuno irons (the MP29 comes to mind) have extremely sharp leading edges which make them extraordinarily unforgiving in the place higher handicappers need the most forgiveness. Even compared to something like a Titleist 680 which is a true blade as well, but has a little more leading edge relief (blunter, pre-worn, killed, etc.) - the MP29 is a more difficult iron to play off turf (despite what I'd imagine are similar MOIs)
The other thing to think about with used irons are the grips (which are often badly worn and need to be replaced which is a minimum of $5 a club for Tour Velvets) - as well as any loft lie adjustments which you may not be aware of and may not fit you. Not to mention that used, vintage "players irons" are more likely to have significant groove wear as a better player hits the same place on the iron much more frequently.
If you look a little bit, you'll likely be able to find a more forgiving, better fit set of irons. Nothing wrong with this set necessarily, but it's not such a screaming deal that you'll kick yourself for passing it up.
The bots won't give up. This thread was started 16 years ago.
I never noticed this thread before and now I'm super confused about what the purpose of the bot posting could possibly be. The Blods post from 2015 was outstanding though, I respect the Ryder Cup trolling.
