Are JDM Mizunos better than their US counterpart?

[Shipwreck]

Just curious to see if getting a set of JDM Mizuno irons are any different (softer, better etc) than the US Mizuno offerings?

[kingarthur]

The feeling is identical since the raw materials and the forging process are the same. I do know my custom MP-4s from Japan had a tighter weight tolerance than the MP67 i had from the US

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

The Mizuno Pro 118s, which are the JDM equivalent of the MP18s, have a copper underlay that the MP18s don't have.

I've hit both, but I can't say I noticed a difference.

[kingarthur]

The copper underlay is more noticeable on a Miura type of feel instead of the softer Mizuno feel. It does absorb extea vibration and add a bit more weight to the clubhead but not enough to warrant the upcharge. It was an USD $25 option on my MP4s from Mizuno's Yoro Craft program .

[Chex]

I’ve had a JDM set of Mizuno MP-5 CP in the bag for years. Before anyone asks, “CP” stands for “copper plate” and its laser etched on the hosel. This was a Mizuno Japan limited run iron with a special black (at the grip) fading to silver (at the head) Modus 125 shaft. I can’t speak for the most recent iterations (118, 319, 518, etc...) but this CP version of the MP-5 had a heavier head weight and was significantly softer than the standard version of the MP-5. A close friend of mine is a Mizuno staffer and he couldn’t believe how soft/solid these felt compared to the standard MP-5 and more recently the MP-18 mb, both of which were given to him by Mizuno.

 

[Golfingfanatic]

Wow those MP5 CPs sound like the perfect iron.

[DarkMeat]

Has anyone seen these out in the wild? Supposedly they are Japan tour issue MP18 SCs with copper underlay like the 319 pros but can’t confirm.

 

[Shipwreck]

Daaaaaaaaamn DarkMeat. Those are clean AF!

[DarkMeat]

I know man! I’m trying to get more info on them. I have the us spec versions but if these have the copper layer then I want these too to compare. I hope they’re legit.

[shinobi]

If anything, the grip and shaft widths are a bit thinner and color schemes can vary for the exact same club but the clubs should perform the same in terms of composition and manufacturing.

[Oldplayer]

I recently picked up a set of the jpx 800 AD forged model (jdm only) irons and they are significantly better in feel and appearance IMO. Performance is very good also. Not to say the US non forged version did not perform well also.

[tsupo]

yes , i have the mizuno pro MB ( 118 verison in the us ) JAPAN verison of MP have the copper underlay ,the US version do NOT.

so

are they better?

if u like a softer feel then yes.

apart from that, they are the same shape .

nice thick er top line and no offset. pretty much as good a shape as ive seen in an MB, semi remind me of the honma 717m. both nice, the mizies are definitely softer at impact.

 

[ian-500]

The T7 wedges are better than the global version....

[Pwood28]

Can confirm in an interview with Chris Voshall of Mizuno that for years there was a copper underlay on the Japan retail clubs (at least the MBs) and not the US version. He said the US market did not except the price point required for the copper to be added.

 

That will no longer be the case with the MP-20 line as both will have the underlay.

[ethan380]

Materials are typically better right?

[golftech]

The Japanese T7s do NOT have boron is them like US and EU ones do. It’s a softer feel.

[jhaw]

Bring on the copper irons!