Irons · 2020
Mizuno MP-20 HMB
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 24 May 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Feel86
- Looks86
- Sound82
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is forgiveness.
Single-digit to mid handicaps (3-14) at 80-105 mph swing speeds who want blade-like aesthetics with PD-class forgiveness and best-in-class stopping power.
Distance-maxing buyers, or anyone who values the soft, muted feel of a fully forged players iron over the hotter hollow-body character.
Pros
- Winner of 2021 Most Wanted Players Distance Iron — #1 in strokes-gained, tightest shot area, 2nd in yards from centre.
- Higher launch + spin than competing players-distance peers — best-in-class stopping power.
- Hollow body with Chromoly face + tungsten + copper underlayer = blade-looking head with PD-class forgiveness and feel.
- Looks almost like a players iron at address despite the hollow construction.
Cons
- Distance may not be its forte compared to other irons in the field — middle of the 2021 PD pack on raw distance.
- Substantial mishits can still cost a club or two of carry distance — small misses are fine, big ones penalised.
- Moderately loud snap with impact more fast than soft — hotter acoustic than a forged players iron, not for buyers wanting muted feel.
By dimension
Forgiveness
SolidIndependent robot testing 2021 Most Wanted Players Distance Iron WINNER — credited for highest average strokes-gained score, tightest average shot area, and 2nd in average yards from center. Hollow body construction with two 12g tungsten weights (toe + heel) in 2-7 iron lowers CG and improves stability. Reviewer testing qualifies: small mishits still hit the green; substantial mishits can still cost a club or two of carry distance. Class-leading PD consistency for 2021.
Distance
StrongEditorial coverage: MP-20 HMB irons are quite long; similar distance results are comparable to the JPX919 Hot Metal. Hollow construction with Chromoly face + 32° 7-iron loft delivers PD-class ball speeds. Independent testing notes distance may not be its forte compared to other irons in the test — middle of the 2021 PD field on raw distance. Higher launch + spin profile than P790 — distance is moderate but consistent.
Workability
SolidReviewer testing: this is not a blade — not much offset, but the top line is substantially thicker than either of the other MP-20 models. Manufacturer: sharp tour-ready profile. Hollow body construction caps absolute workability vs the blade or MMC siblings — the head's larger footprint trades shape-shifting for forgiveness. Skilled players can flight it; not a true players iron for shape variety.
Feel
ExcellentManufacturer used a copper underlayer to improve feel on the MP-20 HMB — a feel-tuning material borrowed from the Tour line. Editorial coverage: the hit felt very soft yet also solid at the same time. Reviewer testing qualifies: moderately loud snap with impact more fast than soft. The Chromoly face + hollow construction produces a hot, players-distance feel character — softer than typical hollow PD irons but not as soft as a forged players iron.
Sound
ExcellentReviewer testing: moderately loud snap on centre with feedback that's quite clear even on mishits, which feel even firmer. Hot Chromoly face + hollow chamber produces a louder, more energetic acoustic than the forged blade or MMC siblings. Players-distance hollow-body acoustic — not the muted thud of a forged players iron, but cleaner than typical PD competitors.
Looks at address
ExcellentEditorial coverage: at address, the HMBs look almost like a players iron, with the same shaping formula as the blade siblings. Reviewer testing: not much offset, but the top line is substantially thicker than either of the other MP-20 models. Editorial coverage: hollow body, but it looks like a blade in the bag. Premium players-distance silhouette that bridges the blade aesthetic with the hollow-body footprint.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at 2021 Most Wanted Player's Distance Iron — MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB iron Review — Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB Irons Review — Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB: Players iron feel to the players-distance category — 2nd Swing
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB Iron Review — Golfalot
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB Single Iron — 2nd Swing specs
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB awarded 'Most Wanted' by MyGolfSpy — Mizuno Golf
- Read the full review at Mizuno MP-20 HMB Irons Review — Golfstead
We paraphrase and synthesise these sources; we don't republish them. Publishers can read how we use reviews or request a change.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the Mizuno MP-20 HMB best for?
Single-digit to mid handicaps (3-14) at 80-105 mph swing speeds who want blade-like aesthetics with PD-class forgiveness and best-in-class stopping power.
Who should avoid the Mizuno MP-20 HMB?
Distance-maxing buyers, or anyone who values the soft, muted feel of a fully forged players iron over the hotter hollow-body character.
What handicap is the Mizuno MP-20 HMB suitable for?
The Mizuno MP-20 HMB suits a broad range of abilities, from high-handicap beginners through to scratch and tour players.
What is the Mizuno MP-20 HMB best at?
In our research the Mizuno MP-20 HMB rates highest for distance and feel, and is softest on forgiveness.
Does the Mizuno MP-20 HMB have a shot bias?
The Mizuno MP-20 HMB is broadly neutral in shot shape (no built-in draw or fade bias), with a mid-high launch and mid-high spin.