Quick summary
The Mizuno Pro 245 irons offer an impressive combination of distance and forgiveness, making them an excellent choice for golfers looking to maximise yardage without sacrificing too much control. The MP 245 provides the most distance and forgiveness in the new MP range. In this review, we delve into the various aspects of the MP 245 irons, evaluating their performance and comparing them to other leading models.
Who is this for?
The MP 245 irons are ideal for mid handicap golfers who prioritise distance and forgiveness. These irons offer more forgiveness than the MP 243, making them suitable for players who often miss the centre of the club face when striking the golf ball.
Who should look elsewhere?
If you’re a highly skilled golfer that hits the golf ball a long way already, these clubs might not be suitable for you. There are plenty of golf clubs out there that give you the added feel and control needed when playing an elite level of golf. In the Mizuno line up the MP 241 and 243 offer this.
Pros
Good distance
High peak height, meaning good stopping power
Very forgiving
Beautiful design, especially for a chunkier head
Cons
Reduced feel and feedback
Lack of ability to control shot shape and flight
Looks
The Mizuno Pro 245 irons maintain a refined and elegant appearance despite their slightly chunkier design compared to the MP 241 and MP 243. The hollow body construction gives them a thicker top line, which can be more confidence-inspiring for many golfers.
Mizuno has kept the aesthetic clean and appealing with a polished finish that highlights the club’s craftsmanship. At address, the 245 looks powerful yet controlled, reflecting its performance capabilities.
Forgiveness
The Mizuno Pro 245 irons excel in forgiveness thanks to their hollow body construction, which significantly enhances stability and reduces the impact of off-centre strikes. Our tests showed only a 3.2 mph drop in ball speed between the best and worst hits, demonstrating the Pro 245’s exceptional forgiveness. This minor variance translates to consistent distance, even on mis-hits. The larger head size compared to the MP 241 and MP 243 also boosts confidence at address, making the 245 ideal for golfers seeking forgiveness without sacrificing the classic Mizuno look and feel.
Distance
Designed to maximize distance, the Mizuno Pro 245 irons deliver an impressive average carry distance of 177 yards, a significant jump from the MP 243. The stronger 30° loft in the 7-iron and hollow body construction contribute to increased ball speed and reduced spin, providing that extra edge in distance. Despite the increased distance, the higher peak height ensures the ball lands softly, maintaining the playability Mizuno is known for.
Feel
True to Mizuno’s reputation, the Pro 245 irons offer an exceptional feel. Despite the hollow body construction, which is often not conducive to the best feeling irons, the Chromoly material enhances the sensation of hitting the sweet spot, and even off-centered strikes feel satisfying.
Control
While the Pro 245 irons prioritise distance, they don’t compromise too much on control. With the lowest spin rate among the three models, the MP 245 irons still offer impressive stopping power due to their high peak height. Our testing revealed a spin rate around 6,700 RPMs, when using a 7-iron, which, combined with increased ball speed and a higher launch angle, ensures effective green-holding capability. These irons are perfect for golfers who want to maximise distance while maintaining a good level of control.
Value
The Mizuno Pro 245 irons provide superb value for those seeking an increase in distance and forgiveness. Their hollow body construction and impressive ball speed make them competitive with models like the Ping i525 and Titleist T200. Despite being slightly more expensive than the MP 241 and MP 243, the MP 245 offers significant gains in distance and forgiveness, making them a worthwhile investment for golfers wanting top-tier performance at a competitive price.
Golf Insider Verdict
The Mizuno Pro 245 irons stand out for their impressive distance and forgiveness, making them ideal for golfers seeking longer shots without sacrificing too much control. With their hollow body construction and lower spin rate, these irons deliver high ball speeds and a steep landing angle. If you are looking for an iron that maximises distance while still providing a good level of control, the MP 245 is a fantastic option. However, if you prioritise precision and a higher spin rate, the MP 241 or MP 243 might be better suited to your needs.
Important Considerations Before Buying
Shaft Fitting
Maximising distance and forgiveness with the Mizuno Pro 245 irons can be significantly enhanced with the right shaft. For golfers with a quick tempo and higher swing speeds, the Dynamic Gold 120 shafts offer a mid-flight trajectory and excellent stability through impact. For those seeking to elevate their ball flight and add spin, the Project X LZ shafts provide a lighter feel with a high launch profile, perfect for achieving long, high shots that land softly on the greens. Using Mizuno’s DNA fitting tool can help pinpoint the optimal shaft to complement your swing style and maximise your distance. Ultimately, if you are interested in these clubs, or any new golf clubs for that matter, it is important to get custom-fitted so your clubs are perfectly suited to you, meaning you can get the most out of your investment.
Model Comparisons
Comparative Performance Table
| Iron Model | Average Carry Distance (yards) | Ball Speed (mph) | Spin Rate (rpm) | Launch Angle (°) | Peak Height (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro 241 | 161.0 | 117.0 | High | High | High |
| Pro 243 | 165.1 | 120.2 | Mid-High | Mid-High | Mid-High |
| Pro 245 | 177.0 | 125.0 | Mid | High | High |
Key Insights
- Pro 241: Prioritises control and precision with high spin rates and higher launch angles.
- Pro 243: Offers a balanced performance with slightly more distance and mid-high spin rates.
- Pro 245: Maximises distance and forgiveness with the highest ball speed and lower spin rates, maintaining high launch and peak height for stopping power.
Mizuno MP 245 Specs
| Club | Loft ° | Lie Angle |
| 2 | 16.5 | 59 |
| 3 | 19 | 59.5 |
| 4 | 21.5 | 60 |
| 5 | 24 | 60.5 |
| 6 | 27 | 61 |
| 7 | 30 | 61.5 |
| 8 | 34 | 62 |
| 9 | 38 | 62.5 |
| PW | 43 | 63 |
| GW | 48 | 63 |
Alternatives to Consider
Mizuno MP 243
If you are a fan of the 245, but feel as though you strike the ball fairly consistently, the 243 is great option. It is a little less forgiving than the 245, but it provides more feel and control. Please click here to check out our full article reviewing the 243s.
Mizuno MP 241
If the design of the MP 245 is appealing to you, but you are a consistent ball striker with a higher swing speed, the Mizuno MP 241 would most likely be more suitable for you. If you would like to know more, please click here to check out our full review.
Titleist T200
The Titleist T200 also provides excellent distance and forgiveness, making it a strong competitor in this category. Please click here to check out our review of the best irons for mid-handicap golfers.
Happy golfing!