At first glance the Mizuno MP-T5 wedge does not look vastly different to the previous Mizuno MP-T4 wedge that we reviewed in 2012.
Cosmetically the back of the head now has the loft badge moved to the toe rather than in the middle of the groove.
So not much change then? Well, visually no, but Mizuno have gone to work on the Quad Cut grooves and the lower lofts up to 52° have a narrower and deeper pattern of grooves, whilst from 54° to 62° they are shallower and wider.
The grooves do provide a very good level of spin on full shots and chip shots around the green, even if it is hard to see the differences with the naked eye.
What is different is the sole grinds that Mizuno has put on the MP-T5, following advice from Luke Donald. The trailing edge is less sharp than it was before and the heel and toe grinds make this a very versatile wedge.
I tested a 56° version with 14° bounce and this was a little too much bounce for my style of play from the bunker. However from some very tight lies around the links greens of St Andrews I was able to use the grinds on the heel and toe to play a variety of shots.
If I was buying these then I would have to get a lower bounce and here is where the other enhancement to the Mizuno wedge range comes in as you can choose from 14 different lofts from 49° to 62° as the MP-T5 comes in 1° increments.
From lofts of 54° upwards there are also 2 different sole grinds to give different bounce options, so I would recommend going to a Mizuno fitter who can help you make the right choice from the 50 available combinations.
Like the MP-T4, the MP-T5 maintains the slightly heavier feel than older Mizuno wedges and I like this because it creates a little more stability on those touch shots, as well as blending in better with the MP irons.
The MP-T5 is finished off in a choice of White Satin Chrome or Black Nickel finishes that are plated to allow for better groove milling and both look really good.
Whilst the Mizuno MP-T5 is more evolution than revolution, the changes to the grinds soften the angles on the sole to give it the edge over the previous model.
With the full range of loft options, Mizuno can offer you the chance to gap fit the wedge section in your bag without any bending of lofts.
This is one of the best wedges Mizuno has done and you should definitely try them out if you prefer a heavier feel in your short game.