Usually Mizuno has a cast JPX wedge in their line up to partner a forged MP version, which is currently the Mizuno MP-T5.
However now some of the JPX irons are also forged, Mizuno worked with Luke Donald to come up with a larger profile wedge and the result is the S5.
Grain Flow Forged from 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel, the S5 has a longer and deeper face than the MP-T5 and this gives you a bit more margin for error, which is a good thing.
At address it frames the ball very well and I could see most low to mid handicappers being comfortable using this shape of club. It is forged from the same billet of steel that the irons are so the feel is as similar as possible.
As you have probably spotted by now, as well as the standard White Satin finish there is also a Blue IP version that is certainly striking.
The Blue IP finish will wear over time on the sole to reveal the silver steel underneath, but this does not affect the performance and will give you that worn look that makes you look like a pro even if you don't pitch like one.
On the back of the club, the 'channel' that featured on the MP-T5 is widened and features a central hexagon to give a look that says it means business.
It has slight echoes of the 2009 Callaway X-Series Jaws Wedge, but with a less aggressive grind. However, what this head shape does is move more weight lower in the head and to the perimeters to give you that little extra stability at impact.
This makes the S5 feel more solid at impact than the MP-T5, so if you are using some form of cavity back iron then having the S5 as your wedge will continue this feel. On full swing shots this really came into its own as the larger more stable head is ideal for approaches to greens.
The Quad Cut CNC milled grooves vary in width depending on the loft to generate the right level of spin, with the lower lofts up to 52° having deeper, narrower grooves and the higher lofts, wider shallower ones.
The grip from all of them was very good and with the correct connection the level of spin was as good as any wedge in the market.
The Mizuno S5 also features different sole grinds depending on the loft. The lower and mid lofts have small heel and toe grind, whereas some of the higher lofts have a larger C grind to enable you to manipulate the face more.
The grinds and the width of the sole area is the same as the MP-T5 and you have to go with what you are given as there is only one grind option per loft.
In some ways this is good that they say 'here is the best bounce for this loft', but some better players may want more choice, which you can get through the MP-T5 range.
There are six lofts from 50° to 60° in 2° gaps and if you want the loft in between the Mizuno custom service will bend the S5 to match, although this will also reduce the bounce if you decrease the loft and vice versa.
In the past I would say that Mizuno wedges tend to play as though they have less bounce than the number on the sole indicates, but with the S5 it is more on the number.
The balance of the S5 also feels different to the MP-T5 as the stock shaft is the True Temper XP115 which is about 15 grams lighter than the Dynamic Gold used in the MP-T5, but it still suits the S5 well.
Around the green the S5 performed very well and the larger head gave a more solid feel, but maybe did not feel quite as sharp as the MP-T5 blade, which is to be expected.
From the sand it was equally as good so whether you choose the larger S5 or the smaller bladed MP-T5 will come down to personal preference. I could see experienced players who like a high level of feel opting for the MP-T5 for some of the higher lofts, but the S5 is no slouch as Luke Donald has 54° and 60° versions in his bag since April 2015.
Overall I do like the Mizuno S5 wedge, particularly the lower lofts, as the larger head blends easily with most Mizuno forged cavity back irons so that you are not switching into blades in your shorter clubs.
The feel and grip from the forged heads and that more stable, dynamic head design on the back create a very versatile wedge for all levels of golfer from pro to the rest of us.