Mizuno is best known for its irons, but in recent years, the brand has made a strong push into the premium putter market. The M-Craft range has already gained a solid reputation for its high-quality milled designs, and now Mizuno has taken things a step further with the M-Craft X putters.
These new models offer more adjustability than ever before, with interchangeable backings that allow golfers to switch between a mallet and fang-style design. But does this added versatility actually improve performance, or is it just a gimmick?
I put the M-Craft X putters to the test to find out.
Who Is It Aimed At?
The Mizuno M-Craft X putters are designed for golfers who want a high level of adjustability in their putting setup. If you’re someone who enjoys fine-tuning their putter or adapting to different course conditions, the ability to switch between a mallet and a fang-style design makes this an appealing option.
However, if you prefer a consistent putter and don’t change equipment often, the added adjustability may not be necessary.
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The Tech
Mizuno has introduced a unique modular design with the M-Craft X putters, offering more adjustability than ever before. They’re designed for golfers seeking a combination of feel, forgiviness and adaptability.
The brand says that the putter offers the feel of a blade, with the forgiveness of a mallet. There’s a ‘dynamically shallow’ centre of gravity, which gives the feel of a smaller blade-like putter for better control.
This combines with the larger head design, along with customisable weight, for better forgiveness and stability on off-centre strikes.
Offering three different neck styles – Plumber, Slant and Bend – provides different options for different putting strokes and alignment preferences.
There are also three distinct back shapes providing stability whilst giving the golfer a choice of their desired shape. Interchangeable weights, from 7g to 21 g, provide extra adjustability.
The putter features a forged face and neck made from 1025 steel, optimising feel and responsiveness. A CNC milled face delivers consistency across the face for better roll and distance control.
A milled aluminium back enhances stability and increases MOI, providing extra feedback without sacrificing feel.
Finally, the putter is fitted with a Lamkin Sink Fit grip featuring a 1906 mosaic pattern, a tribute to the year that Mizuno was founded.
Mizuno M-Craft X Putters Review
Looks and Feel
Mizuno has done an excellent job with the aesthetics of the M-Craft X putters.
The black finish gives it a modern, stealthy look, while the subtle white alignment aid and blue detailing add a premium touch.
The grip and shaft design also maintain a cohesive, high-end feel.
In terms of feel, the milled face produces a firm, hot strike. If you prefer a softer, muted impact, this might not be the best fit for you. However, if you enjoy a crisp, responsive feel with a slight click at impact, this putter delivers exactly that.
Performance
Since I was able to adjust the M-Craft X putter to closely match my own Scotty Cameron, I felt instantly comfortable over the ball. On shorter putts, the added weight and stability made for an effortless stroke, which I personally prefer. The heavier weighting allows for a smooth roll without excessive effort.
Forgiveness-wise, the putter performs well on centre and slightly off-centre strikes. However, mis-hits off the toe are noticeably less forgiving, leading to some directional inconsistency. The fang design provides slightly better feedback on these off-centre hits than the mallet.
The alignment aids are well thought out. The combination of a single sightline and the raised section on the back provides a clear visual reference. Some golfers may find the contrast distracting, particularly in bright sunlight, but I found it useful for ensuring a square stroke.
The Mizuno M-Craft X putters retail at £429, placing them in the premium category alongside models from Ping PLD and Scotty Cameron. While the price is high, the quality and performance justify the cost for those who value premium craftsmanship.
One key advantage is the ability to swap backings. Additional backings cost £100, while extra weights are available for £40 per set. If you like to experiment with different putter styles, this could actually be a cost-effective long-term option compared to buying multiple putters.
Mizuno M-Craft X Putters Verdict
The Mizuno M-Craft X putters offer an innovative approach to customization in a premium package. The ability to switch between mallet and fang designs, along with customizable weighting, makes it appealing to golfers who like to fine-tune their putter setup. While the price is on the higher end, the quality and performance justify it.
However, if you’re a golfer who prefers a single, consistent putter without the need for adjustability, this may not be the best option for you. It’s an excellent putter in its own right, but the modular concept will appeal more to those who enjoy tinkering with their equipment.
Would I Use It?
Personally, I prefer to stick with a single putter style for consistency, so the adjustable nature of the M-Craft X isn’t a huge benefit for me. However, I can see this being a great option for golfers who haven’t settled on their ideal putter type or those who enjoy testing different setups. It almost feels more like a fitting tool than a traditional putter.
As a standalone putter, forgetting about the adjustability, the M-Craft X is fantastic. It has a premium feel, excellent stability, and a sleek design that competes with high-end models. The adjustability is a nice extra, but whether it’s a game-changer will depend on the individual golfer.
