I noticed the MPF of the Wilson F5 irons are a 200, which is one of the lowest of any iron. Independent testers have labeled them as a forgiving forged iron. Could someone help me with this discrepancy? Thanks, Geoff
We simply measure the mass and dimensional characteristics of the club head and based on those measurements, place a playability number on it based on the formulas for playability developed by Ralph Maltby. Mass and dimensional characteristics are basic measurements (vertical cg, rearward cg, c-dimension, MOI) that, depending on what they are, dictate the playability / forgiveness and stability of a particular design. It does not matter what someone “says” a design is suppose to be. It does not matter if it is a cavity back, muscle back, hollow design, etc. etc., only what the mass and dimensional characteristics are. If cavity back irons are designed correctly then they should have more forgiveness, but it’s not a given. Muscle backs can be designed to be more playable and do not have to be just for good players. It’s all about the mass and dimensional characteristics. We stand by the MPF. Using”independent” testers is a nice tool when the results are genuine and not influenced in any way. I guess that is the intent of “independent”. However, they are testing and giving you an experience, what they think based on their ball strikes that day. Does not change the fact that the head is a mass and that mass will perform based on it’s mass and dimensional characteristics. On center hits, or hits in line with the center of gravity, will generally produce good results with any MPF rating. However, as the hits move off the ideal spot, the results get worse. The higher the MPF the more stable the head (mass) is through the impact zone and at impact, yielding better ball flight. I would encourage you, if you want to learn more about MPF, to read about it in Ralph Maltby’s book “The Complete Book of Golf Club Fitting and Performance”.
Britt Lindsey
Thanks Britt for that superior answer. I game the Adams XTD CC and am looking for a softer iron. The DBMs seem to be right up my alley with similar numbers. Thanks again, Geoff