Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron Review
Irons expert Joel Tadman tests the latest game improvement iron from Mizuno to find out what golfers can expect
A very playable, forgiving distance iron that offers a softer feel and greater stopping power than most among its competitive set. Not a huge leap forward from the JPX921 version, but the changes in the sole make it noticeably more user friendly.
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Appealing looks all round
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A fast but controlled feel
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Excellent stopping power
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More forgiving through the turf
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Limited gains over prior model
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Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron Review
Mizuno has utilised the Swing DNA data collected from its impressive Shaft Optimiser 3D technology to shape the new range of JPX923 irons. Specifically, it noticed a trend towards more shaft lean being presented to the ball across the handicap spectrum, and as a result has added some bounce and camber to the sole to improve the turf interaction on offer.
VIDEO: Watch Joel Tadman test and compare all three Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal irons
The Hot Metal is billed as the longest iron in the JPX923 range, in part down to having the strongest lofts which have actually got up to 1.5° stronger compared to the prior JPX921 Hot Metal iron depending on what area of the set you’re looking at. In the 7-iron we tested, though, the loft has only got half a degree stronger coming in at 28.5°.
Visually, the new version looks somewhat similar - the amount of black paint fill on the back has reduced on the JPX923 Hot Metal and the Mizuno Running bird logo added to the toe. At address, you could make a case for there being slightly less offset and the head being a fraction smaller overall.
Many of the changes from the previous generation you won’t be able to see. Specifically the switch to 4335 Nickel Chromoly, a stronger material that has allowed for an eight percent thinner face. Our testing on the Full Swing Kit launch monitor with Titleist Pro V1x golf balls would suggest the performance hasn’t moved on a huge amount versus the JPX921 Hot Metal, although we did notice a higher launch and ball flight overall despite the stronger lofts. It’s refreshing to see distance irons spinning close to the 6000rpm mark - it’s no good hitting the ball far with your irons but not be able to stop the ball on the green. When combined with the higher trajectory and a healthy descent angle, you should be able to attack pins here without fearing the ball bounding over the back of the green.
The other main thing I love about this iron is the feel. It doesn’t have that explosive, metalwood like feel you often get from game improvement irons. In fact, it is as close to a forged-like feel as you’re likely to experience in this category, producing a dense sensation at impact and a relatively quiet sound to match.
The turf interaction has changed too. There’s certainly more resistance through the turf, which will help if you catch the ground slightly before the ball and create smaller, shallower divots. If you’re a picker of the ball, you may struggle to get the club under the ball, but for the majority this will be a welcome change.
Considering this is the least expensive iron in the new JPX923 iron range (£135 per club) you're getting a lot of performance for the money as well as that signature feel and playability you expect from the best Mizuno irons. Slower swinging golfers may want to consider the new Hot Metal High Launch option, but the majority of mid-to-high handicappers will likely be able to get more out of this iron versus what is currently in their bag.
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