So CONFUSED by Mizuno JPX 923 IRONS

Today we look at the new 2022/23 iron Mizuno 923's , are these golf clubs suitable for high handicappers?

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Just an Average Golfer giving unbiased opinions on all things golf, product tests, Golf travel vlogs and golf news!

[mizunogolf]

The JPX923 Hot Metal Pro version is about looks - for a good player looking for more ball speed. Those players don't tend to want offset or bulky appearance. But they have prioritised distance over maybe the more artistic qualities of the Mizuno Pro line. The standard 923 Hot Metal is the model that's been working for so many players - good balance of looks, forgiveness and ball speed. Even with the strong lofts, both models are designed to launch and land correctly for what they are (eg 7 iron). The new 923 Hot Metal HL is for players with a lot of forward shaft lean, or slower swing speed players who don't generate enough force to generate the launch they need at the stronger lofts. The other 2 models will be great for most players, but primary the slower swingers don't generate the speed needed to get the right peak and landing angles. As per feel - look at our objective as best in class. We aim to make a great feeling blade. Also a great feeling game improvement model - relative to other game improvement models. Last bit - a brand new material Nickel Chromoly is worth a mention. Not that often that you see a new material in irons.

[granthodges]

I’ve got to say I’m surprised you find this so confusing. Mizuno have been extremely clever and have provided a club in the HL for those golfers with a slower swing speed to assist in launching the ball higher thus keeping the ball in the air longer and providing distance with a more traditional loft. The only difference with the Hot Metal and Hot Metal Pro is aesthetics. I know from very recent personal experience through a professional Mizuno fitting session that the Pro does not not suit me whereas the HL was a clear winner resulting in me placing an order. A few facts about me that may assist others in making a decision based on the fact that I’m 62 and have a slower swing speed with a seven iron of 76 mph. The Mizuno fitter on the day collects club head speed which then provides them with the correct data for club head choice and shaft. 👍🏻🇦🇺

[cwugrad]

for those who find it confusing watch the TXG video done with club designer Chris V. all explained perfectly well to the point it makes perfect sense. but if you watch that and are still confused well …

[wessims]

Many other YouTubers have reviewed these also and clarified the reason for the three various sets of irons. The hot metal is a game improvement iron for those I’d like the stronger loft and distance, and the bigger head design. The pro model has always had the same loft as the regular HoTMetaL just a smaller compact head to give the same performance as the bigger hot metal but in a smaller package to appeal to those who like a smaller head design but still want the distance. The HL model is for those that have a bit of a problem getting the ball airborne, and want a game improvement iron that has the fat bottom and the performance of the hot metal series but has a bit more loft to go with the wide sole as most people searching for a game improvement iron want a chunk your club which it is, but they’ve added a bit of extra loft to help these people that have trouble getting the ball airborne with the regular hot metal be able to achieve this with the HL model. Michael Newton has a video that clarifies this wonderfully. I think it’s a great option this year and I come in Mizuno fully and if you want smaller heads go with the 221, 223, or 225

[parkerlewallen]

This is something I think PING have absolutely nailed by providing multiple loft options for the same models. That allows fitters to really dial in a golfer’s gaps throughout the entire set, and is especially helpful if they decide to blend a set for more help at the top end. Other brands should take note.

[rickvann]

Just was fitted today for these irons and I must say OMG! 923 Hot Metals and just can't believe that my 10 shot average with the 7 iron was 167 yes and 3 yards off center and I suck at golf 15 years since I last played. Taylormade Stealth was my 2nd best or pick.

[haakonstorhaug]

Callaway was first in weakening lofts for the most forgiving irons, the Rogue OS Lite, with the same reasoning that fewer and fewer golfers have the swing speed to even use a 6 iron with lofts closer to a 4 iron which is a problem given that fittings now usually are restricted to a 7 iron. Very good Mygolfspy video interviewing Chris Voshall of Mizuno which cleared up some things for me.

[russellmader]

I have had a problem with the continuing stronger lofts for awhile. Finally said enough and went from my PXG 211 to my old Ping Eye 2s this summer. Every club in the PXG is 8 degrees stronger then in the Eye 2. For example the Ping 7 is 36 degrees vs the PXG is 28 degree. I find that dropping down two club gives me the same distance and in most cases appears to be higher flights. Very happy using these 40 year old clubs (Fall 1983).

[JP-Lg]

I play the hot metal pro 921's and they're fantastic. I don't think the 923 offers enough incentive for me to change yet, but as my handicap drops toward single digits, I'm thinking of transitioning to more of a players iron anyway. I look forward to the review of the forged 923's as I generally love the feel of Mizuno clubs. Thanks for the honest look at the clubs, TAG.

[scotthansen]

Not sure its that confusing but I guess when they leave reviewers alone without a review by Mizuno. TXG and Mygolfspy did good interviews with Vosh on this loft discussion.

[MarvinofMars]

I can see something in the discussion, I have a set of Maverick Irons in one bag and set of Inesis 500 Irons in another bag.
Mavericks are stronger loft by 1-2 degree, but the Inesis 500 Irons pound per pound go further by 10 yards.
I had it down to a better COG and MOI allowing the sweet spot area to be greater.
The Mavericks feel great but just fall shorter. My full 6i with Inesis is 190 yards, Mavericks 175 for a 6i.

[banditbaker]

It's pretty straightforward really Mizuno are saying (and I believe them) that golfers with slower swing speeds struggle to get the ball airborne particularly when they play Irons with strong lofts. So in response to this, they have launched the HL range with weaker lofts that also have plenty of tech to help the ball launch nice & high for the slow swingers👍👍

[mannydossantos]

Mizuno has done a good job. I played the 921 Pro set and struggled. The correct set for me is the 923 HL as I need height in my shots, because of a slow swing.

[jjtaylor]

Mizuno R&D discovered that most golfers needing a game improvement iron struggled with less lofted clubs. The HL’s combination of forgiveness and more loft is brilliant. I also prefer a more compact head shape but after seeing how well the HL performs I’m going to give them a try.

[andyhunter]

Absolutely nailed it Mizuno with the 923 HL, went for a fitting for Ping G430 irons yesterday and we’re ok tried Paradym and Stealth the went to the 923 HL wow, amazing trajectory compared to the others Inver sound and feel and more forgiving ordered a set 5-Gw was sure going in would order Ping 6-50’. May fall in love with this game again, had been chasing distance and therefore stronger lofts which definitely don’t suit my swing speed and age, 15hcp and 65 years old. Makes me wonder what previous fitters were doing, can’t wait to get these a month at least 😀😀

[Floridaman]

I’ve gamed the 921’s HMP for two years and recently went and hit the 923 HMP forged, they’re the same club, which confused me, then I started looking at the lofts…. Then before I started to do mental math gymnastics days later I stumbled across your video….. I try to discuss things that confuse or intrigue me about the game of golf to my wife and she just stares at me like I have lobsters coming out of my eyes. But your confusion was beautifully mastered in this video and it might be one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. Thank you sir!!

[barronfinley]

I don't see a problem with strong or weak lofts. The player will adapt to the distances. I have hit the 923 hot metal pros, and they will be the next set of irons I buy. I wouldn't have a problem with the hot metals or the hl models.

[mattmershon]

I think the confusion starts with using the name H/M Pro in a game improvement club but it’s probably smart from a marketing standpoint. It gives that particular model an interesting vibe. If it were called simply Hot Metal then the larger one could be the Hot Metal XL and finally the Hot Metal HL. Though I understand your point about the lofts though as others have pointed out Mizuno has done a good job getting videos out ahead of the launch to clarify
I currently play the 921 HM and I truly believe they are the best irons in the game improvement category. I especially like how well the Fli-Hi hybrids play and seamlessly blend into the set.

[barriedavies]

Great review as usual. I tend to change irons every 3-4 years and was thinking of these irons. The most relevant thing you said for me was the clicky sound they made. I currently have a set of hollow bodied irons and hate the noise and lack of feel they produce. Having played golf for 50 years + at a reasonable standard my expectations are higher.

[mikevreeland]

Strong lofts are a lie. I'm a below average golfer. If I want to hit a 5 iron distance, I hit a 5 iron, not a 7 iron that's really a 5 iron. What I want in a club is forgiveness and help getting airborne. I don't want a lie.