Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons vs Hot Metal irons.
I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 7 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.
I did the bulk of my testing on the course for this comparison. My driving range was closed often because of near daily rain.
Summary: The Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons might be are my new gold standard for low handicap irons & the Hot Metals might be are my new gold standard for game improvement irons. I’ve never hit better feeling (or performing) irons in my life. I give more details below – including specs for each set.
In this comparison of the Mizuno JPX 921 Forged and Hot Metal irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which iron set I’d buy.
Mizuno JPX 921 Forged Irons
Set Tested – 4-PW, Standard Lie, Right Hand
Shaft: Extra Stiff, Steel, True Temper Dynamic Gold X100
JPX 921 Forged iron are on the bigger side for “player” irons, but aren’t bulky and have attractive elegant lines. They have strong lofts(see above), unbelievably soft feel, and are pure pleasure to hit. Now I know what all the fuss is about.
Though they’re made for players, I think any golfer within a couple strokes of a single-digit handicap could handle them fine. They are plenty forgiving and go.
As always, TEST before you buy when possible.
Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Irons
Set Tested – 4-PW, AW Standard Lie, Right Hand
Shaft: Extra Stiff, Steel, FST KBS Tour 130
The JPX 921 Hot Metal and Forged irons are basically twins. You have to put them side-by-side to notice the size difference. They’re more forgiving. And, the lofts are stronger for more help with distance.
I got ALL the good feels with the Hot Metals that I got with the Forged.
Testing the JPX 921 Forged & Hot Metal Irons
I played a couple rounds with each set of irons. I had to account for the difference in loft from my everyday set to pull the correct club.
I managed to get 1 range session in with each too.
Are there big differences between Forged and Hot Metal irons?
Cosmetics – Hot Metal clubheads are bigger.
Performance/feel – not really.
The Hot Metals are built to look and be more forgiving. But, the Forged irons are plenty forgiving for player irons.
The Hot Metal lofts are stronger, so you expect to get more distance. They both get the ball up quickly and easily. And, they feel as good as irons can feel.
Looks
They look identical from a few feet away. You don’t see obvious differences until you get them side-by-side. The Hot Metals are bigger, thicker, and have a touch more offset.
I prefer compact clubheads, so…
Winner – Forged (for me)
Sound/Feel
Equally awesome
Winner – Draw
Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy
Same for me.
Winner – Draw
Forgiveness
They’re both great, but I give the edge to Hot Metals.
Winner – Hot Metal
Distance
Again, they are both plenty long. But, the Hot Metals have stronger lofts for added distance.
Winner – Hot Metal
Verdict on the Mizuno JPX 921 Forged vs Hot Metal Irons
So, which irons should you buy – JPX 921 Forged or Hot Metal?
Want more forgiveness, help with distance, and larger clubheads (game improvement irons)? Hot Metals for you.
Prefer more compact clubheads and don’t need less help with distance or forgiveness (player irons)? Forged for you.
Which set would I get? It’s the JPX 921 Forged irons for me.
Their heads are more compact and their lofts are closer to traditional.
My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons vs Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons.
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Editor's Pick Player Irons
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Editor's Pick Game Improvement Irons
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5.0
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5.0
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- Unbelievably Soft Feel
- Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
- Premium Looks
- Great price
- Would prefer heads to be more compact
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- Buttery-soft feel
- Plenty Distance & Forgiveness
- Elegant Design
- Great Price
- None at all
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FAQs
What is the difference between Mizuno forged and hot metal?
The JPX 921 Forged irons have a smaller clubhead with a thinner topline and sole, less offset, and weaker lofts than the JPX 921 Hot Metal irons. They are also a little more forgiving.
What handicap should play JPX921 Forged?
I think any golfer with a handicap between scratch and 11 or so can play Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons.
Who is the Mizuno JPX 921 hot metal for?
The Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons are for better mid-handicappers and even low handicaps that don’t mind bigger clubheads or a little more forgiveness.
Are JPX921 Forged forgiving?
Yes, the JPX 921 Forged irons are forgiving. Especially for player irons.
Did you review the Hot metals or hot metal pros? The fact that sound/feel were similar in the HM when they’re cast irons be the forged is pretty amazing for Mizuno.
I play the HM and had similar views when shopping and went with HM for the forgiveness.
I tested the Hot Metals and Hot Metal pros, but only reviewed the Hot Metals. The only real difference between the two is clubhead size. You can’t go wrong with any Hot Metal iron or JPX forged.