Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Irons vs JPX 923 Hot Metal Irons

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of Mizuno JPX 923 Forged irons vs JPX 923 Hot Metal irons.

I’m an avid golfer, 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

I tested the JPX 923 Forged and JPX 923 Hot Metal irons a few weeks apart. They are both impressive clubs – to say the least. But, are there big differences between the two?

Summary: The Mizuno JPX 923 Forged & JPX 923 Hot Metal irons performed identically in every respect for me and both had the same exceptional feel. The JPX 923 Forged irons have more compact and sleek clubheads with less offset which appeal to more accomplished players. The Hot Metals are also ~$50 cheaper per club.

In this comparison of the Mizuno JPX 923 Forged and JPX 923 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 923 Forged Irons

Mizuno JPX 923 Forged Iron Specs

The JPX 923 Forged irons are a nice upgrade over the 921s I tested last year. I prefer the improved cosmetics and sleeker, more compact clubheads. They managed to squeeze even more performance out of them too.

As always, TEST before you buy when possible. 

Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Irons

Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Iron Specs

Again, Mizuno improved the cosmetics of the JPX 923 Hot Metal irons over the 921 Hot Metals I tested last year. (the JPX 923 Tour irons too).

The clubheads are a touch more compact, but not small by any means. Also, I found the long irons slightly easier to hit in the new 923s.

Testing the JPX 923 Forged & Hot Metal Irons

I tested both sets on the range a couple of times – for about an hour or so each time and on the course and 1 round each.

I would gladly have played them more, but I didn’t need more proof of how well they performed.

Are there big differences between JPX 923 Forged and JPX 923 Hot Metal irons?

Cosmetics – The JPX 923 Forged irons are sleeker and more compact compared to the JPX 923 Hot Metals
Performance/feel – not really.

Looks

Mizuno knocked it out of the park for both sets. I prefer more compact clubheads, so it’s the JPX 923 Forged irons for me.

Winner – Forged (for me)

Sound & Feel

Equally awesome

Winner – Draw

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy

Same for me.  

Winner – Draw

Forgiveness

Off the charts for both. The Forged irons should be less forgiving just because of the smaller clubhead and less offset. I did not find that to be the case.

Winner – Draw

Distance

Both are as long as any you’ll find, without being uncontrollably hot. The Hot Metals should be longer due to slightly stronger lofts. But, I didn’t find that to be the case on the course.

Winner – Draw

Verdict on the Mizuno JPX 923 Forged vs Hot Metal Irons

So, which irons should you buy – JPX 923 Forged or Hot Metal?

Want larger clubheads and more offset (game improvement irons)? Hot Metals for you.

Prefer more compact clubheads, thinner toplines, thinner soles, and less offset (player irons)? Forged for you.

Which set would I get? It’s the JPX 923 Forged irons for me.
I prefer the clubheads and slightly weaker lofts.  

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 923 Forged irons vs Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons.