Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Irons Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons review.

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’ve had them for about 3 weeks. I’ve had them on the course, on my launch monitor at home, and on the range.

Summary: Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons are the best feeling and performing game improvement irons on the market. They’re also the best bargain at $137/club.

In this review of the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

The Overview

Mizuno took their proprietary soft, solid, and strong Chromoly material from prior Hot Metal lines and combined it with Nickel to form Nickel Chromoly for their JPX 923 line of irons.

This allowed them to make the JPX 923 Hot Metal face 8% thinner and 35% stronger than prior Hot Metal models. This equals faster ball speeds and more forgiveness over a larger portion of the face.

Why Consider Owning Them

Mizuno says they’re suitable for mid to high handicaps. I agree. They are as forgiving as any iron you can put in your hand, but aren’t oversized and clunky. You can “play” them.

They have even more of the game-improvement attributes mid handicap golfers (and high handicappers) need and many of the playability qualities you’ll need as your game progresses.

• They’re as long as any iron I’ve played.
• They’re as or more forgiving than any iron I’ve played.
• They feel better than any other iron I’ve played. (unless you’re playing another Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal model)

Specs

My Experience with them

My expectations were high and they were met. Solid, long, accurate, consistent, and buttery soft with good contact and about the same with slight mishits.

It’s almost like cheating with the long irons. They were ridiculously easy to hit for me.

I don’t play long irons because I don’t trust my contact with them. You don’t need great contact with JPX 923 Hot Metals to get good results. I was able to launch a few good ones with so-so contact. Good enough to consider putting the old hybrid in the closet if I owned this set.

Scoring is my #1 priority I trust the 923s Hot Metals through the bag.

The Review

Looks: Solid (A) I like the new design elements and the brushed metal finish. They look forgiving without looking bulky. Perfect for game improvement irons.  

Sound & Feel: (A+++++) Exceptional. Hot Metals are still the champ in the iron world.  

Distance: ( A+) All you’ll ever need. Long and consistent, not just “hot”.

Forgiveness: (A+) Best in class. Center contact is heavenly and mishits aren’t far off.

Flight / Playability: (A+) The ball gets up fast and easy and comes down on a green-holding trajectory. You can play them straight and high or shape them as your ability permits.   

Value: (A+) This much tech, performance, and beauty at $137/club is kind of silly. (Thank you, Mizuno) 

Customer Reviews

Early days, but all the reviews I’ve read are positive.  

Who are the they for?

Low handicap: (Maybe) You can play them, but you’ll likely want a smaller clubhead, thinner topline and sole, and less offset.
Mid handicap: (Yes) Run, don’t walk if you’re in the market
High handicap: (Yes) See, directly above. 

Potential Alternatives

Our Verdict

You can’t do better if you’re in the market for game improvement irons. They’re our Editor’s Pick for 2023.

My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on them 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 our Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons review and let us know how they work for you.