This is our Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons vs JPX 921 Hot Metal irons.

I’m an avid golfer, 7ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

Summary: The Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal long irons are slightly easier to hit than the JPX 921 Hot Metals. They play and feel similar, if not identical, other than that. They both look great at address for beaucoup confidence, get the ball up easily, have exceptional distance, and have the best feel in golf.

In this comparison of the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons & JPX 921 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 Hot Metal Irons

Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro Irons in Golfer Geek's Bag

Set Tested – 4-PW Right Hand
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Project X LZ 6.0/120g

Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Iron Specs

ClubLoftLie AngleOffsetLength
419*60*0.233″38.5″
522*60.5*0.22″38″
625*61*0.208″37.5″
728.5*61.5*0.196″37″
833*62*0.18″36.5″
937.5*63*0.159″36″
PW42.5*63*0.135″35.5″

Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Irons

Set Tested – 4-PW, AW Standard Lie, Right Hand
Shaft:
Extra Stiff, Steel, FST KBS Tour 130

Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Iron Specs

ClubLoftLie AngleOffsetLength
419*60*0.224″38.5″
522*60.5*0.213″38″
625*61*0.201″37.5″
729*61.5*0.189″37″
834*62*0.173″36.5″
939*62.5*0.154″36″
PW44*63*0.15″35.5″

Testing the Mizuno JPX 923 & 921 Hot Metal Irons

Mizuno JPX 923 Iron & Golfer Geek hit a good one

On the Course – I played 2 rounds with the 921s back in August and I’ve played 1 round with the 923s.

Both sets are supremely easy to hit and their feel is unmatched. I’m not a good long iron hitter. I don’t carry them, in fact. I would consider putting my hybrid in the closet and playing long irons from either of these sets. (Probably not, but it’s close) And, the 923 long irons are even easier to hit than the 921s.

On the Range – I had 2 range sessions with the 921s and 2 with the 923s.

Complaints about both sets: I don’t like strong lofted short irons or irons in general because it creates bigger yardage gaps in my wedges. (My “scoring” clubs)

The JPX Hot Metal 923 pitching wedge is 42.5 degrees. My gap wedge is 50 degrees. That would create a 7.5 degree gap from my gap wedge to this pitching wedge for me. Then, I’d have to adjust my sand wedge and lob wedge, which I’m not doing.

I play traditional loft in my irons, which are 3-4 degrees weaker.

ALLL that being said – these clubs are targeted at mid handicap & high handicap players – not me.

Are there big differences between Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal & JPX 921 Hot Metal irons?

No, not big, but some. Namely, the long irons are a touch – and I do mean a touch – easier to hit. Feel, distance, forgiveness, trajectory – the same.

Looks – Similar but different. Overall head shape and size are about the same, but the 923s look a little like the 919s to me. They’re both handsome clubs, but I prefer the new styling.

Winner – 923s

Sound/Feel – Same. Best in the game.

Winner – Draw

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy – They played the same for me.

Winner – Draw

Forgiveness – Mostly the same. I give a slight edge to the 923 long irons.

Winner – 923s

Distance – I played the same clubs to the same distances. But…I assume the pitching wedge and 9-iron have to be longer because of stronger lofts. I played the 921s in upper 90-degree heat and I played the 923’s in the low 60s.

Winner – 923s

Verdict on the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Irons vs JPX 921 Hot Metal Irons

Any mid handicapper or high handicap (about a 20 down to an 10) would be happy with either of these sets of irons. You’re in for a treat if you’ve never played JPX Hot Metals before.

For me? I pick the Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metals… assuming I can get my specs and price isn’t an issue.

Why? I’ve been playing traditional lofts in my irons for a while now and I love it. Both set of JPXs have “jacked” lofts, but I prefer weaker lofts in the JPX 921 pitching wedge and 9-iron.

Should you upgrade from the 921s to the 923s? No, I don’t recommend that.

  • Just not that big of a difference in performance to justify it. (Ignore this and do what you want if money is no object)

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 Hot Metal irons vs JPX 921 Hot Metals

Editor's Pick - Mid Handicap Irons
Former Editor's Pick
Best Alternative
Primary Rating:
5.0
Primary Rating:
5.0
Primary Rating:
4.9
Pros:
  • Same Buttery-soft feel as 921s
  • Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
  • Absolute Eye Candy
  • Great Price
Pros:
  • Buttery-soft feel
  • Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
  • Absolute Eye Candy
  • Great Price
Pros:
  • Excellent Distance & Forgiveness
  • Great Sound & Feel
  • Highly Accurate & Consistent
  • Candy for the eye
Cons:
  • Nothing
Cons:
  • Very Hard to find
Cons:
  • Nada
Editor's Pick - Mid Handicap Irons
Primary Rating:
5.0
Pros:
  • Same Buttery-soft feel as 921s
  • Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
  • Absolute Eye Candy
  • Great Price
Cons:
  • Nothing
Former Editor's Pick
Primary Rating:
5.0
Pros:
  • Buttery-soft feel
  • Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
  • Absolute Eye Candy
  • Great Price
Cons:
  • Very Hard to find
Best Alternative
Primary Rating:
4.9
Pros:
  • Excellent Distance & Forgiveness
  • Great Sound & Feel
  • Highly Accurate & Consistent
  • Candy for the eye
Cons:
  • Nada