Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal irons from £135 a club
GM verdict
Mizuno has utilised the Swing DNA data collected from its impressive Shaft Optimiser 3D technology to shape the new range of JPX923 Hot Metal irons. Specifically, it had noticed a trend towards more shaft lean being presented to the ball across the handicap spectrum and, as a result, has added some bounce and camber to the sole to improve the turf interaction on offer. Mizuno has launched three Hot Metal models now, with the Forged and Tour versions coming in February next year.
The Hot Metal and Hot Metal Pro are billed as the longest JPX923 irons. This is, in part, down to them having the strongest lofts – up to 1.5˚ stronger compared with the prior JPX921 Hot Metal irons, depending on what area of the set you’re looking at. In the 7-irons we tested, though, the loft is only 0.5˚ stronger, coming in at 28.5˚, while it is 31˚ in the other model available now – the Hot Metal HL (High Launch).
Visually, the new versions look similar. At address, you could make a case for there being less offset and the head being a fraction smaller overall in the Hot Metal. If you want an even more compact look from your distance iron, you’ll like what you see in the Hot Metal Pro (£150 a club).
Our testing on the Full Swing Kit launch monitor with Titleist Pro V1x golf balls suggests golfers should see a slight increase in ball speed and a higher launch and flight compared with the JPX921 Hot Metal irons.
