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The Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons pack elite ball speed into an iron with minimal offset. Ideal for quality ball strikers who have lost some speed or simply want to hit it farther. Very good forgiveness.
Introduction
Over the last several years, Mizuno has built line-ups that have an iron for every different type of player. Where some brands would be content with a long, forgiving set like the JPX923 Hot Metal irons [review HERE], Mizuno goes a step further by adding the Hot Metal Pro. The Pro version features the same distance-enhancing construction but in a smaller head with less offset. This is one of my favorite Mizuno offerings, so I was eager to check out the latest iteration.
Looks
The Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro has been one of my favorite irons since its inception because it fills a void that no one else does: game improvement with minimal offset. It’s more “player-ish” than the standard Hot Metal in other ways, too – the blade is noticeably shorter and the top line is slimmer – but the offset is the real standout. The Hot Metal Pro has only slightly more offset than the Mizuno Pro 225 [review HERE] and Pro 223 [review HERE]. It’s an address look I absolutely love.
As you move from the 4I to the PW, the blade length and offset decrease steadily. Interestingly, the top line is the exact same width from the 4I through the 7I and again from the 8I through PW. The difference is only 0.2 mm, however, so it’s effectively the same through the entire set.
In the bag, the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro looks nearly identical to the Hot Metal. The cavity eschews color for a range of silver finishes, from matte to chrome. Both have the running bird logo in the toe above the “JPX923” branding. The only difference is the “Pro” below “Hot Metal” near the heel.
Check out the highest launching Mizuno iron, the JPX923 Hot Metal HL irons HERE
Sound & Feel
With the same materials and construction as the standard Hot Metal irons, the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons create a very similar feel at impact. In the short irons, they feel very solid. As the irons get longer and ball speeds climb higher, the feel becomes slightly more snappy and explosive.
This same transition occurs in the sound. Your scoring clubs will produce a firm “thump,” especially on less-than-full swings. As you reach back for full power, the sound becomes a bit louder, more of a “clap.”
Feedback from the Hot Metal Pro irons is good. You can easily feel the location of the strike, and there’s a noticeable change in the way mishits sound versus pure strikes. That said, even ugly misses don’t sting your hands.
Performance
What makes the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons unique is the combination of elite ball speed and strong forgiveness with minimal offset and a smaller head. Typically to get those first two, you need to accept a larger head with significant offset. With this in mind, the first thing I wanted to see was whether the Hot Metal Pro sacrificed any speed or forgiveness compared to the standard Hot Metal irons.
Both the Hot Metal Pro and Hot Metal irons are made of a new Nickel Chromoly that’s 20% stronger than the original Hot Metal material. This allows for a face that’s 8% thinner, thus creating more ball speed. In testing the HM and HMP head-to-head, they produce equally impressive ball speed. They have matching loft specs, so the comparison is truly apples-to-apples. Both irons are among the fastest you can find.
In terms of forgiveness, the Hot Metal Pro gives up nothing to its larger brother. They are more than happy to take a small mishit and put it on the green alongside a pure strike. I actually found that I had slightly higher average ball speed with the HMP, though I attribute this to my comfort with the look rather than anything inherent to the club.
A final similarity between the two sets is that Mizuno dialed in the CG perfectly with both. The Hot Metal Pro is long, but it’s not an unrefined bomber. It has plenty of spin to hold a green from 4-PW, and there are meaningful distance gaps between each club. I found slightly higher spin in the HMP vs. the HM, but not enough to compromise a blended set.
What makes the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons unique, and so appealing to me, is the lack of offset. The address look is very comfortable to me, and it helped me to strike the ball really well. I felt like I could hit all types of shots with relative ease [more on the effect of offset HERE]. Also, while the sole is not razor thin, it is roughly 1mm slimmer than the Hot Metal and heavily beveled on the trailing edge. This made the turf interaction very pleasant, something that was particularly noticeable on the cold, firm fairways of fall.
Conclusion
Often in my conclusion I highlight one type of golfer for whom the club might be really good. That’s tough with the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons because of its broad appeal. High level players might bag one or two to replace their long irons. Quality ball strikers in need of more distance will love them. So will aspiring players who don’t want to give up on forgiveness. No matter your reasons for loving them, make sure you get them fit so they perform their best for you.
Buy the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro Irons HERE
Visit Mizuno HERE
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro Irons Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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47 Comments
Great review. My current gamer is the JPX 900 HMs, but am looking to upgrade. Wondering how best to make this decision between the 923 HMP and 923 Forged (once available)?
I am 12-15 HCP.
Warren,
My advice is to get a fitting. You’ll be able to see exactly what each set does and make an informed decision.
Best,
Matt
Just last night I did a bit of testing myself. I hit the Pro, the base HM and a couple other 7 irons into a screen at my local Big Box (LTDX, T300). I spent this entire summer demoing different iron sets (G425, 0211DC, Rogue ST Max, G410, JPX 921 HM).
Long story short – just absolutely wonderful to hit, and when hit in the middle of the face -AMBROSIA
Now, for me and my inconsistent strike pattern – I dont think I can game the Pros, as close as they are to the base HM. Of all the others I tried this summer, the HMs were my fave, but with the longer irons (5&^) I had some issues. SO Ive decided to make a mixed set. Last night was finally my chance to take the 923’s out for a spin and they did not disappoint. While Im going with the regular HM, I can say everything Matt said here was dead on. These irons are fantastic, I just know my limitations and know I want all the help I can get (without swinging something that looks like a horsehoe crab on a stick)
Mizuno just keeps on Mizuno-ing and yet again the result is superb
Matt. Are these comparable to the Apex Pro?
Rick,
Not to me; the Apex Pro is not as forgiving.
-Matt
Good reviews on the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro and Hot Metal irons. Hope to see you review the new addition to their lineup, the Hot Metal HL irons, and discuss how the higher lofts work for slower swing speeds compared to the Hot Metal irons.
I got these very nice looking , sneaky long as the face is pretty quiet , I hit them very high , but I hit everything very high , but I don’t want to go muscle back or blade and give up the forgiveness to lower the flight , overall great irons its going to be a fun season , got the darkspeed LS Driver and darkspeed x 3 wood , they are very good 👍
Matt,
Since you game Edison wedges, how would you compare offset and blade length between the two?
Mike,
To clarify, you’re asking for a comparison between the Edison wedges and the Hot Metal Pro irons?
-Matt
Yes
I ask because after adding Edison’s to my bag (45/50/55/60), the transition from my GI irons to the Edison’s became unpleasant to my eye. I need less offset and I want a smaller head to match what I see with the Edison’s. Unfortunately the irons that fit my skill level (14 hcp but improving) either don’t have the looks I want or don’t have the forgiveness I need.
Got it, that makes sense now. The HMP is still a bit thicker than the Edison, but it shouldn’t be a terribly jarring transition.
-Matt
Hi Matt! Great review again!!
Do you think the HM Pro is noticeably more forgiving than the Mizuno Pro 225? My miss is towards the toe. Which irons spins more for you? Lastly, do you think the 9 iron through GW of the Pro 225 would be better than the HM Pro on full shots and especially on 3/4 shots and pitches and chips?
Thanks, Joe
Joe,
With the caveat that I don’t have head-to-head testing data, my sense is that the two sets are really quite similar. Looking back at my review, I noted the 225 was fairly low spin which I did not find in the HMP. With regard to blending a set, I don’t know that I would bother – I’d play either the 225 or HMP all the way through.
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt !!
Matt,
Sorry I didn’t realize the HM Pro doesn’t come with a GW in the set. So you will need to adjust your answer to my question now.
I have thought about blending the HM Pro with the MP 225. Me using the MP 225 through the 8 or 7 iron. Then Switching to the JPX HM Pro at at he 7 or 6 iron.
The other option is waiting for the JPX Hot Metal Forged iron to come out in January 2023 and see if that would blend better
With the Hot Metal Pro. Thanks! Joe
Thanks Matt!!
Just read your review of the i230 and you mentioned the consistency of long vs short hits. How does the HMP fare in similar long to short dispersion?
Roger,
The HMP is good, the i230 is better.
-Matt
I was playing the 225’s but y mishits went nowhere, I really liked the look of the blade but handicap went up. I just got the 223 pro, put an Accra 50 gram shaft in it and I am shooting scores less than my age. Extremely happy with new clubs, nothing like Mizuno !!
I was playing the 225’s but y mishits went nowhere, I really liked the look of the blade but handicap went up. I just got the 223 pro, put an Accra 50 gram shaft in it and I am shooting scores less than my age. Extremely happy with new clubs, nothing like Mizuno !!
There is a significant loft gap between the PW and the GW. Do you see any issue with this? I was fitted for the 923 HMP but did not have access to the GW.
Bill,
I did not have any gapping issues in the set I tested.
-Matt
Terrific review as always.
I hit the HMP and JPX921 forged similarly at a Mizuno fitting – taking loft differences into account. Of course the HMP was longer and slightly lower spin as expected. The biggest improvement to my current set was going up in weight to the steelfiber 110 stiff (from my MMT 80s which are too light). The JPX921 forged are going on sale soon.
I read your comment about superior distance control with the i230 vs HMP. Any recollection re: distance control with the JPX forged? Would you expect the JPX forged to perhaps be a little better than the HMP in that regard (probably not quite to i230 level)?
I’m going to demo the i230 soon and will probably like it in the right shaft, have to decide if it’s worth paying about 30-50% extra for the Pings:-). Thanks.
Bob,
I don’t have a strong recollection about distance control with the JPX921 Forged vs. the i230. I am eager to test the JPX923 version to see where it stands.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, based on your opinion and testing would you consider the 923 HMP a big enough improvement over the 921 HMP to justify upgrading? As always, your reviews are the best and most informative on the web.
Thanks
Randy
Randy,
Thank you!
Your question is tough because it gets into two subjective/personal issues: what is a “big” difference and what’s the value of money.
I think the 923 is an evolutionary/incremental improvement over the 921. As always, because of fit, some players are going to see objectively big gains, some will see negative gains, but most will see a small, measurable improvement. Is a couple extra yards or a slightly tighter dispersion worth $800-$1,000? I can’t make that call for you because I’m not in your shoes. For me, if I was happy with my 921s, I’d probably go test the 923 to see if I’m in that group that might find a big leap, but I’d probably end up staying with my 921s.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I see the comment above regarding the comparison between the 923 HMP and 921 HMP. Would you say there’s a bigger difference between the 923 HMP and 919 HMP?
Ron,
Yes, I think there’s a larger difference between the 919 and 923 compared to the 921 and 923.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Could you compare the 923 pros to the Nike vapor fly pros?
Chris,
I reviewed the Vapor Fly Pro almost 7 years ago, so the best thing I can do is point you to that review as my memory of them is fuzzy at best: https://pluggedingolf.com/nike-vapor-fly-pro-irons-review/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I hit these irons with Recoil 95 shafts and surprisingly found the feel rather harsh and a bit dull. I am coming from JPX919 forged and PXG 0211 which feel like butter in comparison. Did not expect that much of a difference considering all the praise the 923 HMP are getting. Or is it just me?
Thanks
SD
Feel is subjective. I would never say someone is “missing something” because they don’t enjoy the feel of a given club.
Best,
Matt
Matt I’m thinking of upgrading from mx 23 I’ve had since they came out looking at the 923mhp in a senior flex.i just changed to graphite senior flex but still not getting the distance would the mhp with the 60 rngraphite recoil get me some yardage back
Please reply via email thanks . Gene
Hey Matt,
Tested out the HM at my local shop and loved it. They did not have a HMP to test out. I’m a 15 handicap looking to get better and play more often. Would it be worth it to go with the Pro’s over the standard HM and grow into them?
Thanks,
Joe
Joe,
Here are my feelings about “outgrowing” clubs: https://pluggedingolf.com/the-golf-equipment-idea-that-must-die/
I would almost never advise buying clubs you haven’t been tested and fit for. If you liked the HM, get them. Alternately, find a fitter who has both for you to test.
-Matt
Got fitted at Golftec… not a great striker of the ball. Was really surprised that I fitted into the HMPs. I hit the JPX 800 Pro’s. Loved the feel of forged. LOVE THESE MORE!!! So far, a small bucket a few days ago, 9 with only irons today. Wow. First month of “Senior “ Tees…GolfTec measured my old 7 iron 140 carry…HMP 7 close to 155. They’re not magic but I hit some quality shots today. Most Pleased…
Hey Matt, I’m currently gaming i500’s. I’m interested in getting fitted for the JPX 923 HMP’s. Before the i500’s, I gamed the JPX 825 Pro’s. I miss the softness of the JPX’s compared to the clicking sound off the face of the i500’s. Would it be an upgrade for me & what’s your overall thoughts between the two irons. Thanks.
Chad,
I think the Hot Metal Pro is probably a little closer to the feel you were getting from the 825 Pros.
Best,
Matt
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s
content daily along with a mug of coffee.
I had the JPX 923 HM Pro irons for about a month. They feel good and have a nice mid to high launch. However, my issue with these irons with the DG 105 S shafts was that the heads felt heavy and the combination of shaft and heads was out of balance. It felt more like a sledgehammer at the end of the shaft and I felt I was hitting D-9 golf clubs. Also just couldn’t get use to seeing so much of the back part of the 4 and 5 irons. These irons do perform but I just couldn’t get comfortable with the feel and look over the ball.
Hi Matt,
I am contemplating on upgrading to JPX 923 HMP or the taylormade p790s. I see that you did a review on both. What do you recommend? I’m a mid handicapper (8-9). Distance is not an issue, more control for me. Interested to hear your thoughts or recommendations between the two.
Brent,
My recommendation is to test them head to head in a fitting. Objectively, they’re quite similar, so it’s going to come down to your preferences and if one fits your swing better than the other.
Best,
Matt
In 2012, I was fit for the Mizuno JPX 825 Pro. In 2023, I went back to the same fitter, went through a similar fitting process, and came out liking, loving, and then buying the JPX 923 HMP (this was the club, with Nippon Midus 205/R shaft) that the fitter (same guy as in 2012) said still best fit my monitor stats, swing, age, miss, etc.). I hit several other clubs but really did come out liking the Mizzy HMPs (having, admittedly, arrived with some predisposition toward Mizuo).
My question is…Having been fit for these “Pro,” clubs for two fittings in a row, does this mean I’m now ready for the PGA Tour?
If you’re not able to answer that question, could you tell me your impressions of the advances (“real,” not just marketing/marketable) — in technology, materials, construction, computer-aided modeling, etc, — that I am likely to experience in these two similarly-missioned clubs but that are the result of those 10-12 years difference in model years?
Have clubs and club-making (generally, not just this model/manufacturer) changed that much, or is the market just full of hype and stronger lofts?
Rich,
I’ll confidently guess that you’re not going on Tour any time soon.
Over 10 years, you’re likely to see improvements in consistency and some gains in distance. Did you bring your current irons to your new fitting?
-Matt
Thanks. Consistency would be a great benefit. Distance I kind of expect simply based on stronger lofts.
Yes, I had my clubs with me, the fitter specifically asked me to bring them, along with my shoes.
Started by going through my bag looking for any relative constants using the tracker (including with the driver, 3 wood, and 5 wood, which are all older than the irons and all had different shafts), then went through various clubs, brands, and shafts (just a few and the usual suspects), including several 923 clubs up and down the lofts, and came out with the 923s. Fitter used the Mizuno swing analyzer multiple times (along with a Trackman), so it’s possible the 923s were “fated,” to be chosen all along. I gave other clubs a good look but, as I said, I probably came in predisposed to the Mizunos to begin with and he probably knew that (hopefully in a good way). Spent about 1 -1 1/2 hours. The fitting experience has definitely come along.
I currently play CallawayX2 hot irons (True Temper Speed Step 85 shaft) and like them but I’m ready to move to a new set. I’m 69 years old but in good physical condition and I still hit with good power, though swing speed has dropped to about 75. I’ve really worked on my game the last couple years and have dropped from a mid-to-upper 90s player to a 15 handicap and I fully expect to reach single digits by the end of this year. I am trying to decide between the Mizuno HMP and the Forged irons. I feel the best area to improve my game is with the shorter irons so I’m leaning towards the forged for workability as well as the possibility this will be the last time I purchase a set of clubs. Thanks for your outstanding reviews of both sets and I would graciously appreciate your input.
Charles,
My advice is always to get fit. Try the two that you have in mind, but let the fitter make some recommendations, too. I’ve never been through a fitting that went 100% the way I expected, and I’ve been knee deep in equipment for over 20 years.
Best,
Matt