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Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Irons

By Independent Reviewer Martin Hopley

The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal irons continue the reputation of forged feel combined with speed and forgiveness that has come to symbolise this range.

The JPX925 Hot Metal line-up comprises just three models, instead of the previous four, with the Forged version being dropped. The heads are still made from Nickel Chromoly for strength combined with a new Contour Ellipse face insert to create more consistency across the hitting zone.

The whole face is 30% thinner than the JPX923 and the seamless one-piece construction of the head gives the JPX925 a simple design philosophy.

In the 4 to 7-irons there is a tungsten bar for the first time in the lower section of the sole to pull the CG lower and deeper to create a higher flight and a steeper landing angle.

The 3 models comprise the most compact Pro, moving up to the standard version and on top the HL high launch

Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro Irons Review

The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro iron is aimed at single figure players who want some more forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean those in the 0-5 handicap range should ignore them.

Mizuno has always had a Pro version in this range and there have been many standout models going right back to the JPX800 in 2010. The JPX925 deserves to be placed in the upper echelons of Mizuno models as it combines forgiveness and excellent feel with consistent performance and distance.

Mizuno has done a lot of work on what they called Harmonic Impact Technology, or how the club sounds in normal speak, as sound means feel. Particularly in the wedge they have got this bang on with a excellent feel and a lovely sound that belies the fact that this is a cavity backed iron.

As you move up into the 8, 6 and 4 irons, the sound does become a little less rich and more powerful, but in a good way. The 19° 4-iron in particular was a joy to hit, which is not something you say a lot these days. If you like the sound of forged clubs you will love the JPX925 Pro irons.

Right through the set they looked great with their mid-sized heads and medium top lines and were a good improvement on the previous JPX923 Pro model.

Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Irons Review

The standard Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal iron has a head that is 5mm longer with more offset and a wider sole. This is aimed at mid-handicappers who want more forgiveness, but they remain very playable.

Compared to the Pro irons the sound was a little sharper without the same zip feeling, but it is still better than the previous JPX923.

There was a lot of consistency through the set and the flight was a little higher than the Pro, but not by much as the spin was generally the lowest of the three models. The are fast too and therefore will suit players who want distances but need to reduce spin.

I thought the 4-iron in this set might be easier to hit than the Pro version, but that was not the case for me, although the blending option remains as the lofts are the same as the Pro model.

Mizuno JPX925 HL Hot Metal Irons Review

The Mizuno JPX925 HL Hot Metal iron looks set to continue its run as one of SGGT's most recommended irons in fitting for mid to high handicaps. SGGT fitters will probably start with this model as it is the most forgiving and then blend in the standard or Pro models depending on spin and control requirements.

The lofts are 3° stronger than the other two models to get this ball in the air, which it does do very well. Like the Pro model, the set goes all the way down to a sand iron at 55° and this might be worthwhile doing to ensure your distance gaps are covered.

Like the other models in the range, the JPX925 HL wedges all looked pretty good and were easy to hit, which is not always the case with game improvement irons.

The real gem was the HL 4-iron which delivers a high ball flight with low spin. It does have a chunkier look with more offset and you can see the trailing edge at address. However all these features are there to create forgiveness and in a long iron that is what you need so give it a try as you may be pleasantly surprised.

Mizuno JPX925 v JPX923 Hot Metal Comparison Review

Comparing the three JPX925 models with each other and the previous Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal irons review highlighted the differences. I did this in the Hogan Studio, as with every other model, SGGT's iron custom fitting has 4, 6, 8 and W in right and left hand versions so that you can test through the bag to get the right combination.

Both the JPX925 models were 7 yards longer than their JPX923 counterparts. Whilst about half of that could be the slightly faster club head speed, the remainder is the design of the new head and the higher flight.

Certainly, the Cortech face on the JPX925 Pro and standard models felt and sounded faster and that alone was worth the upgrade. The JPX923 models felt muted by comparison and the zip off the JPX925 Pro was particularly enjoyable and single figure players should add this to their ‘must try’ list.

Even with a 3° stronger loft, the JPX925 HL lived up to its name with the highest flight, so if you struggle to have the speed to launch your irons then this will be a great option.

The HL 4-iron in particular is something all players should look at, whilst at the other end of the bag the Pro wedge should end up in your bag too.

If you would like to do your own Mizuno iron fitting comparison then book a fitting today.