Two weeks ago, Mizuno unveiled the JPX 921 line of irons and if you missed our preview, check it out here. Over the last two weeks, we have been busy in the THP Tech Studio putting each of the four sets to the test.
The lineup consists of the Hot Metal, Hot Metal Pro, Forged and Tour. We wanted to not only tell you about the results, but show you the testing and talk you through some swings.
In the video below, we take each set for a test drive and talk a little bit about the tech, but go a step further and compare all four to each other in the wrap up with all of the data.
After watching the swings and hearing about the clubs, which set do you think fits best for your game?
The Details
In Stores: 9/17/2020
Cost: $1000-$1400 depending on set
Great roll-up of all the irons Dan.
On the video the new Forged sounded great. Hopefully the new Chromally doesn’t feel as clicky as the boron infused carbon steel.
Good stuff Dan. Those seem to blend amazingly well.
Man, is ANYONE rolling like Mizuno right now? I only had slight interest at release data, but this opens a whole of can of worms…er….intrigue now. The end section was killer, great way to tie it all together.
Really nice review Dan. I love the use of video and launch monitor. From what I recall you are generally a very high spin player, yet the spin numbers on these are in the 5,000 to 5500 range with a 7 iron. Is it fair to say these are slightly lower spinning irons across the board?
Great video, Dan! Those Hot Metal Pros are looking like a great offering for Mizuno this year!
Great video Dan! Loved seeing and hearing the irons in action and listening to your description and analysis of each model.
Going to have to watch the video later, but this is one I’ve been waiting for, thanks.
fantastic info here. extremely well-rounded when reading [USER=22040]@Molten[/USER]’s article and then seeing the tech on display in [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER]’s testing.
dan if you had to pick: what would you put in your bag from this lineup? looks like hmp and 921f would suit you best based on dispersion and consistency.
Thanks, Canadan. I was dithering between HMP and 921F. I hit the 919F well in 5i and up, but always looking for consistency and distance. The 921F goes back to 1025E in the 8-PW, meaning does one want possibly more precision while giving away distance and a tad bit of forgiveness. My heart wants the 921F, my mind says get the 921 HMP.
But I may go mixed set. I’ve still hit the longest 7i and 8i in the Forged with the right shaft. Demo.
[QUOTE=”McLovin, post: 9486173, member: 23812″]
fantastic info here. extremely well-rounded when reading [USER=22040]@Molten[/USER]’s article and then seeing the tech on display in [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER]’s testing.
dan if you had to pick: what would you put in your bag from this lineup? looks like hmp and 921f would suit you best based on dispersion and consistency.
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That’s a great question.
I love the control and ‘get what you give’ design of the tours, which I felt was intentionally put on display during the video. I’d have to optimize them in loft to play more into how I present the head to the ball at address to really optimize my numbers, but I think they have been a really fun comparison to my MP-18 SC irons as I play them for a couple rounds.
That said, as much as I adore HMP and how easy the long irons are to hit, I think from a ‘one set only’ perspective the Forged are the most appealing to me right now. It’s hard to argue the peanut sized dispersion numbers at a 190 yard flag. Even if it meant I had HMP in the 4/5 I still think I’d be all in on Forged.
[QUOTE=”Lions81, post: 9486125, member: 20738″]
Really nice review Dan. I love the use of video and launch monitor. From what I recall you are generally a very high spin player, yet the spin numbers on these are in the 5,000 to 5500 range with a 7 iron. Is it fair to say these are slightly lower spinning irons across the board?
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With my current ball selection I am very much into the ‘mid’ spin realm which is unbelievable for me. Throw in the ProV1x and I am right back up to that 6-7,000rpm of spin between the heads.
So, considering that, I don’t think these irons are crazy low spin, definitely not like some of the offerings we’ve seen lately. The Tours offer a pretty good baseline, as there isn’t a significant way to control spin off an iron that’s as close as you can get to a muscleback. Is there a touch less throughout the lineup? Yeah, I suppose. Is it significant? I don’t think so.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 9486262, member: 2320″]
With my current ball selection I am very much into the ‘mid’ spin realm which is unbelievable for me. Throw in the ProV1x and I am right back up to that 6-7,000rpm of spin between the heads.
So, considering that, I don’t think these irons are crazy low spin, definitely not like some of the offerings we’ve seen lately. The Tours offer a pretty good baseline, as there isn’t a significant way to control spin off an iron that’s as close as you can get to a muscleback. Is there a touch less throughout the lineup? Yeah, I suppose. Is it significant? I don’t think so.
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Look at you joining us Mid-Spinners haha. Appreciate the feedback. Can’t wait to hit these.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 9486256, member: 2320″]
That’s a great question.
I love the control and ‘get what you give’ design of the tours, which I felt was intentionally put on display during the video. I’d have to optimize them in loft to play more into how I present the head to the ball at address to really optimize my numbers, but I think they have been a really fun comparison to my MP-18 SC irons as I play them for a couple rounds.
That said, as much as I adore HMP and how easy the long irons are to hit, I think from a ‘one set only’ perspective the Forged are the most appealing to me right now. It’s hard to argue the peanut sized dispersion numbers at a 190 yard flag. Even if it meant I had HMP in the 4/5 I still think I’d be all in on Forged.
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What’s a 4i?
I have a 5i in the 919 HMP – like it. Hit the 919F 6i well. Guess the question is whether you lose much in the 921 in the slightly smaller head – but then the tech story is hotter face and more forgiveness in 921F over 919F due to new design.
Another nice Range Days video, interesting to see all four models head-to-head like that. Thanks.
[QUOTE=”Lions81, post: 9486125, member: 20738″]
Really nice review Dan. I love the use of video and launch monitor. From what I recall you are generally a very high spin player, yet the spin numbers on these are in the 5,000 to 5500 range with a 7 iron. Is it fair to say these are slightly lower spinning irons across the board?
[/QUOTE]
Im curious on this too but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s also partly because of the mats. The 921F are spinning a few hundred rpms more than the KFT I did a head to head comparison. But indoors the spin numbers are a hair lower vs turf.
Edit – I see Dan beat me to answering and it serves as a reminder to read the whole thread before commenting
I would like to eventually know Mizuno’s reasoning/explanation for not going full Chromoly in the Forged from 8-PW.
[QUOTE=”Desmond, post: 9486419, member: 24109″]
I would like to eventually know Mizuno’s reasoning/explanation for not going full Chromoly in the Forged from 8-PW.
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My guess – the same reason most companies change it up: too hot for scoring clubs. For example, Callaway drops the cup face, Wilson has fewer power holes, etc. Or maybe it’s spin related. I’m just guessing but I’d like to this it’s an educated guess.
(Cue someone proving me wrong…)
[QUOTE=”Molten, post: 9486402, member: 22040″]
Im curious on this too but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s also partly because of the mats. The 921F are spinning a few hundred rpms more than the KFT I did a head to head comparison. But indoors the spin numbers are a hair lower vs turf.
Edit – I see Dan beat me to answering and it serves as a reminder to read the whole thread before commenting
[/QUOTE]
I appreciate that comparison too. I felt the KFT spun plenty for the launch, so glad to hear these are offering even a bit more.
[QUOTE=”Molten, post: 9486432, member: 22040″]
My guess – the same reason most companies change it up: too hot for scoring clubs. For example, Callaway drops the cup face, Wilson has fewer power holes, etc. Or maybe it’s spin related. I’m just guessing but I’d like to this it’s an educated guess.
(Cue someone proving me wrong…)
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Thanks, the hot face was my assumption. Just wanted to officially know the reasoning as I think we all do. I just think it’s interesting – the design, reasoning and if they even tried a Chromoly face without the sole milling – similar to 921F 8-PW.
[QUOTE=”Desmond, post: 9486457, member: 24109″]
Thanks, the hot face was my assumption. Just wanted to officially know the reasoning as I think we all do. I just think it’s interesting – the design, reasoning and if they even tried a Chromoly face without the sole milling – similar to 921F 8-PW.
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Yeah, I don’t have the official reason but what I do know is that full body chromoly head is a boat load of fun to hit. It adds a layer of forgiveness that I wasn’t expecting because of the retained speed on smaller misses.
so based on what I’ve seen here and elsewhere, I think my ideal combo set would be hmp 5-6, 921f 7-gw. if dan can’t hit a green with the tours, I sure as hell can’t. it almost sounds to me like the tours should have their own moniker, not even part of the 921 lineup.
I’d like to test these against my gamers. biggest thing i’d be looking at is peak height, spin, and turf interaction. those are the things about my gamers that I think aren’t perfectly optimized for me.
Great video [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER]! The THP Tech Studio is proving to be one of the best sources of unbiased information in the golf community today!
[QUOTE=”McLovin, post: 9486478, member: 23812″]
so based on what I’ve seen here and elsewhere, I think my ideal combo set would be hmp 5-6, 921f 7-gw. if dan can’t hit a green with the tours, I sure as hell can’t. it almost sounds to me like the tours should have their own moniker, not even part of the 921 lineup.
I’d like to test these against my gamers. biggest thing i’d be looking at is peak height, spin, and turf interaction. those are the things about my gamers that I think aren’t perfectly optimized for me.
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That’s where my breakpoint is – 5-6i in HMP. 7-PW in Forged. In fact, I have the 919 HMP and Forged – that’s the breakpoint I take to the course. Playing 6600 yrd courses, I need all the distance I can muster from 170+. I don’t hit 193 yd 7i. 😳 Right now, if I can muster 160 consistently in a 7i, I’m shedding tears of joy. Another reason I’m retooling the swing and beefing up old man body – distance and consistency.
[QUOTE=”Desmond, post: 9486419, member: 24109″]
I would like to eventually know Mizuno’s reasoning/explanation for not going full Chromoly in the Forged from 8-PW.
[/QUOTE]
Okay, are you ready? Here is the shorter version of the phone call I just had discussing your question.
As iron lofts go up, the necessity for what chromoly brings goes down a bit. There is a level of diminishing returns due to what happens as lofts increase.
I doubled down and asked the question I figured would come from THPers post this answer. What happens if you hit the 7 and 8 iron, same speed slight miss, would the gap be larger than expected due to higher COR The answer was no.
Well done, Dan. Those HMP’s are really calling to me.
this is the first iron lineup to really capture my attention since the Apex refresh. Really want to test these out at some point.
Great breakdown Dan!
Curious what you feel could be the benefits of the forged over the hmp.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9486532, member: 3″]
Okay, are you ready? Here is the shorter version of the phone call I just had discussing your question.
As iron lofts go up, the necessity for what chromoly brings goes down a bit. There is a level of diminishing returns due to what happens as lofts increase.
I doubled down and asked the question I figured would come from THPers post this answer. What happens if you hit the 7 and 8 iron, same speed slight miss, would the gap be larger than expected due to higher COR The answer was no.
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Thanks, JB!
I found no large gap between 7i and 8i in the 919F – was wondering if design changes, etc. and going to Chromoly would have an effect. Asked and answered – great info!
[QUOTE=”McLovin, post: 9486478, member: 23812″]
so based on what I’ve seen here and elsewhere, I think my ideal combo set would be hmp 5-6, 921f 7-gw. if dan can’t hit a green with the tours, I sure as hell can’t. it almost sounds to me like the tours should have their own moniker, not even part of the 921 lineup.
I’d like to test these against my gamers. biggest thing i’d be looking at is peak height, spin, and turf interaction. those are the things about my gamers that I think aren’t perfectly optimized for me.
[/QUOTE]
That seems like a really good way to do it.
For me I find that between the 7i and the 6i is where I have a completely different approach to shots. 7i is still pin seeking territory, whereas 6i becomes always aim for the front middle of the green.
[QUOTE=”ArmyGolf, post: 9486564, member: 11776″]
That seems like a really good way to do it.
For me I find that between the 7i and the 6i is where I have a completely different approach to shots. 7i is still pin seeking territory, whereas 6i becomes always aim for the front middle of the green.
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in my mind I like to think I can seek a pin with a 7i, but in reality that’s more of a middle of the green iron. while i’m ok with a little more heft in the harder-to-hit, happy-to-even-hit-the-green irons like 5 and 6, I want a smaller footprint with irons I feel should end up on the green.
Love how Mizuno has the 5 yards thing going- making it much easier to follow.
HM and HMP: +5 yards over the Forged.
Forged: +5 yards over the Tour.
This is a fun item to digest, in conjunction with @molten’s great write up. I love the idea of the forged, but I would have to think that for most who are looking for a smaller package than full on game improvement, with less offset, the HMPs are going to be the best choice. It would be interesting to see the relative sales numbers in 8 months.
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] GREAT video! I really like what Mizuno is doing with the hybrid release along with the ability to blend them in with four sets of irons. It’s crazy how well distance dispersion was kept between the four sets.
Those HMP and HM irons are super long but the spin numbers were still excellent. That’s really tough to beat.
[QUOTE=”Molten, post: 9486682, member: 22040″]
Those HMP and HM irons are super long but the spin numbers were still excellent. That’s really tough to beat.
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Not sure where the phrases “Pro” vs. “Forged” falls in terms of what is more internet golfer appropriate. That might be the deciding factor for me.
Without having hit these yet and just based on looks, these are the only line that have a chance of changing my decision of going with the Hogans.
Im going to give these some more time in the tech studio tomorrow.
[QUOTE=”Joshnoble01, post: 9486703, member: 53518″]
Without having hit these yet and just based on looks, these are the only line that have a chance of changing my decision of going with the Hogans.
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I’ve got the PTx Pro’s now, which I love to be honest. Thinking the HMP might kick them out of the bag though. From a performance perspective, I’d love the addtional distance(the Hogan are lofted the same as the Mizzy Tour’s) the HMP would offer I just have to see them first to make sure I love the profile. To me, the Hogan have the PERFECT profile at address. Ok maybe a touch less offset.
Just a great review Dan. Really like the hot metals as that’s what I had before and would play again. Mizuno just nailed this release again
Based on what I’ve read and this video, I think I’d lean towards a full set of the forged. Maybe sprinkle in a HMP 4 iron.
I’d be curious to see a full set of the forged to see each iron size and shaping etc. though.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9486800, member: 3″]
Im going to give these some more time in the tech studio tomorrow.
[/QUOTE]
From everything I’ve read there isn’t much of a difference in feel from the hot metal & pro to the forged. Can you please provide a little feedback on your experience when you get a chance?
The HMP seems to be the sweet spot unless offset is needed.
Playing Apex CF19’s. Which one would be comparable to that as far as the head size goes?
Really great Video Dan, from the data you saw the HMP seems to be where I need to start. The Forged have potential and of course being forged is a plus but I have been spoiled with a bit less loft on the TR20P and the distance that gives me so unless I am just wowed beyond believe with the others for some reason the HMP is the one to beat.
I must have passed over it in the beginning but were they all shafted alike?
I’m thinking 921F 5-PW and a HMP 4i.
Similar to how i did my 0311P. I bought the 4i XF.
[QUOTE=”jim54, post: 9487029, member: 21220″]
Really great Video Dan, from the data you saw the HMP seems to be where I need to start. The Forged have potential and of course being forged is a plus but I have been spoiled with a bit less loft on the TR20P and the distance that gives me so unless I am just wowed beyond believe with the others for some reason the HMP is the one to beat.
I must have passed over it in the beginning but were they all shafted alike?
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Relatively close profiles, yes.
Curious about the forged PW (and shorter irons). Those are clubs where I like a nice thin top line, smaller profile and softer feel off the face for around the green. Any address pics of the PW? Thoughts? I am guessing I will only be able to hit and see the fitting 7i heads, likely this week.
I may be the minority here but to me the 921HMP is a step back from the 919HMP. From early reviews, it seems the new HMP is longer but spin is lowered.
To me the HMP is already a distance iron. Would I want to add more distance to an already good distance iron at the cost of spin? Simple answer: No
They’ll appeal to those who can never have enough distance, but for me I don’t want to go farther than what the 919HMP already gives me and certainly not at a reduction in spin.
Where I see it advantageous is in split sets with the 921HMP 4i/5i where control is of a lesser concern than distance.
[QUOTE=”skeetz, post: 9487575, member: 56940″]
I may be the minority here but to me the 921HMP is a step back from the 919HMP. From early reviews, it seems the new HMP is longer but spin is lowered.
To me the HMP is already a distance iron. Would I want to add more distance to an already good distance iron at the cost of spin? Simple answer: No
They’ll appeal to those who can never have enough distance, but for me I don’t want to go farther than what the 919HMP already gives me and certainly not at a reduction in spin.
Where I see it advantageous is in split sets with the 921HMP 4i/5i where control is of a lesser concern than distance.
[/QUOTE]
What do you mean the spin was lowered?
[QUOTE=”Molten, post: 9487579, member: 22040″]
What do you mean the spin was lowered?
[/QUOTE]
The spin in the 921HMP is lower compared to 919HMP
[QUOTE=”GoldenBuff, post: 9487372, member: 25892″]
Curious about the forged PW (and shorter irons). Those are clubs where I like a nice thin top line, smaller profile and softer feel off the face for around the green. Any address pics of the PW? Thoughts? I am guessing I will only be able to hit and see the fitting 7i heads, likely this week.
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I can’t get a photo right now but I can tell you the short irons have a soft feel off the face. It’s the same material as the Tours and it’s a full body forging by Mizuno. The short irons feel darn good. The only one I’ve had any issues with is the GW but that’s likely user error.