50 Words or Less
The Mizuno JPX-900 Forged irons are fine, but not a noticeable step forward from the previous generation. Feel is disappointing.
Introduction
This fall, Mizuno has rolled out three new JPX irons: the Hot Metal, the Tour, and the Forged. Each model uses a different metal to enhance its performance. The Forged uses boron, just as the JPX-850 Forged did. In this review, we’ll examine whether or not this addition leads to superior performance.
Looks
The Mizuno JPX-900 Forged irons are prototypical of a better player’s iron with some forgiveness. The top line isn’t razor thin, but it’s lean. There’s some offset, but not much.
Compared to the JPX-850 Forged, the JPX-900 is nearly identical in size and shape. The main cosmetic difference is that the area outside the score lines is chromed in the 850, matte in the 900.
Sound & Feel
Mizuno did not fix the main problem with the JPX-850 Forged: the feel. The JPX-900 Forged feels very hard at impact, just like its predecessor. For a brand that hangs its hat on feel, that’s not a good thing.
To add to the problem, the feedback is mediocre. The better players who would want to play this iron will likely want a better sense of how the shot was struck.
Performance
Whether its the rest of the industry catching up or Mizuno taking a slight step back, the JPX-900 Forged does not impress with distance the way the JPX-850 did. Irons like the PING iBlade and the Srixon Z 765 are now producing distance like game-improvement irons, and the JPX-900 just barely keeps up.
The JPX-900 Forged is similarly unimpressive in terms of forgiveness. Shots on the heel and toe can easily lose 10 yards or more. This is an iron meant for better players, but other manufacturers are packing more forgiveness into similar packages.
Conclusion
After testing a club, I’m typically able to identify the type of player who would be a good fit for it. While any above-average player could play the Mizuno JPX-900 Forged, I’m not sure why they would. The feel is poor, and there are plenty of irons that look similar. Most importantly, it fails to impress with its performance.
Buy the Mizuno JPX-900 Forged Irons HERE
Mizuno JPX-900 Forged Irons Specs & Price
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Out of curiosity, would you say these are on part with the MP-25 in terms of forgiveness? In regards to feel, seeing how the MP-25 also uses boron, would you still say the MP-25 feels better overall? This is the first slightly negative review I’ve seen on these irons so now I’m all kinds of curious! That’s why I love your reviews, they are as honest as it gets!
Jeremiah,
I have a strong preference for the MP-25 in terms of feel, and I think they’re close enough in terms of forgiveness.
Regarding the Z 565 irons, they’re not perfectly comparable because the Srixons are a bit bigger. That said, the Z 565s are longer, more forgiving, and feel better to me.
Best,
Matt
Great info! Thanks so much for the response! Really appreciate it!
Sorry, one last question. Would you say the Srixon Z565 surpasses the 900Forged in every way including feel?
How would you compare the z765 to the 900 forged?
Mark,
I prefer the Z 765.
Best,
Matt
What irons in their class (e.g., iE’s, 765s, PSIs, AP2s) have you tested that performed better distance and forgiveness wise?
Richard,
Both the Ping I and the 765 were clearly better in my testing.
Best,
Matt
Matt, any improvement on the 850s or do they seem a backward step.
Jason,
I didn’t test them head to head, but my gut says they’re about the same.
Best,
Matt
That’s why you do a fitting! I actually hit the 765s against the 900 forged and I like the 900s better if every aspect. Also I’ll be interested to see what you guys say about the t7 wedges!
I have been using mizuno mx-300 Dynalite Gold XP S300, they very good for me,,, i would like to change for mizuno jpx 900 forged, which would be the correct shaft.
Julio,
I would recommend getting a fitting to find the shaft that works well for you with the new iron head. No one can give you an accurate fitting over the internet.
Best,
Matt
I’m a nut bag for a soft feeling head. That said I found the 900 forged to feel very soft, more so than the Srixon. I hit these with the new Rifle 5.5’s. Ball speed was great as well. I wanted to love the Wilson V6 or the new Titlest 718 AP2 but I was consistently 12 yards shorter as tested on a Trackman at Club Champion.
Matt
Read your review several times before moving forward with my 900 forged. My goal was more forgiveness and to gain a few yards. Was playing MP H4 with a Nippon 95 shaft. With this set I am playing Nippon Modus 105 tour R flex. Much lower ball flight. I couldn’t be happier. I am 8 – 10 yards longer per club and accuracy has greatly improved. I have played 6 rounds with the irons and average score is 79.6 ( was 84.5 ). I will agree that the fitting process is the only way to go. I hit Ping and Callaway – I didn’t feel either were as consistent as the Forged 900. I would highly recommend anyone who plays to 6 – 14 handicap look at these irons.
I have been playing mizuno clubs for 30 + years now and find the jpx 900 forged to be the best of the bunch. I have had them now for about 3 months and after the learning curve of getting used to the stronger lofts, I find the feel to be as good as the mp-57s I still have with plus distance. I have tried others (wilson,taylormade,touredge) for short times and always go back to mizuno.
I changed from a long time AP2 player to these clubs little over year ago. I bought just before the MP 18’s were rolled out. In my personal opinion these clubs for me felt better than AP2. They were much softer feel. I do agree with Matt, having them in my bag. I think his comment “I’m not sure why anyone would play these” is accurate. They are nice looking clubs in my opinion but like he said, there are a lot of other clubs out there that feel better and perform better. To each his own. Good review
You clearly did not hit the center if you thought these felt hard. Terrible review and pretty much goes against every other review of these out there.
Guys looking for some advice, just getting back into the game after 6 years I have a set of Mizuno mp30 with dynamic gold s300 shafts. Great irons back then and Handicap was 5 and now at the ripe old age of mid 50s looking for a new set that will make the game a little easier.
I have looked at the JPX 900 forged and now have a rep suggesting TM 790. Any suggestions on the selection I don’t want to get into the finite details but what’s the general consensus
Thanks
Wayne,
The JPX 900 Forged and the TM 790 are significantly different in terms of forgiveness. I would strongly recommend a fitting. A fitter can get you into the right head and, just as important, the right shaft.
Best,
Matt
Wayne
Intrigued to know why your review of several dozen is the only one that cans the 900 forged. Does it simply not suit you or are all the others doing paid reviews?
Bill
Bill,
I can’t comment on anyone else or their motivations. All I did here was offer my honest thoughts based on the data I collected.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for your review on the 900 forged I strongly agree with you on those irons I have been playing Mizuno irons for 20 years
Played jpx 850 the last 4 years, and got the 900 and been very disappointed so inconsistent and a let down after giving up my 850
Thanks for your review Matt! I went ahead and picked up JPX despite mixed response above to your initial rveiew.
I am mid teen handicapper using JPX 900 for about 2 years now. Must say I am happy with the mid irons and wedges more than the long irons which give a hollow impact noise and not so much of feel.
Cheers
Raj