50 Words or Less
The Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metal irons are the company’s most impressive set in years. Very long, easy to hit, and surprisingly attractive.
Introduction
If I were to ask 100 golfers what words came to mind when I said, “Mizuno,” I would expect answers like: forged, blades, feel, soft, players irons. I doubt one person would say, “Super forgiving distance irons,” but that may change with the release of the JPX 900 Hot Metal irons.
Looks
The first big surprise about the JPX 900 Hot Metal is the way it looks. After seeing the last two iterations of the JPX EZ, I was expecting something enormous, but the Hot Metal is one of the best looking SGI irons I’ve seen. The offset is not too severe, and it’s shaped well. Similarly, the top line and sole are thick, but not offensively so, and the length of the blade is not extreme.
Sound & Feel
Surprise number two: the Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metal sounds and feels good. This isn’t your “nothing feels like a Mizuno” buttery softness, but relative to other SGI irons, it’s nice. Impact creates a crisp click that’s not too loud. As you expect from a super game improvement club, every shot feel smashed, so you’ll need impact tape to know where the face met the ball.
Performance
Having been fairly impressed with some of Mizuno’s past SGI irons, I can’t say that the JPX 900 Hot Metal’s performance caught me totally off guard, but I was a little surprised by just how good they are. These are absolutely in the conversation for the most forgiving, longest irons there are.
In my launch monitor testing, I routinely saw smash factors above 1.4. For an iron, that’s crazy high. What does that mean? Ball speed and distance that are at the very top of the game. To make it even better, that ball speed stays high even when you miss the center of the face.
Conclusion
If distance and forgiveness are at the top of your wish list, the Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metal irons should be at the top of your “must try” list this fall. What makes these irons even more impressive is the way that they blend this extreme performance with quality looks and feel.
Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metal Irons Price and 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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60 Comments
I am currently playing a set of Mizuno JPX-EZ irons(105) for the last 4 years. I recently took the ‘Calloway Challenge” at one of our local golf shops. My JPX outperformed the new Calloways(95), though I was left wondering if the variation in the shaft weight and grip size made for a less than ideal test. Afterwards I did some research and found your article about shaft weights. Good stuff, but I digress. Do you think it’s worth giving the Mizuno 900’s a go?
John,
No reason not to give them a try. I found them very impressive.
Best,
Matt
How do these compare looks wise to other GI irons? Similar to the AP 1 and XR? Any smaller?
Mike,
If anything, they’re a bit bigger. They’re in the SGI category.
-Matt
How do these compare for forgiveness set against the current ( not forged ) JPX EZ.
.?
Mike,
They’re comparable.
-Matt
Matt, I haven’t tried these yet but strangely enough, my next trip to the golf store was to go through the process of getting fitted for 3 clubs , Callaway APEX CF 16, Mizuno EZ Forged and Ping G. In comparison , should I consider the JPX 900 ?
Kyler,
I prefer the Hot Metal to the EZ Forged, so I would swap that in my testing.
Best,
Matt
Hey there! Would you say that these could be compared more directly with Srixon’s z565 Irons, or would you say the JPX900 Forged are more comparable to the z565? If these do compare directly, which would you prefer and why? Love every review that comes from this site!!
Jeremiah,
In terms of look, the Z 565 is closer to the JPX 900 Forged.
Best,
Matt
But in terms of performance and forgiveness, does the z565 perform closer to the forged or hot metal?
Jeremiah,
In terms of performance the Z 565 is closer to the Hot Metal.
Best,
Matt
What is better, Mizuno JPX 850 or the 900 hot metals?
Mike,
For most players, I think the 900 will be better, though the gap is likely to be quite small.
-Matt
What is “SGI” ? Thanks
While having a grip replaced on my driver, I gave the Hot Metal 6 iron with a Projrct L2 5.5 shaft.
Your evaluation rang true w me.
John,
SGI is Super Game Improvement.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I have older Mizuno MX-23 forged irons. Love the feel. I’m looking for more distance with similar feel of these irons.
Which new Mizuno irons do you recommend?
Reino,
The MX-23’s were great! That was my first “real” set.
There’s nothing in their current line up that feels like the MX-23 with more distance. If distance is paramount, get the Hot Metal. I’d also recommend taking a look at the new Callaway Big Bertha OS irons.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I’ve been playing MP60 with super lite steel shafts since early 2000’s and love them. Last year I had bent to get closer to todays loft. Now that my 32 year old son is beating I’m wondering what iron is out there. I’m partial to Mizuno and the traditional look.
Thanks Matt
Bill L.
Bill,
To me, the best players irons right now are the PING iBlade, the Srixon Z 765, and the Callaway Apex.
Best,
Matt
How do these compare to the Ping I200? I am debating between the two and am a 10 handicap with above average distances. Just need help with the dispersion left and right.
Thank you – love your page
Michael,
The two irons aren’t in the same class. The i200 is a players iron with good forgiveness, the Hot Metal is a super game improvement club. If you want max forgiveness and length, go with the Hot Metal. As a 10, however, the i200 would be closer to my starting point recommendation.
Best,
Matt
I will turn 70 in June and I’m strongly considering the Mizuno Hot Metal irons with a graphite shaft. I have twice tried several makers, Ping, Calloway, etc. The monitors consistently suggest the Mizuno Hot Metals for accuracy and dispersement. Before I pull the plug, do you have any suggestions on what else I should consider. I currently have a set of Ping Eyes Red Dot that are over 30 years old.
Thank you,
Chuck Ward
Chuck,
It sounds like you’ve done your due diligence. Assuming you’ve worked with a fitter who has guided this launch monitor testing, I’d say go ahead and pull the trigger.
Best,
Matt
Matt… I’ve got a set of Mizuno JPX EZs (2016). Great clubs and I love them but I’m truly interested in the new 900s Hot Metal. How do the two truly compare on forgiveness, ball flights, etc. I tend to hit the ball on the toe end of my EZs. I’m a 13 HC. Really looking for a strong comparison of the two sets I mentioned. Would it be worth the $900 investment for the 900s?
Preston,
The only way to know would be to test them head to head, preferably with the help of a fitter.
Best,
Matt
Last yr you tested the Srixon z355. How does this hot metal compare to z355 in distance and accuracy?
Ted,
I haven’t tested them head to head. The best thing to do would be to test to yourself under the supervision of a fitter.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt taylormade m2’s or the JPX 900 hot metals?
Trent,
If you’re forcing me to pick one of those two, I’d say Hot Metals. Given more choices, I’d pick something else entirely.
Best,
Matt
matt
Long time Mizuno guy (play MPH4’s). Looking for a little more distance. Anything you could recommend – Play to a 9 handicap.
Scott,
If distance it the priority and you want to stay with Mizuno, the JPX 900 Hot Metal is what you’re looking for. I’d suggest working with a fitter like Club Champion to get the right shaft.
Best,
Matt
In your M2 vs Hot Metal response, you said you’d pick something else if given other choices. What would that be? I play on a course with elevated greens and am looking for a set that will be more forgiving with a high launch. I currently play RSi 2 irons. Replacements being considered with a fitter include the JPX EZs, JPX 900 Hot Metal, G400s, and M2s. What would your recommend as options?
Thanks – Thomas
Thomas,
Of those options, my first choice would be the G400 by a mile.
Best,
Matt
Matt I have callaway black razrs looking to buy ether callaway cf 16 or maybe mizuno 900 hot metal what do you think which has the best forgivness
Jerry,
I would suggest comparing them for yourself and seeing what you hit better. If forced to guess, I would say the Mizuno is more forgiving since it’s a much larger iron.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I see that you mentioned the G400 by a mile, how about in relation to the GMAX for someone looking for ultimate forgiveness? I don’t necessarily need any distance (tested GMAX and 7/iron was avg 175) but being a weekend warrior who plays with people who golf all week, I appreciate all the help I can get for those frequent thins or off-centered strikes.
Love your reviews by the way, led me to the GMAX and my new Ping Ketsch Heavy Putter!
Thank you!
Sean,
Thanks!
I think the GMAX is pretty much impossible to beat if forgiveness is the #1 priority.
Best,
Matt
I’ve been playing MP60s for years and love the feel, feedback and workability. However, I’m starting to lose a little distance and having more trouble with the low irons. I’m about a 13-14 right now. Would you recommend the 900 hot metals or 900 forged? What are the differences? Thanks!
Jesse,
We have reviews of both irons on the site. The JPX 900 Forged is here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-jpx-900-forged-irons-review/
The Forged is much more of a players iron, much closer to your MP-60s.
If you want more distance, get the Hot Metals. If you want something similar to your MP-60s, go with the Forged. Either way, make sure you get them fit.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, what areas make the G400 your pick “by miles” over the JPX 900? I’m looking at both of those. Many thanks in advance.
John,
I found the G400 more impressive across the board: look, feel, sound, performance. Three of those things are subjective, so you may come to a very different conclusion.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I’m a relativity high handicap player looking for my first custom, GI fit clubs. I play several times a year, but am looking to get more involved. Do you have any comments comparing the JPX 900 Hot Metals vs Titleist 718 AP1s? I tested the AP1s and they felt pretty good. I’m 26, and my 7-iron distance is about 155. Thanks
Mike,
The Hot Metal will be larger than the AP1 and a bit more forgiving. I think the lofts are stronger also, so they’ll be longer as a result. I would suggest a fitting where you can try lots of different brands – I think there are better options in the GI category.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, Excellent write-up on the Mizuno jpx 900 hot metal. I have a set 5-pw,gw,sw,lw. These clubs are very forgiving and long as you mentioned. Compared to my Callaway XR OS, they are about a club and a half longer. However the Mizunos are 3 degrees stronger. For those in the market for a new set, these are worth looking at. Getting fitted for these irons is worth the time.
My current irons are jpx hd I was looking to upgrade would the jpx 900 hot metal be an overall upgrade I tend to have a high launch with clubs
Brian,
Moving up one generation in the same clubs usually doesn’t net a huge result unless you’re also moving to a better fitted shaft.
Best,
Matt
How do these fair compared to Callaway Rogue irons? Thanks!
Karl,
I have a review of the Rogue here: https://pluggedingolf.com/callaway-rogue-irons-review/
Best,
Matt
Do not think these clubs live up to the hype. Distance for me lacks. You could not hit them and go wow, they are average. Seems to be a lack of balance between shaft and head. For £740 I would have expected more. Like length and feel. Think I paid to much for them. Just feel there is something not right about them. See they are on sale now. Bit gutted. Going to try other clubs for comparison.
I have Ping G5 and looking at these Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metals. How much of an upgrade? G5 distance seems short.
Todd,
The JPX 900 Hot Metal are quite a big newer and have stronger lofts than the G5, so it’s very likely you will hit them farther.
Best,
Matt
I recently traded my JPX 850 set in and thought for sure I’d but the new JPX 919. I tried the JPX 900 side by side with the 919 and the 900 hit every bit as good. I also hit the 900 vs the Callaway Rogue X irons, and ultimately bought the Rogue X. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the 900’s. I use graphite shafts BTW. Long story I went back and got the 900 in graphite for $429! Golf Galaxy always takes care of me. But what I can’t figure out is why am I hitting the 900 further than the super long Rogue X? About 5 yards on average.
Todd,
The JPX 900 Hot Metals have very strong lofts, similar to the Rogue X, but the heads and shafts must be a better fit for your swing. This is why we always emphasize the importance of being fit.
Best,
Matt
I was recently fitted for the graphite project x lz 5.0 shaft when looking at Mizuno irons. I currently plan mp h4 irons with Nippon 950 gh shafts. What do you think…would switching out for the x lz shafts make much of a difference. I would look for comfort and higher ball flight with a new shaft. I’m a 10 handicap, 71 yrs old.
Dennis
Dennis,
The LZ is substantially different than the 950 in my opinion. How much affect it would have on your comfort or ball flight can only be determined by you testing both for yourself.
-Matt
I am hitting up a 900 hot metal and like them looking to up grade to a newer model but do not want to lose distance and feel want club do you suggest I am a 10 handcappier
Jimmy,
My best advice is to schedule a fitting and bring your current irons along. Tell the fitter what you’re trying to get from your “upgrade” and they will help you find it.
-Matt
Hi Matt. I have ping G25, would JPX 900 Hot Metal be a good update?
Tim,
It’s very possible, but, as always, I’d recommend getting a fitting.
Best,
Matt