50 Words or Less
The Mizuno JPX923 Forged irons are a perfect bridge set for players moving into or out of Tour-style irons. Good forgiveness and very strong ball speed. Traditional look at address and thinner soles.
Introduction
Mizuno’s JPX923 iron family covers a lot of ground. On one side, it offers Mizuno’s maximum forgiveness in the Hot Metal [review HERE] and the new Hot Metal HL [review HERE]. On the other end is Mizuno’s most-played professional iron, the JPX923 Tour. The JPX923 Forged irons are the bridge. If you’re ready to step up from Hot Metal but still want distance and forgiveness, these are for you.
Looks
That bridge quality of the JPX923 Forged irons comes through from the first time you look at them. There are some shiny chrome elements that nod to the Hot Metal side, but the dimensions lead toward Tour. With the exception of the “JPX,” everything is silver or white which creates an ultra-clean look. The White-Satin Brush finish looks stellar.
At address, the JPX923 Forged irons are safely in the players category, toward the thicker side. They share their minimal offset specs with the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro [review HERE], but are otherwise smaller in every way – blade length, top line, and sole width. For this iteration, Mizuno focused on making the 7-GW more compact, which enhances their appeal for better players.
Finally, I’ll offer a comparison to the JPX923 Tour [review HERE] for those thinking about taking that final step. Above you see the JPX923 Forged (left) and the JPX923 Tour (right). The most standout difference, to my eye, is the thicker top line of the Forged – 1.5mm-2mm thicker throughout the set. There is markedly more offset in the Forged long irons, but the difference shrinks to nothing as you get to the PW. Additionally, the Forged has a longer blade length (between 1.5mm and 4mm) and a wider sole (1mm to just over 2mm). Overall, I would say that there’s a noticeable difference when they’re side by side, but the JPX923 Forged holds its own as a good looking players iron.
Sound & Feel
The sound and feel of the JPX923 Forged irons is a substantial upgrade over the previous version [review HERE]. Impact is slightly below average in volume, creating a low-pitched “tock.” The sound is traditional but with a hint of explosiveness nodding to the distance it can produce. Through your hands, you’ll get a sensation that aligns with the sound: medium-soft and conventional with just a hint of pop.
Additionally, I was impressed with the level of feedback provided by these irons. Even small misses can be felt in the hands. These clubs are particularly expressive on thin strikes. Hitting a shot even slightly low on the face can be felt and heard clearly.
The JPX923 Forged irons are, in a way, a combo set. The 8-GW are made of 1025 Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel, just like the JPX923 Tour. However, the 4-7 irons are made from Chromoly like the Hot Metal irons. To me, the feel is consistent throughout the set, despite this material difference. The one thing I did note is that the long irons are slightly louder than the scoring irons.
Performance
Picking up the bridge theme again, the Mizuno JPX923 Forged irons have a loft structure that falls between the JPX923 Tour and JPX923 Hot Metal Pro. They are 2-3 degrees stronger than the Tour and 1.5-2 degrees weaker than the HMP. This results in launch angles that are strong, more akin to the Hot Metal irons, but spin that’s closer to the Tour.
Where the JPX923 Forged irons are unquestionably more like the Hot Metal irons is in the ball speed department. Throughout the set, their top end speed is elite. You could certainly categorize these irons as “players distance,” as they will keep up with anything in that space.
When it comes to forgiveness, the JPX923 Forged sit right between the HMP and Tour. Comparing the Forged and Tour on the launch monitor, it’s easy to see that the Forged produces more consistent ball speed and distance. You can lose a few yards on a mishit, but you’ll have a makable up-and-down chance. This forgiveness is particularly noteworthy in the 4I which launches and spin consistently, even on fairly ugly swings. Comparing the Forged to the HMP, I would rate the difference as measurable but not obvious.
Finally, going back to the mixed makeup of this set, something I’m always sure to test is how smoothly the set performs on either side of the divide. Mizuno has done an excellent job positioning the CG to ensure that there’s a sensible gap from the 7I to the 8I. Nothing in the launch monitors numbers would indicate that they’re made of different materials.
Conclusion
In their product description, Mizuno states that the JPX923 Forged irons are for “Pro to Mid Handicap” golfers. While that seems overly ambitious, these irons are capable of backing it up. For a highly skilled player who doesn’t need to feed their ego, there’s no reason not to take the speed and forgiveness available here. On the other side, a mid handicap golfer can play these without being punished for every mistake. Get these fit with the right shaft and specs, and you’ll have a set you can enjoy for many seasons.
Visit Mizuno HERE
Mizuno JPX923 Forged Irons Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
Latest posts by Matt Saternus (see all)
- Edison 2.0 Wedge Review - March 28, 2023
- Tour Edge Exotics C723 Hybrid Review - March 27, 2023
- TRUE Linkswear Lux Hybrid Golf Shoe Review - March 24, 2023
Matt, thanks for the review.
You said that the launch angles are strong but the spin is on the higher side. How does the stopping power of these irons compare to other irons in the category? I ask because I’m a low launch, low spin player that can sometimes have issues with excessive rollout in the mid and long irons.
Thanks for the help!
Brian,
The landing angles that I was seeing were equal to or better than other similar irons. That said, I need to throw in my standard caveat: you need to get fit, the shaft can make or break the overall performance.
Best,
Matt
Glad to see this review. Planning to get fitted for these and S23 wedges soon. Been waiting to upgrade from my current 900 HM gamers.
Hi Matt,
How would you compare this to the Mizuno Pro 225? Same lofts and I’d consider the same category, but different construction.
Anthony,
I have a full review of the Pro 225 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-pro-225-irons-review/
-Matt
Matt, I’m considering a return to Mizuno after 7-8 years gaming 2013 Calloway X forged (pre Apex)
Comparing blade lengths for the JPX 921 forged and JPX 923 forged, are they the same, or is the 923 any shorter ?
Additionally, are the price quotes the same for steel and graphite, or only steel ?
(Is there a stock graphite shaft, say UST Mamiya ?)
Mark,
The 923 is shorter in the scoring irons.
-Matt
Evolution of the already solid 921 Forged.
How would you compare to Mizuno Pro 223 and 225s?
Zach,
I have full reviews of the Mizuno Pro 223 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-pro-223-irons-review/
and the 225 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-pro-225-irons-review/
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt – IIRC you found the 921 forged middling and average. How would you say mizuno has improved the 923 version?
Jourdan,
Yes, I think the 923 is better.
-Matt
Hi again Matt!! 2 questions. If I bought the HM Pro irons, I have thought about getting the PW and GW in the HM Forged or the new S23 wedges. Which way would you lean?
Second question. Which combo set would you pick between Taylormade P790 and P770 or Mizuno HM Pro and HM Forged? Thanks!!
Joe,
I haven’t hit the S23, so I can’t speak to those yet.
Regarding which set to pick, I’d get fit. Those two are both really good and very close to one another.
-Matt
Hi Matt
What did you think of the Project X IO (if your demo came with it…)? Vs other PX?
Keith,
I have a full review of the Project X IO here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-io-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thank you as always for your great reviews. I’m following up on the comment asking how the 923F’s compare with the 225s. I remember your review for the 921F’s and HMB noted that Mizuno should do a better job of describing how the models differ. I’ve read your review for the 225s, but could you provide any further feedback on how the models differ or compare? Do the soles work better for one type of player?
Thanks again,
Mike
Mike,
There are a few notable differences: the 225 has less offset and a thinner topline. Also, the sole width gets progressively narrower from 2-GW in the 225. In the JPX923 Forged, the sole is almost the same width in the 4-7 and 8-GW. My recollection – which may be wrong – is that the 225 is also a little lower spinning.
Best,
Matt
#Sunfish
#sunfish
Hi Matt–
I’m an average golfer (16-index) and an unspoken proponent of Mizuno irons…I absolutely love them. I currently hit the JPX 900 hot metal irons, and I have 100% confidence regardless of which stick I have in my hand on every shot. That said, do you feel the new JPX 923 is that much of an improvement for the 900’s–or should I stay with what has already proven reliable to me? FWIW, I currently hit my 5-iron 165 yards +/- and my 8-iron 138 +/-. I would appreciate your thoughts.
Jamie,
My advice is almost always to go test your gamers against the new offerings. You can see if there’s a meaningful difference for you and if it’s worth your money.
-Matt
Sounds like they may make for a good combo set with Forged/Tour. Great review as always Matt.
Forgot to add #Sunfish
Matt – Great review. Sitting in front of me is a 923 Forged 8i, 9i PW and GW still with plastic on it. Headed to the range later today. I have paired with 923 HMP 5i 6i and 7i Going to be a great season!
Just got fitted and ordered these irons as they were giving me 15 -20 yards more distance than my previous ones. Man I can’t wait to use them once they come in!
I’m playing the JPX923 Hot Metals. Good performing clubs. #Sunfish.
As always, excellent and insightful review Matt. Recently I have been working with a golf instructors demo Ping i210 with Alta regular shafts and love them and have been eager to compare the JPX 923 Forged to the new i230. Can you provide some perspective or compare and contrast the feel, forgiveness and dispersion of the new 923 Forged to the i230?
Karl,
I have a full review of the i230 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-i230-irons-review/
-Matt
Hi Karl, I know it’s about six weeks late but I can weigh in on this, in case it’ll be useful to future readers. I currently have i230s in the bag and love them — but after a winter of lessons, I find that my delivery is more shallow than it had been and I’m delivering more loft … which has resulted in my i230s spinning and peaking a bit higher than I’d like.
I hit the JPX 923 Forged 7 iron on a Trackman with ProV1 RCT balls last night, alternating every few shots with my i230 7 iron. Same shaft, my normal DG 120 S300. Mizuno’s lie angles are typically about a degree flat vs. the rest of the industry but my Pings are red dot, which is 1 flat. Honestly, the 923 Forged did precisely what I’d hoped it would do: It gave me exactly 12 extra yards, really consistently; it spun about 1,000 RPMs less; and it brought peak height down about 10 feet. I can’t speak to how much of that difference is just due to loft (923 Forged 7 iron is 30 degrees; i230 7 iron is 33 degrees) vs. design differences in the heads.
In terms of forgiveness, I can’t really say I noticed one being noticeably different than the other. The i230s are already incredibly forgiving for an iron that you’ll see tour players using. I was indoors on a mat, so I can’t say much about how turf interaction compares other than the 923 didn’t seem problematic or dramatically different to me. The 923 Forged might be a bit more muted and softer-feeling, but the i230 is great too.
If I was deciding between the two, I’d be considering 1) the launch and spin characteristics you want (and whether your own testing backs up what I found), and 2) whether the companies offer the components such as shafts that you want. Both Mizuno and Ping have some odd omissions and upcharges in their current iron shaft offerings, so pay close attention there. (This is something I’ve noticed because I’m strongly considering a switch to graphite shafts — got some tennis elbow flaring up, as well as an old wrist ligament injury that gets angry if I pound too many balls at the driving range. That’s why I’m looking at new irons. I could just swap out the shafts in my Pings, but where’s the fun in that?)
Anyway, both incredible irons, and I wanted to share my experiences in case it’s helpful. I’m also interested in the PXG Gen6 P irons that Matt just reviewed, and plan to test several others in what might be a sort of a “players’ side of players’ distance” category, like the Cobra King Tours and the P770s, before making a decision.
Nice review, Matt! I own the 921 Forged irons and I have just a few additional questions based on your experiences testing the 923 Forged (and some of your expertise, if you don’t mind).
*Were you able to noticeably tell a difference in feel between the two materials within the set?
I see you mentioned no noticeable difference in sound, but I’m curious. I absolutely feel the back milled 4-7 921 irons are springier, faster, a tad firmer, but it’s still a pleasing feel to nut a ball. My non-milled short irons feel marshmallowy and incredibly soft. Almost comparable to an MP59 short iron. Mizuno uses Nickel Chromoly for the 923 Forged – a stronger material than the Chromoly metal used in 921 Forged. That leads me to my next question:
*If I currently swing my 921 Forged, 31* 7 iron with a ball speed of 106mph and a carry distance of 156 yards (168 total), would I really notice any impactful gains in ball speed and/or carry distance in your opinion?
I’d assume maybe 1-2mph ball speed, 1-2 yards across the board? How about with the 1* stronger, wider-slotted 923 4-7 irons?
At the end of the day I am content with my 921 Forged irons. I’m just curious to see some data/numbers comparing the previous Forged model with the newest one. I’ll admit the 923 Forged look way, way nicer. The brushed chrome and white look fantastic together. Highly unlikely I even spend the money over looks when there’s no noticeable performance benefits, but I’m just curious. I appreciate it.
Adam,
I don’t think there’s a significant feel difference between the two materials.
Generally, players who see large gains from one generation to the next are outliers (or the clubs underwent a very significant change). I would not expect huge gains, but it’s always worth testing.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Thank you for what you do for golf.
Did you find these irons soft?
Thank you,
Michael
Michael,
As I said in the review, they’re “medium-soft” to me, but feel is subjective.
-Matt
Great review! I thought your comparison between the Forged, HM Pro and Tour irons was excellent. Spot on about Mizuno creating the Firgedcas a blended set between speed in the mid and long irons and precision in the short. They also offer a large assortment of shafts at no up charge. I was they offered the Steelfiber at no up charge as I’ve been fitted into that shaft before. Keep the reviews coming!
Nice review. Beautiful looking irons. Played Mizuno for many years and then moved to PXG Gen 5. Curious to see how these stack up against my current gamers.
How do they compare in feel and performance to PXG Gen 6 p?
Geoff,
I have a full review of the 0311 P GEN6 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/pxg-0311-p-gen6-irons-review/
-Matt