50 Words or Less
The Mizuno JPX923 Tour irons give you everything you love about a blade without all the punishment on mishits. Sensational feel. Beautiful looks. Tremendous shot control.
Introduction
For several years, the JPX Tour model has been Mizuno’s most-played iron on Tour. There is no reason to expect that will stop with the new JPX923 Tour. The latest version has been slimmed down across the top line and made more compact in the mid and scoring irons. But how much forgiveness can be packed into an iron this slim? I tested a set to find out.
Looks
When I posted the arrival pictures of the Mizuno JPX923 Tour irons on social media, I got a torrent of NSFW replies from our followers. I can’t say that I blame them. These are unquestionably some of the sexiest irons out there, and, in my opinion, the best looking set in Mizuno’s current line.
My favorite thing about them is the White-Satin Brush finish. It kills the glare without being too dull. Mizuno also did a great job with the cavity design. I think it’s a significant upgrade over the JPX921 Tour [review HERE] – both more interesting and more understated.
The upgrades continue into the address position where the JPX923 Tour has a thinner top line. This puts it within roughly 0.5mm of the Mizuno Pro 221 [review HERE]. To round out the comparison, the Tour is about 2mm larger in blade length and sole width with three hundredths of an inch more offset. But all that is deep in the weeds. The big picture is that the JPX923 Tour is a slim, beautiful players iron.
Sound & Feel
If we were to play the old Sesame Street game, “One of These Things Is Not Like the Others” with the JPX923 irons, the Tour version is the one that stands alone. There are numerous reasons, but perhaps the biggest is the material. The JPX923 Tour is forged from 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel where the other models in this line are made of Nickel Chromoly*. Another thing that makes the Tour model unique is the microlayer of copper below the chrome finish.
*To be precise, the 8-PW in the JPX923 Forged are also made of 1025E [review HERE].
What this combination creates is an impact feel that is incredibly smooth. It is soft, but I like smooth better for the way the ball gently contacts and departs the club face. The JPX923 Tour is also extremely quiet. Even in an indoor setting, the low “thud” is barely audible.
As you would expect, these irons provide players with precise feedback. Mishits get a little louder, turning to more of a “click.” Your hands will tell you precisely what type of miss it was.
Performance
The first thing to note about the Mizuno JPX923 Tour irons is that they have one of the most traditional iron structures you’ll find. That helps them to produce high launch angles and above average spin for soaring trajectories. You can certainly flight the ball down, but the default shot is towering. The higher spin allows skilled players (“Pro to Elite Amateurs” per Mizuno) to shape their shots as much as they want.
When it comes to ball speed and distance, the JPX923 Tour is a small step down from the Forged and Hot Metal models. This is a product of both the lofts and the construction, and it’s also a feature, not a bug. The player who is gaming these irons knows there are longer clubs, but they are opting for control and consistency.
Next, let’s discuss forgiveness. If we’re comparing the Tour to the Forged and Hot Metal irons, it’s definitely the most demanding. However, I don’t think that’s the right comparison. The target player is highly skilled, so we should compare the JPX923 Tour to a blade. In that race, the JPX923 Tour comes out substantially ahead both at retaining ball speed and preserving launch angle.
Finally, I want to continue to praise Mizuno for the way that they make combo sets accessible. On Mizuno’s website (link below), they have a combo set builder that allows you to blend sets at different points. For the JPX923 Tour, they offer twelve options that let you play the beautiful Tours in the shorter irons with more forgiving sets in the long irons. This includes loft adjustments to smooth the distance gaps.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why the Mizuno JPX923 Tour is the choice of so many high level golfers. They’re getting everything they want from a blade: looks, feel, and shot control. In addition, they’re getting a higher level of forgiveness and consistency. Whether you make your living with your clubs or not, that’s a combination that’s hard to pass up.
Visit Mizuno HERE
Mizuno JPX923 Tour Irons Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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Hi Matt,
“Nothing feels like a Mizuno” tagline.?
Michael
Michael,
I’m not sure what the question is.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
I am sorry for the confusion. I was wondering in terms of feel, if these earned the tagline “Nothing feels like a Mizuno”?
Thank you,
Michael,
Yes, I think they feel great.
-Matt
I ordered a set of 923 clubs but never got them what’s up with that
Ed,
Have you contacted the retailer you ordered them through?
-Matt
How do these compare with the 223?
Alvern,
I have a full review of the Pro 223 irons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-pro-223-irons-review/
-Matt
How do they compare visually to T100? Thanks!
Justin,
I have a full review of the T100 irons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2021-titleist-t100-t100s-irons-review/
-Matt
Just read your 223 review as well. They both seem like great options. I’ve hit both (only a few times) and only saw a slight difference in forgiveness between them.
Based on your experience with both clubs. How much less forgiving do you think the Tour is vs the 223?
I just love the look of the Tour so trying to decide if dealing with a slightly more demanding iron is worth it.
Eric,
I haven’t hit them head to head, but my guess is that the difference is easily measurable, potentially noticeable on course. That said, it sounds like you want the Tour, and my general rule is to buy what you want because golf is supposed to be fun.
Best,
Matt
I have the same question and concern as Eric, wondering between the 923 or the JPX 923 Tour. Currently play 919 Tour and like them, except on some hits the sound is dull and dead. Which model would be more forgiving, but still give the great Mizuno feel?