Mizuno is a name synonymous with some of the best irons in the game of golf. 2024 models such as the Mizuno Pro 241, 243, and 245 models have received rave reviews, and now we have a new iteration of the popular JPX franchise to get our teeth stuck into. I have been playing around with the new Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons for a few weeks now and here are my findings…
With regard to the technology and design behind these irons, I would refer you to my review of the standard Mizuno JPX 925 Hot Metal irons, as it is very much the same story. Essentially the Pro is offering all of the same performance elements as the standard model, just wrapped up in a slightly sleeker and more refined package.
In terms of the looks, this translates to a slightly shorter blade length, thinner top line, and marginally less offset than the standard model, which obviously as a PGA Professional will tend to suit my eye a little better, so the playing position looks great to me personally. However, those looking for a little more peace of mind at address should look towards the standard or even HL model.
As with the standard model, I am not the biggest fan of these irons from a shelf appeal point of view, finding them a little fussy, and I am not taken with the blend of chrome and satin finishes which to me cheapens them somewhat. However, that is a minor point, as the serious business only happens in the playing position.
Talking of the playing position, they are genuinely excellent. The heightened toe makes them look a little more upright than they actually are, which as a right misser, is a look I love. The profile is excellent as you would expect from Mizuno and they frame the ball beautifully. Moderate levels of offset and a manageable top line complete a really tidy address look.
I tested the Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons at Saunton Golf Club using my FullSwing KIT launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5 golf balls on a very windy links day. On the whole, results were pretty much as expected from a data perspective, delivering good carry distance numbers, however, as with the standard model, I found that I hit a couple of outliers in the session that dropped a not insignificant amount of spin and came off a lot hotter than the rest which in a ‘better player’ iron was something of a concern. The best compact distance irons need to provide reliability and consistency of numbers and the additional carry on those jumpier strikes would be something that would play on my mind.
That said, some of the less measurable elements of the Pro model were genuinely top-level, just like all of the best Mizuno irons. The sound and feel are outstanding and I really enjoyed the turf interaction which I feel is enhanced by some clever contouring towards the back of the sole, which helps the club exit swiftly.
I would want to do some more investigation on those ‘flier’ type shots I was experiencing, but that aside, I think these irons will be hugely welcomed by mid-low handicap players who are used to a more compact look but maybe struggle with excessive spin or a deficiency in distance. The strong lofts (7-iron is at 28˚) really help to boost your output and reduce spin levels so if that sounds like you, this could very well be the iron you have been looking for.
The Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro irons will be available in 4-GW for both left and right-handers, with a stock shaft offering of Nippon NS Pro 950 NEO in steel and a UST Recoil Dart ESX in graphite. The stock grip is a Lamkin UT+ and they are being sold at an RRP of $150/£165per iron.
