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In this review, I’ll be taking a comprehensive look at the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons.
The JPX923 Hot Metal Pro offers the most control and versatility in the Hot Metal line. It’s still designed to be forgiving and long like its sister models, but with a slimmer, more compact shape that appeals to better players.
How does the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro actually perform when put to the test? How does it compare with the other models in the Hot Metal family? Is it worth putting a set in the bag?
Here’s what will be covered in the review:
Read on to find out what you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, stock shafts and stock grips are used when evaluating clubs. In most cases, the golf clubs reviewed on Golfstead are acquired temporarily for testing purposes and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on the personal experience and research of the author. Because everyone’s swing and body are different, results with a particular club may differ from person to person.
What are the reviews like?
The JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons won a gold medal on the 2023 Golf Digest Hot List.
These irons enjoy high average ratings of 5/5 on Global Golf and 4.7/5 on PGA TOUR Superstore. Critics praise them for their versatility and wide appeal.
What People Like
- smaller overall profile than its sister models is more appealing to many players
- feel when you hit the sweet spot is incredible
- good workability
- impressive forgiveness
- accurate
What People Don’t Like
- some find the distance underwhelming
The Features
The JPX923 Hot Metal Pro iron has more or less the same tech & features as the standard Hot Metal, namely:
- Nickel Chromoly: a very strong material that allows Mizuno’s engineers to thin down the face to just 1.75mm, 8% thinner than the previous model, and hence set the stage for unprecedented ball speeds.
- V-Chassis: controls vibrations to produce a more satisfying and solid feel at impact.
- Seamless Cup Face: enables the CG to be located low and deep for high launch and great stopping power into greens.
What sets the Pro model apart are a smaller offset, narrower sole, and more compact head shape. All of these things are meant to appeal to the eye of better players, with a center of gravity that isn’t quite as low as its sister models for added control.
Stock Info
The JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons come in 4-PW (19°-42.5°).
The stock shaft is the True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 in steel, and the stock grip is the Golf Pride MCC +4. Custom options are, of course, available.
Below are the specs of the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons. Click or zoom to enlarge.
The Performance
Distance
Ball speeds off the face of the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro are practically the same as the standard model.
However, I was getting a lower launch (maybe 0.5°-1°) with slightly less spin. For me, this led to a gain in carry of a few yards.
Whether this translates into more distance for you will depend on your swing speed, natural shot shape, and other factors.
Forgiveness
My tests suggest the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons are nearly as forgiving as the standard model, especially with respect to slight deviations from center.
The main difference in forgiveness comes from the reduced offset, narrower sole, and shorter blade length. But the technologies built into the iron are the same as the standard model, so the difference is very small.
On the other hand, these irons are highly accurate and repeatable; consistent strikes will be rewarded with consistent results.
Playability/Trajectory
The trajectories I experienced with the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons tended to be high.
Despite the fact that I was getting slightly lower launch and spin compared to the standard model, this didn’t seem to translate into much of a reduction in stopping power. Even the longer irons are more than capable of holding greens.
Additionally, these irons are a little more controllable, workable and versatile than the standard model. While you shouldn’t expect as much control as a full-blown blade, you’re not locked into a particular shot shape and can flight the ball reasonably well.
The Look
The look of the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro iron is very similar, aesthetically, to the standard model, but it’s the slimmest and most compact model in the Hot Metal line, with a narrower sole, marginally shorter blade length, and less offset throughout the set.
The iron also technically has a thinner top line that its sister models, but funnily enough, I have a hard time noticing the difference at address as the difference is so small. I would have preferred an even thinner top line personally, although the iron does look great nonetheless.
To better differentiate this model from the others, it sports a black accent on the bottom part of the badge, as opposed to the lighter shades on the standard and HL.
Like the HL and standard models, the Pro has what Mizuno calls a “white satin brush finish”. This chrome-plated finish is a sort of flat finish that minimizes glare and reflections but has an extra bit of shine for aesthetic appeal.
The Sound & Feel
Like its sister models, the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro iron is solid at impact, with a side of explosiveness off the ultra-thin face. Sweet spot strikes seem to have an extra bit of softness that the other models don’t have.
The sound at impact is a soft “crack” that doesn’t seem to change much on mis-hits based on my testing. You do seem to get a little more feedback on mis-hits through your hands compared to the standard model, which is not at all unexpected given the goals of this iron.
Even though the sole is narrower, I find the turf interaction to be just as good, with versatility and great performance out of a variety of lies. The sole isn’t conducive to digging, but at the same time, it affords an extra bit of control that better players are sure to appreciate.
Where To Buy These Irons Online
One of the best places to pick up the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons (new or used) is eBay. You can typically find deals there that you can’t find anywhere else.
You can also check the stock at Global Golf and PGA TOUR Superstore. These merchants may offer custom ordering, club trade-ins, points programs, or other perks to enhance your shopping experience.
Fittings are recommended for Mizuno clubs. PGA TOUR Superstore allows you to book fittings directly from their store depending on local availability.
Final Thoughts
The Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro iron is essentially a slimmer take on the standard Hot Metal. It’s an excellent players’ distance iron, delivering not only distance and forgiveness, but workability and control as well.
In this sense, it does exactly what it claims to do. It’s not as controllable and versatile as a blade, but it will undoubtedly appeal to a wide range of golfers from low to high handicap.
Are you interested in the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons? Have you tried them yet? What’s your experience? Let us know in the comments below.
