Selecting Mizuno irons? Our guide helps you choose the right model based on your playing style, skill level, and the specific performance enhancements you seek.
Tl;dr: Discover why Mizuno irons are some of the most well-respected clubs in golf. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a 20 handicapper, there is a great set of Mizuno irons waiting for you. In the past, Mizuno irons were geared more toward elite golfers, but they’ve expanded their product lineup significantly. Now, even as a mid- to high-handicap golfer, you can get the benefits of these incredible iron sets.
Some things pair perfectly in golf, like Tiger Woods wearing his patented Sunday red/black outfit. Or Jim Nantz telling us the Masters week every April is “a tradition unlike any other.”
Another perfect pairing in golf is Mizuno and their ability to create the world’s best irons. For as long as I can remember (I’ve been playing for 20+ years and now at +2 handicap), Mizuno has been known for making some of the best — if not the best — irons in the marketplace.
They haven’t gotten complacent either, and they consistently update their sets every few years to help golfers improve their approach shots. From 2017-2018, I played one of their more forgiving sets and absolutely loved them. I’ve always been impressed with how they can build such a sleek design while offering enough forgiveness for amateur golfers.
Today, I’ll review the best Mizuno irons to learn which set might transform your game.
What Are Mizuno Irons?
Mizuno is an iconic name in the game of golf. The company started in the early 1900s producing sports equipment and got into the golf industry in the 1930s. That’s right, Mizuno has been making golf clubs for nearly a century!
Tiger Woods even used Mizuno clubs early in his career before signing a deal with Titleist in 1996. They’ve always made amazing irons, but one problem is that they were typically made for elite golfers.
Luckily, they’ve found a way to keep their incredible design and make new iron sets that are solid for all types of golfers. No matter what your handicap is, Mizuno has a set for you.
What to Consider When Buying Mizuno Irons
Mizuno currently has eight different irons in their lineup and a driving iron (also known as a utility iron) as well. To narrow down your search for a new set of irons, consider these three questions.
What Is My Skill Level?
Playing the right equipment for your skill level, whether you’re buying a driver, woods, irons, or wedges, is extremely important. Never buy clubs just because they look good, as performance is more important than looks. Luckily, Mizuno makes some of the best-looking irons available, even if you need ones that have more forgiveness.
Mizuno has two main series of irons, each with different models based on handicap. More advanced golfers will prefer the Mizuno Pro series, as they have a smaller design and more playability features. Mid- to high handicaps will prefer the JPX series, as they’re more forgiving and longer with each club.
Which Clubs Do I Need?
The second thing to consider when buying a new iron set is the makeup of the clubs, which refers to how many clubs are included. When I started playing golf in the late 1990s, it was pretty much standard that every set came as a 3-PW (3-iron through pitching wedge). But over the years, set makeups have changed as a lot of players don’t like or need long irons.
Now, sets might come in 3-PW but are more commonly sold as 4-PW, 4-GW, or 5-GW. If you’re someone who dislikes long irons and doesn’t need them, make sure to buy a 4-GW or 5-GW instead.
What Is My Budget?
The final thing to consider is your budget. Mizuno makes some top clubs, but they’re not cheap. If you’re searching for budget clubs, you might want to consider a different brand.
But if you’re willing to spend some extra money, Mizuno makes some of the best equipment available. Plus, they have a ton of stock shaft choices, which makes it easy to buy the right clubs for your unique swing — without paying extra.
Different Types of Mizuno Iron Sets
As mentioned before, Mizuno has an incredible selection of irons for all types of players and swings. Here are some top picks based on swing and handicap.
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons
The Mizuno JPX series is offered in five different types: JPX923 Tour, JPX923 Forged, JPX923 Pro, JPX923 Hot Metal Pro irons, and JPX923 HM HL (high launch). The Tour model is the least forgiving, while the Hot Metal is the most forgiving.
The JPX Hot Metal irons are high-stability, cavity back irons built for distance and a higher ball flight. Even if you have a less-than-average swing speed, these clubs will help you launch it high and land softly on the greens.
Benefits:
- Available in RH or LH models
- Ideal for mid- to high handicappers
- Available in 4-iron through lob wedges
- One-piece nickel chromoly cavity back design for increased forgiveness
Be Aware:
- Thick topline isn’t a preferred look by more advanced golfers
- Very strong lofts, but this is common in clubs made for higher-handicap golfers.
Mizuno Pro 245 Irons
Another fantastic iron that I just recently hit at the 2024 PGA Show was from the new Mizuno Pro 245 irons. These are muscle backs that are built for speed and high launch. They have an overall solid feel and some of the most forgiving irons.
Benefits:
- Available as 2-GW
- Traditional blade appearance but sized perfectly
- Increased bounce angle in the clubhead helps improve turf interaction throughout the set
Be Aware:
- LH only as 4-GW
- Not available in sand or lob wedges
Mizuno JPX923 Tour Irons
The final option is a solid choice for low-handicap golfers, as the JPX923 Tour is the most-played model among professionals. These are one-piece irons that use their patented Grain Flow forging process and have a copper underlay for an incredible feel at impact.
Benefits:
- Narrow topline and sole for better turf interaction
- New V-Chassis creates a thinner topline and better feel at impact
- Shorter blade length and more compact shape with 6-iron to GW for more precision
Be Aware:
- Weak lofts mean you’ll need plenty of swing speed for ideal carry distance
- Not forgiving (much smaller sweet spot) compared to the rest of Mizuno irons and only recommended for elite golfers.
Features to Look for in Iron Sets
Now that you have an overview of the best iron sets Mizuno has to offer, let’s consider a few other features.
Graphite vs. Steel Shaft
One of the biggest decisions when selecting an iron set is choosing the right shafts. Even if the clubhead is perfect for your game, you need the right shafts too.
Mid- to high handicappers will benefit most from graphite shafts for more consistency, while more skilled golfers will benefit from steel shafts to help lower spin and create a more penetrating ball flight.
Long Irons vs. Hybrids
When selecting irons, you also want to consider if you should use long irons or opt for hybrids or fairway woods instead. Depending on the Mizuno set you purchase, some of the longer irons are much more forgiving than others.
Luckily, they also have a phenomenal driving iron in the Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi. I recently tested this club and was beyond impressed by the look and feel of it. It’s a perfect addition to a new set and nearly has as much forgiveness as a hybrid.
Mizuno Wedges
Lastly, you should also consider if you want matching wedges. All iron sets come with a pitching wedge, but you might also want a gap wedge that matches your set. You can add a gap wedge to any Mizuno iron set, so it’s a seamless transition from your pitching wedge.
However, a few Mizuno sets also have the option to add a matching sand and/or lob wedge. This will space your clubs perfectly and avoid any distance gap issues.
How to Choose the Right Mizuno Irons
Below are some examples of different types of golfers and what irons I would recommend for their game.
Joel — High-Handicap Golfer
Joel is a higher handicapper but trending downward. He wants some extra distance from his iron set without a hybrid-iron design.
Features Joel should look for:
- Graphite or lightweight steel shafts
- Distance irons that have plenty of forgiveness in the longer clubs
Mizuno Iron examples: JPX923 Hot Metal, JPX923 Hot Metal HL.
Lou — Mid-Handicap
Lou is a mid-handicap golfer who loves to play and practice when his schedule allows it. Irons aren’t his strength yet, and he would like to gain a few more yards on each shot.
Features Lou should look for:
- Easier-to-hit, mid-long irons
- Lightweight steel shafts with mid- to high launch
- Irons that offer a good mix of distance, playability, and forgiveness
Mizuno Iron examples: Mizuno JPX923 Forged, Mizuno Pro 245 irons, JPX923 Hot Metal Pro.
Scott — Low Handicap
Scott is a single-digit handicap who regularly shoots in the 70s and is trending toward becoming a scratch golfer. He’s a very consistent ball striker and prefers irons to hybrids or fairway woods.
Features Scott should look for:
- Irons focused on playability instead of forgiveness
- A utility iron to help hit more fairways on short holes and attack par 5s
Mizuno Iron examples: JPX923 Tour or JPX923 Forged and possibly adding a Mizuno Pro 24 Fli-Hi driving iron
Find the Best Mizuno Irons for You
Mizuno has some of the best-looking and highest-performing irons in golf. Whether you’re searching for more distance, more control, or more forgiveness, there is a set for you. Plus, they have a good mix of long irons, driving irons, and wedges to complete your set.