Mizuno is a company renowned for legendary craftsmanship across a variety of sports and, with the golf equipment it produces, it is not immune from this.
Within the golf market, Mizuno has made some of the best golf irons for decades, regularly winning tournaments out on Tour and building a reputation for soft-feeling, great-looking pieces of equipment. There is a reason the phrase, 'nothing feels like a Mizuno' is so synonymous with its irons.
The Japanese company is famed for its forging process, carried out at its facility in Hiroshima. Although Mizuno is best known for producing classic, players’ irons, offering superb levels of feel and workability, they also produce some of the most forgiving irons and best game improvement irons on the market.
Below, we have taken a look at some of the best Mizuno irons in the current range - models that cover a wide range of abilities. However, if you aren't a fan of Mizuno and prefer other brands that are available, then why not check out some of the best Titleist irons, best Callaway irons, best Ping irons or even the best TaylorMade irons.
Best Mizuno Irons
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A playable and forgiving iron that delivers excellent distance on long shots, the JPX923 Hot Metal Iron that is perfect iron for any mid-handicapper looking to add more yards to their game. And coming in at $157.50 (£135) per club, you'll be getting a bargain for the performance on offer here.Having recently taken these clubs for a spin ourselves, we were very impressed with the feel these clubs offer. They don't have that explosive metal-wood feel you'd often get from game improvement irons (opens in new tab) but what they do have is a dense, forged-like feel that is great for anyone looking to progress their game to a more powerful set of clubs.
Aesthetically, they look very similar to the JPX923, but deliver a sleek look thanks to their 4335 Nickel Chromoly, which is a stronger material that allows a thinner face. Plus, we also enjoyed the interaction with the turf that these irons provided, with there being more resistance compared to the JPX923. The changes in the sole make it noticeably more user friendly, with the iron cutting much shallower divots helping you cleanly hit through each shot.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Iron Review (opens in new tab)
A lively distance iron that is more appropriate to accomplished game improvers, the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro is a stunning golf iron designed to add more distance to your game. While none of the hot metal pro irons are aimed at the better players, per se, this is the model that will be best for lower handicappers looking for a distance iron (opens in new tab). Visually, it has more black detailing on its club head compared to the JPX923 Hot Metal (opens in new tab) but it has a shorter blade length and a thinner topline.
Out of the three JPX923 irons, we hit this one the furthest and had more speed than the standard Hot Metal, delivering a confidence inspiring profile that allowed us to really swing through each shot at full power. It delivered great spin rates and healthy ball flights that meant we had no concerns getting the ball to check on the greens. But while it delivers great distance, it is also up there as one of the most forgiving irons (opens in new tab) around.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro Iron Review (opens in new tab)
Excellent for lower swing speeds, this iron set delivers greater forgiveness for lower handicap golfers (opens in new tab). Helping you produce greater ball flights and extra distance, this is a very forgiving game-improvement iron perfect for force-limited golfers. Plus they deliver a lot of shaft lean at impact that will help you achieve a more optimum ball flight for more distance and better stopping power. Aesthetically this iron looks great and has a wider sole, offering a deeper CG and greater forgiveness compared to the standard Mizuno Hot Metal iron. (opens in new tab) In testing, the ball launched higher compared to other Mizuno JPX923 offerings but is certainly suited less experienced players who are looking for a confidence inspiring iron that will help them play more consistently.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal HL Iron Review (opens in new tab)
The JPX921 Forged iron integrates the power of Chromoly into a full body forged iron for the very first time. Initially applied in Mizuno's Hot Metal irons - Chromoly has made the cross over to Mizuno's forgings with excellent results. Testing shows the fastest ball speeds Mizuno has ever produced from a fully forged iron.
Grain Flow Forged HD in Mizuno’s facility in Hiroshima Japan, the JPX921 Forged irons offer an identifiable and classic Mizuno feel. What's more, the integration of Chromoly 4120 allows for a clubface that is up to 0.5mm thinner than its predecessors, which delivers the fastest ball speeds Mizuno has ever produced from a full body Forged iron.
Additional perimeter weighting with toe bias creates a Stability Frame to maximise results from off-centre strikes, while a 6.4% wider CNC back milled slot further increases stability. Despite this, the JPX921 Forged irons offer a sleeker, compact profile – a shorter blade length throughout, a beveled training edge and reduced offset.
This makes it one of the best compact mid-handicap irons money can buy, as the feel is that of a traditional forged iron which gets noticeably sleeker through the set.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX921 Forged Irons Review
As underwhelming as the previous version of this club was, Mizuno has really stepped up the performance with their Pro 225 iron. It feels infinitely hotter off the face and is one of the best irons for low handicappers due its slim, players-look that doesn't up distance.
The hollow head provides the spring in the step of this club, while tungsten weighting provides the off-centre stability. It does this from a chassis that looks like a blade and sits compactly behind the ball. Manufacturers are able to cram in an awful lot of forgiveness into small iron heads these days and the Mizuno Pro 225 is arguably one of the very best examples.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 225 Iron Review
These Tour inspired irons have been designed to provide precise distance control for the better player. Maintaining its predecessor’s fusion of precision with stability from off-centre strikes, the JPX921 Tour features Mizuno’s Stability Frame with toe bias weighting, which promotes a longer, straighter and more consistent ball flight while the pearl brush finish reduces glare.
Crammed with technology, it also has a Grain Flow Forged from 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon steel, with the JPX921 Tour delivering an identifiable and classic Mizuno feel as per the JPX921 Forged.
The shorter irons feature a narrower sole for improved turf interaction, while a thicker cavity pad throughout the set, evolving from Mizuno’s study of vibration patterns, produces a harmonic impact that can be felt for a fraction longer. Better players will enjoy the workability on offer with these irons.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX921 Tour Irons Review
This iron could best be described as a more compact version of the JPX921 Forged, especially in the short irons which appeal slightly more towards the better player that favours feel and workability over out and out distance.
Not only does this iron look fantastic from every angle, but it satisfies the demand for a blade-like club that provides a little more distance, especially on off-centre strikes.
It is worth noting that some better players might hit this iron further than they want to, which is where a fitting is key to dial in the lofts and shaft model to produce the optimum carry distances for you that won’t effect gapping at either end of the bag.
What's more, left-handers will be pleased too as the Mizuno Pro 223 is available in a full set rather than just a blended set comprising all three models, as was available on the MP20.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 223 Iron Review
The JPX921 Hot Metal is the longest iron in the JPX range, hence why it is ranked as one the best distance irons on the market. It gets it distance from the use of Chromoly 4140M and a re-engineered Cortech face, now 0.2mm thinner across the centre point, creating faster ball speeds.
These are assisted by a Seamless Cup Face that features a variable thickness sole design that allows the leading edge to act as a hinge, generating more face flex. There are also three additional sound ribs in-place, which produce a more solid sensation at impact, while extreme perimeter weighting and toe bias in Mizuno’s Stability Frame help to deliver greater consistency from off-centre strikes.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Iron Review
The JPX921 Hot Metal Pro features the same technologies as the Hot Metal model above, but in a slightly more compact package with less offset. As such, there is little to separate the two models when it comes to distance and performance.
Because of the similar distance and performance, it's worth looking at the aesthetics of both. This is because the slightly more compact head of the Pro model will likely suit better players who strike the ball more consistently, and yet still want a little bit of help.
Once again, during testing, the Stability Frame was particularly noticeable as it gave more than enough assistance on heel or toe strikes. Ball flight didn't appear to be effected too much and the launch assistance will benefit those players who swing the club a little slower.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX921 Hot Metal Pro Iron Review
It doesn’t get much more traditional than a Mizuno MP blade! Rich in heritage and with the addition of the ‘Mizuno Pro’ scripting, which was first used back in 1981and reserved solely for use in Japan up until now, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this iron is more about image and perception over performance.
But Mizuno, maker of some of the very best golf blade irons, is keen to dispel this myth - blades naturally aren’t packed full of features or technology, but the taller pad behind the hitting area and copper underlay beneath the chrome finish should enhance both feel and consistency.
The purist will enjoy everything about this iron - the way it looks and feels, but also how it has a little more oomph behind it compared to most other blades we've tested, testament to the Grain Flow Forging process and the evolution of the head shape. All things being equal, from the sweetspot, it's one of the most satisfying irons you could hit, but the target market remains relatively niche given the limited distance and forgiveness on offer.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro 221 Iron Review
The Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi utility iron name brings back memories of their original MP Fli-Hi driving irons, which also offered more forgiveness than a traditional long iron, but kept the accuracy.
There is a choice of three lofts and the shape is very similar with a hollow head, thick top line and rounded sole, with the Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi meant to bridge the gap to the woods from the irons and be more of a distance club than a precision approach iron.
Mizuno are known for making some of the best utility irons and, thanks to the head being cast from 431 stainless steel and not forged, this allows a 21g tungsten weight to be placed in the sole of the club to drop the CG and improve the launch. Another addition on the face is a Maraging MAS1C steel insert, which comes over from their fairway woods to add some extra ball speed at impact.
- Read our full Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi Utility Iron Review
How we test Mizuno irons
Our testing for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. As far as the specific procedure goes, before testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology.
When it comes to testing, we often head indoors first to try the irons in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. Our outside testing normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course with top-notch practice facilities.
We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the irons so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the irons themselves.
FAQs
Are Mizuno irons the best?
Mizuno irons are widely regarded as some of the very best because of the feel they provide and the consistency of the distance on offer. The brand always has a wide choice available to suit different abilities, usually split into the technology-packed JPX series and the MP or Mizuno Pro series, which is more feel/looks orientated and aimed more at the lower handicapper.
Why do Mizuno irons feel so good?
Mizuno's Grain Flow Forged HD process is one of the most precise around, tightly packing the grains of the metal together for the ultimate ball striking experience. Mizuno is able to forge with additional materials, like Chromoly and Boron, to achieve stronger metals that can be forged into thinner faces and offer more speed.
Do any golf pros use Mizuno irons?
A number of Tour professionals use Mizuno irons, with the brand one of the most recognized on the professional circuit. Pros that use the clubs include former World No.1 Luke Donald and PGA Tour winner, Keith Mitchell.
