Mizuno JPX 921 Forged Irons vs Hot Metal

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons vs Hot Metal irons.

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 7 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

I did the bulk of my testing on the course for this comparison. My driving range was closed often because of near daily rain. 

Summary: The Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons might be are my new gold standard for low handicap irons &  the Hot Metals might be are my new gold standard for game improvement irons. I’ve never hit better feeling (or performing) irons in my life. I give more details below – including specs for each set. 

In this comparison of the Mizuno JPX 921 Forged and Hot Metal irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which iron set I’d buy.

Mizuno JPX 921 Forged Irons

JPX 921 Forged iron are on the bigger side for “player” irons, but aren’t bulky and have attractive elegant lines. They have strong lofts(see above), unbelievably soft feel, and are pure pleasure to hit. Now I know what all the fuss is about.

Though they’re made for players, I think any golfer within a couple strokes of a single-digit handicap could handle them fine. They are plenty forgiving and go.

As always, TEST before you buy when possible. 

Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal Irons

The JPX 921 Hot Metal and Forged irons are basically twins. You have to put them side-by-side to notice the size difference. They’re more forgiving. And, the lofts are stronger for more help with distance.

I got ALL the good feels with the Hot Metals that I got with the Forged. 

Testing the JPX 921 Forged & Hot Metal Irons

I played a couple rounds with each set of irons. I had to account for the difference in loft from my everyday set to pull the correct club.

I managed to get 1 range session in with each too. 

Are there big differences between Forged and Hot Metal irons?

Cosmetics – Hot Metal clubheads are bigger.
Performance/feel – not really.

The Hot Metals are built to look and be more forgiving. But, the Forged irons are plenty forgiving for player irons. 

The Hot Metal lofts are stronger, so you expect to get more distance. They both get the ball up quickly and easily. And, they feel as good as irons can feel. 

Looks

They look identical from a few feet away. You don’t see obvious differences until you get them side-by-side. The Hot Metals are bigger, thicker, and have a touch more offset.

I prefer compact clubheads, so…

Winner – Forged (for me)

Sound/Feel

Equally awesome

Winner – Draw

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy

Same for me.  

Winner – Draw

Forgiveness

They’re both great, but I give the edge to Hot Metals.  

Winner – Hot Metal

Distance

Again, they are both plenty long. But, the Hot Metals have stronger lofts for added distance.

Winner – Hot Metal

Verdict on the Mizuno JPX 921 Forged vs Hot Metal Irons

So, which irons should you buy – JPX 921 Forged or Hot Metal?

Want more forgiveness, help with distance, and larger clubheads (game improvement irons)? Hot Metals for you.

Prefer more compact clubheads and don’t need less help with distance or forgiveness (player irons)? Forged for you.

Which set would I get? It’s the JPX 921 Forged irons for me.
Their heads are more compact and their lofts are closer to traditional.   

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Mizuno JPX 921 Forged irons vs Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons. 

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