GM Verdict

Mizuno claims the new JPX921 Forged iron will offer the biggest improvement in performance over the prior generation out of the four new models. The lofts have been made one degree stronger in the 4to 8-irons (the 7-iron is 31°) to accommodate the new design. We tested it with the same Dynamic Gold 120 x100 shaft as the previous version to see how the new iron compared.

This iron has bundles of shelf appeal from every angle, with the smaller profile likely to attract the lower handicapper, even if the stronger lofts don’t. The launch monitor data didn’t suggest as big a jump in

Outdoor testing proved insightful ball speed and distance as we were expecting. That said, the new model did launch the ball higher and provided 500rpm less spin, which is no bad thing given the other JPX921 irons are generally quite high-spinning.

Further testing on a par 3 with Titleist Pro V1x balls showed this iron did produce carries that were three to four yards longer than its predecessor, with no obvious reduction in forgiveness in spite of the smaller size. The flight looked to be stronger and the feel off the face was fantastic – still soft with a muted sound and a hint of spring from well-struck shots.

The new-look Forged model arguably has the widest appeal of all the JPX921 irons. It offers ample distance with enough forgiveness to rescue a poor swing, while also looking compact behind the ball without being intimidating.

This iron will certainly appeal to a large handicap range.