Love my 225’s I can’t believe how beautiful and forgiving these irons are. 56 years old losing a little club head speed wanted a bat with a little more pop but wanted a forged feel and they don’t disappoint. Also transitioned to graphite shafts to save a little wear and tear on the old chassis
I took a similar route a couple of years ago but was fitted for 921 HMP’s at 2nd swing. Also switched to graphite shafts (I’m 55). It’s made a world of difference in my iron game. Would love to try the 923’s to see how they compare.
Thomas pretty much always prefers the more blade like players clubs and never fails to comment on the softer feel (quieter). This is unsurprising given that he hits the center of the clubface very reliably. Despite the quality and reliability of his strikes however, the distance dispersion of his strikes with the JPX was much tighter than the 225. He more values the fact that he more reliably turned (hits a draw) over his shots with the 225 resulting in a tighter left/right dispersion. I much prefer the blade like appearance of the 225 as well, but find the tighter distance dispersion pretty compelling, as I think most handicap players would.
Thank you guys for doing this review!! Do you guys actually see a difference in forgiveness between these two irons? My misses tend to be low and towards the toe. Either one seem better on those misses? Also, have you guys been able to hit the 9 iron, PW and GW in these two irons? Just curious how the JPX HM Pro compares on these scoring clubs on full shots and on pitches and chips? Is the HM too hot and not as good for feel and touch? I have thought about doing a split set between these two irons. Thanks again!! Joe
I think the 225's are the hottest selling club maybe in Mizuno's history last year for a good reason and that dispersion pattern is what sold them for me. I didn't get a chance to hit these JPX 923 but I am sure you couldn't go wrong with either of these sets of irons.
I’d be more I interested in the Pro 225 vs JPX923 Forged next year. I’ve owned the Pro 225 for the last 6 mos or so and they look and perform amazingly. Not quite as forgiving as a GI iron but not terribly punishing as long as you make a decent swing and contact.
What elevation do you guys have the system at? I was just hitting on trackman today, and swing my 7 at 88/89mph I was getting 175, how the hell are you getting 190? I play the Cobra CB in my 7 iron, and while it's a CB and not a GI club 15/20 yards is massive.
Thanks for watching! We have ours set at the elevation in the Twin Cities area, which is roughly 800 feet above sea level. But there are more factors that go into distance than just swing speed. Loft and spin especially make a difference
I'm just now about a 25 handicap and use the Mizuno mp53's. These are my first irons and I would say to bladed and almost zero forgiveness with them. I'm leaning to the 225's as I love the looks more but maybe the 923's would be a better suit. Whatever I go for will be in the bag for 5 or 6 years so I'm trying to make the best choice for now and as I improve over the years. Saying that though when I flush my irons I do get decent distance from them. Chipping and driver are the main 2 holding my game back.
Great feedback and thanks for watching! Both of these are great options for you based on what you're detailing here. My take - if added distance is your top priority, I would lean toward the JPX 923 Hot Metal or Hot Metal Pro. If you're not too worried about distance, the Mizuno Pro 225 still offers some solid forgiveness with a look and feel that will be closer to your current irons. - Drew
@@2ndswing they look extremely similar to the new hot metal pros, but just a hair shorter and maybe top line thinner I assume. They even look like they might be constructed with a similar cavity too.
I love my 921 forged irons but I’m wondering about stepping into something more workable. Is the MP225 a logical next step or can the jump be made straight to the MP223 for example? Thank you
Very relevant test. Thanks for doing this. How different do you think they are in forgiveness, e.g. loss of distance (and direction) on off center hits. Noticeable (how) or almost the same?
Hi Thomas! Now that you have had more time hitting the Mizuno Pro 225 yourself and doing more fittings. Is the P790 still your top pick over the Pro 225? Do you think they are both equally forgiving? Spin about the same? Lastly, do you think the 8 iron through GW of the Pro 225 has better feel in terms of playability vs the P790? Thank you and I love the channel !! Great work you guys!!
P790 will spin lower and have more ball speed (go further). Even with the loft being 1/2 a degree weaker. However I feel that the The Pro 225's are more workable especially 8-GW - Thomas
Look like a couple of fantastic irons. We are in a golden age of golf club technology. It’s fun to see. There are so many incredible irons out there. The prices are insane too though.
I really appreciate your club reviews. I wouldn't remove anything from the reviews but wish there was always another angle included when comparing more of a "players" iron to a distance / forgiving iron. Specifically, to always include the next number up in the distance iron (JPX923 HMP 8 iron in this example). The Pro 225 7 iron loft is 30 degrees, the 923 HMP 7 iron loft is 28.5, and the 923 HMP 8 iron loft is 33 degrees. Add the HMP 8 iron to the review, but don't remove the HMP 7 iron from the review. I'd be very interested to see how the distance compares with the Pro 225 7 iron vs. the 923 HMP 8 iron. Even though the HPM 8 iron is 3 degrees weaker than the 225 7 iron I'm guessing it would probably go 190 yards or more in total distance (maybe a little less than the 194.5 average with the 225 7 iron but probably close since the HMP 7 iron averaged 204.9) with the same stopping distance as the 225 7 iron. Would then love to see if the HMP 8 iron has just as much or more spin, as much peek height or more, and as steep or steeper landing angle than the 225 7 iron. If you could match or better those numbers with the HMP 8 iron and get close in distance vs. the 225 7 iron it would great information to have. Then we could consider if workability or forgiveness is more important to our buying decision (assuming both are workable and forgiving, but the 225 probably better at workability and HMP more forgiving). Pleasantly surprised to see the +/- is tighter for the HMP in average carry and distance than the 225. I understand that was important to Mizuno in the design of the 923s (HM, HMP, and HM HL). I hope this doesn't come across as negative as I really enjoy and appreciate your reviews. For guys like me though the number on the sole isn't that sacred in terms of loft. : -) I know you probably can't do a separate review of the 923 HMP 8 iron, but if you see this comment, please consider testing the HPM 8 iron and including the results in the top pinned comment of this video. Thank you.
@@2ndswing Great choice I was thinking of thoughs shafts when I get fitted...Thanks Again...Oh one more thing, how would you compare those Nippon shaft to the TT Dymanic Golds 105 stiff, my second choice....
Really like the 225's. The feel is excellent and they are pretty forgiving and workable. Never really liked the firm feel of some irons. I went from the old hogan edge, which was the original forged cavity back to the 225's and they are about the same size, so not a big adjustment.
I have a somewhat unique/bizzaro reverse mullet type combo of an older version of these two irons - the 919 Hot Metal Pros bent 2 degrees weaker (PW-7 iron) with 7-iron @ 32-degree and then a 6&5 iron MP20 MHB @ 28&24 degrees. I love this combo because the short irons are deadly accurate from a Strokes Gain scoring perspective while the HMBs with their thinner soles are more playable in the longer end - I'm a +1 handicap for reference.
@@2ndswing I would actually love to see you do a test that would compare a bladed PW at 46-degree to an iron like a hot Metal Pro (or similar), also bent to 46-degree, and then tweak each iron for the correct lie-angle for you desired shot shape (these perimeter weighted Hot Metal types might need to be more upright for their heavier toe) and then do a 20-shot compare for accuracy.
Is the spin you got with both clubs about average for a 7 iron or what you guys would like to see? I always thought the spin should be higher with a 7iron. Thanks for the video guys!
This will depend on how a golfer delivers the club (attack angle and dynamic loft) but hitting off a mat with 7 irons with lofts around 30* will always provide slightly lower spin numbers - Thomas
You could just go with the Hot Metal wedges (same loft) but typically with the pro's geared for better ball strikers I would get them to consider more versatile wedges from gap wedge to lob wedge - Thomas
Great content as always. Why us the 950 neo shaft (very light high flight). Im considering the 225's and that shaft as well as Project X IO are on short list.
I slowed down my swing for this video and the lighter stiff shaft felt more comfortable. With the lofts a little stronger than the typical 7iron I play I needed a little extra height - Thomas
It is difficult to hear a difference in the sound through my phone speaker. There wasn't an obvious sound difference. I am sure in the hitting bay you can hear the difference. Earlier this year I was at the PGA Superstore (no 2nd Swing store in my area) and the fitter had me try the 922 hot metal and it was firmer. It had a senior flex, I only swing at about 68 mph with my irons. He had me try the Calaway Mavrik with the same shaft. The feel was better and it was much more consistant.
So about a 5 yard difference if they have same degree loft? And is the distance difference less of a gap once you go into those scoring irons, pw, , 9 irons?
Love my 225’s I can’t believe how beautiful and forgiving these irons are. 56 years old losing a little club head speed wanted a bat with a little more pop but wanted a forged feel and they don’t disappoint. Also transitioned to graphite shafts to save a little wear and tear on the old chassis
Appreciate the feedback. I agree the 225's were a great addition last year - Thomas
How do they hold up in the bag? Do they scratch easily? 😊
@@davidfrkjr9809 not bad but I’m careful
I took a similar route a couple of years ago but was fitted for 921 HMP’s at 2nd swing. Also switched to graphite shafts (I’m 55). It’s made a world of difference in my iron game. Would love to try the 923’s to see how they compare.
@@jeffcsMN graphite shafts have really eliminated post round soreness in hands and arms
Thomas pretty much always prefers the more blade like players clubs and never fails to comment on the softer feel (quieter). This is unsurprising given that he hits the center of the clubface very reliably. Despite the quality and reliability of his strikes however, the distance dispersion of his strikes with the JPX was much tighter than the 225. He more values the fact that he more reliably turned (hits a draw) over his shots with the 225 resulting in a tighter left/right dispersion. I much prefer the blade like appearance of the 225 as well, but find the tighter distance dispersion pretty compelling, as I think most handicap players would.
It will be interesting to see Mizuno Pro 225 vs 923 HM Forged vs 923 HM Pro.
I can’t wait !!
How do you feel about a blend of these 5-7 923 and 225 8-pw ? The 923 would have to be a degree weaker
Thank you guys for doing this review!! Do you guys actually see a difference in forgiveness between these two irons?
My misses tend to be low and towards the toe. Either one seem better on those misses?
Also, have you guys been able to hit the 9 iron, PW and GW in these two irons? Just curious how the JPX HM Pro compares on these scoring clubs on full shots and on pitches and chips? Is the HM too hot and not as good for feel and touch? I have thought about doing a split set between these two irons.
Thanks again!! Joe
I think the 225's are the hottest selling club maybe in Mizuno's history last year for a good reason and that dispersion pattern is what sold them for me. I didn't get a chance to hit these JPX 923 but I am sure you couldn't go wrong with either of these sets of irons.
Ready to see the JPX 923 tours. Currently hitting sel’s (forged, tour combo) and love them. The 223’s have caught my attention as well.
I’d be more I interested in the Pro 225 vs JPX923 Forged next year. I’ve owned the Pro 225 for the last 6 mos or so and they look and perform amazingly. Not quite as forgiving as a GI iron but not terribly punishing as long as you make a decent swing and contact.
Yeah I’m excited to see the forged even though I just got the 923 HMP
We are excited to test JPX 923 out too! Stay tuned we will get to it when we get our hands on them - Thomas
What elevation do you guys have the system at? I was just hitting on trackman today, and swing my 7 at 88/89mph I was getting 175, how the hell are you getting 190? I play the Cobra CB in my 7 iron, and while it's a CB and not a GI club 15/20 yards is massive.
Thanks for watching! We have ours set at the elevation in the Twin Cities area, which is roughly 800 feet above sea level. But there are more factors that go into distance than just swing speed. Loft and spin especially make a difference
I'm just now about a 25 handicap and use the Mizuno mp53's. These are my first irons and I would say to bladed and almost zero forgiveness with them. I'm leaning to the 225's as I love the looks more but maybe the 923's would be a better suit. Whatever I go for will be in the bag for 5 or 6 years so I'm trying to make the best choice for now and as I improve over the years. Saying that though when I flush my irons I do get decent distance from them. Chipping and driver are the main 2 holding my game back.
Great feedback and thanks for watching! Both of these are great options for you based on what you're detailing here. My take - if added distance is your top priority, I would lean toward the JPX 923 Hot Metal or Hot Metal Pro. If you're not too worried about distance, the Mizuno Pro 225 still offers some solid forgiveness with a look and feel that will be closer to your current irons. - Drew
I just got the 923 Hot metal pro. My favorite irons I’ve had in years. The 923 forged looks amazing too. Hope you guys do a comparison on those soon.
Stay tuned for 923 Forged when we get our hands on them - Thomas
@@2ndswing they look extremely similar to the new hot metal pros, but just a hair shorter and maybe top line thinner I assume. They even look like they might be constructed with a similar cavity too.
How will the 923 forged compare to the iron 225's? From the specs, I see the 923 forged have higher bounce by 2 degrees.
Hi Francis! Where did you get to see the bounce? Thanks!
I love my 921 forged irons but I’m wondering about stepping into something more workable. Is the MP225 a logical next step or can the jump be made straight to the MP223 for example? Thank you
I believe the jump to Pro 225 can be made. The Forged and 225 will be similar in workability - Thomas
@@2ndswing thank you Thomas. Looking forward to testing these in the next week. Going to look at both 225 and 223.
I have both sets, thr 225 pro actually has a little more carry distance on the course?
Will you guys do a 923 Forged and HMP comparison?
Very relevant test. Thanks for doing this. How different do you think they are in forgiveness, e.g. loss of distance (and direction) on off center hits. Noticeable (how) or almost the same?
Hot Metal Pro is still more forgiving. Not by much but that will be one of the main differences - Thomas
Hi Thomas!
Now that you have had more time hitting the Mizuno Pro 225 yourself and doing more fittings. Is the P790 still your top pick over the Pro 225?
Do you think they are both equally forgiving? Spin about the same?
Lastly, do you think the 8 iron through GW of the Pro 225 has better feel in terms of playability vs the P790?
Thank you and I love the channel !! Great work you guys!!
P790 will spin lower and have more ball speed (go further). Even with the loft being 1/2 a degree weaker. However I feel that the The Pro 225's are more workable especially 8-GW - Thomas
@@2ndswing Thank you Thomas !!
Absolutely love my 225’s best all around iron for the average golfer , every benefit you would want and they are gorgeous!
Appreciate the feedback. Glad to hear you found the right irons for you - Thomas
Look like a couple of fantastic irons. We are in a golden age of golf club technology. It’s fun to see. There are so many incredible irons out there. The prices are insane too though.
I really appreciate your club reviews. I wouldn't remove anything from the reviews but wish there was always another angle included when comparing more of a "players" iron to a distance / forgiving iron. Specifically, to always include the next number up in the distance iron (JPX923 HMP 8 iron in this example). The Pro 225 7 iron loft is 30 degrees, the 923 HMP 7 iron loft is 28.5, and the 923 HMP 8 iron loft is 33 degrees. Add the HMP 8 iron to the review, but don't remove the HMP 7 iron from the review.
I'd be very interested to see how the distance compares with the Pro 225 7 iron vs. the 923 HMP 8 iron. Even though the HPM 8 iron is 3 degrees weaker than the 225 7 iron I'm guessing it would probably go 190 yards or more in total distance (maybe a little less than the 194.5 average with the 225 7 iron but probably close since the HMP 7 iron averaged 204.9) with the same stopping distance as the 225 7 iron. Would then love to see if the HMP 8 iron has just as much or more spin, as much peek height or more, and as steep or steeper landing angle than the 225 7 iron. If you could match or better those numbers with the HMP 8 iron and get close in distance vs. the 225 7 iron it would great information to have. Then we could consider if workability or forgiveness is more important to our buying decision (assuming both are workable and forgiving, but the 225 probably better at workability and HMP more forgiving).
Pleasantly surprised to see the +/- is tighter for the HMP in average carry and distance than the 225. I understand that was important to Mizuno in the design of the 923s (HM, HMP, and HM HL).
I hope this doesn't come across as negative as I really enjoy and appreciate your reviews. For guys like me though the number on the sole isn't that sacred in terms of loft. : -)
I know you probably can't do a separate review of the 923 HMP 8 iron, but if you see this comment, please consider testing the HPM 8 iron and including the results in the top pinned comment of this video.
Thank you.
Great review...what shafts were you using in these irons for the test comparison??? Thanks...
Nippon NS Pro 950 GH Stiff for both heads - Thomas
@@2ndswing Great choice I was thinking of thoughs shafts when I get fitted...Thanks Again...Oh one more thing, how would you compare those Nippon shaft to the TT Dymanic Golds 105 stiff, my second choice....
I would like to see Thomas review the 223’s with the 923 JPX Forged when they are available.
Stay tuned, we are looking forward to testing them when we can get our hands on the clubs - Thomas
literally the video I needed, great comparison. I would have preferred vs forged, but that is just me being picky.
Thanks for watching. We are looking forward to include 923 Forged next year - Thomas
Really like the 225's. The feel is excellent and they are pretty forgiving and workable. Never really liked the firm feel of some irons. I went from the old hogan edge, which was the original forged cavity back to the 225's and they are about the same size, so not a big adjustment.
I have a somewhat unique/bizzaro reverse mullet type combo of an older version of these two irons - the 919 Hot Metal Pros bent 2 degrees weaker (PW-7 iron) with 7-iron @ 32-degree and then a 6&5 iron MP20 MHB @ 28&24 degrees. I love this combo because the short irons are deadly accurate from a Strokes Gain scoring perspective while the HMBs with their thinner soles are more playable in the longer end - I'm a +1 handicap for reference.
Wow that's actually a pretty cool combo! Nice work sounds like the irons are working out well - Thomas
@@2ndswing I would actually love to see you do a test that would compare a bladed PW at 46-degree to an iron like a hot Metal Pro (or similar), also bent to 46-degree, and then tweak each iron for the correct lie-angle for you desired shot shape (these perimeter weighted Hot Metal types might need to be more upright for their heavier toe) and then do a 20-shot compare for accuracy.
Where does the 923 Forged fit in between these two?
Is the spin you got with both clubs about average for a 7 iron or what you guys would like to see? I always thought the spin should be higher with a 7iron. Thanks for the video guys!
This will depend on how a golfer delivers the club (attack angle and dynamic loft) but hitting off a mat with 7 irons with lofts around 30* will always provide slightly lower spin numbers - Thomas
@@2ndswing thanks for the info!!! Love the content 🤙🏻
Whats your thoughts on the hot metal pro not having a matching gap wedge?
You could just go with the Hot Metal wedges (same loft) but typically with the pro's geared for better ball strikers I would get them to consider more versatile wedges from gap wedge to lob wedge - Thomas
Do you have a video comparison of the 225 to the previous HMB?
I don't believe we have a direct comparison. We do however have a few videos specific to HMB - Thomas
Great content as always. Why us the 950 neo shaft (very light high flight). Im considering the 225's and that shaft as well as Project X IO are on short list.
I slowed down my swing for this video and the lighter stiff shaft felt more comfortable. With the lofts a little stronger than the typical 7iron I play I needed a little extra height - Thomas
It is difficult to hear a difference in the sound through my phone speaker. There wasn't an obvious sound difference. I am sure in the hitting bay you can hear the difference. Earlier this year I was at the PGA Superstore (no 2nd Swing store in my area) and the fitter had me try the 922 hot metal and it was firmer. It had a senior flex, I only swing at about 68 mph with my irons. He had me try the Calaway Mavrik with the same shaft. The feel was better and it was much more consistant.
I'd like to see 225 vs i230 vs 923 Forged vs ZX5 MKII
Those would be against the ZX7.
How did you all find the HMP’s ability to work the ball?
It was still pretty good with the HMB. Pro 225 is a little easier to work the ball but either shouldn't be to challenging - Thomas
Thankfully Mizuno made the HMP 923 for left hand.
Great reviews. Please compare the JPX 923 HM HL to the Ping i230 retro spec. 2 new high launch irons. Thanks
This is a great suggestion!!! - Thomas
The smash factor difference between the 2 tells the tale
Hmp easier and more forgiving
We are not pros!
Very interesting similar numbers.
Thanks for watching. Loft will still be the #1 factor on distance - Thomas
Great comparison, but why not mention the cost difference as that will be important for some.
Good point. The prices can change which is why we don't say it in the video but you are correct big difference between the two - Thomas
Still using MP-14
This guy's swing reminds me of Lee Westwood's swing....
Seems like you get more for your $ with the HMP
So about a 5 yard difference if they have same degree loft? And is the distance difference less of a gap once you go into those scoring irons, pw, , 9 irons?
5 yards with the same loft is actually pretty impressive. But I would expect your scoring clubs to gap out just fine - Thomas
@@2ndswing what does gap out fine?