Mizuno JPX 921 Tour vs. 223 Pro

[thl9077]

Would anyone be able to compare these two irons? I'm interested in their comparison in forgiveness and feel. I know that on paper, the JPX 921 Tour vs. 221 Pro and JPX 921 Forged vs. 223 Pro would make more sense but from watching videos on 223s, the pro seems to be more on players' side than 921 forged so if I don't want to go for the butter knife (221 Pro), the 921 Tour comparison might work. 

 

I have been looking for new set of irons (currently use MP60s) since last year and was set on the 921 Tours but wanted to see what 223 Pro had to offer. I probably won't want to wait until JPX 923s come out (ETA: Q3/Q4 2022?). 

 

 

[Humble]

Looking at these same two models and the 225s.  I have an iron fitting upcoming on Saturday so I should be able to chime in. 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Humble

[ShupeSC]

I play the 900 tour.  Tried out the 223 a few days ago.  Thing is an absolute cannon and had way too low spin for me.  Fun to hit, but could never put one in the bag.

[HarborMike]

20 minutes ago, thl9077 said:

Would anyone be able to compare these two irons? I'm interested in their comparison in forgiveness and feel. I know that on paper, the JPX 921 Tour vs. 221 Pro and JPX 921 Forged vs. 223 Pro would make more sense but from watching videos on 223s, the pro seems to be more on players' side than 921 forged so if I don't want to go for the butter knife (221 Pro), the 921 Tour comparison might work. 

 

I have been looking for new set of irons (currently use MP60s) since last year and was set on the 921 Tours but wanted to see what 223 Pro had to offer. I probably won't want to wait until JPX 923s come out (ETA: Q3/Q4 2022?). 

 

 

The 921 Tours almost sits in a class of its own. It truly is between a 221 and 223. Almost not really comparable to 223 in my opinion. 921T player in my opinion want the similar characteristics of a blade (thin top line, compact, distance and dispersion control, etc.) but with a bit of added forgiveness than a blade. The 223s are packed with tech and are moreso player distance irons. It’s basically the JPX 921 forged but in a smaller and squattier profile. I even found (for me) the 223 (7-iron only) was going further than the JPX921 Forged. Definitely an impressive club. Also, the 223 has a bit of thicker top line and sole vs. 921T which may be a turnoff for some blade players.

[Yenmasta]

50 minutes ago, HarborMike said:

The 921 Tours almost sits in a class of its own. It truly is between a 221 and 223. Almost not really comparable to 223 in my opinion. 921T player in my opinion want the similar characteristics of a blade (thin top line, compact, distance and dispersion control, etc.) but with a bit of added forgiveness than a blade. The 223s are packed with tech and are moreso player distance irons. It’s basically the JPX 921 forged but in a smaller and squattier profile. I even found (for me) the 223 (7-iron only) was going further than the JPX921 Forged. Definitely an impressive club. Also, the 223 has a bit of thicker top line and sole vs. 921T which may be a turnoff for some blade players.

Great thread here as I am curious about the 223 vs the 921 forged.

 

What were some of the other differences you noticed? Feel? Also my miss tends to be off the toe and also at times thin.  Curious if you noticed a difference in the 223 vs forged. Thanks!

[HarborMike]

10 hours ago, Yenmasta said:

Great thread here as I am curious about the 223 vs the 921 forged.

 

What were some of the other differences you noticed? Feel? Also my miss tends to be off the toe and also at times thin.  Curious if you noticed a difference in the 223 vs forged. Thanks!

I’ve hit and played with the whole set of 921F but only hit the 223 7-iron in a hitting bay several times at a few shops around here, so take my opinion for what it’s worth 😉 

 

The 223 feels definitely softer than 921F, but not by a big margin. 921F still feels really nice and soft as well. It’s expected and not surprising the 223s would feel softer with the copper underlay. I imagine once you get to the 8-GW, the gap in feels on the 223 vs. 921F will be even moreso present since the build in the 223 short irons are the same as the 221 blades to include the absence of microslot insert. Again, the 223 is a smaller and shorter version of the JPX921 with a bit of more tech and weaker lofts especially moreso as you get to the 8-GW. But in the 7-iron comparison I was hitting the 223 longer than the 921F for some reason and thinking IMO they drastically weaken the lofts in the short irons because of the tech and thinner face (not confirmed, just my guess). What’s also interesting (in terms of what the 921F and 223 have in common), the gaps are separated by 5 degrees in the 8-GW. This may also be due to the tech in the heads.
 

As for toe shots and forgiveness between the 921F and 223, there wasn’t anything noticeable to differentiate between the two. For me personally, I tend to hit less toe shots on shorter blade lengths since it forces me to concentrate more on my shot whereas I can get a bit ‘lazy’ in the longer blade lengths.

[wam78]

@HarborMike said it really well.  I played the 921T for a bit and loved them.  Surprisingly forgiving for an iron of that size.  I saw some really consistent spin and ball speeds.  Really does play like a more forgiving blade.

 

If the sole had a little more bounce and camber I might still be playing them.

[Yenmasta]

21 hours ago, HarborMike said:

I’ve hit and played with the whole set of 921F but only hit the 223 7-iron in a hitting bay several times at a few shops around here, so take my opinion for what it’s worth 😉 

 

The 223 feels definitely softer than 921F, but not by a big margin. 921F still feels really nice and soft as well. It’s expected and not surprising the 223s would feel softer with the copper underlay. I imagine once you get to the 8-GW, the gap in feels on the 223 vs. 921F will be even moreso present since the build in the 223 short irons are the same as the 221 blades to include the absence of microslot insert. Again, the 223 is a smaller and shorter version of the JPX921 with a bit of more tech and weaker lofts especially moreso as you get to the 8-GW. But in the 7-iron comparison I was hitting the 223 longer than the 921F for some reason and thinking IMO they drastically weaken the lofts in the short irons because of the tech and thinner face (not confirmed, just my guess). What’s also interesting (in terms of what the 921F and 223 have in common), the gaps are separated by 5 degrees in the 8-GW. This may also be due to the tech in the heads.
 

As for toe shots and forgiveness between the 921F and 223, there wasn’t anything noticeable to differentiate between the two. For me personally, I tend to hit less toe shots on shorter blade lengths since it forces me to concentrate more on my shot whereas I can get a bit ‘lazy’ in the longer blade lengths.

Thank you for the info!

[Yenmasta]

Took my new set of jpx 921 forged to a local simulator .  There was a Mizuno cart so I tried the Mizuno pro 223.  Both felt great.. 223 felt softer but the biggest difference was the dispersion with the 223 was a lot tighter! 

[Whit1969]

I have not had a chance to hit the 223s as no one around me has any in stock yet, but I love my 921F.  I have them 1 degree weaker than standard lofts so they are the same as the 223s.  Hard for me to imagine that the 223s are an improved design over the 921F.  The 921F are very a very solid set.  The smaller profile of the 223s does have my interest though.

[Yenmasta]

The 921 forged is a very solid club! I’ll probably keep the set for sure. I just found the 223 to have better consist dispersion for me.  

[eric61]

I found the 223 7 iron was a full club longer than my 921 Tour 7 iron. I was really surprised.

 

It’s definitely lower-spinning but nothing ridiculous. Feels great and was without a doubt more forgiving. I ordered a set of 223s.

[lordemsworth]

The 921 Tour is two degrees weaker.  Guess is that the slightly lower spin and two degrees stronger 223 is what got you your 1 club increase.

 

Enjoy the new sticks.

[ssfranny]

On 1/3/2022 at 12:38 PM, thl9077 said:

Would anyone be able to compare these two irons? I'm interested in their comparison in forgiveness and feel. I know that on paper, the JPX 921 Tour vs. 221 Pro and JPX 921 Forged vs. 223 Pro would make more sense but from watching videos on 223s, the pro seems to be more on players' side than 921 forged so if I don't want to go for the butter knife (221 Pro), the 921 Tour comparison might work. 

 

I have been looking for new set of irons (currently use MP60s) since last year and was set on the 921 Tours but wanted to see what 223 Pro had to offer. I probably won't want to wait until JPX 923s come out (ETA: Q3/Q4 2022?). 

 

 

223 are slightly bigger than 921 tour

[mbl32465]

Can’t compare the two. But I love my 921 Tours. Very nice to look at, but way more forgiving than they look. 

[thl9077]

How about comparing these two to the Zx7? For whatever reason Golftown in Canada has online (in stock) set of zx7 with modus 120x which is exactly the shaft I would get in other irons but with 10+ week wait. 
 

I never thought about the zx7 but the reviews are so amazing in feel that I may pull the trigger on these (in stock with exact shaft I want as a stock shaft for zx7). 

[JAY-Y]

are the modus 115 the stock shafts?  if so, any feedback? 

Edited January 13, 2022 by JAY-Y

[JoeFrigo]

6 hours ago, thl9077 said:

How about comparing these two to the Zx7? For whatever reason Golftown in Canada has online (in stock) set of zx7 with modus 120x which is exactly the shaft I would get in other irons but with 10+ week wait. 
 

I never thought about the zx7 but the reviews are so amazing in feel that I may pull the trigger on these (in stock with exact shaft I want as a stock shaft for zx7). 

Id say the zx7 and pro 223 are very comparable. zx7 always gave me good ball speeds and have added forgiveness over a true blade. Both have slightly larger appearance at address but in no way would I classify them as big. Most good ball strikers, in my opinion, should be playing either the zx7's or 223's. They have a small enough look for players, maybe 5-7 yards added distance over blades while retaining very respectable spin numbers, and have just enough forgiveness from the profile

 

I had 921 Tour's for 2 weeks but got rid of them. I didnt care for the feel 

[BillyBaroo2002]

FWIW - Had an iron fitting yesterday - currently gaming the Mizuno 900 Tours which I love.   After around 200 swings and countless combos of 6 iron heads and shafts, opted for the 921 Tours (Gap Wedge thru 6 iron) and the Miz Pro 223's for my 4 and 5 iron.   Both clubs are fantastic - and in my opinion the 223's offer a bit more "boost" while being just as forgiving as the 921's. 

 

Excited for their arrival. 

[smvolkma]

I had a fitting yesterday.  Last year was the first year didn’t play Mizuno irons in a long time, I played t100s.  They are good but not that forgiving and not Mizuno soft.  I hit the 921 forged, 223, and 225 all with the modus 120 stiff.  921 forged was the best for me, then 225, then 223.  Forged is most forgiving and all my carry distances were very close.  225 had a couple of longer shots, slightly less forgiving, and looks very similar it’s mp 20 HMB.  223 was a little disappointing.  It was good looking but  wasn’t that different than the mmc.  I could tell the mishits more but it felt like it had more speed than my t100s.  Again, just my experience.  I did hit the 770’s after the Mizuno’s and they felt awful.  I really forgot how great Mizuno irons feel and the extra forgiveness of the JPX 921 forged is a nice bonus too.  For the record, I have a 1 handicap but my iron play is spotty at times.  All 3 mizuno irons did have a tight dispersion circle.  Good luck to all and their purchases!

[maamold]

On 1/3/2022 at 11:10 AM, HarborMike said:

The 921 Tours almost sits in a class of its own. It truly is between a 221 and 223. Almost not really comparable to 223 in my opinion. 921T player in my opinion want the similar characteristics of a blade (thin top line, compact, distance and dispersion control, etc.) but with a bit of added forgiveness than a blade. The 223s are packed with tech and are moreso player distance irons. It’s basically the JPX 921 forged but in a smaller and squattier profile. I even found (for me) the 223 (7-iron only) was going further than the JPX921 Forged. Definitely an impressive club. Also, the 223 has a bit of thicker top line and sole vs. 921T which may be a turnoff for some blade players.

223 is 32° and the 921 tours are 34° so it makes sense that it's a cannon compared to the Tour, interesting that they fly further than the Forged though considering it is 31°.. I'm honestly looking at getting the 223's but I may weaken the lofts 1° to get a bit more spin.

Edited January 15, 2022 by maamold

[maamold]

On 1/9/2022 at 1:27 PM, eric61 said:

I found the 223 7 iron was a full club longer than my 921 Tour 7 iron. I was really surprised.

 

It’s definitely lower-spinning but nothing ridiculous. Feels great and was without a doubt more forgiving. I ordered a set of 223s.

921 Tour 7i is 34° and the 223 7i is 32° so it should be longer.

[eric61]

2 hours ago, maamold said:

921 Tour 7i is 34° and the 223 7i is 32° so it should be longer.

Right. I expected about half, maybe 3/4 of a club, not a full club. But the combo of lower spin and the loft difference, plus a more forgiving face, seems to do it.

[maamold]

21 minutes ago, eric61 said:

Right. I expected about half, maybe 3/4 of a club, not a full club. But the combo of lower spin and the loft difference, plus a more forgiving face, seems to do it.

Maybe the 223 is just a bit thinner face which increases speed and lowers spin. I may weaken 1° when I order them so I stay above 5500. My major issue is the shafts, PX LZ 6.0 120 shafts are hard to come by right now for all manufactures. 

[eric61]

44 minutes ago, maamold said:

Maybe the 223 is just a bit thinner face which increases speed and lowers spin. I may weaken 1° when I order them so I stay above 5500. My major issue is the shafts, PX LZ 6.0 120 shafts are hard to come by right now for all manufactures. 

Have you heard what Mizuno’s quoting folks on those shafts right now in terms of timing? Because that’s what I pre-ordered.

[maamold]

1 minute ago, eric61 said:

Have you heard what Mizuno’s quoting folks on those shafts right now in terms of timing? Because that’s what I pre-ordered.

I originally ordered TM P770's in early Jan, they quoted Jan 27th. Then they changed it to May 4th 3 days later, then they changed it to March 4th 3 days after that, then they changed it to June 21st. I called and canceled the order this morning, probably for the best as I think the 223's are a better iron. I'm going to call the shop tomorrow and place the order for them, crossing fingers that the delay is not too long. 

[dmeeksDC]

I would say for those who see this merely as loft differences, go hit them. I used to believe that, but it’s not that simple. The distance difference is coming from more factors than a 2 degree loft difference. That would only account for a half-club distance if the heads were the same — about 5-6 yards. 

 

The newer clubs have less loft but very thin faces — they launch just as high and for most players even higher, and are significantly more forgiving on mishits. Average speeds will go up due to the mishit forgiveness, more so in the 225 vs the 223. Based on construction alone, a 225 head at the exact same loft as a 921 Tour will go higher and longer. I have zero doubt about that. The 223 will be closer in “averaged distance” to the Tour because it is not a hollow head like the 225.
 

I’ve tried this and seen it with a different model. A 921 Hot Metal Pro 8 iron is 34 degrees at 36.5 inches. A 921 Tour 7 iron is 34 degrees at 37 inches. The HMP — even with the 1/2 inch shorter shaft — goes higher and longer, with a steeper descent angle and plenty of spin. And when you miss one, the distance loss can be surprisingly small. Also, a lot of irons produce excess spin that you don’t need — it does not need “extra” spin to stop, that only reduces distance. The face tech and chromoly does make a difference in cutting that excess spin while boosting launch and speed across the face. See for yourself. It’s obvious right away. 

[NZ315]

Just went through a fitting this past week. Played the 921 Forged $taper 130 all last year. Went through all the proper fitting process and ended up with an order for the 223. Picked up 7 to 10 yards vs the forged. Although the head is smaller for me the 223 was more forgiving. The 223 paired up with the ProjectX LZ 6.0 was money. That setup just felt so balanced. They felt amazing!! I was a little hesitant about the smaller head. I was surprised with the amount of forgiveness. Hopefully they don’t take forever to get here. 

Edited January 15, 2022 by NZ315

[NZ315]

13 hours ago, maamold said:

I originally ordered TM P770's in early Jan, they quoted Jan 27th. Then they changed it to May 4th 3 days later, then they changed it to March 4th 3 days after that, then they changed it to June 21st. I called and canceled the order this morning, probably for the best as I think the 223's are a better iron. I'm going to call the shop tomorrow and place the order for them, crossing fingers that the delay is not too long. 

I talked to the Mizuno Rep during my fitting and they basically are pulling all KBS shafts from the order options. They didn’t see any issues with the new product delivery. I got the projectX LZ. With the pre order in I should be good. I hope at least.
 

[maamold]

2 hours ago, NZ315 said:

I talked to the Mizuno Rep during my fitting and they basically are pulling all KBS shafts from the order options. They didn’t see any issues with the new product delivery. I got the projectX LZ. With the pre order in I should be good. I hope at least.
 

I just visited the shop and placed the order. 4-PW LZ 6.0 120g.