Mizuno MX 25 - Next recommended Mizuno forged iron?

[Shoalharbor]

Enjoy the soft feel of these irons. After recently buying a set of new game improvement irons I went back to the MX 25s. What would be the next ‘step up’ in a Mizuno forged iron? Wish I could play their beautiful blades but that part of my game a distant memory! I am happy to play clubs that have been in circulation for 20+ years so the manufacturing  date is not an issue. I play off a 16 and an older ‘vintage’ player. Thanks! 

[hagimihale]

I gamed MX-23s for years.  Still have my set up north at a buddy's house (hate travelling with my sticks) - they are like an old but perfectly broken-in pair of jeans.  Feel right every time.

 

I upgraded to JPX 825 Pro, which came out in 2013.   I've read that these were forged by Endo, that (at that time) Mizuno didn't have the capability of doing a 1-piece forging with such a small undercut channel (3-7i).  The feel is very close, and these also have the same leading and trailing edge relief.  Worth a look if you don't want to spend the $ to get something more recent.

 

The next generation of JPX (850 Forged) was when Mizuno started to add Boron to the 1025E, resulting in a stronger metal but one that (IMO) didn't feel as soft.  JPX 900 Forged, 919 Forged, 921 forged all have some sort of undercut channel on the long and mid irons, and a Boron + 1025E construction.

 

On the MP side the MP-54 (circa 2014) also have the undercut channel, no Boron either.  MP-25 (2016) is where Boron started showing up in the MP range, and was the last model with an undercut channel.  

 

So if you were looking for something a bit more recent, but trying to stick to a budget, I'd put JPX 825 Pro and MP-54 on your list. Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

 

[Shoalharbor]

Thank you so much for walking me through the options to consider.  I came across a used Mizuno Pro FLI-HI 4 iron (21.5 degrees) at my local golf shop and hit it remarkably smooth (the feedback is just like butter!). I ditched my 5 wood and hit that instead. Appreciate your splendid advice. 

[XHoop24]

I love some of the older Mizuno sets  in that range, MX-300, JPX 800 Pros. Played the 800 pros and 900 Forged.   You can't go wrong moving into anything from Mizuno that is a one piece forging - thinking MP-53/54 or MP 18 SC/MMC.

 

I just moved into a set of ZX7's and they feel as soft (and actually maybe a bit softer) as the Mizuno's. From my perspective as a 10 HC, the Srixon 7 series is in a similar forgiveness range as the 800 Pros and have a very soft feel. Another option  would be any set of any of the Srixon's from 745 <-> ZX7s. 

[Shoalharbor]

Great recommendations and appreciate your valuable insights 

[Nessism]

Mizuno JPX 9xx Forged are the obvious choice.  Any of them, 900, 919, 921, 923, all are good.

[Shoalharbor]

I play with a friend who loves the JPX 921s. Thanks so much for your recommendations. 

[XHoop24]

1 hour ago, Shoalharbor said:

I play with a friend who loves the JPX 921s. Thanks so much for your recommendations. 

Do you know which model? The Tours, Forged, or HM/P?

[Shoalharbor]

I am assuming the forged but would have to ask him

[HGLucky13]

In for the follow, I have a similar story. I played the MX-25's for a little while and loved them. I wanted new clubs so I went to a fitting and I was fit into P425's. I hate them and this fall I am getting something new. Based on what I have read I am considering JPX 923F's or maybe the Pro 223's (maybe 243's if I can wait), though I am starting to think about the ZX-5/ZX-7 combo. I'll try all three and see what work out better for me. 

[XHoop24]

21 minutes ago, HGLucky13 said:

In for the follow, I have a similar story. I played the MX-25's for a little while and loved them. I wanted new clubs so I went to a fitting and I was fit into P425's. I hate them and this fall I am getting something new. Based on what I have read I am considering JPX 923F's or maybe the Pro 223's (maybe 243's if I can wait), though I am starting to think about the ZX-5/ZX-7 combo. I'll try all three and see what work out better for me. 

I think you have the right approach here. I was a long time Mizuno iron player and considered the 223, 923 Forged, and T100 (previous gen) and have ended up with the Srixon's. But you can't go wrong with any of those choices. I think it comes down to a look, feel, branding preference. 

[hagimihale]

@XHoop24 makes a good point about adding the MP-53 to the list.  The undercut channel and perimeter weighting on the 53 is much closer to the MX series.  Definitely worth looking at...