Every golfer serious about their game knows about Mizuno and their drive to make an iron that's perfect for everyone out on the links. The fact that every new release of Mizuno irons creates a bigger buzz among golfers than offerings from almost any other company is a testament to just how well Mizuno has succeeded in reaching this goal.
Every golfer is different, every course is special, and every game is unique. The only thing that remains constant is your gear. Mizuno irons are a great way to excel on any course and in any game, and we've rounded up four of Mizuno's best to review here. We'll consider how they perform, how easy they are to use, the quality of design, and pros and cons for each. By the time we're done, you should have an idea of which of the Mizuno irons will be right for you.
COMPARISON TABLE
WHAT ARE MIZUNO IRONS?
There are always people who disagree, but in general most dedicated, professional golfers will tell you that Mizuno irons are the best out there. They feel great in the hand, offer consistent performance, and look amazing. They have clean, classic lines and always use the finest materials available. You can't ask for anything more.
Mizuno History
Mizuno's first true irons, the MS series, debuted in 1984 and continued until 1991 when they were replaced by the MP line that is still in use today. But the MS Mizuno irons are not the beginning of the story.
SPORTING GEAR
POST WAR
MODERN INNOVATION
Mizuno Today
These days Mizuno has factories and offices all over the world. They still focus on baseball and golf and their products continue to be industry-leading. Mizuno irons have been the club to beat for decades; and that's not about to change any time soon.
PRODUCT SPECS
Image by David Barnard from Pixabay
What makes Mizuno irons so great? While Mizuno's metal wood clubs have never been as popular, their irons have been industry leading for a simple reason: quality and price.
Forging
Forging irons in one piece is more expensive than attaching separately forged pieces together; but the result is superior quality. The total forging technique is common in Japan, and for this reason Japan's iron golf clubs, kitchen knives, and similar metal instruments are highly regarded. Other forged irons can cost $2,000 or more, but Mizuno has always offered quality goods at prices the average golfer can manage.
Feel
The feel of Mizuno irons is part of their enduring popularity. It's hard to make an iron that gives you a lot of control while simultaneously being forgiving: yet Mizuno delivers.
The key is having a forged club head and a cavity back. Cavity backs are far more forgiving than blade design heads. With a blade design, you have to smack the ball in precisely the right place every time, so a cavity back will be more accurate for most non-professional players.
The problem with typical inexpensive cavity back irons is that the head shape compromises power and strength. Mizuno irons solve this problem by combining forged heads with a cavity shape, delivering accuracy and power at the same time, and for a reasonable price.
Looks
There's no denying that one reason for the appeal of these clubs is their spectacular good looks. They have classic lines and look substantive without being awkward or clunky. Many golfers report that the look and feel of the club in the hand actually gives them confidence.
Sound
Most irons give off a kind of muted “chunk” when they connect with a ball; but Mizuno irons have a very satisfying smack. While this might not sound like an important point, it's something experienced golfers really appreciate.
Performance
No matter how nice they look or how satisfying they sound, Mizuno irons wouldn't be as popular as they are if they didn't deliver: and they do. They offer powerful, accurate, straight shots that feel easy to make.
PRICING
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
The cheapest set of irons Mizuno offers will run you just under $$$, while the most expensive set we reviewed is exactly twice that amount. Other sets come in at prices between those two extremes. For the higher price, expect enhanced grains and stronger shafts in clubs designed to be used by pros. That being said, the cheapest Mizuno irons are still great and will perform solidly for any player.
Different Mizuno Irons
We picked four different sets of Mizuno's irons to review. We looked at:
MIZUNO JPX919 TOUR IRON
- Stability Frame: Open at the heel portion to enhance stability and launch, while producing a tour preferred vibration...
- Grain Flow Forged HD: Enhanced Grain Flow Forging process that increases grain density in the impact area for the...
- Tour Grind Top Edge: Narrowed to match grinds commonly requested on Tour
- EASE OF USE
- Performance
- design quality
- warranty
All Mizuno clubs come with a one-year warranty that covers only manufacturing defects. Accident, misuse, or damage in transit are not covered. Any misuse or alteration voids the warranty. Frankly, given the design quality we would have expected a longer warranty period. There is a 30-day return policy, so if you do get a club that was damaged in transit or you are otherwise unhappy with it, send it back in the original packaging.
PROS
CONS
MIZUNO MP-18 IRON
There are four models of the MP-18, and each is right for someone. Even better, get all four in a set and have them available for whatever the needs of the moment demand. They're meant to be a set, after all.
Whichever of the four you use, they all have a similar soft feel. They offer workability and control while still providing incredible power. The look of these Mizuno irons is clean and simple.
- EASE OF USE
- Performance
- design quality
- warranty
This set has the same standard warranty as the tour irons and all Mizuno clubs.
PROS
CONS
MIZUNO JPX-850 IRON
- Mizuno JPX-850
- Power Frame Foregiveness: Weight is strategically placed in the four corner of the cavity to maximize foregiveness.
- Dual Relief Zone Sole: Ideal turf interaction for solid ball striking in all course conditions.
This set of irons is designed specifically to give the casual player the kind of forgiveness that makes occasional play fun. The Dual Relief Zone gives you solid strikes no matter what the conditions of play. The price is good too, at half the cost of the tour irons. Overall, this set is perfect for any player who wants quality yet affordable irons for occasional fun play.
- EASE OF USE
- Performance
- design quality
- warranty
This is a quality design, especially considering the price. You should get the Mizuno JPX-850 forged version, though, as this will give you better speed and quality.
PROS
CONS
MIZUNO JPX 900 IRON
- Grain Flow Forged 1025 Boron
- Power Frame
- Reengineered CNC Milled Pocket
The 900 iron set is only slightly more expensive than the 850 and does offer an improved design for that price. The 850 and the 900 are part of Mizuno's attempt to provide great clubs even for modest performers.
These clubs are a lot like the 850s with just some minor tweaks: except for one big change. The new variable face design is a huge improvement that gives you the kind of weight distribution you would get from the most expensive clubs out there.
- EASE OF USE
- Performance
- design quality
- warranty
Once again you get a one-year warranty, and, as with the 850s, the warranty compared with price is a better deal than with the more expensive sets.
PROS
CONS
CONCLUSION
We love Mizuno irons; and so do most professionals. You really can't go wrong with any of these four sets, but the right set for you will depend on your playing needs.
Best All around
If we could only get one set, it would definitely be the 900s. They offer the kind of performance and quality you would expect from a much more expensive set with the price, control, and forgiveness less skilled players need.
Closest to Professional
If you are playing at a high level but can't afford true “professional” club sets, we recommend the MP-18 Mizuno irons. They're cheaper than the tour iron sets, but honestly: they out-play them. If you're new to the game, you won't find them as forgiving as the 850 or 900; but if you know what you're doing you'll be pleased.
Whichever set you get, rest assured you're getting a quality set of irons from a company that has been setting standards in the world of golf clubs for almost 100 years.
