Building off of the massive success of the totally revamped JPX series over the last three years, including a couple major victories with the JPX 900 Tour model, Mizuno is expanding the JPX options and again blurring the line between game improvement and players clubs with the introduction of the highly anticipated JPX 919 Hot Metal Pro.

What gets lost in the discussion with Mizuno and the JPX line is the original Hot Metal 900 was the best-selling iron for Mizuno in the 900 line up by quite a large margin and helped take back some relatively big market share from other OEMs in the category. When you take into account that for the majority of recreational (and even avid golfers) breaking 100 is a challenge, it’s easy to see how game improvement clubs make up the majority of on course and fitting studio sales. For a brand like Mizuno so closely associated with the PGA Tour and lower handicap players, that was a big step forward in consumer perception.

The JPX 919 Hot Metal Pro fits into the lineup for the aspiring player looking for both ball speed and an enhanced appearance from the top line. From first impression alongside my MP 18 blade, its easy to see how this club could find its way into the hands of even the most ascetically picky golfer.

The technology story comes from the combining of all the technology from the JPX 919 Hot Metal line including

• Proprietary chromoly 4140M to increase face strength, flex, & speed – while still allow for lie loft adjustments
• One Piece cupped geometry for improved feedback
• Re-engineered ribs in the cavity to improve acoustics
• Stability frame undercut to push mass to the furthest perimeters for maximum forgiveness

…all this now in a profile typically only seen in a “players cavity iron”

From a technical and fitting standpoint, the specs of the JPX 919 Hot Metal Pros are an exact match to the standard 919 Hot Metals (in regards to the lies and lofts). This makes it the perfect club to either combo into the short irons or, for those looking to add some forgiveness into the longer irons by combo-ing with either the forged of tour models in the shorter irons. This transition will be equally easy since the offset is inline to the offset numbers with the JPX 919 Tour’s. See more photos and discussion in the forums

The best way to describe the target golfer for this is either a better player with moderate clubhead speed that needs more ball speed and higher launch to help hold more greens, the aspiring mid-handicapper looking to move into an iron that has a “players” profile while still offering forgiveness, or the golfer looking to combo a long iron replacement to compliment the rest of their set.

Even into the shorter irons, the Hot Metal Pros are a sight to been seen. Obviously, there is no mistaking this club for a pure blade, but you will be hard pressed to find a pitching wedge packed with this much technology in a shape that is both confidence inspiring and player preferred. There is also a matching 50-degree gap wedge to match the set and make the transition to traditional wedges easier.

Join the discussion in the forums.