Club Test 2011: Mizuno JPX-800 and JPX-800 Pro Irons

From Golf Magazine (April 2011)
JPX-800
Category: Max Game-Improvement Irons
We tested: 4-GW with True Temper Dynalite Gold XP steel shaft

Key Technologies: An ultra-thin clubface (using strong "Hot Metal" material) increases distance while its cavity design creates a larger effective hitting area and lower, deeper CG. The 4- through 7-irons have high COR for enhanced distance while 8-PW have a deep cavity for maximum forgiveness.

OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the highest-rated irons in the test. Provides plenty of distance, feel and control with a classic look.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Potentially the most workable irons in the test, which could appeal to players as they improve; very good performers from a variety of lies.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Quite good at preserving distance on mis-hits and very accurate on solid strikes.

DISTANCE CONTROL: Longer than average; very repeatable distances on short-iron approaches; short irons and wedges seem to produce more shotstopping bite than others.

FEEL: Provide more feedback than most max-game improvement irons without being harsh; very good sensation on greenside shots.

LOOK: Traditional shape, smooth lines and a handsome blue badge.

CONS
A few testers complain that these irons don't feel as good as some previous Mizuno forgings; JPX-800 lacks the extreme forgiveness of some of the other models that were tested.

Mizuno set a lofty goal for the JPX-800: To be the longest, most forgiving iron in the company's history. The JPX-800, in fact, gained 3 mph ball speed and 7 yards total distance in head-to-head tests with MX-200 irons. Mizuno's "Hot Metal" construction is a strengthening process that leads to an extra-thin clubface and triggers hotter ball speed. A multitiered pocket cavity expands the sweet spot and lowers the center of gravity for improved forgiveness.

JPX-800 Pro
From Golf Magazine (April 2011)
Category: Game-Improvement Irons
We tested: 4-GW with True Temper Dynalite Gold XP steel shaft

Key Technologies: A CNC cavity milling process contributes to the club's low center of gravity and thin, hot face (highest COR ever for a Mizuno forged iron). The effect is longer distance and improved forgiveness.

OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the best iron models in its class. It scores high marks for playability, distance control and feel.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: The club's "triple cut" sole design makes it a strong, steady performer from all types of lies.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Deadly accurate short irons; covers for mis-hits better than standard forgings.

DISTANCE CONTROL: Solid shots deliver above-average length; off-center hits don't lose much, either.

FEEL: Several guys find the smooth, soft feel to be the gold standard; solid contact provides Tour-like feel.

LOOK: Attractive-looking, slightly oversize head; the full cavity tells you that help is here if you need it.

CONS
Some testers find it difficult to differentiate bad hits from good ones; a few testers experience less maneuverability than with previous Mizuno forgings.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ (February 7, 2011)
JPX-800
The JPX-800 delivers unbelievable distance and forgiveness in our longest game-improvement iron. We combined our innovative Max COR technology, an ultrathin Hot Metal face and an exotic pocket cavity to provide the extra yards you've been searching for. You’re going to be at least a club longer." -- Chris Voshall, R&D engineer, Mizuno USA Golf

"With the perfect balance of forgiveness, distance and feel, the JPX-800 Pro features the highest COR ever in a Mizuno one-piece Grain Flow Forged iron. A large cavity is created using a CNC milling process that thins the face to raise ball speeds for maximum distance and optimizes a low, deep center of gravity for increased forgiveness." -- Richard Delvac, senior R&D product designer, Mizuno USA Golf

JPX-800: $699, steel; $899, graphite
JPX-800 Pro: $799, steel

More irons on Golf.com:
Better-player irons
Game-improvement irons
Max game-improvement irons