We put the Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal against the Titleist 718 AP1 – which came out on top?
Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal vs. Titleist 718 AP1: The results
Both of these irons offer explosive distance.
But they still offer a pleasing sound and feel. They both look and feel like proper golf clubs and don’t scream ‘game-improvement’ in the way some other models in this category may.
Looking at the launch monitor numbers I did find a little bit more ball speed with the Hot Metal but I was swinging it a little bit faster for some reason.
Both irons have fairly low spin but both are launching very high so are landing pretty steeply.
Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal vs. Titleist 718 AP1: NCG verdict
There’s not really enough information here for me to say that one iron is better than the other.
OK, the Hot Metal had a bit of extra ball speed but that was a result of a faster average swing speed.
So I think it boils down to whether you are more of a Mizuno or a Titleist fan.
The Titleist has more classic looks while the Mizuno feels a bit more modern and edgy.
Either way, I don’t think there are any irons in this category which will outperform these.
I’d throw the Ping G700, G400, Callaway Rogue and TaylorMade M3/M4 in this conversation.
But in my humble opinion, the JPX919 and Titleist 718 AP1 standout for their looks, shelf appeal and being inoffensive in the address position.
But when splashing out £700-£800 on a set of irons I’d be testing absolutely everything to get the right model.
Mizuno JPX919 Hot metal details
SRP: £120 per iron
More information can be found on the Mizuno website.
Titleist 718 AP1 irons details
SRP: £115/£140 per club (steel/graphite)
More information can be found on the Titleist website.
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
