JPX or MP – what sort of Mizuno iron player are you?

Well, it has to be the new JPX919 Tour up against one of the new models from the MP-18 range.

We felt the JPX919 Tour and the MP-18 SC were about as similar as it got from a size and proportion point of view.

Both have almost exactly the same heel-to-toe blade length, top line, offset and sole width.

Mizuno JPX919 vs. MP-18: The technology

Both these irons are forged using Mizuno’s HD grain flow forging process. What the heck is that?

It’s basically the same forging process they’ve used in previous models – using a single billet of 1025 E pure select mild carbon steel – but they’ve made a tweak to the construction of the moulds.

It allows them to concentrate a higher density of metallic grains to really amplify the feel.

The JPX919 Tour is a touch more compact than it’s 900 predecessor but has a new stability frame which makes it more forgiving.

The MP-18 SC offers a touch more forgiveness than the MP-18 blade thanks to it’s split-cavity design.

So that’s the lowdown – but how did they perform? Find out the results of the testing and James’s verdict on the next page…

Mizuno JPX919 vs. MP-18: The results

So I’ve gathered some data on both irons after hitting a load of shots on the SkyTrak launch monitor.

And the results are very interesting.

Interesting in the fact there’s very little between them when it comes to the performance.

Maybe a touch more ball speed with the JPX919 but launch, spin, carry and total are all very similar.

My normal carry distance with a 7-iron would be 155 yards but we’ve got traditional lofts of 34˚ on each of these models.

So 7-irons in the JPX919 Tour and MP-18 SC are basically 8-irons when compared the the model of iron I would normally use.

That’s primarily why we see a carry of 145 and not 155.

Mizuno JPX919 vs. MP-18: NCG verdict

So, seeing as the performance of these irons are pretty much exactly the same – I wouldn’t say one is easier to use or more forgiving than the other – it’s all about looks.

It really comes back to the original question – are you a JPX or an MP player?

Are you all about the classic blade or are you a bit more ‘edgy’ and modern?

And that’s a question that only you yourself can answer.

Which model would I be leaning towards – if I was good enough to hit them consistently?

From a looks point of view, I’d be very much leaning towards the JPX919 Tour because, despite being in my mid 30s, I’m still down with the kids.

But after hitting both, I just seemed to enjoy using the MP-18 that little bit more – the look, sound and feel of them is simply sensational.

They’d excite me every time I went to play or practice with them.

So despite being young, athletic and aggressive just like Koepka, I’d be more than happy to settle in for a Netflix and chill night with the MP-18.

Mizuno JPX919 vs. MP-18 details

SRPs:

JPX919 Tour: £135 per iron
Available: 3-PW,  right hand only.

MP-18 SC: £135 per iron
Available: 3-PW, left and right hand

More information can be found on the Mizuno website.

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