Mizuno has been synonymous with blades with the softest, loveliest feel at impact. Unfortunately they are also the most uncompromising of irons and will penalize you severely on mishits. In recent years, Mizuno has begun to make more forgiving, more accessible irons that continue to spread Mizuno’s gospel of the sweetness at impact. They’ve been getting better and better at it.
Mizuno’s latest effort in this arena is the JPX EZ forged iron. This style of iron has become very popular in the last few years principally because it offers the golfer the complete package; feel, looks, performance and forgiveness. It is because of this that the JPX-EZ Forged and other irons of its ilk appeal to golfers of a variety of handicaps.
The irons are made with Mizuno’s “Grain Flow” forging process from 1025E carbon steel, which makes the irons feel very soft despite their aggressive cavity-back styling. But with the multi-thickness CORTECH face, the ball speed across the face has been increased from previous models, which allows for maximum distance.
The JPX-EZ Forged irons are larger than Mizuno’s popular MP series irons, but they’re made with the same forging process and feel quite similar to the legendary MP series but those with experience with any MP will recognize that the EZ is not quite as sweet at impact. That said, they do feel substantially better than any cast iron that you care to mention, even its larger, more forgiving sibling the JPX EZ cast iron.
The EZ Forged iron is a “tweener”. It bridges the gap between the MP series and its larger cast sibling. It is larger (longer from heel to toe) than any MP but possesses a slimmer topline and less offset than the EZ Cast iron. Although it is very easy to hit, it isn’t quite as friendly or easy to use as its cast counterpart. But its target golfer will find it very easy to hit indeed.
The black nickel finish on the JPX-EZ Forged is a little different from previous Mizuno irons, but it’s just what the doctor ordered for those sunny days when glare can be bothersome.
The 4-7-irons feature a deep undercut cavity for the most forgiveness possible and the highest possible ball speeds off the clubface. The 8-iron to pitching wedge have a shallower cavity with more weight behind the center of the clubface for better feel and control of the golf ball’s trajectory.
Because of the relocated center of gravity, Mizuno found it necessary to endow the JPX EZ Forged iron with lofts 2 degrees stronger throughout the set. The additional distance is nice but it is the consistency with which the EZ Forged delivers these distances that will endear it to the golfer.
Controlling trajectory is not an issue with the EZ Forged; if you have the skill to manipulate the flight of your golf ball then this iron will be a willing dance partner. If you just want to hit it straight then it will oblige you as well.
The JPX EZ Forged looks very good at address. Yes the topline is on the thick side, but I’ll take that any day in exchange for the ease of use. It doesn’t seem overly large when set behind the golf ball either. The charcoal finish seems to make the clubhead appear slightly smaller than it really is.
So once again Mizuno has come out with a cracking iron. The JPX EZ Forged iron will appeal to the mid-handicapper looking to play a forged iron or the low-handicapper looking for something more forgiving. If you’re in the market for a new set of irons and are looking for that sweet forged feel you need to put the JPX EX Forged on your short list.
Mizuno has another winner here.
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