When you are ready to buy a new iron, you can go with one of the well-known brands like Taylormade, Srixon, Callaway, Mizuno, Ping, PXG, etc.
However, if you’re targeting specific clubs from two competing brands, it might be a little difficult to decide.
You’re going to be considering a lot of things; forgiveness, workability, price, consistency, feel, sound, and a lot more. Some models will make it easy for you where one will be better on a lot of fronts. But for others, you’ll have to look high and low before deciding.
If you’re looking to choose between PXG and Mizuno irons, look no further. I’ll be reviewing and comparing both brands extensively so you’ll be able to decide which one will give you the best value for your money.
To make this easy, I’ll be looking at the Taylormade P790 and PXG 0311 irons. This will entail the design aspects, performance, price, feel, sound, and more.
PXG vs Mizuno: Which One Should You Go for?
Mizuno JPX900 Forged Iron – Yay or Nay?
If you want an all-around high-performance golf club that delivers quality and versatility look no further than the Mizuno JPX900 Forged Iron. This golf club is exceptional.
First of all, it is forged instead of cast, which makes it extra durable and delivers a high-quality feel, unlike any other club. Additionally, it is made out of 1025 Boron which is stronger than normal steel, allowing the face of the club to be made thinner and lighter.
This allows for the center of gravity to be placed more low, which is excellent for high-speed balls. The feel is quite light yet firm, and it allows for a good amount of control making it perfect for seasoned golfers.
The only downside as is to be expected is that it is on the pricier side compared to other golf clubs. Overall, a solid 10/10: high quality, good looking, feels excellent to use, and are an all-around excellent club!
Performance
Another test shows that the JPX Forged has an excellent performance range coupled with a good distance. However, to really getting a satisfactory distance, you may need a fit especially if you’ve not tasted a forged iron like the Mizuno in the past.
So, when you buy this and start using it, you may discover you can’t get anything except pitiful performance and distance. But once you get a full fit, you can see dramatic changes.
Another good thing about this iron is that it can maintain a good trajectory under bad or unpredictable weather. What this means for the average golfer are more control over ball spin and good ball flight.
The ball flight is predictable and repetitive. Once you get a few full swings, you can easily predict how the balls are going to react when hit. The forgiveness on the 900 Tours is very good too, so you can measure your mishits and plan your improvement.
If you’re following, the above shows that the JPX Forged Iron can give you excellent course and range scores.
The loft on the iron is soft, and in a good way, because they’ll help you get better distance by generating more launch. Combine this with a high trajectory and apex and you have better consistency compared to counterparts.
At this point, it’s good to point out that these improvements may be possible with 4 and 5 irons and not carry along to the 3 irons.
Looks
While not all golfers will die to have the best look on their clubs, a lot of them won’t come close to one except it beats others in the look department. If you’re in the second group, I have good news for you.
As mentioned in the comparison above, the JPX Forged Iron beats the MP Irons when it comes to the look. The blade looks attractive and stylish. This does not affect the performance of the club as reported by many users.
To add to that, the sound on it is soft and the feel you get when hitting the ball is smooth – doesn’t throw you off balance. You also get good feedback through the shaft, which is a good thing to have.
Verdict
Mizuno has been able to nail the acoustics and vibrations in the JPX 900, resulting in a pleasing feel/sound. Most players could easily tell when an iron feels harsh even when blindfolded.
However, I haven’t found one that pulls down the 900 Tour due to the harshness in feel/sound.
PXG GEN4 0311 Iron
PXG is not as popular as the likes of Callaway, Srixon, Titleist. However, they’re making waves with their irons which getting more and more advanced with the new series. The brand started out with the 0211 series, most of these, designed for the masses.
To cater to professional golfers, the PXG followed up with their premium series in the 0311 line. These PXG irons are out in different generations.
The latest are the gen 4, which comes with interesting tech designs to separate them from previous models. One of the things that have changed in the PXG 0311 generation 4 irons is the newly developed polymer material and hollowed body.
The result is a refined sweet spot and a softer feel. Adjustability in the irons is also very good. You can get a custom fit by adjusting the swing weight in a 2gram increment, making for a tightly optimized individual performance.
Even if you’re a professional golfer, getting your iron custom fit right can be a game-changer for you. Not to talk of the advantage that is in store for amateur golfers.
When played, the club releases a soft, crisp sound while hitting the ball responsively and powerfully for the short game. If hitting chip shots, pitch shots and putts with accuracy is your bread and butter, this iron is one to look out for.
Price
PXG is often criticized for pricing the irons too high. Looking at the price tag on the 0311, this is immediately obvious.
So, naturally, one of the things that PXG tried to deal with when releasing the 0211 and 0311 series, is the price. There were a lot of complaints when the brand started with their first-generation models as the price was not so affordable compared to more established brands.
Now, PXG is trying to reach all segments of the marketing.
The brand introduced some generations in the 0211 series as entry-level so you can get their irons for affordable prices. Those looking to go the premium way and are not afraid to spend more now have the new gen04 of the 0311 irons.
Why is PXG so expensive?
This is the question on the lips of most potential purchasers of PXG clubs. The brand takes a different approach in the manufacturing of its clubs.
It takes pride in its engineering process and deployment of high-performance, high-quality materials and a complex welding and polishing process.
This means thousands of dollars in R&D, leading to very expensive clubs. It’s not surprising that pros like Jason Kokrak, Joel Dahmen, Zach Johnson, many well-known players are using PXG’s clubs.
Not only that, their irons actually kind of perform. It’s validated in many online forums and reviews on their irons that PXG irons can be faulted on price but not on performance.
Final Thoughts on Both Irons
While it’s clear that a lot of people despise PXG based on its steep price, some others think that their irons are ugly.
While it’s clear that a lot of people despise PXG based on their steep price, some others think that their irons are ugly, especially the placement of the screws. But if you’re after results and performance, you’d probably look beyond the aesthetics.
Because of their price, PXG will be out of choice for many people. If that’s you, then stick Mizuno as they are also quite excellent clubs.
But because they’re game-improvement irons and come with serious performance-enhancing features, the PXG are definitely worth their weight in gold.
Keep it at the back of your mind that no matter how expensive a set of irons are, they will not improve your game or make you a better player. It’s more important to get the right fit than spending fortunes on golf clubs.