On this page you’ll find our detailed Mizuno JPX 900 Hybrid Review, the pros and cons, and a side-by-side comparison with other hybrids we have recently reviewed.
When I think Mizuno, I think cutting-edge MP irons, or drivers geared towards control. In golf’s wider target market, it’s fair to say that the real estate occupied by the Japan-based brand is largely that which is eyed up by the world’s better golfers.
On the other hand, although an embrace of hybrids by some professionals has helped to break down prejudices, this type of club is generally associated more with game improvement than a go-to club for low single-figure players.
And it is on this basis that a user-friendly Mizuno hybrid seems an unlikely match. Yet surprisingly, Mizuno hybrids, until now anyway, have erred on the side of resembling a mini fairway wood, rather than a long-iron replacement that you’d link with better players. Their focus with regard to hybrids has, by their own admission, been more focused on boosting Moment of Inertia (MOI) and distance.
So do their newest jewels, the JPX 900 hybrids, buck that trend? Do they stick out the olive branch to the scratch golfer, without alienating the Sunday hacker? It’s a tough balancing act, but they make a reasonable fist of it.
We reviewed the Mizuno JPX 900 Hybrid as part of our Best Golf Hybrids Review.
If you already own the Mizuno JPX 900 Hybrid please leave your review in the customer review box at the end of this article.
Mizuno JPX 900 Hybrid
Our Assessment
The JPX 900 hybrids will pique the interest of better players more than their Mizuno predecessors to some extent.
The head is slightly smaller than most Mizuno hybrids, and the lie angle is appreciably flatter. The shaft is shorter in the 2 and 3 too, which means the clubs naturally sit more upright.
But while these tweaks have been made with lower-handicap golfers in mind, for 18+ handicappers, you’ll be pleased to hear that hosel adjustability and a draw bias make their presence felt.
Added to that, it is still a relatively low-spin hybrid, with easy launch and ample distance to be enjoyed. As such, there’s a bit of something for everyone here.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $249.00 |
Gender | Men’s & Ladies |
Handicap Range | Mid – High |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand |
Lofts | 16.0°; 19°; 22°; 25° (Ladies 22°; 25°) |
Head Type | 2 – 5 |
Lie | 58.5° – 60.0° (Ladies 59.5°; 60.0°) |
Length | 41.0” – 39.5” (Ladies 39”; 38.5”) |
Shaft Type and Name | Fujikura Pro Hybrid |
Grip | Golf Pride/Mizuno |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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Mizuno JPX 900 Hybrid Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
The classic matte blue crown as a contrast to the black is a mainstay of Mizuno hybrids, and the JPX 900 is another beneficiary of this aesthetically-pleasing blend. In keeping with the theme of the brand positioning, we’d also note that the depth of the face, shape and size of the clubhead don’t venture too far from average – which is no bad thing.
Perhaps the most noticeable deviation from the norm is how upright the club sits. This owes in part to the flatter, default lie angle, along with the shorter shaft length (in the 2 and 3 hybrid – the 5 is actually longer than average).
You also have the ability to adjust the JPX 900 flatter by a further degree, while there is scope to make it up to two degrees more upright. There is also a hint of offset with these hybrids; increasingly so as you move from 2 to 5.
Image Credit: Official Mizuno Image
Build Quality
These hybrids are designed with a 1770 maraging steel face, but one of the cornerstones of the build is Mizuno’s well-established Shock Wave Sole Technology, which essentially creates flex in the face at impact.
Aside from cushioning the blow of the impact, the idea behind this is to enhance COR. Yet you’ll note that, despite an appreciably thicker sole, the waves towards the front of it are quite a bit smaller than other Mizuno hybrids.
The theory is that weight is then shifted forward in the clubhead, and slightly lower down too, which reduces spin. This means you get a good kick of distance, while it offers a pretty easy launch too.
This was especially tangible with the 4 and 5 hybrids, which is important when coming off the deck.
The impressive signature feature here is that the JPX 900s are the first range of Mizuno hybrids to be both loft and lie adjustable.
It’s all pretty easily done too, and you can adjust both metrics from the hosel. This ultimately offers some good versatility to what is already a streamlined, stylish club, and the fact that the JPX 900s have shown a bit of love to our left-handed friends (and the ladies) is good to see.
Control & Performance
First up, we must say, we weren’t blown away by the feel of the JPX 900. It makes a fair bit of noise, and these are certainly forgiving clubs.
But the feel itself is pretty hollow, and there wasn’t much in the way of feedback between good and bad strikes. However, we must stress that there was a clear difference in output between the 2 and 3 hybrid, and the 4 and 5.
Mizuno use a technology called ‘Face Progression’, and the difference in terms of ball-flight penetration between the two duos is marked. Therein lies the split between their two target audiences, me thinks.
But, across all four hybrids, the sweet spot favors the heel, which is great news for those with the dreaded slice.
But for those whose mishits tend to find the toe, there isn’t going to be much joy for you – unless you have a weird fetish for chasing down balls in the left rough!
Image Credit: Official Mizuno Image
Value for Money
This is by no means a rip off. Mizuno have stuck an extra $50 on top of the price paid for the JPX 850 hybrids, and you can understand why. There are some great new features that have been added into the mix.
The JPX900 Hybrids have also positioned themselves as something of a double agent between the classic fairway wood and iron-leaning hybrid, meaning they have a lot to offer both single-figure handicappers and those who are less gifted.
That said, there is no doubt that these hybrids are still on the costly side of average.