JPX825 Pro's for a high handicapper(24-28)...

I would just add, that you may want to check the shafts, to see that they may not be too stiff for your swing. Also, check to see that the length and lie is standard, best case is, to have irons fitted for you.

I see you play guitar, there's a few of here that play also. Welcome to TST..

Welcome to The Sand Trap Matt.

My handicap is close to yours and I am considering buying the cast JPX 825s. I might consider the 825 pros only if I like them (a lot) and a fitting determines that more adjustment is needed beyond what they can do to the cast version. From what I understand, the pros in addition to being forged, have less offset and a narrower sole so are a bit less forgiving.

My local shop did not have any 825s in stock but did have the 850s which are just a newer version. I tried those and the JPX EZ's. Oddly enough, I didn't care for the EZ's but I really liked the cast 850s. So if I decide to make the jump, I plan to drive 4 hours to the closest Golfsmith to do a fitting.

Obviously, I can't make a suggestion for you. For me, I doubt a new set of irons will do much for dramatically helping my game. I would be better off taking the money I've saved and put it towards lessons.

However, like you I have only ever had used clubs bought either on Ebay or at a thrift store. If I buy a new set, it would possibly be the last set I buy - at least for several years. I want something nice and I want to be properly fitted. Besides the custom fitting, there's nothing logical about this.

As far as whether a set of clubs is too advanced for a given skill level, it's an on going debate. In addition to my Adams GI irons, I also have an old set of blades. When my swing is on, I hit these old clubs ok. But when my swing is off, I don't even hit the GI's that well. So for me, playing the 825 pros doesn't seem like such a bad option. Just my opinion.

I hit them both early last spring when Mizuno Man came to the local GG. Both hit both reasonably well, but the JPX-825 Pro "felt better."  The M.fitter suggested that I might get better results out of the JPX-825. I ended up not buying either.

In Mizunoland...

Basically, the JPX-825 will give you more forgiveness on shots, and higher trajectory despite stronger lofts (due to head and cavity design). JPX-825 Pro will reward solid shots with tighter dispersion patterns, but won't be as helpful on partial mishits.

Conventional wisdom says get clubs for the swing you have, not for the one you hope to get in two years.

Since you're getting more serious about golf, this would be the time to get a fitting to see what clubs (heads and shafts) would fit you best. And, you don't have to get everything all at once. You can take the data from your fitting, and fill in the bag as $$ become available. Also, Mizuno dealers have a solid fitting cart to let you try different head and shaft combos. Also, custom fit irons don't cost any more than off-the-rack irons (unless you go with super-fancy grips or very expensive shafts).

In your case, don't forget that the shaft it half the club. Being that the JPX-825 Pro is designed with better golfers in mind, an off-the-rack set might have a heavier, stiffer shaft that would be difficult to handle. Again, a fitting will tell you this. And, if you buy new clubs (no prior owner), the fitting should be free.

If you stand 6'3" you should definitely be fitted, you probably need a little extra length in the shaft but that all depends..... I play Pings and the fitting and sizing of clubs does not cost you anymore then the "standard" black dot sold off the rack.

I agree, I came to the realisation not too long ago that although I may have some great natural levers, normal sized clubs don't do that much for it! I was wise enough to get some 1/2 inch longer wedges that do fit just right, I guess it's the old chestnut... '1/2 inch really does make the difference' ;) Hopefully will be going down to the shop tomorrow, if they can fit me up then I'll be purchasing and let you guys know how I get on.

I have a set of the JPX 825's with the s3000 shafts and I love them. Got them last summer when I was shooting around 115 consistently then improved to shooting about 99-105. I love the 825s over the nike slingshots I had. Don't know much about the 825 pros but the 825s are good in my opinion for my skill level and play style.

Hi, it sounds like we were/are in the same boat I was regularly hitting around 110-120 in the summer and have recently gotten that down to between 100-110 (still yet to break that damn 100 mark though!). The clubs seem like my best bet, I may hold off for a while work on my game a little and perhaps look at getting a set of irons with a proper fitting in the spring, this will also give me a chance to go to a few of the mizuno open days locally to me, get a feel for their different clubs.

Yea, I had a set of nike slingshots that I bought off craigslist and they worked for me learning basics, but they had regular shafts and swing speed was to high for them. Got fitted for the 825s, liked them better than anything else I tried out.  And I broke 100 on the last day I played this year. Shot that elusive 99, then snow hit and now waiting for May where Ill probably go out and shoot a 120 first day