Mizuno JPX925 Hot Metal Pro

Good, but the least forgiving of the line - the Hot Metal Pro keeps perimeter weighting and the CORTECH face for solid forgiveness, but trades some of it for a compact, low-offset players' shape, less than the standard Hot Metal or HL. Forgiving for a compact wedge, not a game-improvement design.

Fast, distance-led - the CORTECH face delivers explosive ball speeds and ample controllable distance, with an ~8% carry increase and ~4.6% more ball speed than the prior generation in testing. Strong distance control, with modest greenside spin typical of a cast set wedge.

The most workable of the line - the dramatically reduced offset (up to 0.74 inch less than the standard Hot Metal) and a smaller blade length make the ball flight easier to control, with easier access to a cut and a controlled draw. More workable than the GI Hot Metals, though the thicker sole still limits flighting it up and down.

A genuine highlight - the wedge has an excellent feel and a lovely sound that belies the cavity-back construction, lively without being harsh with good mishit feedback, with the best-in-business solid-and-soft Mizuno Hot Metal feel. Among the better cast-wedge feels, helped by dedicated wedge tuning.

A lovely, solid note - precisely dialled-in vibration patterns give a solid, explosive impact sound, a best-in-business acoustic. A clean, premium impact note for a cast wedge.

A players' look at address - from above it looks more like a players' iron with the thicker sole well hidden and minimal offset, though the cavity back is a touch fussy with an obtrusive sound bar. A clean, confidence-inspiring address profile, busier behind.