Mizuno MX-17 vs Mizuno MX-23
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | MX-17 loft | MX-23 loft | MX-17 lie | MX-23 lie | MX-17 length | MX-23 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20 | 20 | 59.5 | 59.5 | 38.75 | 38.75 |
| 4 | 23 | 23 | 60 | 60 | 38.25 | 38.25 |
| 5 | 26 | 26 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 37.75 | 37.75 |
| 6 | 30 | 29 | 61 | 61 | 37.25 | 37.25 |
| 7 | 34 | 33 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 36.75 | 36.75 |
| 8 | 38 | 37 | 62 | 62 | 36.25 | 36.25 |
| 9 | 42 | 41 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| PW | 46 | 46 | 63 | 63 | 35.5 | 35.25 |
| SW | 55 | — | 63 | — | 35.25 | — |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- MX-17
- MX-23
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the MX-17 is 34° and the MX-23 is 33°, a 1° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the MX-23 should carry roughly 3 to 4 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the MX-17. Across the 8 clubs both sets share, the MX-23 averages 0.5° stronger, with the largest gap at the 6-iron (30° vs 29°).
The sets are built differently: the MX-17 runs 3-iron to SW (9 clubs), the MX-23 3-iron to PW (8 clubs).
Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Perimeter-weighted cavity backs with wider soles, more offset and stronger lofts, aimed at mid handicaps. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
The MX-17 is listed as investment cast with a pocket cavity and the MX-23 as investment cast with a cut muscle cavity. The MX-23's muscle-back shape keeps mass directly behind the strike for feedback and control, where a cavity spreads it to the perimeter for forgiveness.
Both sets were introduced in 2006, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: Mizuno designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The MX-23 is the stronger-lofted set — up to 1° stronger than the MX-17 on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Mizuno MX-17 specs and Mizuno MX-23 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mizuno MX-17 stronger lofted than the MX-23?
No. The MX-23 is the stronger-lofted set: its 7-iron is 33° against 34° for the Mizuno MX-17, 1° stronger and worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of extra carry.
What is the loft difference between the Mizuno MX-17 and MX-23?
At the 7-iron the difference is 1° (34° vs 33°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the 6-iron, and 4 of the 8 shared clubs differ.
Are the Mizuno MX-17 and MX-23 aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the Mizuno MX-17 and MX-23 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 61.5° lie and 36.75 inches long.
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