Srixon Golf made a big splash in 2015 when it came to equipment releases. For the first time in a number of years, they introduced multiple iron sets that stood out in looks and offered some unique technologies. To keep the ball rolling heading in to 2016, Srixon brings us the Z 355 irons, a high distance, high forgiveness iron set that doesn’t come in a bulky package.
From Srixon
For these irons, the sole objective was consistency. Z 355 irons are packed with technology designed to deliver incredible distance and accuracy with every swing.
Technology
Action Mass – A heavier head weight plus an ultra-high balance point shaft combine to deliver incredible consistency with maximum distance and forgiveness.
Tour V.T. Sole – A high-strength maraging steel face maximizes distance and forgiveness without compromising feel.
Optimized Set Construction – A two-piece construction in the 4-7 irons. A powerful HT1770 Maraging steel face, and a resilient 17-4 steel body, and one-piece, softer 431 steel construction in the 8-iron through Approach Wedge offers full set playability and versatility.
Larger Sweet Spot – A higher hosel section allows for an expanded face area, which creates a larger sweet spot.
Testing of the Srixon Z 355 irons took place both on course and during driving range sessions. The set reviewed was paired up with Nippon NS Pro 950GH DST shafts in regular flex. When the Z 355 irons were first introduced, feedback from many readers was mixed. Some didn’t understand the premise and others worried that Srixon was making a thicker, wider soled version of the ever popular Z 545 irons released in 2015. However, after spending time with the Z 355 one could see how they offer a nice compliment to Srixon’s current line of irons and yet hit on a target demographic that was left out with the 2015 releases.
Aesthetics
After reading through the company’s technology checklist, it’s hard to imagine a set that is built for distance and forgiveness could be done with a compact, mid-size head. However, that is exactly what you see when you hold the Z 355 irons in hand.
The most visual piece of technology built in to this offering from Srixon is the new V.T. Sole design. The V sole was brought to the forefront on the Z 545 and Z 745 irons, and has been tweaked for the release of the Z 355. With the construction of these irons, the V sole was moved slightly closer to the leading edge. By doing so, Srixon hopes to improve turf interaction while aiming to create a sole design that helps lead to consistency out on the course.
Though you won’t notice the new sole design at address, you will notice the two-tone finish Srixon employed. The Z 355 blade is a wonderful combination of brushed-chrome on the heel and toe and a satin topline, which will produce little to no glare. The blending of these finishes not only produces an iron that is lovely to look at, it also provides a nice visual element when it comes to getting these irons aligned.
When it comes to grips, Srixon has decided to go with a new offering from Golf Pride, a hybrid form of the Tour Velvet. The top portion of the grip features what you would expect from this genre, with the typical Tour Velvet slits, while on the bottom third the pattern changes to a diamond shape cutout. Top it off with a red cap that matches the lettering in the iron cavity, and these irons have a nice understated look.
Performance
With the Nippon 950GH DST shafts being the engine that drives these irons, a nice difference could be seen between the stock setup for the Z 355 vs their sister set the 545. With just a few swings it was obvious that this set was built with the intent of helping a golfer get the ball to fly a little higher. The Nippon 950 shaft is designed to offer a mid to high launch while keeping the weight down, as it weighs in the 90-95 gram weight range depending on shaft flex.
Utilizing Srixon’s Action Mass technology we see a heavier head combined with these mid-weight shafts. As previously mentioned, the Action Mass technology is aimed to help deliver consistency, along with maximum distance and forgiveness. While looking at the maximum distance part of the equation, it is safe to say that these irons offer distances comparable to some of the longest out on the market. Distances from the low to mid irons produced numbers that were equal to many other offerings. The most noticeable distance gains overall were produced from shots hit with the scoring clubs at the bottom of the bag.
Sound and feel tend to be interchangeable when discussing golf clubs. When it comes to the Z 355 irons, the sound you get from them is a deep toned thwack, which gives the impression of a feel at impact that is on the softer side. Unlike what you tend to see from irons of similar styles, there is not an overly loud crack that tends to lead to the belief of a powerful strike. This really blends the lines nicely of an iron that is targeted for distance and forgiveness, but with a delightful feeling that some associate with a more players style club. When it comes to audible feedback, there is some present. On those swings when contact is made outside of the sweet spot, you will hear a slightly higher pitched sound. The overall feel you get from these irons stacks up quite nicely against the competition.
One of the most noticeable qualities the Z 355 irons exhibit is consistency. Good shots are met with familiar results in terms of yardage and flight, meanwhile mis-hits were not as penalizing as one might foresee coming from an iron of this size. The most eye opening miss was low on the face. Giving credit to the sole design, these shots still allowed for a predictable flight and a result that was not altered significantly.
By producing a line of equipment designed to fit a wide variety of golfers, one thing is clear, Srixon is no longer just a golf ball brand in the United States. The Z 355 irons offer great distance along with forgiveness to assist those that tend to miss from time to time. Game improvement irons are often thought of as having too much offset, wide soles and a topline that is too thick. This offering from Srixon does a nice job of masking their helpful features in to a package that is pleasing to the eye. The Z 355 irons are in stores now and can be purchased for $799(steel) or $899(graphite). More information can be found at www.srixon.com.
Nice write up Dean. These were very solid irons, I really liked the feedback on a couple of bad shots and felt great on well hit shots and the looks are top notch as well.
Great review, Dean. I was a fan of these for the few swings I took with them, and I hope these are an iron people get a chance to swing. Great to see Srixon come out with an iron that should work well for the masses.
Great review Dean! These are very nice looking irons and it sounds like they have a lot of technology packed into them that will help a vast array of golfers.
Good stuff Dean. These are high on my is for 2016 irons. They will get a look for sure.
Good mod Dean. Interesting they went away from UTx on the grips. Sounds like Srixon continue use to put out good product that expands the market to golfers who need a little extra halo that they couldn’t find in the z545
Well written Dean. I’m a fan of how Srixon is covering all the bases of the amateur ranks through professionals. With the inclusion of the 355 line it seems they’ve got it dialed in quite well. I continue to enjoy the clean lines they offer. This head is not something I would look to play, but I could see some people blending these with 5 series.
Excellent write up, Dean. From the review, it sounds like Srixon has brought out a more forgiving version of the 545s (which were already forgiving to begin with) for the higher handicapped golfers out there. I’m one who’s never minded larger heads and the confidence they inspire, but it sounds like this line should be on my “definitely try” list headed into next season.
Nice write up and review Dean.
The VT sole is interesting. I do like the looks at address.
Fantastic job here Dean, as a fan of the 545’s I was intrigued when I saw these at their headquarters earlier this year.
What I didn’t realize until reading this review is that the V-sole was modified as compared to the 545’s. If they are able to improve on turf interaction even more with forgiveness added to an already impressive club then they will have a killer offering here especially considering the minimal offset that these appear to have.
Another one that I look forward to trying at some point.
Very well done Dean.
My iron striking changed with the Z545 line and I have to believe it was because of how the V Sole interacts with the turf. With these touting better turf interaction and more forgiveness, they will serve a golfer who needs that extra help well.
Great review Dean. I really like what Srixon is bringing to the table these days. The V-sole is an interesting idea and definitely should be on the radar for anyone looking for a great looking iron with plenty of forgiveness.
Fantastic review Dean! Srixon looking to make a move and get some attention with these beauties. I know I’ll be looking to get some some in my bag sooner than later!
Excellent review. Another iron to look at seriously.
Terrific review on what looks like a really nice set of irons.
From your review…
“one could see how they offer a nice compliment to Srixon’s current line of irons and yet hit on a target demographic that was left out with the 2015 releases.”
I want to thank Srixon for making the 355 irons available in Left Handed options, as that’s the target demographic they missed with last year’s releases.
I’m looking forward to trying these out!
Well done Deano! Srixon releases yet another stunning looking iron and the review of them was outstanding. the V-sole is definitely intriguing
Excellent thoughts my man! It seems that Srixon just added to the stable of solid options!
Excellent review Dean. I didn’t realize that they had moved the V farther forward on the sole to improve turf interaction. Hoping that I have the chance to hit the Z355’s during my HQ visit in a couple of weeks.
Great review Dean! Really like the idea of forgiving irons without comprimising on looks. The V-Sole is intriguing.
Great stuff Deano, consistency and distance are words an old coot like myself perk up to. These are now on my radar, I must hit them soon.
Nice review. I really like the clean look of the Srixon irons, and based on this review (and the age of the irons in my bag), I think the time has come to do a head to head comparixon.
Superb review!
I really hope these irons are not scarce here in Canada, I would love to give them a try!
H Dean,
I purchased a set of the Z355 irons after reading your review, and must say it really is the best set of irons I have ever played.
These clubs are nothing short of incredible. The Action Mass technology truly works. To be able to feel the club in your swing seems against the current “lightweight” trend.
My driver swing speed has gone from a constant 83mph to a very respectful 92mph with the extra yards being gratefully accepted.
The irons launch so easily with my previous 7 iron carry of 125 yards now up to 140yards.
They look amazing, feel fantastic and play incredibly long & straight.
Just picked up a set of these irons after researching them for quite a while. Will compare them to my previous gamers, Ping Karstens. After only one range session and one round the following day I can safely say that these aren’t as long as the Pings, but they are deadly accurate. I lost at least a full club but the ease of hitting these clubs that don’t even look like a SGI club, coupled with what I found to be very nice workability has me quite happy to put them in the bag. This is no small feat considering how much I love my Karstens. Ball flight lower than the Pings…a good thing, but totally predictable. Interaction with turf is as Srixon claims…not much distance lost when struck a bit heavy!
This is the first time I have EVER written a review on clubs, which should tell ya something. FYI, I’m a 65 year old who hits the Karsten 8 iron just short of 150 and and the Z355 8 iron right at 140. Outstanding clubs!
Recently, I was looking for replacement irons with graphite reg shafts that looked pleasing, not bulky, with great reviews. I don’t have to try them out first as I can adjust accordingly, if needed. This review was also very helpful. I purchased a lightly used set of Z 355 irons yesterday, at a great price. I am also in the hunt for a replacement driver at my 75 year age. My handicap is 14 and looking forward to playing with these Z’s.