Srixon is really excited about its new ZX line of clubs (for good reason) and today they introduced the new ZX line of woods to compliment the ZX irons. The ZX irons were recently announced to a lot of attention, buzz, and excitement and the ZX woods are well positioned to continue the enthusiasm and praise from golfers. Of course, if you missed the information on the ZX irons, you should check them out here, but today we have the launch of Srixon ZX Drivers, Fairway Woods, & Hybrids.
Rebound Frame – Srixon’s Latest Innovation Achievement
The big tech story across all of the ZX woods is the all-new Rebound Frame that Srixon is really excited about. The Rebound Frame solves an engineering challenge of providing more ball speed when the club face is already thin, flexible, and fast. The answer is to make the frame flex together with the face for greater output. Rebound Frame technology provides layers of speed through alternating flexible and rigid zones to maximize the energy to the ball at impact. Unlike most drivers on the market that only have a flexible face, all of the ZX woods have been engineered so the face and frame flex selectively inward and outward.
As shown in the image above, albeit in an exaggerated image, Srixon’s Rebound Frame has a thin and flexible face that flexes inward at impact and the frame that deforms outward at impact. The result of this additional flexing frame region is that the amount of energy that can be stored is increased and it is ultimately transferred to the ball when the frame and face snap back to their original shape. This means more efficient transfer of energy into the ball than ever before. Just like compound interest is good for your wallet, compound energy transfer is great for ball speed and the length of your drives.
ZX5 and ZX7 Drivers
The achievement of Rebound Frame is on full display in both new driver models – the ZX5 and ZX7 – as both are designed for maximum energy transfer and ball speed, so if you didn’t already read above, make sure that you do. The ZX5 and ZX7 heads are designed to feature the same core technology but in a package that delivers minor differences in the performance and aesthetic. Consistent with previous releases, the 5-series head is designed to be a confidence inspiring, forgiving driver and the 7-series head features a tour-friendly look and lower launch and spin.
Both the ZX5 and ZX7 heads also feature the same large visible carbon crown that is 15% larger than previous generation drivers. This additional carbon removes more weight from the crown and allowed it to be repositioned to push the center of gravity deep and low and to maximize the MOI of the 460cc heads (more on MOI in a bit). Although both heads have many of the same core technologies and features, there are differences between the heads that can be meaningful in fitting and depending on your skill level.
The ZX5 is the more forgiving, higher MOI head that promotes high, straight drives. It has a confidence inspiring design through its slightly larger footprint and more rounded crown compared to the ZX7. A single 8-gram weight is placed in the rear of the sole for a low and deep weight location to aid a higher launch window. Additional weights can be purchased, available between 4-gram and 12-gram, to alter the swing weight. For the internet golfers among us, the ZX5 has an MOI that is over 5000 g*cm2 (higher is better at resisting twisting) without sacrificing any ball speed that the Rebound Frame delivers.
The ZX7 is with the more tour-inspired look and delivers a more penetrating flight with the ability to add bias for shot shaping that is commonly demanded by the better player. Although it is still a 460cc head, the ZX7 has a more symmetrical design and a flatter crown to give it a smaller appearance at address. The ZX7 has interchangeable heel and toe weights in the sole (a 4 gram and an 8 gram weight) to give fade or draw bias depending on player preference depending on placement. Placing a heavier weight in the heel position will provide draw bias whereas a heavier weight in the toe will promote a fade bias. According to Srixon, the ZX7 is designed to launch around 1 degree lower and spin several hundred rpms less than the ZX5. Of course, the ZX7 is still pretty forgiving with an MOI around 4500 g*cm2.
Building off the success of the Z785 driver, it should come as little surprise that Srixon has already seen early tour adoption of its ZX woods at the highest levels and the Rebound Frame is garnering some real attention. Although I would never be confused for a tour-level player, the early adoption does not surprise me one bit because I have seen ball speeds that rival or exceed many of the top drivers on the market today after only a few weeks with the ZX5. And in my opinion, Srixon got the sound of a carbon head right as the ZX5 has a pleasing sound at impact that doesn’t have the common faults of carbon heads and it sets up square at address without having the design being distracting. Srixon has been making some sneaky good drivers for a few years and the ZX line looks primed to make a statement in the market.
The Details
Price: ZX7 – $529.99, ZX5 – $499.99
Lofts: 9.5° and 10.5° heads (adjustable +/- 1° with the hosel)
Shafts: ZX7- HZRDUS Smoke Black 60, ZX5 – EvenFlow Riptide 50/60 or HZRDUS Smoke Black 60
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
Available: January 15, 2021
ZX Fairway Woods and Hybrids
While the ZX5 and ZX7 drivers are likely to steal the show, you should not sleep on the ZX fairway woods and hybrids because each brings the same Rebound Frame technology, performance, and improved energy transfer into smaller heads.
The ZX fairway woods, available from 3+ (13.5 degree) to a 7 wood (21 degree), compliment ZX drivers by bringing the Rebound Frame and pairing it with technology that Srixon calls its Cannon Sole. The Cannon Sole is a weight pad that floats above the sole and is angled forward (roughly taking the shape of a cannon) that provides a flexible frame for the Rebound Frame while optimizing the center of gravity for a penetrating ball flight. The ZX fairway woods also have the carbon crown that moves discretionary weight low, deep, and around the perimeter for increased forgiveness and MOI. Finally, the fairway woods have a crown step that transitions the face to the carbon crown. Srixon says this stepped design helps to lower the center of gravity for a higher launch and raise the MOI for added forgiveness.
Finally, the ZX hybrids have also taken a step forward in performance thanks to the Rebound Frame and a new compact design. The ZX hybrids have a similar crown step to that of the fairway woods (without the carbon crown) that increases the launch and forgiveness of the club but the real story (to me, at least) is the new player preferred shape. The new ZX hybrid footprint has also been refined into a more tour-friendly look that has a straight face angle and squared-off toe, which results in a compact package with a lot of speed.
You can find out more about the ZX drivers, fairway woods and hybrids by visiting Srixon at www.srixon.com or by joining in the discussion on the forum.
The Details: Srixon ZX Drivers, Fairway Woods and Hybrids
Price: ZX Fairway Woods – $269.99, ZX Hybrids – $229.99
Lofts: ZX Fairway Woods – 3+ (13.5°), 3 (15°), 5 (18°), 7 (21°); ZX Hybrids 2 (16°), 3 (19°), 4 (22°), 5 (25°), 6 (28°)
Shafts: ZX Fairway Woods – EvenFlow Riptide 50/60 or HZRDUS Smoke Black 60, ZX Hybrids – EvenFlow Riptide Hybrid 85 or HZRDUS Smoke Black 80
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360
Available: January 15, 2021
The ZX7s are def the gateway drug for their drivers, fws and hybrids….guessing they will have a stellar 2021…
Absolutely the most complete line yet from Srixon. No weaknesses imo, the only point some may make is lack of adjustability in the fairways, but honestly the way they’ve done it makes sense.
Ah good point, yeah the lack of adjustability in the fw is a bummer. Especially there, as we often ask our fws and hybrids to play multiple roles.
Yeah, it is, but it isn’t. I think it is in terms of looking at other options and saying “this one isn’t adjustable!”, but I also believe most golfers don’t actually use the adjustability all that much. Plus, it helps them keep their SKU’s down.
The fairway does enamor me with the tech in it. It’s got that bomber speed from everything I’ve seen.
You wouldn’t happen to have a picture of both side by side would you? The Tsi3 head shape is as close to perfect as you can get and I would have bet money the 5 was closer to a Tsi2 profile and the zx7 more similar to the Tsi3. I really want to see these heads
I think the ZX5 will shock you in shape.
I’m sorry I don’t have a photo comparison, but it would be super close I’m guessing.
YES!!! I swear that I assumed the Srixon 5 was going to look like the old TS2 driver (stretched back and a little awkward looking)….not even close. Thats why I keep saying how surprised I was by it. The 7 model looks kinda, sorta like the new Epic speed to me.
Note: This is from a fairly quick look and not me comparing them side by side.
Yup, they absolutely destroyed the assumptions about the ZX5 shape based on old releases. It’s a tour preferred shape now for sure.
The big surprise was the ZX fw, I didn’t think anything would be hotter than my Sim Ti, but the ZX were consistently 5-8:yards longer carry and ball speeds were 3-4 mph faster. the only drawback is that it’s a fixed hosel, but fortunately for me I like the way it sets up.
That’s pretty cool. Exactly which ZX fw / shaft combo and which SIM Ti / shaft combo were you comparing?
Bad news for me but I guess thats gotta mean something good for Srixon!
Cleveland-Srixon produces good stuff !
This is exciting news… I’ll be listening.
ZX – Tour AD-DI 6x
Sim – Tensei CK White 70x
I was fit into these shafts, (the Ad-DI 7x has been my go to shaft in 3 wood, but the Tensei fit better for me in the SIM, in the ZX the Ad-DI 6x had slightly better numbers and feel for me than the 7x).
I had them both on the sim again today and the numbers still fell in favor of the ZX, and the crazy thing is I swing the Sim a 1-2 MPH fast, but ball speed numbners are better of of the ZX.
The rebound frame is the real deal, and different than the trends which I love to see.
YES! Cannot wait!
The rebound frame is the real deal, it is also in the Utilities, and the utilities are hot as well. I was getting similar numbers from 3 iron (20*) ZX utility as I was getting from my 20* Hybrid, which is really surprising.
Actually makes a lot of sense. The difference being that I believe the Utilities do not have Bulge and Roll, so laterally will lose some forgiveness.
Yup, it is indeed in the utilities, I enjoyed reviewing it!
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/srixon-zx-utility-iron-review/
Its still in the fight for the bag this year! ?
First swing of the day, first outdoor swing in 1.5 weeks, and this was pretty exciting to see:
View attachment 8994750
Some thoughts….
1) The shape of this one is WAY more compact and traditional In hand than is being talked about. Bouncing from the Rad to this, this one has the smaller visual footprint at address and frankly….it’s a pretty perfect look.
2) Sound/feel is ok, it’s not going to turn many off, but it’s got a little metallic boisterousness mixed with the composite. It sounds hot, which is a bit cliche to say but it’s true in my case.
3) LAUNCHER. This combo I elevated super easy, the Riptide is ultra familiar for me so part may be me letting myself really go at it out of comfort, but it launched well and visually spin seems in a good range, but I need GC2 time to know for sure.
4) It’s fast. I believe ball speed wise it’s going to be in the hunt this year for fastest ball speed generator for me, just on this single Day I’m crazy impressed with Rebound Frame.
5) This one I expected to be pleasantly surprised, but it flat out three the gauntlet down yesterday.
Great feedback! I hit the zx 5 Sunday and its on my list of things to buy but getting the shaft down is key for me. I was noticing a higher launch than normal
spot on with the sound too! its a little loud but the more you hit it you get used to it…. Ball speed wise I did see some impressive numbers
The shape and size of the 5 aren’t getting enough talk imo, gone are the triangular shaped 5-series days, and the 5 is one of the best looking heads on the entire market now, it’s no wonder it’s getting the most play for them on Tour
Definitely a beautiful shape behind the ball!! What I think really needs mentioning is the ZX5 has an adjustable hosel this time instead of bonded like the 585. Its also nowhere near as upright and does not seem as draw biased as 585
Since I already sold my sim2, I planned on this going in the bag with and RDX Black
Yeah, it’s nice they went back to that (the 565 was adjustable as well). Played extremely neutral for me, for sure.
I won’t be mad if my whole bag turns in to Srixon this year. Irons we all know are amazing (love my zx7’s), but woods have been an improvement the past 2 releases. I remember you and I constantly talking up the F85 ball speeds!!
zx5 driver, zx fairway are all im missing. Utility was ordered last week
BOOM! That is The Spot ?
You nailed the observations. The shape is completely evolved from past generations, and truly is that classic round shape vs the triangular drawn back shape that is becoming more common for max MOI drivers. The shape holds its own side by side with just about anything. Definitely sounds hot yet GOOD (at least to me), fast off the face and positive. And definitely easy to launch PLUS the spin stayed in a really productive range.
It’s a sleeper, at least until folks start paying attention ? !!
Love that you’re getting on so well with this one SD!
Definitely do that. These are really good.
It’s a cannon.
It should be a fun little test.
CANNON.
Off the deck, I can still elevate it at a launch and max height that will stop pretty quick, but just seems to apex further down range. I’ll see if I can bring my SC 100 out just to get a number or two if I have the space and the time (course tomorrow doesn’t have a range) for comparison purposes. However… this is pretty lovely.
I told you, BOMBER!
Just absurd. If the driver is like it, oh man.
Can’t wait to hit this on the course here in a couple hours
How are the two favorite: high toe or low heel? Toe especially. Does it have that harsh, “oh god that’s going nowhere” feel or does it feel there’s still some weight behind it?
I kind of want to go hit this again. So much better than I expected from Srixon.
This is one driver that I want to try. The fairway I have is a beast, so hoping the driver will be the same way.
I’m telling you it may have been the biggest surprise to me at the showcase
Before @Coach Sean posted I was considering to myself what well regarded driver I might compare the ZX5 too. Ping came to mind – I never played one of their Drivers and have not hit the newer models, yet they seem to get universal acclaim as to forgiveness, stability, and good speed. And those are the main things that stand out to me on the ZX5. It was interesting to me that Coach laid out that comparison for us just as I was pondering a similar train of thought. Thanks @Coach Sean for your thoughts on that ?