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
I would say it is very similar to the Ping driver, but with a better sound and feel.
The sound is very good actually I think.
I agree.
Bad, low heel contact is still pretty awful feeling no matter the club. When you catch this thing flush though, it just has a feeling that’s incredibly strong, and you know it’s just going to go a long way.
Still need to regrip it… again. Air or something got under it and the grip was off by about the length of the grip cap. Used some solution and a grip remover tool and got lazy and reused the same tape. That was a mistake with an align grip. That poor red line wouldn’t pass a field sobriety test with all the directions it was turning.
#Wardy’sGolfTuningAndPerformance ?
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If anything, the ZX5 is shorter from the face to the rear of the crown and appears more squat.
BTW I hit good numbers with this club for me, 14 launch angle, 149 BS, 2300 spin average. Longest drive 297. Mavrik averages we’re a little lower for all these stats. Also dispersion was much more tight for the ZX5 compared to Mavrik. It’s a lot more forgiving than the Mavrik by far on off center hirs. This was using a AV raw blue 65 for the ZX5 against my Venus 6S blue in the Mavrik.
May have walked out of there with a new driver… just saying.
Now to get a AV blue with a srixon adapter.
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But this thing is a beast. Outdrives my standard Mavrik and is tons more forgiving. I hit a couple over 300 with rollout and my swing speed at best is 105, so that’s long for me. Found myself in areas on fairways I hadn’t reached before, and hit a lot right down the middle.
One thing, it is super loud, very ping-y (both the sound and the brand), but I’m ok with that because I hit a lot of fairways and the ball travelled very far. But the Mavrik sounds much better when you hit the sweet spot, even if I found the sweet spot way more with the ZX5.
Definitely a driver to think about if you’re in the market. It’s in my bag now.
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Nice! Enjoy it!
I do agree it’s not the most quiet driver out this year, but it’s still wins better than the 425 hit side by side.
I think many have just cast off the ZX5 expecting the same size and shape as in the past but this thing is a gorgeous shape and profile, and it’s not crazy draw biased either. Rebound frame totally works, and it’s at the top end of the ball speed potential spectrum. Ball wants to stay in play too.
I was almost certain this would be the one to take the bag this year but there are others who have appeared. No one, and I mean no one, is making a bad driver this year. This one though, I always seem to find the middle!
I am going to hotmelt it and put it back against the ST and 721 soon though. See what a couple grams do sound wise.
Totally agree with everything you said. Loving it.
I was expecting the ZX5 as I typically play a more forgiving driver and that is definitely what we started with. I was interested to see how the sound was because I hated the sound of the Z585. This wasn’t much better. I really did not like the sound as it is just too loud for me personally.
The fitter was making adjustments and swapping clubs in and out and I never bothered to ask what each change was as I really didn’t want any preconceived ideas in my head as my swing was not great to start with but did get better as we went along.
I am not sure the exact specs because he wrote them down to turn in to the club pro for any orders but I was quite surprised by what I do know. I ended up in the ZX7 10.5* which I find the sound much more pleasant. I was expecting a 70g shaft too but the best fit was a 60g. I really had no idea what shaft we would end up with but I really thought it would be the Rogue White when he pulled that out as I have had some success with it in my Mavrik Max. This was not the case at all as it ended up be the counter balanced Tensei Blue. The one thing I am not sure about was the weights and length he decided on. We did talk about an inch short as that is what I normally play but of course one was not available to hit. I honestly though was really happy with the standard length shaft even though at one point he also mentioned thinking it needed to be an inch short. I am also unsure what he did with the weights. I know the heavy weight ended up in the heel but I think he may have changed the sizes from stock. I could be wrong on this but I will ask the club pro to send me the full specs later.
All in all once the swing got straightened out and we found the right combination, I was consistently hitting my expected start up the left mild fade to the middle. I never looked at the Trackman numbers and in all honesty we only had it out for a few swings because he just didn’t want anything in my head. I felt like distance was where it should be though and launch angle, apex, and descent all looked good.
I have not made up my mind 100% yet but I would say I am about 90% sold on ordering one early next week. My driver issues are 90-95% mental with a large part of that lack of confidence. I left feeling pretty confident in that final setup and while I know it is the Indian and not the arrow having it in my head that it is correct and will get the job done is a big deal. My last couple drivers have all been semi fit or guesses.
What made you decide 7 over 5?
Little late on this by like, a lot. But yes, it’s the shaft in mine. Seems to pair okay with it, I would probably pick another low launch shaft personally? Maybe the even flow black? But that’s personal feel
Fitting was the biggest factor. The ZX5 was just not working for me. Second would be sound. The ZX5 is just too loud for me. A definite improvement over the Z585 but still loud.
Gotcha. Thanks, glad you found the stick that works. Looking forward to your thoughts once you get it in hand.
The toe strike was only 2 to 3 yards shorter. Both around 240 yards. Super forgiving driver.
Led to a GIR and a two putt. Very happy with the on course performance of this driver.
Been averaging 260 with this driver, with my longest 340 down wind. Have reached a lot of par 5s in two that i have never reached before.
Now to work on my terrible putting.
Great notes, and great playing! On a side note, man that grass is green! Can’t wait.
Yeah, once the trees have leaves I’ll know we’re in full on golf season.
which do you have the ZX5 or ZX7? Glad to see it is working for you. Just making me long for mine to show up. That grass does look really good!
I got the ZX5 but I got a MCA Tensei AV Raw blue 65 S in it.
The grass is beautiful. They actually already aerated the greens and fairways once this season in NY when it was warm out which you could probably see. They do a great job at the club.
I spent 2020 churning drivers, which is rare for me. I played some of my best golf during a short dalliance with the a 585 10.5*. My only issue is I felt I hit it a bit too high. I ended up going to a G410 Plus, but am not in love with it like the Max.
Does the ZX5 hit true to loft? I’m was thinking I could just turn down a 10.5…
I’m not sure how to tell if it hits true to loft, but why don’t you try the 9.5? That’s what I use. From trackman testing my mavrik 9 degree hit at a 12-13 degree launch. This hits around 14 degrees and i love the launch.
this one looks really good and I love the feel to it. I took some swings in the back yard and I love the weight
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Holy hell that looks good! Fantastic photo arrangement there ?. I was "this close" to ordering ZX5 with Gunmetal and ZX 3wood with Purple. The FOMO is strong with this one – enjoy!
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I was thinking about the $30 demo just to see if it was a ‘you may wanna hit this’, not buying it sight unseen….
It could still be a waste of money though. The driver itself may be perfect for you but if the shaft is not a correct fit it could be horrid. I would strongly suggest getting fit. The local rep does a really good job fitting at demo days around here and it costs nothing. I would guess your rep would do a pretty good job as well.
That was my first thought also. I’m looking forward to the smaller profile at address and not giving up distance or forgiveness
That’s why I love this thing so far.
Haha, u was thinking the exact thing when I looked at that picture
im finally getting out to the range tomorrow morning with this one. I’m taking the Rapsodo with me to get some comparison numbers and see how it does.
Had no idea that Matsuyama used a ZX-5 until I saw that slow motion shot of his driver. Not that it should but it made me happy i have one and didn’t get the ZX-7.
There are a lot of under talked about drivers this year that for players that are searching for low spin, would really enjoy. The SIM2 is a low spinner that I think is a fantastic head. Yet this driver and the Exotics driver are similar in spin and seem to be offering more forgiveness based on THPer feedback.
I said it last week, it’s fun to sign on and see two of the most talked-about drivers are Mizuno and Tour Edge, it shows just how deep that driver market is now. THPers have offered some fantastic feedback on options out there that aren’t necessarily considered part of the big players in that space. These Srixon offerings definitely stirred up some interest for me back when we had our meeting with the R&D department. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact, if any, this Masters victory has for them.
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That looks great!!!!!
They are pretty stunning for sure. And they do perform really well. I would definitely suggest anyone thinking of a new driver this year give it a try. It may be the sleeper driver of the year.
Congrats on the new club day! That is a sharp package!