If you aren’t evolving, you are falling behind. Srixon Golf has always seemed to take this to heart, especially when it comes to their flagship irons the 5-Series and 7-Series. Well, after much anticipation, they are ready to formally introduce the next generation and here is our Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 irons review.
Not only does THP have a rundown of the design features of each in this article, but we were also able to spend time with the 7i and PW from each set as well.
Are you ready?
Quick Take
Put any worries to rest when it comes to Srixon altering the formula of their Z-Series irons. There may be some impressive technology changes on board as well as a naming change, but the looks, feel, and flat out filthy performance still stands tall in both the ZX5 and ZX7 irons.
Change is Good
Srixon has hit homerun after homerun with their Z-Series irons the past three releases, the 45, 65, and 85 models have been nothing short of stellar and cemented them as an iron company. This year, the name is changing by shortening the naming mechanism to simply ZX5 and ZX7, but the amount of design that has gone into these is greater than any iron Srixon has ever produced.
The basis around the ZX5 and ZX7 this year is best explained by the tag line that Srixon has used in their release, “Created with human intelligence but perfected by the artificial kind.” Now, yes, “Artificial Intelligence” is without any doubt a “hot” discussion point across the industry, but while others are making it all about the computer, Srixon is making sure to let it be known that the craftsmanship is where it all starts with the new ZX irons, and it’s the A.I. that is working with it to take both series of irons to a whole new level.
While each of the iron series have always been differentiated by most based on size and profile, this year they are also each touting some design traits that are unique to each set. As I was fortunate enough to get the 7i and PW in hand for the ZX5 and ZX7 irons and work with them, it makes sense to dive into each individually.
Srixon ZX5
Getting it out of the way, yes, the ZX5 remains the “bigger” of the two iron sets just as has been the case in previous iterations, it’s a club that walks a blended line between a players design and a more game improvement setup.
The ZX5 is still a forged iron and offers a sound/feel that is soft yet quick, at impact it is a crisp feedback that isn’t quite as plush as a pure one-piece cavity back, but it is closer than ever. The look at address is so surprising as both the offset and topline are very tame and it keeps that same heel to toe length that even some of the pickiest out there will get along with.
The sole does have much more width to it than the ZX7, but the previously mentioned heel to toe length of the blade makes it less of a concern. Not to mention, the ZX5 does feature Srixon’s Tour V.T. Sole that I continue to believe is the greatest iron sole grind of all time. In my workout of the 7i and PW on the course that opinion was nothing but solidified as it just responds so well from any lie I could throw at it, and honestly, it makes the wider sole insanely effective. But, this year something special is happening when it comes to the V.T. Sole and it is the return of the sole notches last seen on the 545/745 irons and arguably a big reason that so many of those sets remain in bags, the notches offer relief and thus more versatility which is never a bad thing.
The ZX5 also feature progressive grooves through the set which applies to a SUP10 face that is joined to the 1020 carbon steel frame along with tungsten in the toe of the longer irons. All of these things seek to improve flight, forgiveness, and consistency, but the real story is something called “Mainframe”. This name represents Srixon designers setting the parameters to create their fastest irons on every shot and ran thousands upon thousands of simulations to come up with the pattern that is milled onto the back of each ZX5 face. The variable thickness pattern also features grooves and shapes to make what Srixon believes is an iron that is faster on every single strike, misses included.
Is it though? Without a doubt.
I worked out the 7i and PW of the ZX5 head to head with their sibling the ZX7 and the data recorded on the Foresight GC2 following this section tells the story, these are fast. For me, they were noticeably faster than the ZX7 and misses were at times laughable with how they kept speed comparably.
While you will see in the numbers the spin is also a bit on the low side, this is in part to having to record my data indoors as well as the fact that it has always been the case for me with the 5-Series of irons from Srixon. What stood out in the data and on the course though was the height and descent angle I was able to hit these, both more significant for me than with the 585’s, making my personal spin numbers a non-issue.
Bottom line, there is some serious firepower here. Paired with the Nippon MODUS3 Tour105 shafts is a setup that is smooth and forgiving while also being shockingly long.
Srixon ZX7
The 7-Series has constantly been one of the most gorgeous players cavity designs on the market with each release, and though the new ZX7 is a bit more modern looking with the angles and cavity, it holds true to its lineage and makes for a jaw dropping look in hand and in bag. A thin topline, minimal offset, and a sole that even the most demanding ball striker would be impressed with, the ZX7 is a stunner.
Fully forged out of 1020 Carbon Steel, these are true players irons. Though some might initially think that the cavity is a bit too busy, there is a rhyme and a reason for the added angles and mass placement this time around. The goal with an iron like this is always to add playability while maintaining the look/profile that so many demand, the different angles on the back of the club allowed Srixon to not only move some mass to the perimeter, but also place some directly behind the sweet spot in order to increase MOI while creating more feel.
Through impact, these offered me the feedback in sound/feel that I expected having spent time with every single 7-Series iron from Srixon. The sensation through contact on decent to well struck shots is one that walks the line between sharp and dull, it’s a blend that will be nearly impossible for golfers to find a detraction about. The overall playability for those who enjoy players irons is what stood out most in my time with the ZX7. With the progressive grooves and Tour V.T. Sole with the return of the sole notches, the golfer who demands versatility and precision in anylie will have all they can handle with these. There was no shot that I threw at them on the course that they couldn’t handle, it’s all about if it is a profile you are comfortable and confident in.
Like the ZX5, I also put the two clubs to work on the Foresight GC2 launch monitor and that data is shown. As you will see, the launch, peak, and speed were particularly good for me in both. While the spin dipped a bit recording data indoors, the Nippon MODUS3 Tour120 made for a pairing that just added to the feel and consistency of the heads.
Where the ZX5 offers firepower, the ZX7 rests on precision, but that doesn’t mean they each don’t also have some that the other does. In fact, they blend so well that Srixon is all in on the combo set trend offering any combination you could possibly want, including adding in the new ZX Utility to the mix.
Worth the Wait
Much anticipation has surrounded the release of the Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 irons review, and Srixon is not letting anyone down with what they have created. It’s easy to sit here and write that they impressed me, but they went well beyond that at times with how well they each hit their specific segment while also complimenting one another. This is without a doubt going to be yet another big release for Srixon.
The Details
Available: January 15, 2021
ZX5: 8-Piece $1299.99 Steel/$1399.99 Graphite (Nippon MODUS3 Tour105, UST Mamiya Recoil 95)
ZX7: 8-Piece $1299.99 Steel (Nippon MODUS3 Tour120)
[QUOTE=”BuffaloPlunger, post: 11613002, member: 59303″]
The v sole is a game changer. I don’t really buy into “tech” very often but the v sole is the real deal
[/QUOTE]
I have to be honest, I’m VERY curious how the new Titleist stuff will compare in the turf interaction once I get fit for the event. The V Sole is LE-GIT.
[QUOTE=”SkiBumGolfer, post: 11613028, member: 15030″]
I have to be honest, I’m VERY curious how the new Titleist stuff will compare in the turf interaction once I get fit for the event. The V Sole is LE-GIT.
[/QUOTE]
I have never hit Titleist irons on turf but the soles do look like they would cut through it pretty well
[QUOTE=”BuffaloPlunger, post: 11613037, member: 59303″]
I have never hit Titleist irons on turf but the soles do look like they would cut through it pretty well
[/QUOTE]
I mean, I’m sure they’re good, don’t get me wrong, but Srixon is the benchmark in terms of turf interaction as far as I’m concerned so Titleist will have to impress me!
[QUOTE=”4hourrule, post: 11612991, member: 65714″]
Drop 2 balls in the rough and play both Brands. You will be pleasantly surprised with the Srixon
[/QUOTE]
I definitely plan on playing a few practice rounds with 20+ clubs in the bag ?
I bought ZX5 OG irons over a month ago with the Nippon 105-S shafts and I absolutely love them. I got them new off of eBay so at a great price which is why I went for the OG model over MKII since I read there’s very little difference in them. I played Cleveland UHX irons previously so I was already sold on the soles
[QUOTE=”vonbonds, post: 11613103, member: 61237″]
I bought ZX5 OG irons over a month ago with the Nippon 105-S shafts and I absolutely love them. I got them new off of eBay so at a great price which is why I went for the OG model over MKII since I read there’s very little difference in them. I played Cleveland UHX irons previously so I was already sold on the soles
[/QUOTE]
I have seen some great prices on 1st Gen that I have. Maybe one day I’ll surprise my Son with a set.
[QUOTE=”4hourrule, post: 11613324, member: 65714″]
I have seen some great prices on 1st Gen that I have. Maybe one day I’ll surprise my Son with a set.
[/QUOTE]
Great minds think alike. My son is having a hard time with my UHX irons due to their offset. He’s a hockey player and every shot with my old irons goes left for him
Ok, quick range session. But I think we might have something here.
The sound and feel are soooooooo freaking good. Those two things are huge for me soto say I’m impressed is an understatement.
You can see just how much these blow my mind in the video. I had to break out the censor button :ROFLMAO:
[MEDIA=youtube]m1SoSyPrArQ[/MEDIA]
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11613768, member: 65950″]
Ok, quick range session. But I think we might have something here.
The sound and feel are soooooooo freaking good. Those two things are huge for me soto say I’m impressed is an understatement.
You can see just how much these blow my mind in the video. I had to break out the censor button :ROFLMAO:
[MEDIA=youtube]m1SoSyPrArQ[/MEDIA]
[/QUOTE]
[media=giphy]GBIzZdF3AxZ6[/media]
:LOL:
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11613768, member: 65950″]
Ok, quick range session. But I think we might have something here.
The sound and feel are soooooooo freaking good. Those two things are huge for me soto say I’m impressed is an understatement.
You can see just how much these blow my mind in the video. I had to break out the censor button :ROFLMAO:
[MEDIA=youtube]m1SoSyPrArQ[/MEDIA]
[/QUOTE]
Oopsies.?
[QUOTE=”4hourrule, post: 11613929, member: 65714″]
Oopsies.?
[/QUOTE]
I’m sorry I couldn’t help it. :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11613768, member: 65950″]
Ok, quick range session. But I think we might have something here.
The sound and feel are soooooooo freaking good. Those two things are huge for me soto say I’m impressed is an understatement.
You can see just how much these blow my mind in the video. I had to break out the censor button :ROFLMAO:
[MEDIA=youtube]m1SoSyPrArQ[/MEDIA]
[/QUOTE]
I have the same reaction every time I play my Zx7 MKii. They just feel so incredibly good
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11614000, member: 67660″]
I have the same reaction every time I play my Zx7 MKii. They just feel so incredibly good
[/QUOTE]
You know, the part that’s blowing my mind even more is that feeling was with the Pinnacle Rocks they have at that range. I can’t wait to hit a V1x tomorrow ?
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11614013, member: 65950″]
You know, the part that’s blowing my mind even more is that feeling was with the Pinnacle Rocks they have at that range. I can’t wait to hit a V1x tomorrow ?
[/QUOTE]
Get ready to be blown away. They are just so dang good
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11614043, member: 67660″]
Get ready to be blown away. They are just so dang good
[/QUOTE]
I’m going to bring a change of shorts. :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”BuffaloPlunger, post: 11613037, member: 59303″]
I have never hit Titleist irons on turf but the soles do look like they would cut through it pretty well
[/QUOTE]
My T100s are good through the turf but they can dig a bit more than the Srixons do.
My ZX5s are glued up with Recoil 95s and curing. They will be in the bag tomorrow afternoon for some range time.
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 11614082, member: 48542″]
My T100s are good through the turf but they can dig a bit more than the Srixons do.
[/QUOTE]
It’s that V sole…I’m telling you it’s some kind of voodoo magic
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 11614085, member: 48542″]
My ZX5s are glued up with Recoil 95s and curing. They will be in the bag tomorrow afternoon for some range time.
[/QUOTE]
What was previous shaft?
The ZX5s are the 1st Irons I have ever swooned over. When asked about my Zings when I played long ago was they were forgiving. With the Srixon I have to be careful not to hold up play ?
First on course shots with the ZX7.
Yep, mmhhmmm…. Like that.
[MEDIA=youtube]MSW4akt4Kfg[/MEDIA]
[MEDIA=youtube]bnPF7frF7Q0[/MEDIA]
[MEDIA=youtube]y2XJqlLSLIU[/MEDIA]
The turf interaction with these are so good
[QUOTE=”4hourrule, post: 11614576, member: 65714″]
What was previous shaft?
[/QUOTE]
I had the Dart 75s in there. They were stable enough from a curve perspective but I tended to pull them some and I think that is from the light weight and starting from the top.
Just a casual one shot off of PB at my home course. (Is a PB from this teebox) Don’t hate that. Front side was dialing in the new distances with this different loft. Backside was completely dialed.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_3602.jpeg”]9190807[/ATTACH]I didn’t hit a bad shot iron shot with these all day. Some were off line some were short, but no bad contact. I think maybe the smaller shape is making me really concentrate and work for it. I don’t know.
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I wonder if this is what love feels like?
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11615075, member: 65950″]
Just a casual one shot off of PB at my home course. (Is a PB from this teebox) Don’t hate that. Front side was dialing in the new distances with this different loft. Backside was completely dialed.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_3602.jpeg”]9190807[/ATTACH]I didn’t hit a bad shot iron shot with these all day. Some were off line some were short, but no bad contact. I think maybe the smaller shape is making me really concentrate and work for it. I don’t know.
[LIST]
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I wonder if this is what love feels like?
[/QUOTE]
Don’t ask me my Wife said I loved her so I went along with it… just kidding.;)
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11615075, member: 65950″]
Just a casual one shot off of PB at my home course. (Is a PB from this teebox) Don’t hate that. Front side was dialing in the new distances with this different loft. Backside was completely dialed.
[ATTACH=full]9190807[/ATTACH]I didn’t hit a bad shot iron shot with these all day. Some were off line some were short, but no bad contact. I think maybe the smaller shape is making me really concentrate and work for it. I don’t know.
[LIST]
[/LIST]
I wonder if this is what love feels like?
[/QUOTE]
Hell yeah buddy! These irons are so stupid good. As much as I looove the ZX5 I do wonder whether I would have been able to game a combo with ZX7 from like 7 or 8 iron down. Decided to keep it simple though.
[QUOTE=”SkiBumGolfer, post: 11615186, member: 15030″]
Hell yeah buddy! These irons are so stupid good. As much as I looove the ZX5 I do wonder whether I would have been able to game a combo with ZX7 from like 7 or 8 iron down. Decided to keep it simple though.
[/QUOTE]
The Zx7 is a lot more forgiving than you would expect
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11615201, member: 67660″]
The Zx7 is a lot more forgiving than you would expect
[/QUOTE]
Yeah agree. In the small sample size of today I did hit a toe side 7i that I that I thought was doomed but it stayed online. Not as forgiving out of the toe as the 923 HMPs. But not penal.
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11614092, member: 67660″]
It’s that V sole…I’m telling you it’s some kind of voodoo magic
[/QUOTE]
But it’s sure the voodoo I want around! Other voodoo, not so much;) I’m sure not complaining about the turf interaction. It works so beautifully. I’m a steep swinger and it just helps me make good, clean contact. Do I still take a divot? Sure. But for some reason it doesn’t keep digging. It’s like the v-sole levels you out at the bottom. Why? No clue. But it works!!
[QUOTE=”ToddJ027b, post: 11615331, member: 9006″]
But it’s sure the voodoo I want around! Other voodoo, not so much;) I’m sure not complaining about the turf interaction. It works so beautifully. I’m a steep singer and it just helps me make good, clean contact. Do I still take a divot? Sure. But for some reason it doesn’t keep digging. It’s like the v-sole levels you out at the bottom. Why? No clue. But it works!!
[/QUOTE]
Exactly. I’m pretty steep too and can dig some serious trenches. The V-Sole just somehow turns the club back up instead of keep digging.
[QUOTE=”SkiBumGolfer, post: 11615186, member: 15030″]
Hell yeah buddy! These irons are so stupid good. As much as I looove the ZX5 I do wonder whether I would have been able to game a combo with ZX7 from like 7 or 8 iron down. Decided to keep it simple though.
[/QUOTE]
Like you I thought about a combo set but I figured I’d take the extra distance with the ZX5s and I have no regrets doing so.
I had 142 left in on #18 this morning. I pulled 9i and hit it pure perfect little tight draw. This thing was tracking the pin the whole way. It landed 4 inches short of the cup. Jumped up banged off the flagstick and ended 4ft away. Cheers erupt from the parking lot right off 18 green. I walk up and sink the birdie putt.
I love these irons.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11615075, member: 65950″]
[LIST]
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I wonder if this is what love feels like?
[/QUOQUOTE]
Which shafts did you go with? Your distances are similar to mine & I have a very similar swing.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=”DaBuckBoys, post: 11621457, member: 2327″]
Which shafts did you go with? Your distances are similar to mine & I have a very similar swing.
[/QUOTE]
Project X LZ stiff
I am hoping for me irons in the future and the intrigue me the most, I really want to hit the zx4s though, and compare them to the 5’s
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11621433, member: 65950″]
I had 142 left in on #18 this morning. I pulled 9i and hit it pure perfect little tight draw. This thing was tracking the pin the whole way. It landed 4 inches short of the cup. Jumped up banged off the flagstick and ended 4ft away. Cheers erupt from the parking lot right off 18 green. I walk up and sink the birdie putt.
I love these irons.
[/QUOTE]
Glad to hear they’re working out for you!!
This is since putting the ZX7s into play:
[ATTACH type=”full”]9192963[/ATTACH]
What the ????
[media=giphy]BFtmkW5vc7HFJWXvPb[/media]
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11634083, member: 65950″]
This is since putting the ZX7s into play:
[ATTACH type=”full”]9192963[/ATTACH]
What the ????
[media=giphy]BFtmkW5vc7HFJWXvPb[/media]
[/QUOTE]
Is that a 69? ?
[QUOTE=”4hourrule, post: 11634418, member: 65714″]
Is that a 69? ?
[/QUOTE]
It is but it was a Par 69, 5800 yard course doesn’t count?
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 11634451, member: 65950″]
It is but it was a Par 69, 5800 yard course doesn’t count?
[/QUOTE]
Still, some real impressive scoring there! What’s been the best part of these for you so far?
[QUOTE=”Bryndom, post: 11634476, member: 53516″]
Still, some real impressive scoring there! What’s been the best part of these for you so far?
[/QUOTE]
Turf interaction by a million. The V sole is something special.
Diving back on this thread as I’m an owner of these babies.
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[QUOTE=”Gman79, post: 11877586, member: 52297″]
Diving back on this thread as I’m an owner of these babies.
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[/QUOTE]
Yep, with 2nd Gen getting rave reviews, you can find good deals on 1st Gen.
[QUOTE=”Gman79, post: 11877586, member: 52297″]
Diving back on this thread as I’m an owner of these babies.
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[/QUOTE]
Very nice!!!! One of the best irons ever IMO.
I am still loving the ZX7 irons. I keep testing new irons options but nothing motivates me to make a change. The ZX7 combination of feel, forgiveness, and turf interaction is excellent. These may be “old” irons, but in my opinion they remain very relevant.
I got a chance to hit a friend of mines ZX5 yesterday and they are VERY good. A great option for a lot of people
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 12233842, member: 37622″]
I got a chance to hit a friend of mines ZX5 yesterday and they are VERY good. A great option for a lot of people
[/QUOTE]
LOVE mine, Recoil Darts in them