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)
I have a set of 5-PW on order and hope to have them in a week or two, looking forward to getting them out on the course!
I need to try some ZX5’s. It’s a series that has always intrigued, but I have never hit.
He mentioned in the article it is due to testing indoors.
So many different mats nowadays can change that. So glad the one I use is pretty close for me.
Completely dependent on the mat, but generally speaking, a wider soled iron can be quite helpful to a lot of golfers.
The peak height with a wicked good descent angle make it a non issue.
Plus, as mentioned, I was indoors and off a mat for this one because of timing, which always brings my spin down a decent amount.
I think the combo is going to get a lot of play in these. Though I don’t know how many 3 piece combos we get.
For what it’s worth, from the initial info we were provided graphite in the 7’s will have to be custom ordered.
Definitely, and I think the ZX5 plays a lot smaller than the initial look the user sees in hand when it comes to sole width.
other reviews have cited similar issues though. but like you say, the excellent descent angle nullifies those concerns. i’m playing a pretty low spin iron right now, and i’m a low ball hitter, but i never see issues holding greens.
There are other reviews? (you KNOW I’m kidding!)
In the ZX5 it didn’t surprise me as I saw similar from the 785’s and it’s why they only lasted a couple weeks for me. But, I do hit these higher, and the speed is up, mainframe is the real deal there.
I wish the outdoor sessions had not been wiped when I had to reinstall the Foresight app, it was about 400-600 RPM difference iirc.
Like we both said though, those descent angles will hold anything.
Appreciate you reading!!!!
You’ll be pleased. And the most under talked about thing with these will be the return of the sole notches from the 745’s. Should have NEVER went away!
Vt sole greatest of all time huh?!
I love the looks of these, it may be time to trade the 565’s in..
They have such a nice look with some game improvement in them also.
It’s gonna be a tough decision between these and the b21.
If I had my way every single iron ever would ha e a VSole.
B21 and ZX5 are VERY VERY VERY different irons. Be sure to go hit them.
I want a combo set. These check my boxes. ?
Will we get to see a tech studio video on these in the near future?
No one does blended/combo sets better than Srixon.
I like that the ZX5 has a thin topline similar to the the 7 however it has a longer blade (some of my favorite irons had a longer blade).
The sole width difference is noticeable in the pics, but i feel you won’t get that at address which is superb.
I also see that the 5 has more offset, but I’m convinced that I’m one of the few internet golfers that isn’t affected by offset at address.
I am leaning hard to creating a combo set and giving them a long-term run.
Loved my Z545 irons when I put them in my bag, and love the Z785/Z-Forged combo set I currently have, and glad to see Srixon have continued to put out irons that both look good and perform
I will no doubt try them at some point, but that might be bad for my wallet…..although I will be waiting to see if there is a new iteration of the bladed Z-Forged as well
They are pretty rare, I have come across a couple people in the north-east who have Srixon irons in the bag, but I am definitely in the minority with mine
The local place I got mine from does sell a few sets though, so they are out there in bags somewhere
Plenty of action into greens when hitting outdoors. The mat dropped spin some for the data.
These are good looking irons but will they win tournaments? I don’t know of any player gaming Srixon who have won. I’ll give them a try and compare their results to the Callaways I’m currently testing. Then we can compare them to the TM’s. See who comes out on top.
Shane Lowery, 2019 Open Championship
GMac, 2010 US Open
Couple of major winners there
Hahha.
They were in the bag of a major winner last year.
I dont play on tour, but Srixon makes a great iron for a wide variety of golfers. I played the combo 565/765 set, and the performance of those will rival most other iron sets at the price point. Give them a try for your game.
By that "logic" above, Nike clubs would have been amazing and a top seller
Not sure what sponsorship where players go to who pays the most has anything to do with things.
Also, some guy named Shane Lowry won some decently big tournament called the Open Championship or something with Srixon irons and utilities.
What does winning on a major tour have to do with anything? I love seeing that you are going head to head with other brands for what is best for you but if you only go with what wins on tour, you are going to be playing clubs really I’ll suited for you.
The Srixon Z series of irons have consistently been among the best for at least 6 years and, really, have been among the gold standard. I expect nothing less from these.
i found it interesting that the zx5 and zx7 lofts seem to be very similar, which would definitely make combo-ing easier. from what i’ve heard there is not much different in these irons from address, until you flip them over and see the sole width differences which honestly is a good thing imho.
Same, I thought it interesting to see the bigger separation in lofts coming in the scoring irons (only 2°)
I like that the lie angle is the same for both, with the 5 being more offset that surprised me but I don’t know much about that.
I really need to know about the set AW as someone who likes them but had some issues the past couple years with it definitely looking forward to feedback on this one
Imo, the offset difference is the most noticeable thing at address between the two, but the 5’s and 7’s have always blended pretty seamlessly.
You make some good points but if a touring pro wants to win and win majors they will only play the best. Just like racing a car. If you enter a race you want the fastest car. All things being equal at the high end it seems all the best, winning players gravitate towards the same brand.
Thanks pal. I will order a set and give them 30-40 rounds and see how they perform.