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)
It’s raining here. God’s tears, snicks. God’s tears.
I would go play them right now if I could though.
I can pre-order with out it though.
I believe you can do so with Budget Golf too.
dang…that is an endorsement!
has anyone actually seen a ZX7 AW?
@bombs said he ordered one, put it didn’t see pictures @GraniteRoost asked him to take. The reason I ask, is that they’re not listed on the UK website still, and no one I know across the water has one, or seems to be able to get one. They’re listed on the U.S. site, but I’m wondering it they’re not out in the wild until the North America release or something. ??
Will share a pic when I do.
Why do Srixon claim to have "set" gap wedges? This does not match the set. I’d much prefer to put my 50* RTX4 back in play.
I was just about to comment saying how nice it looked! Haha
But yeah if all goes well then I’ll be buying 5-PW, my GW spot is secured by my Vokey for now based on the performance I’m getting.
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Yeah, that’s not quite what I would have pictured….
Regardless, I stopped by one of my local stores and we got their rep on the phone. Said they’ll be available soon and we ordered one in to my specs that they’ll put out for sale if it isn’t what I’m hoping for. I like to match set AW’s where I can, so I want to give it a try.
I like it.. Where is the rest of the blade set??
Because it’s intended to blend into the MB wedges, they’ve always done a good job of that.
I like matching AW’s too.. but this won’t match my irons or my wedges.
Pretty unhappy tbh..
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It’s a bridge club. Design wise it’s what Srixon has always done.
Yep, intended to blend with any set and their wedge lines.
Something more players style sets should do imo. But, we are all different
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Yeah, I dont agree on that one
This may be normal for Srixon but all other major brands sell AW’s that match the set.
Srixon need to tell people this club is different to avoid some nasty surprises.
I really like it in concept. My first thought was that it might be a nice transition. Less stark than the large and sudden switch on soles, shapes, and feels. Are there other CB sets that have one like that?
Not that’s transitioned like this. Back in the day TM did it with Speedblades and Rocketbladez though
765 looks better, but thats why we all have choices. Besides i’m not going to be looking at that side when hitting.
for sure! Haha. That’s what makes this place tick right?
I expected to like the ZX7 better than the ZX5, but found it the other way around. I was so enthused by the ZX5 that I’ve already booked a fitting to figure out the shaft options – likely to go 4-7 iron in ZX5 and 8-PW in ZX7.
I also saw some comments earlier about the back of the 4-iron being visible, but didn’t really find that to be an issue. It’s barely visible in the stock 4-iron closer to the hosel, but you have to be looking for it. I expect the 3-iron you would definitely notice though.
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Found these photos from a sale posting online:
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Thanks! They look great. I REALLY should keep my 565s. But these look SO good. My only concern is all the reports are that they are a bit ‘clickier’ than the previous 5 series…
Thanks for posting. This solidified my wanting of the set A wedge.
Just a matter of deciding which setup to go with.
I am very intrigued by the reports of forgiveness of these. Especially if ball speed off the face is able to remain consistent in “less than perfect “ strikes. These are definitely on the radar to demo for the 2021 season.
You could also really jack up the launch, spin and descent.
By bending them? Noted!
Possibly, yeah. It’s something that imo can definitely improve a fit, in the right and trained fitting hands, but I’m the wrong ones it can lead to disaster.
So they made the Zx5 AW fit the set but not the Zx7?
just want to make sure I have that right before I order.
I might go CBX2
Srixon has evaded me for two straight releases for no reason at all.
I’ll definitely be giving them some time.
Man, they’re so damn good, in all the right ways.
Now if I could only get the GP MCC white/black grips on them too.
They not a custom option?