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 won’t lie, the GP MCC+4 grips feel amazing holding such an amazing iron. It was too good a deal to pass on.
I still have the rest of the bag full of Callaway gear that won’t be leaving. Having never hit or played the previous Apex line, not sure I would have known what I may have been missing if anything.
Callaway will always hold a spot for me and am grateful the opportunity I was afforded.
I’m sure you’re just poking fun. But, I want to add that Snicks has been one of the most upstanding individuals I’ve ever met. He represented himself, the community, and his teammates better than anyone could possibly expect during the event. He’s been very vocal in his feedback and support of the brand. The guy plays more golf in the winter than I do all year. And you best believe he’s on the forum sharing some thoughts pretty much every time.
I have no doubt that Callaway will always have a place in his heart and his bag.
honestly that’s not how it works. even callaway who is footing the bill for the whole thing will tell you that’s not how it works. review the hell out of your gear, as @Snickerdog has done better than anyone on our team. always give callaway a fair shake in your bag, as @Snickerdog and the rest of us will continue to do. and stay engaged on the forum, as @Snickerdog has done better than anyone on our team (myself included).
snicks will tell you he played some of his best golf ever with his gd clubs. but as you, and i, and so many thp hoes know so well, that isn’t enough to stop the eye from wandering! hell, i have a set of these coming my way too. and i’ll buy the apex pro 21 when available. it will be a helluva shootout.
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This is honestly making my night. By my count I’ve played 6 different gap wedges with my set while waiting for this one, because they weren’t quite right. If I wasn’t terribly, terribly broken from today (G’D SIMS), I would put it in play tomorrow. Feels like sweet relief.
Oh, and I hit it a bunch at the store btw. Numbers were spot on and ready to rock.
So freaking good..
Hands down Srixon makes the best looking set wedges. Ever since the 545 line that AW is straight ???
Thar A wedge is absolutely stunning, I just had a look on the uk srixon website and they don’t list the A wedge as an option on either the zx5 or zx7?
All in fun, I love new gear and completely understand.
Great comparison shot with the MD5. Gap wedge looks money.
That’s awesome! You should definitely give them a try if they have them available to hit someone near you.
Sounds like a set is being given away on Friday too, so make sure to tune in.
You devil. You know my feelings on a gap wedge of a certain makeup, and then you go posting this.
Thanks in advance
How many rings on fire do I gotta jump a motorcycle through?!
You dreamed about them all night didn’t you?!
You seemed pretty smitten with them last night. Maybe it was just the hot chicken talking, or maybe it’s serendipity.
it seems a lot of people are saying the zx5 are amazing. not that the 7s are slouches, but that the 5s are automatic, forgiving and explosive. they also look fantastic for anyone who wants/needs that kind of performance but wants a mostly traditional look in the bag/at address.
When you’re streaming for loads of people live, any forgiveness is welcomed! I fully expected to miss a couple greens right with the zx5 but they kept me on line.
very nice complement to their design.
I think a lot of people are overlooking the 7 as not forgiving enough, but I don’t think that is the case. A bit more demanding yes, but very playable by anyone who is a decent ball striker.
I think @Canadan showed off a pretty good differential last night in the forgiveness during the live stream. They are a pretty demanding iron, which is okay as Srixon offers the ZX-5 to help a bit there.
You are right. Everything I have seen they are demanding as you mentioned, but offer more forgiveness when compared to other irons in the same category.
I will echo the points that the ZX5’s are awesome. I’m glad I went with the full set.
I struggle with this.
they are incredibly rewarding on solid strikes but I would argue it would take better than a “decent” ball striker to enjoy them long term.
Man, they’re the definition of a players cavity back. There’s not a tech aspect adding forgiveness etc, they’re the Tour Iron and demand is just part of it. Though I do agree the Vsole does a lot, these are still a more demanding club by nature.
Would you consider the ZX7 to be more demanding than the PTx Pro, ICON, or Forged Tecs? I know they are a different design concept, I get that. But I am trying to slot them on a spectrum to know what I am getting into here, and I think some others may be in the same boat as I am trying to decide whether to combo, or go straight ZX5.
I’m not being argumentative. But hitting a LOT of irons in this class and category I don’t really agree. They’re demanding, and that’s OK, it’s what they’re designed to be.
More demanding than PTx Pro for sure except maybe in the scoring irons, and definitely Forged Tec. More forgiving than ICON though, it’s a cavity versus a muscle back.
In the scoring irons, PTx Pro would be similar in scoring clubs, but the longer irons are hollow and a bit more forgiveness there. Forged TEC are a different animal, larger, heel to toe, more offset and a larger sole.
I think the ZX-7 is pretty darn demanding personally. Glad others are seeing a different level of forgiveness though, it is not something we have seen during testing. @Canadan talked about this during the Insta video and showed the miss being a bit more penal multiple times.
I must have become a really good ball striker then. But, as we always say, play what you enjoy.
Check out the Instagram IGTV video from yesterday. Both were hit and the data is on the screen in the video.
I appreciate the feedback from some hands-on experience, fellas. @JB I ordered the combo set blind, and those exact comments from Dan (who has been fantastic this week) on the instagram video that gave me pause. If Mr. 3mm miss is getting penalized, then what hope does a mere mortal like me have? The good news is that I ordered the ZX7s in 7i-PW, and I have played the PTx Pros really well, so I should be OK in the scoring irons. Maybe I’ll flip the 7i in and out from each line and see which one sticks in the bag.
I look forward to being able to provide some feedback once I get these in hand. I guess we are all going to find out if a 15 handicap play a ZX7 (although, in general, I don’t like using HC as a measuring stick for iron striking ability).
No worries. You have your opinions and that’s cool. I know what I’ve researched and it leads me to believe these have more forgiveness than some might think. That is not to say you don’t need to be a consistent ball striker, if that part of the equation is there, these offer a lot to that type of player imo.
I think what I am saying is a person would be doing themselves a disservice by not trying these irons just by going off how someone else plays them. You are a great ball striker no doubt, but that should not discourage someone from trying both sets and see which one is the best fit.
Well that I absolutely agree with. It always comes down to personal preference before you invest that kind of money in something!!!
no ai in the zx7? no speedframe?
I found the ZX7’s very demanding in the lower irons (4-5- and somewhat the 6), but forgiving as you progressed through the set. Admittingly my weakness in my game are long irons (though I have improved over the past year in this area). I found the 4-5-6 irons in the ZX5 very forgiving and I welcome that into my game. In the end I ended up comboing the two with the ZX5 4-5-6 and the ZX7 6-PW, I know I will have two 6 irons, but I will have options now, (I did the same with my 787/585’s. when I got them.)
Last night’s Srixon tech studio session with @Canadan hitting them side by side was very informative and I enjoyed seeing his numbers from that session.
No, speedframe is in the ZX5, the 7’s are a pure one piece players cavity back
Its a solid forging with tungsten insert in the 4-7. No thin faces. No frames.
I think the 787/ZX7 are pretty similar forgiveness wise, but I think the ZX5 offers more than the 585 and feels a whole lot better.