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’ve spent an insane amount time on their website this afternoon. Afraid to commit LOL.
There is actually. Maintaining a realistic cap is a real MfF’er with these clubs. They do not cooperate.
They are pretty nice for a variety of shots though. Lighting of a drawing 5i into par 5 that I kept below the wind and stopped in about 20′, kind of a knockdown baby 6i to 6′ on one par 3 that had enough bite to hold a really slick green, and I muscled up a 185 yd 8i on the last par 3 that I missed right with, but only by about 25′, and I don’t know if any of my other clubs could hit that distance like that. Just a lot of fun.
’cause we can help.
I mean you got to see the 765 series before anyone else at the event we did so you should jump on these.
I know….I know.
They’ll end up here eventually. I’m just trying to be responsible….for a few days.
I can see how that would be. I know a guy that’s been playing the 5’s for a while. He hit the Apex the other day and is now basically torn in half.
Atta boy!!! If you need anymore push just let me know.
I think once you get it in hand to hit it, you will be a bit surprised by it. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
You got all ZX7 or did you get a combo set?
ZX7’s were outstanding [emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91]
I went all ZX7 5-PW Modus 120S. 1 flat, GP MCC+4 Green
Awesome!!!! Congrats
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DAmnnnnnnnn that’s a nice 7 iron.
How was the feel? Also what ball are you hitting?
Feel is incredibly good, both the ZX5 and ZX7. I find them hard to tell apart on center strikes. Toe side, I feel a touch more of that thin face sharpness with the ZX5, where the ZX7 stays a little more dense, but then also gets sharper if you stray too far.
Ball is a Srixon Z Star XV that looks have been in the hitting bay for quite some time. Shaft is Project X 6.0.
I wondered because I am sure a different ball will give a bit different feedback. My gamer is the regular Chrome Soft and I would think it would give a softer feel compared to the XV. Always fun trying different balls when testing, but I always try the CS being my regular ball.
Z Star XV is the ball that I game the most and do a majority of my hitting bay work with. I find TourB X to be very close and near interchangeable for me regarding numbers, that is the only alternative that I will use in the bay from time to time. I will try different brands on course but I almost always stick to Z Star XV for club testing.
I have been that guy that brings my own fresh ball to the sim. Was trying not to be too OCD today haha
I always take a sleeve of my own when testing.
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I knew I could count on you guys
The bits that I’m guessing (have not tried them yet) wont be for me: straight leading edge isn’t my fave. Srixons tend to be low spin. V sole isn’t great for a shallow swinger like me.
They are too pretty not to try though…for science.
Whereas for somebody like me, who’s traditionally had a bit of trouble "finding the bottom," perhaps out of anxiety over swinging too deeply?, perhaps the turf interaction of the ZX series might be a Godsend?
This was my first time with the Srixon and Apex Pro. I have hit the X Forged CB three times and with similar, positive results each time. The ZX7 had a Project X 6.0 plugged into it when I picked it up and decided to use that for both Srixon heads as I know it is a very good fit for me. The Callaway heads I have had great luck with the MMT95 in the past with the CB’s, so while each are rather different in weight, this was the comparison of the day.
Here are the results after six swings with each and tossing the 2 worst for a 4-shot average on each:
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In fairness to the Apex Pro, I did not put my best set of swings on it (excessively in-to-out path), but still made decent contact and those are the vagaries of testing. At this point I was feeling the ZX series the most, and decided to hit 6 more shots with each, again dropping the worst two for a now 8-shot average on the ZX series, and 4-shot average on the Callaway:
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Where Srixon have always shined for me historically, is that they knock just a little spin off while launching really well and with speed. I was ecstatic to see these results from both the ZX7 and ZX5.
The X Forged performed very similarly for me to prior fitting sessions, it is a fantastic, attractive feeling club with what I feel are solid middle of the road launch and spin that are really consistent. It also has plenty of ball speed, but did not have quite as much for me today. I do think it has slightly higher launch and more spin for me than the ZX7. AS a result, my very best carry with the X Forged fell short of my very best with the ZX7.
The Apex Pro I should have hit more balls with as it deserves a second chance. I love the looks, it feels great, and I want to like it. I probably just did not put my best set of swings on it, there may have been a heavy strike or two in there.
And, the data:
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I am having similar thoughts. Honestly, I was optimistic that I would hit these will today but was not expecting this level of affirmation right out of the gate. I was over drawing the ball a bit today but making a better turn so I will live with some of the variance as I tinker with a rusty action in the off season.
This is a good observation. If I take the top 5 ballspeed from each, which basically removed three of the lower speed, less solidly stuck shots, consistency is very good with the ZX.
#pinhunting
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Good numbers! I’m noticing the same thing on my end. So far, some of the most consistent iron numbers out of the bunch. I can’t wait to get on the course with my ZX7s. I also am throwing in a ZX UT 3 iron in the mix. Not sure what shaft I’ll be throwing in it.
Also… I did give the Srixon ZX7 driver a test run with a Speeder EVO VII 757X and… uh… well… let’s just say it may sitting in my bag at the moment. However, I can’t confirm or deny it.
Yeah no one’s every perfect on a given monitor day. I can get the overdraws from the traction difference from indoor mats. It’s like being glued to the floor compared to standing on what we play on here and can definitely affect my weight shift and tempo. I get a little excited.
The numbers look really good. Like I said, very playable. Right in a lot of the ranges I think are tweakable for tiny individual preferences, and nice and consistent. It’s hard to argue against them as a real good fit for ya.
Those are great and you could play anyone of those irons and do well. I think the ZX7 would be great with the descent angle it is giving you.
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Hitting order was ZX7 w/ PX, 921F, Apex Pro, more ZX7 w/ PX, then ZX7 Modus to finish.
921F likes:
-a little more distance and forgiveness
-chromoly!
ZX7 likes:
-looks and feel are my favorite of the three
-great spin and launch window for me. Of course, a guy could blend in ZX5 and gain speed and forgiveness in the longer clubs. Hmmmmmm…..
Apex Pro likes:
-for me, I am seeing a slightly higher level of spin and launch, and slightly less distance.
-very consistent numbers. I hit them solid today.
-compact, but somewhat more forgiving than it looks on mishits.
The ZX7 are my favorites, but its a close battle with the 921F. I think its wild that the hollowbody Apex Pro is giving the most spin of the three, and that it is an extremely neutral middle of the road spot for a players CB. I could play any of these and they would be a ton of fun.
You are really hitting all of these well!!! Good numbers across the board, but I do like the ZX7 with the Project X 6.0 shaft for you. Seems super consistent. I’ve never hit it, but seems good for you.
some great numbers. I can’t help but see that and say 921F are the irons to play and not look back. I have them in the 8-pw and love all that they are giving me
I am regretting not ordering an AW with my ZX5. My order is ‘in process’, I wonder if I can change it without delaying the order.
Though I wonder if I’ll end up changing my wedge configuration. I currently play the 565 through PW, then go to a 50*, 54* and 58* CBX2s. I really like the CBX for short game shots…my 50* is my go to for most partial wedge shots as well. The ZX5 AW would have big shoes to fill in that spot in my bag.
Srixon has a great set AW, in looks and performance. Personally I prefer the specialty wedge when I get to the 50° spot. Definitely different for everyone.
I have the 50 CBX2 but I like the ZX5 AW better. Same loft but it feels more solid for some reason.
Exactly correct. My AW was a separate order. It arrived on the same day.
What wedge lofts do you play after it? I’m probably overthinking this but…
Current
565
PW – 44
CBX2 – 50
CBX2 – 54
CBX2 – 58
New set
ZX5
PW – 44
AW – 49*
??
I’m thinking of getting the AW 1* weak, then going 52* and 56* for my CBX2s…..
Thoughts?
Part of it may be if the AW becomes my go to for chipping/pitching. In that case, I could probably just keep my 54 and 58.
I have my ZX5 set one weak so the PW is 45. AW is 50, CBX 2 Full Face is 55 (56 weakened 1*) and a CBX 2 Full Face at 60. Works out great for my game and the gapping is nice.
You could if you want to maintain the 4° gaps. Really depends on how far you hit each and go from there.
That was my thinking about gaps right now. I hit my PW 125 and my 50* 105. The 110-115 yard distance should be ‘pin hunting’ distance. I end up hitting a choked down PW which never quite works as well.
If a 48* gave me 110 or so and the 52* gave me 95-100…then I’d have good full swing gaps at that end of the bag.
The ZX7 AW may as well be a speciality wedge. I wasn’t a fan when I first saw the photos but surprisingly I lreally enjoy hitting it. A lot softer feel than my RTX4’s but that could also be the difference between a Dynamic Gold and KBS $ Taper shaft.
I don’t like that it looks nothing like my irons or wedges but that’s the only negative.