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)
Haven’t had a chance to hit a the ZX4 so can’t say how it might be. I like Srixon utiltiy irons though and they launch easy.
Could you also slot a hybrid in that spot or do you not like a hybrid?
Hands down the best irons I have ever hit. Feel, flight, spin, appearance. They are brilliant.
I new these would come in high on the list!!!!!
I hit apex pro, mim, mp-20 mmc, p7mc, p770, and jpx921 tour. If I didn’t go ZX7, I would have picked the apex pro. But holy cow, ZX7 checks all my boxes. ?
And regarding combo. No need. After hitting the 6i fitting head, I have no issue playing these through 4i.
You are the hero we needed, but did not deserve. Thanks for following up, saved me a call.
They shipped me my set without the 9 and PW. Told me they were on backorder (I figured the heads were), I ordered mine with s400s.
my first impression at address is it is bigger than i expected. not huge, just not as small as i expected. not a deal breaker by any means, but didn’t perfectly check that box for me like some other irons in its class.
pgatss didn’t have my preferred shaft, but the alternative was something i’ve played before. in theory it should give me more speed since it’s lighter than what i’ve been testing/playing recently.
i hit enough good shots to feel like i could give this iron a fair assessment. for me, it felt ok. not amazing, not bad, just ok. better than the mavrik pro i was playing, but not as good as the apex pro or honma tr20v i’ve spent time with recently.
performance was also just ok. i found it pretty forgiving. mishits still got good distance. extreme mishits were punished as any other club would. but the best strikes, the ones that felt buttoned, were still short of the distance i’ve seen out of other clubs.
this is just my opinion after a short sample of shots, but the zx7 fell behind other irons in every metric i care about.
For most years in Kansas how many days are golf courses open for play ? 200 days ? 300 days ?
Which model shafts are in your 765/565 set and would you get same for X7/X5 ?
Probably 300. Roughest months of play for us is Jan and Feb but I have rounds in both so far this year.
I am thinking when/if I retire Kansas is a possibility and have been curious about the year round golf climate.
We golf in plenty of 40-45 degree days in the winter.
Looking forward to seeing the shaft choice for you.
That’s some good news right there.
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Seem pretty significant difference between the 3. The V-sole works great
Going to do a live stream tomorrow on Instagram with their entire lineup. I think in video it shows up pretty well. I will say measurement wise the 7s and the blades are quite close.
How many birdies?
36*, 3550 hundred yards, 32 score on the front. They good.
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/thp-live-tomorrow-1pm-et.8927754/
Excited to see what the Instagram Live is about tomorrow, because these irons need more attention than they get.
THP Social Media just sent this.
Glad mine arrived safe and sound. Now just need some weather to play in.
I am ordering one more club and I am not in a tremendous hurry for it. They aren’t available for a couple of weeks…we should know more tomorrow.
My sleeper irons are about to get popular…
It wasn’t his first tournament with them.
Second tournament which in my book still qualifies as ‘immediate’ in the context of a full PGA season.
Brooks was on the verge of dropping out of the Top 100, and hadn’t won any event since 2019.
ZX7’s go in the bag and PGA victory.
Even if there’s more to the story this is all the Srixon marketing team will go wild with this one.
Srixon marketing can’t do much. They are not allowed to use his likeness.
We spoke about this during our THP live with them (video is still up for those that missed it)
Very similar to Mizuno the last few years.
Either way, heck of a win for Srixon.
Yeah it stinks for them, but I get it. I’m glad we got Noelle to even discuss it haha
It was a VERY successful stream in that regard hahahaha!
#ZStar
I did and it’s been a minute. If I would have picked the Modus shafts I would have had them, but I gather they are waiting in some recoil restock to come in. It’s crazy I have not even seen the recoil shafted set in the wild, but did see the Modus set. Hopefully it’s only another week or two at most. Can’t wait to hit these!
But it’s not just Srixon. A bunch of golf stuff is hard to get right now, just the name of the game. I have a Vessel bag that’s been in order longer then the Srixons.
I keep telling myself it’s all not a new normal that we’ll just have to get used to, but it feels like it’s headed that way. I’ve started to adjust how I go about things for it already. I hope you get them soon.
My 5-PW ZX5 set came in on 1/29. I ordered the AW (bent to 48*) a few days later as well as a Black Satin 52* CBX2. I got the Modus 105 everything but the CBX where I got the Modus115 wedge shaft.
I just got a shipping notice that they are scheduled to arrive on Thursday.
That’s great. I don’t have a ton of rounds in with it, but the AW is really growing in me. It blends in really well between the PW and my specialties, even with swing weight.
Mine will have been ordered 3 weeks tomorrow. I’ve had contact with two CS reps. The one I spoke to on the phone said shafts were due in last Friday. Through e-mail, the rep. told me end of Feb. early March so not a definite answer there. That being said, I’m staring at a foot and a half of snow and with single digit temps this week so I’m in no big hurry.