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)
im excited to see how these do for you in warmer temps. I also love the profile isn’t too demanding and you’re getting great results out of them.
Went straight to a driving range on a cold windy day in NYC. Proceeded to hit shot after shot with a high piercing projectory that I haven’t hit with any player’s distance irons and I’ve hit a lot. The feel is beautiful. Compared to my JPX 921 forged which feel noticeably dull in comparison. These are more of a crisp soft if that makes any sense.
Just happens that these heads with the shafts are an amazing fit for my swing. I’m much more consistent with these clubs, which seems to go against logic for me.
Either player’s CBs are easier to hit than I thought or these are more forgiving than most CBs. I never thought I could hit these type of irons.
Can’t wait to take them on the course. Definitely curious how the Vsole performs. Seemed fine on a mat but it’s a mat.
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They look great in the bag!!! Congrats on an awesome set of irons.
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Congrats on the new irons, those are gorgeous ? Hit them well!
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We also aren’t playing for millions $$’s either so play what makes you happy. I don’t play a 4 iron anymore but love my 5 iron in the 7 series.
We don’t stand for blade shaming around here ?. Play through brother, play on through.
#bladeshamingisreal
Hit all the par 3’s though (201, 138, 230, 177 on the card), and I always feel like that’s a good evaluation of irons and comfortability with them. What impresses me is the shots I played into those. There isn’t a shot window or shape I play that I even hesitate to try with these. Doesn’t even occur to me, and someone else said something about it today. Says a lot to me that I don’t think/doubt about any of that.
Solid soft with my TP5’s and just brilliant in the turf. Big fan.
This is huge right here and says so much about how the iron is made and performs. I hit some knockdowns today against the wind that played out extremely well.
Are you saying the roll out was longer than you expected? Otherwise your review seems great, as well as your golf game.
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Yeah. I noticed right away that they were a little lower spinning for me than what I had been playing leading up to them last year. They were stronger lofted too, but I switched balls to try to get more during round one I think. Took them a little weak shortly after and like I said it’s been pretty soft since. Was playing my normal TP5 today and had a couple end up releasing a bit more than I like. Could have just landed them on subtle downslopes or some other little thing because it wasn’t constant like when I first got them. That could be that the greens are drying out at different rates too. No way to know but to keep playing them, which I surely will do.
They are pretty player like that. I’d say the chances are high I’ll bring them on that trip to NE this year. I kind of have an itch to play them on some prairie links that needs scratched.
Maybe once things open up and I get a few rounds in, I might try and hit the ZX7 and see how it feels and performs – it would likely have to be at the place I was fitted for my current set though as stores here in the UK don’t often carry much other than stock setups, so with me needing irons 1" longer and 2° upright, I need to go somewhere with those kinds of options
Curious, what courses are you thinking of playing and what time of year are you visiting? Ever play Iron Horse in Ashland?
Very impressed with the efficiency/smash factor of these clubs. I’m not a super fast swinger (102-3mph Driver SS), but these distances are about what I got with the JPX 921 Forged and the PXG Gen 3Ps. Spin was slightly up from those clubs but not by much, maybe 2-400 rpms.
7iron:
View attachment 8997014
5iron (loft is incorrectly labeled in upper right but didn’t know how to change that):
View attachment 8997015
Very surprised that I hit these as well as the other clubs, and they feel so good. Pretty happy today. Also played a simulated back 9 holes at pebble and hit 7 GIR. Just need to see how it holds up in real life.
The swing is slowly coming together and I am really starting to see a consistency of strike which brings a smile to my face ever time.
Coming from the p790’s I am seeing a much better flight (higher and straighter) with plenty of stop on all clubs, I was fit into the standard Modus3 105 in stiff and it certainly works for me.
Distance wise the air is still cold and heavy over here in the UK, but I am seeing at least a club longer compared to p790’s and will be interested to see what warmer air brings too.
The star of the show for me is still the vt sole, I love the ball turf interaction and the feeling of such solid contact is so addictive.
Can’t wait to get out and hit them again!
Sounds like you will be going pretty low all summer long!!!! :golf2:
Eh
If you like them don’t worry. Just have fun.
Well, actually, after going to the trackman today, I hit my 5 iron great and will keep that in the bag. I hit the 4 iron well too but think I’ll keep my hybrid in the bag for now since it’s a little more forgiving in tougher lies.
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And I still can’t let go of my combo thinking. Hitting on a sim is one thing. I want to check out some options. I am tempted to grab a utility, perhaps in the 4i slot. I also ponder adding a 5w and 4hy.
Looking at wedges, I will make some changes, even if that is just a shaft change with current wedges. The ZX7 AW is 51*, and at my CC fitting I was fit into (complete surprise to me) TM mg2 wedges 54/11 bent 1 weak and 60/8 bent 1 strong. The mg2 felt fantastic for full and partial swings. I also love my zipcore wedges around the greens. I am thinking hard about adding the mg2’s and letting some good old competition happen. I will, however, wait until I get my irons and validate/finalize shaft choice.
My order for the ZX7’s got put in on 2/16 so I hope they arrive sooner than May!
Great having choices and options to make the best bag you can.
I put another order in last night and they told me they almost cleared most of their backorders, its just whether they have specific components, if they have everything for a specific order it will go out rsther quickly, if your specific shaft or grip are out it may delay it. Kind of a roll of the dice.
I ordered 2/8. Still waiting. mmt 105 shafts and GP cp2 wrap grips. My guess is that one or both of my components are responsible for the delay. But don’t know.
I wonder if ZX5 AW’s are back in stock. Kicking myself for not ordering it with my original set. By the time I decided to get one, they were inundated with orders.
My order was 6-AW. Came in yesterday.
No, haven’t. Was pretty far from where I lived and business never brought my to that corner of the state. I’ll hit Wild Horse and try to head up into the sand hills one more time. The ZX7 might be fun in prairie winds and bunkers the size of par 3’s.
Not sure, I just ordered a 4 iron to add to my set, and but didn’t get an eta.
I just checked the stats fro GIR and am at 8.77GIR after 9 rounds so far. So to get to that 60% I only need 2-3 more GIR per round. That is obtainable, might need to up that goal a little bit.
I’m gonna get absolutely punished on some hits tho, but it’s worth it lol, they feel so pure.
That’s my thought too. They just feel so darn good, I know I’ll hit some painful ones, but maybe it will help me strike the ball better, chasing the buttery feeling.
Love these ZX5’s. Much better fit for my game than the Ping G700. Can’t wait to get them on the course.
Man, the ZX5s also look really good in the bag too. Combo sets should look pretty great.
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let’s goooooo
all the sexiness.
Going to get them out tomorrow morning.
BOLD. I love it!!
They are definitely on The List of clubs I’ll discuss with my fitter, and, of the three currently in the running (the other two being the Apex 21s and Cobra RADSPEEDs), I think I like the clean, uncomplicated look of the ZX5 the most.
Such lookers!