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)
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Nice looking setup!!
First I was at the range which has top tracer on every bay and it were like throwing darts! I was seeing good accuracy and distance and was feeling pretty dialled in for the first competition of the season the next day.
This was to be the first time I got to play them fully off grass, up till now we still had mats in play on the fairway and on the par 3 tees. I was a little concerned that having not hit them from the fairway before would be an issue in competition conditions. I shouldn’t have worried my swing broke long before I got the chance to try the irons!
First few holes were a bit rough but slowly it started to come round and by the 4th I was at least hitting irons onto greens, I felt I wasn’t quite on it so the strike wasn’t as good as usual but I was still seeing good distance (front half of the green instead of pin high) and the direction was always on line. Highlights were a 9 iron to 6′ for birdie and a 5 iron from the semi rough 217yds down wind to pin high just off the green.
I want to do a bit more work from the fairway just to build some confidence in the irons but they continue to impress so much so that I am contemplating the zx5 4 iron to remove one of my hybrids.
You know, Srixon makes an 18° utility, too. Just sayin’ ?
Oh I know and it’s a beast. Trying this one out but may make the switch
I haven’t had any issues at all getting thru anything so far. Dormant zoysia, wet zoysia and fescue and no issues.
Let me tell you about the satin black zipcore wedges while I’m at it ?
Haha. Been there..done that!
Yes I believe both of those clubs fall into the players distance category. The ZX4 are hollow body in similar fashion to forged tec, but the zx4 are more forgiving and leaning towards GI.
Have you been to Woods to Wedges? They carry Srixon, but are sometimes behind the releases and don’t stock for a couple of months after clubs come out.
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Unfortunately they no longer carry Srixon. Also not a fan of their hitting bays in the store. The matts are pretty thin and uneven. I’ve been getting along with my current set so I think I’m going to wait to get fitted until I’m down in Pinehurst or Vegas where I can easily get fitted on grass
definitely getting more comfortable. Loving the shaft I have as well (modus 105x). The one thing I told me buddy…. he askedhow I like the xtra stiff when I already hit it low with little spin. Told him, I’m seeing a much higher flight, plus with them being slightly lighter than previous iron shafts, I’m getting good speed in order to create a little more spin also. Soooo hell ya.
windy onTuesday. But ummm my lower spin was very effective. Ball was in control most of the day as well. From thefairway I was hitting over 50% of my gir. Struggled at first though overall score wise due to tee ball.
also played from the tips on Tuesday (roughly 68-7000 depending on what part of tee boxes they used) so I got to use almost all my irons. I was able to get even more comfortable with my 5 and6 iron which was awesome. Shot an 85 so I was happy overall.
I don’t own them, but have hit them and seem like a great paring to me. I have ZX7 and ZipCore as gamers for reference, but was/still am tempted by a CBX 2 50*.
I decided to go with the set gap wedge for the ZX5, but I have hard pondered picking up a 50 CBX2 to see which club would win that head-to-head battle in my bag
Exactly what I did. CBX2 50 with recoil 95s shaft.
Love this club and the 56 and 60 CBX2.
No more low spin flyers we have Pin seeking missiles now
1. practice and some analysis (phone video and marked ball) go a long way. Contact is still inconsistent but better and every ball would have been playable.
2. the ZX7 let me know when I was off the sweet spot. The ZX5 doesn’t give the same feedback but also doesn’t drop off with distance as much
3. a couple of good strikes with the ZX7 8i were going as long (if not a bit longer) than most of the ZX5 7i.
4. I had a higher percentage of "dead center" strikes with the ZX7. I don’t know what I really caught any of the ZX5 swings. Could be shorter shaft of 8i vs 7i or ?
5. did I mention the practice thing?
Perhaps not that shocking but I was surprised at how good the well struck ZX7 shots felt and how far/high they went. I have ordered 8-PW in ZX5 already, but may add ZX7 in 9-PW and play a mixed set. Could probably game either, will be interesting to see how I get on with the ZX7 next time to the range.
Don’t you find the gap from PW(46°) to 52° too big?
Very rarely and depends on the shot but I am debating on messing with a 50* and/or match the shaft for that gap wedge.
I ended up getting the CBX2 48*, 52* and 56*. My ZX5 PW is my 120-125 club. I hit my 52* about 100. When I was at that 110-115 range I either had to take something off a PW or hammer a 52*. 100% user error, but I’m not good taking a little off a PW.
Literally the first time I hit my 48* was on #1 on my home course and stuck in pin high 7 feet away. It has quickly become one of my favorite clubs.
I had a 50* CBX2 that I sold that I could have used. Nothing was wrong with it, I just wanted the black satin nickel CBX2s.
Performance was great with them today, distances are dialed in on all clubs. Hit some nice 3/4 PW shots today that held the greens well.
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And The Open Champion. ?
Feels like forever since I played them much. One of the first things on my list is still to shaft them to match my Apex’s when the TCB’s get here today, hopefully. I really do miss hitting them.
Here are my initial thoughts.
– I would have ordered All ZX5 if they had offered me the AW in lefty
– I ordered March 13th and received order around April 13th. 4weeks!
– The shafts I received were kbs c taper lite S. These weigh 110g. The non lite c tapers are 120g. My wedges are S400 TI at 132g.
– The blue mcc +4 grip for the 5 iron was installed wrong 90 degrees off which makes it annoying to live with. I’m pissed 2nd swing missed these inspections.
-2nd swing order form receipt did have the 120g c tapers on the original order.
– My previous mizunos were the taper lites so I’m thinking about keeping them.
-I ordered +1/2 and they look to be spot on.
The ZX5 feel powerful hitting them in my garage net.
– I like the seemless look and blending through the set from first swings and initial impressions.
– I will be playing 18 holes this weekend and can update my experiences.
soo.. did you?
Sadly no. TCB’s are stuck in Cincinnati, so the ZX are out of commission (taken apart) until those get here and I pull shafts from the X Forged to put in the ZX. I’ve been itching to hit them though. I spent a couple weeks exaggerating some swing things and now that I’m going back to normal-ish, while hopefully hanging onto the good parts of that, I’m REALLY curious to see how it all is with those heads in the turf and flight. It could be… delicious.
Head to head vs the JPX921 Forged and Callaway Apex TCB. Although I want the Srixons really so let’s see.
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I’ll never get club covers but my word the soft forging is really beaten up.
I tested the ZX5s against the JPX21 Forged and off the range mats the mizunos probably edged it, however if you get a chance to hit them off the grass the ZX5s were so much nicer, so I would expect the ZX7’s to be next level. Enjoy the fitting
Do you walk? Guess its just part of playing buttery soft forged irons.
That is kind of one of my favorite parts about Srixons. They use 1020 steel, which is lower carbon and dents easier softer than 1025 for example which Mizuno uses. The chatter makes for nice character.
Yep, every time.
I like that. I’ve been tempted by a ZX5 4i, 5i style experiment. And still have my Z Forged set.