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)
Interesting, have not heard that before. And me and my prior life being a mechanic I always had to be careful about that. Well if you think about selling your unused clubs PM me, or DM whatever they call it nowadays
Will do.
Wow, must be nice to easily shape all the shot shapes even with a little bit of thinking! I play with a lot of low single digit handicaps and scratch and even they can’t easily modify their swing and grip to produce such shot shapes. That is some serious game! Heck I played with a few guys last week who are +3 and +4 and even they were talking about how hard it is to do this.
Yeah well it sounds like I’ve got game but if you’ve seen me on the course you’d wonder why I have golf clubs in my hand . I just need to work on consistency because right now I’m not even scoring my round, afraid to see how high the score is
That’s my setup with KBS 90 R. I @m confident you will enjoy how they perform
Just hit the u-85 6-iron in my backyard off the mat, interesting ball flight and extremely forgiving. Thank goodness the next closest house is 250 yards away according to Google Maps
Agreed. When I tried out the zx5 for 2 weeks on a golf course I found that the interaction of deep rough and the iron it was phenomenal compared to my Ping Zing
Man these are fun to hit, even with range rocks that need to be replaced.
Don’t overlook the AW….
Back in the day I would purposely wear standard sneakers to make sure my swing wasn’t too fast for erratic. No spikes will definitely show a erratic swing
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I want to move to graphite easier on the old bones and joints . I found the T300’s were better for me over the 921"s .
The rep said I have an iron you might like some over our reps here are playing them and have sold well . He brings me the Zx5 7 iron with a r flex recoil 95 shaft.
Pure magic , the feeling is so soft and pleasing , another thing I liked was the distance longer and more accurate than the t300’s which was a surprise since the T300 is 2* stonger in the 7 iron.
In short I ordered the 5-pw with the recoil but being a lefty the gap wedge is not offered . So what are you guys using to fill in the gap between pw and sw ?
I was thing of a cbx2 or Cleveland zip core 48 or 50 to stay in the same line .
I’ve got 3 rounds in with the Zx5 and Recoil 95 stiff…excellent clubs. Expect you will really enjoy them.
I like the CBX2 line of thinking in the AW spot unless you feel like you’ll really benefit from the something greenside or with shot versatility with a smaller sole. Can usually use a more specialized SW or LW for that though. Congrats on your order. They’re great clubs. ?
Nice. Interesting validation that the ZX5’s. held there own and beat the Mizuno and T300. Did you consider the ZU head in your #5 iron slot. Congrats
I was looking at your iron selection and it showed 8 through a w in the ZX7, and I thought okay what are the long irons and then I noticed you have the rest set up in hybrids. I’ve never seen a bag quite like that. The important thing that works for you
I felt the same way when reading testimonials on the Srixon irons I was able to rent a set of the ZX-5 for 2 weeks and took them on vacation and enjoyed several rounds on the golf course. The soft feel and the interaction even in the rough was fantastic
No I didn’t look at the ZU , I was unaware they made a utility iron , I didn’t know much about Srixon products going in , thought they were for low cappers and scratch golfers only . I am more likely to play hybrids .
Hope you share your thoughts when comparing the two. Congrats on the great play at the Experience and enjoy ALL your nice sticks!
The 7’s seem to be easier to feel the head.
Well … I repeat … Hope you share your thoughts when comparing the two. Congrats on the great play at the Experience and enjoy ALL your nice sticks!
Atta boy!
I’ve had to admit to myself that I regret switching from the ZX7s to the ZX5s. Nothing wrong with the 5s; they beat the 7s in TrackMan testing. But, on the course, they just don’t instill the shot-shaping confidence that the 7s did.
Maybe it’s the switch to lighter shafts, too, going from the Modus 120 to SteelFiber i95. I keep thinking that I should need lighter shafts since I’m getting older every day but heavier shafts simply give me much tighter dispersion and consistency. And, my swing rhythm and timing is much better with the heavier shafts.
Either way, I got so frustrated this week that I played 9 yesterday with my old MP-33 / DG S300 combo, which may still be the best set of irons that I’ve ever played. I don’t think I hit an iron shot more than 5 yards off line. Such pure feeling irons.
I am fighting the urge to go to more of a distance iron, but when the GIR is increasing and hitting above 50% the last 4 rounds it is hard to deny the performance of the 7’s. Just an amazing iron!!!!!
BOOYAH
I have the 5’s with ZU85’s in the top end. Interested in whether the 7’s hold their own against the New Titlexist models
You need to try the older zu85 or the new Z X’s. Just picked up a used 85 6 iron and I love it. I’m waiting for the pricing to go down from the stratosphere on the used Club market and then I’ll pick up a set of zx5. Until then I just picked up a used ZX-5 gap wedge which I will be comparing it with my Ping Zing sand wedge
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/srixon-zx-utility-iron-review/
Might check this out if you haven’t already.
Significant improvement on the 85 having reviewed both. This one is a rocket launcher.
15 greens, only 1 of the 3 missed was with the ZX7 and it was 20′ away on the fringe. Had to work them high and low and against the wind, knock off spin, etc, etc. and they really can do it all. Shot of the day was:
a 196y 7i into a crosswind for an easy birdie on a hole that’s not so easy in general, much less on a day like this.
They’re just an awesome and extremely friendly players iron, and the number of people in this thread amazed at their ability to play them, and play them well is a huge testiment to that. I can never bring myself to sell them because they are just so. stinking. good. If they had beveled that top line it would be hard for me to find any fault with them at all. Loved having them out there again today and look forward to a few more good days with them in this coming season’s weather.
You make me more and more excited to get mine in and get them on the course and in the dirt. Which wedges are you pairing with these when you take them out?
Me? I’m wedge crazy! ? lol I played them with T22 today because I wanted to work those wedges on the zoysia. A lot of people like Zipcores with them. I’d probably pair them with the MG3’s myself. Similar look from above. Straight front, angular, medium top. Go with whatever suits your eye and turf and feels man!
Yeah, I get it. I’m a bit wedge crazy myself. That and putters. Too many good options these days. Haha. MG3’s are the only wedge I have not tested yet of all the new releases. Currently have raw sm8, Honma tw21 and jaws. Tested the T22 a couple of days ago and ways very impressed. Will need to give the MG3’s a shot.
Sorry, did not mean to hikack the thread. Zx7’s arrive on Monday!
The laser micro milling on Srixon and Cleveland is sooooo good. The best around IMO, they grip like mad.
You ain’t too old and you ain’t stiff if you are hammering that 7 iron 186 yds for a bird.