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’ll have a set either way.
For those that have hit both extensively.. is there a noticeable improvement in how they maintain ball speeds on off centered strikes? On the flipside, did you see much difference in consistency between the two models on better strikes?
Essentially I’m trying to work out if I am trading anything off by including the ZX5’s in the longer irons other than a different feel, a little more offset and a thicker top line, all of which I am perfectly fine with. If those are the only downsides I feel validated in my decision to combo, but if the ZX5’s are going to provide more inconsistent results on good strikes then I’d want the ZX7’s all day long.
I’m also yet to see any advice from Srixon as to how lofts should be tweaked to combo these clubs. Has anyone seen anything, or have any thoughts? I am splitting between 6/7 iron and have not requested any loft changes. Given the set is a combo not sure if Srixon will do this automatically..?
Saw that Alex Etches just did a video on them. He loved the look of them but seemed a little thrown by the spin. He spins the heck out the ball, but was only averaging about 5500. Seemed a little fluky because he’s never under 6k.
Which iron/loft did he test?
My MIM wedges on the otherhand are showing some dings. But I think most of them are from getting bent.
You can see the numbers in the article of the OP of the two designs and it shows a bit of what you’re talking about. The 5’s will be longer, but not earth shakingly so, the big story which is being missed by most because they’re both just so damn sexy, is the Mainframe design on the 5’s, it’s ball speed generation and retention across the face is much more noticeable than on the 7’s.
They will not adjust lofts, unless you request on the order. Whether one will need them tweaked or not is dependent on the location of the split imo. Most are going to put in 5’s looking for more launch and ease in the longer irons, and if that comes with a few more yards then that’s ok. Only way to know how they will gap for someone is to just hit them still.
Stock 7 I think. I have to think it’s an outlier for him, and it makes me question putting it out there a little. His elbow was hurting recently so he might have been delivering a little differently. I mean, it ended up about 700 less for him than the 921 Forged which is more than a little .
That is interesting as he puts a hell of a lot of CHS into the ball at impact even on lower irons. Get the ball high enough with enough ball speed, and you won’t really miss the drop in RPM’s from a green-holding perspective but it might change flight characteristics given the lower amount of total backspin. Not the first time new irons have been lower spinning out of the gate.
My thoughts exactly. Love the idea of a full bag of ZX5’s.
I think the ZX5 looks so good, I’d rather have all the tech I can get because I know I will use it, more often than I like to admit.
Thanks Jman. Very helpful.
Pretty sure I am going to change my order to a ZX5 in the 4 iron, then the rest of the bag all ZX7’s.
I hit my 921 Tour longer irons quite well (good launch, carry, strike consistency), and the ZX7’s are another level of forgiveness with added tungsten, thicker soles and more generous perimeter weighting, so I feel like i’m already getting a forgiveness upgrade without even considering the ZX5.
The other consideration is at my course I hit a lot of 5-6-7 irons into Par 3’s, or on approach shots, and I need the gapping in this range to be very tight. I know I’ll get this out of the box if I stick with the ZX7’s, whereas the ZX5’s are likely to need some tweaking to make it work.
The ZX5 4 iron is a little bit of an experiment. It should be a nice option from a few tight par 4’s tees at my course, and bridge the gap between my 5 iron and hybrid nicely. It will also give me a little taste of what a combo set might work like if I decide to purchase the ZX5 5 and 6 irons at a later date.
Went into the shop this arvo with the intent of making the change but I simply could not stand the visible cavity hanging out the back of the ZX5 4 iron. It also has some pretty serious offset that did not suit my eye.
Full set of ZX7’s LOCKED IN.
Feel is similar, slightly sharper sound than the ZX7/785, in line with previous 5-series releases, which is to say a pleasant feedback to the hands and ears.
The forgiveness is an interesting one, I think on forgiving missing directionally they’re similar, but mainframe has made the ball speed on misses a totally different level (read: much better) from the 585s
That is great news as the 585s were already very forgiving on miss hits.
Thank you JMan – So your initial thought is the ZX5 will be more forgiving than the z585’s. Interesting.
Was thinking of getting a set of Z’s before they are gone.
I believe for directional, they’re super close, but the ball speed difference on the ZX5 is notable!
Damn you Srixon! Stay safe JMan…
The X7 irons are kind the of the perfect example of what we were saying earlier.
The right forgiveness..
Going 5’s or 7’s? Or combo?
I haven’t decided yet.
ZX5 6-PW. Keeping my Launcher 5i for the forgiveness. I hear that the ZX4 is coming at some point and I will put that in as a 5i.
The ZX7 look to have slightly thinner soles, which is something I’d prefer on an update. I get along alot better with the sole with on my Z Forged. And, I love that they have returned to the tungsten weight in the tow and notched sole of the z745. Not gonna be able to sit this one out. Nope.
Likely 4-PW in ZX7 for me, possible AW, though there is an intense three way battle being waged in my head between ZX7 AW, CBX2 50*, and ZipCore Tour Rack 50*. I loved the 4i from the z745, and will likely try it in the ZX7. That said, I’m intensely curious about the ZX Utility in the 4 spot. We shall see what develops. It blew me away to win a ZX Utility this week, and TBH I’m kinda woozy with excitement. I don’t know what loft it will be, or if it will arrive pre-release or after Jan. 6th. The anticipation is cool, I had a putter delivered today that showed up early and I almost had a heart attack becuase it was packaged in a long hybrid/woods box. Apparently I am looking forward to the ZXU more than the putter I just bought!
I will hit both and should probably go with the more forgiving ZX5, but the 7’s intrigue me a lot.
C-Taper Lites in Reg, MCC +4 grips.
My friend with the 5’s borrowed my 7’s yesterday and today, and he has had a lot to say about how much harder it’s been for him to get the longer ones in the air, and the forgiveness difference throughout. I know you’re a good ball striker, but I would definitely try not to mentally commit to anything until you hit them. I’ve hit his a few times and the differences are fairly significant imo too. He said something along the lines of ‘they’re like 921 Tours without the spin’. It sounded odd and got me thinking, so I snapped a couple pics of the ZX7 today next to the 921 Tours that I’ll post for yet another reference.
Tours a little longer and rounder, similar top lines, very similar soles, etc.
It’s harder for me to judge forgiveness in irons until I get them out on the turf, but the comment, and what I saw and thought about when I put them next to each other, made me think that to him they might seem that similar in ways. Just stronger lofts and less spin. And I’m not sure which shape would inspire more confidence for people. Just food for thought.
This 100%…
Personally I think the thick top line of the ZX7 inspires confidence – it’s quite a bit thicker than any cavity iron i’ve hit and borders on a players distance iron look at address.
The perimeter cavity appears to be much more generous in the ZX7. The soles on the 921 Tour short irons are surprisingly thick, but the ZX7 longer irons definitely have thicker soles. Not sure if this equates to any meaningful increase in forgiveness, but it certainly makes me feel like it should.
I got comparable spin numbers with both sets but went with very different shafts to get optimal results. My ZX7 irons will land early new year so will be interesting to see what I think after a few rounds on the course.
Now when you say longer irons are we talking 4-5? I start at 6 so might not be an issue, but maybe where a combo set comes in play better and go 5-6 in the ZX5 and then 7-PW in the ZX7. Thoughts?
He was talking about not wanting to play them in at least 4-7. He’s about a 6 right now btw, with medium speed, and doesn’t naturally sky the ball, btw. I don’t know how much that statement would be based in some kind of ‘this is where sets are combo’d’ mentality, or if he’s really breaking down potential shots and outcomes with less speed and forgiveness, ‘speed robustnesss’, if I can borrow callaways stupid term. I like to combo high in the bag because I don’t like a transition in the scoring club area, and with the groove changes at the 8 I think 6-7 would be less dramatic. That’s just my thinking though, and it’s so individual. His reaction really just made me think about things a little bit because he’s a good iron player. He mostly suffers on tee penalties and putting. And I guess I hadn’t thought about what they could really seem like to someone with less speed who likes some more help regardless. Coming from your irons, I have no idea. lol Your 6 is stronger than the ZX7 5 though, with a lot more help, so I’m curious to hear how you feel about it when you get to try them out.
I think he’s going to join us here in a bit for the front 9, so I’ll pepper him with questions like it’s my job to disrupt his game (take his dollars).
Having played the 765’s I’m pretty sure I can handle the zx7’s but who knows. Like you said, best to hit them both and make a decision. I also don’t want to work hard playing.
Give him a tree cake and get him hyped up on sugar.
I know, that’s why it’s so hard to even picture for you. Only you’ll know whether you miss something or am like NOW WE’RE TALKING. I like a little different flight at the long end than I do in the rest and I’m not a huge fan of having to change my swing to get it, so I’d have no problem playing the 4 and maybe 5 in the 5’s. I don’t particularly love either honestly, but I’m a weird fit.
Now that’s a ******* idea! I just tried to eat one while taking the dog out and my hand froze. Numb hands has to be worth half a pop.
I had both of them side by side today and even got the ruler out.
The 921 Tour design creates the optical illusion of length, achieved by elongated shaping of the hosel transition, having a larger toe section, a longer hosel length and a thinner top line.
The ZX7’s squat shaping does the exact opposite to the Tour in that it appears smaller than it actually is. Shorter hosel transition. Smaller toe. Thicker top line.
I’d agree the 921 Tour has the larger blade length, but the hittable area is a bit more generous on the ZX7’s across the set.
.. And I have no idea if any of this actually matters
Soon.
?
@Molten
After my experience with the Z585 driver, the new ones are at the top of my radar, especially as they have greatly improved the appearance IMO. That alignment mark is so much better, and love the grey/red pinstripes.
There is a lot to say when the time is right but until then…
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Ah, confirmed. That was the impression I thought you were giving in your review. Currently playing TM-Tour Titan-Steel II irons, a cavity-back TaylorMade clone. They actually seem to work pretty well for me.
Eager? Yes. <looks at calendar> But December in Michigan…
I can say this: I winged it a bit on driver and woods, because I couldn’t pass on an awesome sale. But a full set of irons will be an entirely different, and much more expensive kettle of fish. When I’m ready I will get fit and, if the fitter thinks they’d be a potential good fit, I’ll definitely want to give the ZX5’s a go.
My LGS stocks Srixon, but I didn’t see them in any Srixon in the demo club racks when I was in there yesterday, so I’m not sure what’s up with that.
I’m not considering the 7’s, so I don’t know as this comment is germane, but in general terms I’m partial to a satin finish. I the looks of my CBX wedges, for example.</looks>
Right on, looking forward to learning about them. Pretty stellar line-up this year, pretty sure the Srixon experience in 2021 will be a popular ticket
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Turf interaction is really enjoyable as you’d expect. I really do like the trail relief of the V soles. Anyone who’s seen me swing knows that my AoA is fairly strong throughout the irons, with a pretty forward low point, and after playing these for quite a few rounds I honestly think the soles make them a little easier on my wrists and .. body, I guess. Lessens the impact for me in a way that I’m starting to notice with mixed turf here. My right wrist was tender going into today, and I was taking it easy because of that, but it wasn’t any worse at the end. Gives me confidence to really work the flight of them without worry. Anyway, ramble, but I think I notice it and anything that helps my broken body gets extra points in my book.
I took the 4-7 a degree weak, and blended through the 8/9 back to stock, and it seemed fine today. Might need to take it right up to the PW, as one 9i was a little strong today, but they’re closer to where they’d need to be for me.
Anyway, pounded the daylights out of the pins today with these and it was fun. They feel good, and I might suck as a barometer on it because opinions seem to be varying here, but they seem pretty forgiving for a modern lofted CB without a chunky sole.