Srixon ZXi Irons – ZXi4, ZXi5 and ZXi7

Has it really been two years since Srixon launched the ZX MK II lineup? Given the company’s tendency to adhere to a strict release schedule, the answer must be yes. Today, they are unveiling their latest innovations in iron technology with the ZXi family of irons. While the designs may look familiar at first glance, there are several exciting advancements that make the Srixon ZXi irons the best in the company’s history.

Shared Technologies

i-FORGED

How could Srixon’s irons improve? The answer lies in their new manufacturing process called i-FORGED. No, this isn’t an Apple thing; i-FORGED stands for Impacting Forging. According to Srixon, this innovation marks a significant advancement in club manufacturing and represents their greatest achievement in iron metallurgy. The i-FORGED process enhances the strength of each iron head, resulting in improved feel, forgiveness, and increased distance.

Srixon ZXi Irons the i-forged process

The i-Forging process gave us the unique ability to select which steels would be best suited for each ZXi Iron, promoting a better hitting feel and overall performance. On the ZXi7 Players Iron, we used a softer steel in S15C. It’s the softest steel we’ve ever had in a forged Srixon Iron. Each new material upgrade serves a specific purpose to balance and strengthen each iron and give players immediate feedback at contact.

Dustin Brekke, Director of Engineering at Srixon

Dustin Brekke points out that the new manufacturing process has enabled Srixon to select specific types of steel for each iron head. For instance, the ZXi7 irons are now made with S15C steel, which is the softest material Srixon has ever used in a forged iron. Meanwhile, the ZXi5 and ZXiU models utilize S20C for their bodies, while SUS17-47 is incorporated into the body of the ZXi4. If you’re not familiar with the specific types of steel, that’s perfectly fine. The key takeaway is that this new process has allowed Srixon to use materials that are both softer and stronger. In fact, the steel used in the ZXi7 irons is 7% softer, and the faces of the ZXiU and ZXi5 are 14% softer, as measured on the Vickers hardness scale.

As usual, there is a trade-off when changing steel types. Softer steel, while providing an excellent feel, must gain strength for improved performance and durability. To strategically enhance the materials in specific areas, Srixon employs a proprietary method known as condensed forging, which alters the atomic structure of the steel. Once this process is complete, the ZXi irons undergo a heat-softening treatment to retain the necessary strength while maximizing the soft feel. All of these processes are designed to ensure that the ZXi irons not only feel significantly better but also deliver outstanding performance.

MainFrame

One of the benefits of the new i-Forged process is that Srixon utilized AI software to conduct thousands of simulations, allowing them to design a more effective MainFrame for the Zxi4, Zxi5, and ZxiU irons. The MainFrame is Srixon’s innovative approach to creating a variable-thickness face design, which features a milled network of grooves, channels, and notches on the backside of the clubfaces.

Srixon ZXi Irons mainframe face

With the introduction of new, softer materials, Srixon was able to reposition up to two grams of weight, resulting in a lower center of gravity and increased moment of inertia (MOI). Part of this weight reduction was achieved through the wider toe-side channel. The MainFrame design also aids the face in flexing, allowing it to return more energy to the golf ball, ultimately leading to enhanced ball speed, forgiveness, and consistency.

Tour V.T. Sole

Srixon ZXi Irons Tour VT Sole

Any golfer who has spent quality time with Srixon irons will likely rave about their excellent turf interaction. Srixon achieves this through the innovative Tour V.T. Sole, designed to help golfers navigate through the turf as effortlessly and efficiently as possible. This is accomplished by having a higher bounce on the front edge of the sole, which helps prevent the club from digging into the ground. Meanwhile, the trailing edge provides ample relief, allowing the club head to smoothly exit the turf without losing speed. Additionally, Srixon includes sole notches on the heel and toe sections to minimize the amount of sole contact with the turf.

The exciting news for this release is that the Tour V.T. Sole is now used on the utility iron. The ZXiU boasts the widest sole design in this series, and incorporating the Tour V.T. Sole makes the ZXiU more versatile and workable than its predecessor.

Progressive Grooves

Another common technology shared throughout the lineup is the presence of progressive grooves. For the long and mid irons, up to and including the 7-iron, have wider grooves, making them more conducive to longer shots. Starting from the 8-iron, the groove pattern becomes more tightly packed with deeper grooves, which help provide consistent spin on approach shots. Srixon has also incorporated laser-milled grooves between each groove to offer extra friction, regardless of the playing conditions.

Combo anyone?

Before we dive into the individual models comprising the ZXi lineup, let’s discuss combo sets, as this is where Srixon truly excels. With three distinct iron heads designed for different player profiles, Srixon maintains a consistent 6mm thick topline across all models. Whether you’re using a ZXi4 4-iron or a ZXi7 pitching wedge, the topline will appear the same thickness. While there are differences in blade length and offset, this uniformity makes creating combinations of ZXi irons easy. On their website, Srixon recommends which sets work well together and where the best combo points are.

Every year we’re seeing more people choose combination sets with our Irons. We typically have three specific duo’s that are most popular among players – the ZXiU and ZXi7 is the most used among our Tour staff, pairing forgiving long Irons with highly workable short Irons. The ZXi5 and ZXi7 are for people wanting powerful distance and workability. And we have the ZXi4 and ZXi5 combination that pairs cavity back short Irons with hollow long Irons for maximum forgiveness.

Dustin Brekke, Director of Engineering at Srixon

ZXiU

Some golfers prefer hybrids when selecting long irons for the bag, while others opt for utility irons. Srixon introduces their latest utility iron, the ZXiU. This model features the Tour V.T. sole for the first time, enhancing its playability. The multi-material construction of the ZXiU combines a S20C steel frame and a SUP10 steel face. Additionally, Srixon has incorporated tungsten internally to assist golfers with launch conditions.

Based on some early testing of the ZXiU 18° model, I was able to produce an average ball speed of 126 MPH, with a launch angle of 18° and a carry distance of 196 yards. I don’t usually get along with utility clubs, so this 18° model may not be the best fit for my swing. However, I was impressed by the penetrating flight it produced and the speed potential that emerged, with some shots exceeding 130+ MPH ball speed. 

In terms of feel, I noticed a significant difference when hitting the ball thin or towards the toe compared to striking it on the sweet spot. Low misses produced a firm sensation, whereas center strikes felt explosively powerful.

ZXiU is offered in three different lofts, 18° (2), 20° (3), and 23° (4), all of which come with either a True Temper Gold Mid115 shaft or the Mitsubishi MMT Utility graphite shaft. 

Srixon ZXi Irons – ZXi4

Srixon ZXi Irons - ZXi4

For golfers seeking more help with their consistency, Srixon offers the ZXi4 irons. These hollow body irons are crafted from a softer SUS17-47 body material and feature an HT1770 face. Although Srixon primarily targets mid to higher-handicap golfers with this line, their comprehensive design effectively conceals the fact that the ZXi4 is the more robust iron in the lineup. Additionally, as we previously discussed the possibility of combo sets, incorporating some of the long irons could be a great option for many players.

The inside of the Srixon ZXi irons

Data collected from a SkyTrak+ launch monitor demonstrates that the ZXi4 features a hot face with excellent ball speed retention. During my testing with a 6-iron, I achieved an average ball speed of 118 MPH, resulting in a high launch and an average carry distance of 176 yards. I was particularly impressed with the ZXi4’s performance, as I recorded a peak height of 36 yards and an angle of descent of 50°. More importantly, I found the ball speed retention significantly strong, making the ZXi4 an option for golfers who like to explore different areas of the clubface.

ZXi4 irons are available in a 4 to SW configuration, featuring the KBS Tour Lite shaft as the standard steel option. For golfers preferring the advantages of graphite, the KBS TGI Tour Graphite shaft is also a stock option.

Srixon ZXi Irons – ZXi5

The players’ distance iron category has become increasingly popular and competitive. With each release, Srixon’s 5 model consistently stands out among the competition, and the ZXi5 is expected to continue this trend. In terms of design, it strikes a balance between the ZXi4 and ZXi7 irons, offering a middle ground for blade length and offset. Like the ZXi4, Srixon incorporates high-density tungsten, which is strategically placed in the long and mid irons to enhance ball speed and spin on off-center strikes.

Srixon ZXi Irons the mainframe face of the ZXi5

On our SkyTrak+ launch monitor, the ZXi5 7-iron produced impressive numbers, averaging a carry distance of 164 yards. When comparing it with the ZXi4 and ZXi7, there were noticeable differences in ball flight. In particular, my peak height was four yards lower than that of the ZXi4 6-iron, yet my descent angle remained strong at 48 degrees. Additionally, when considering a combo set, the yardage gap between the ZXi 6-iron and the ZXi5 7-iron was 12 yards, making it a viable option to blend them.

The ZXi5 irons are available with two stock shaft options: a True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115/100 steel shaft or a KBS TGI Tour Graphite shaft for those preferring a steel alternative. These irons will be offered in the range from 3 to AW. Like the ZX5 MK II, the three iron can only be purchased through a custom order.

Srixon ZXi Irons – ZXi7

The ZXi7 represents the player’s iron within the family and is recognized for its tour-preferred styling. As the most compact option in the line, the ZXi7 features the shortest blade length, thinnest sole, and least amount of offset. It is a one-piece forged iron, making it the only member of the ZXi family that does not utilize MainFrame technology. Instead, it incorporates PureFrame, forged into the body and positioned directly behind the sweet spot. With the aid of artificial intelligence, Srixon expanded PureFrame in the ZXi7 irons, resulting in a 9.3% reduction in vibrations compared to the previous generation, leading to a softer and more stable feel at impact.

The ZXi7 feels and looks incredible in hand. Unsurprisingly, it produces the quietest sound at impact within its lineup. The PureFrame technology provides a soft feel and prevents my hands from stinging on mishits. In addition to its appealing aesthetics and feel, the club performed well. When using a 6-iron, I averaged a carry distance of 170 yards, which is six yards less than what I achieved with the ZXi4 6-iron. Despite having a higher static loft, I achieved my lowest average peak height of 28 yards with a descent angle of 45 degrees. Overall, this club is well-suited for golfers with a consistent strike pattern, while still offering enough forgiveness for aspiring golfers who prefer a more approachable alternative to players’ distance irons.

ZXi7 irons will be available in 3 to AW and come with a True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115 steel shaft.

The Details – Srixon ZXi Irons

The Srixon ZXi irons will be released on January 24, 2025, with all three iron sets priced at $1,299.99 for a 7-piece steel set. The ZXiU Utility iron will be available for $239.99.

More information on the new ZXi lineup from Srixon will be available at us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

Go to discussion...

Follow, Like & Share
Instagram
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
YouTube
YouTube
LinkedIn
Share

Dean DeCrescenzo is a THP staff writer that currently resides in upstate New York. He has been a member of The Hackers Paradise for over 7 years and been involved with a number of THP events.