With each passing year, Srixon becomes more and more of key player among the major club manufacturers. It should come as little surprise that the likes of Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry have Srixon irons in their bag.
The latest addition to the Z line of irons are the Zx7s. These irons are meant for the better player. They’re forged and their head design is sleek and clean.
As one of the most underrated lines of irons in the game, I was curious to find out more, so my staff and I did some research.
Here’s what we found.
Key Features
Thin top line and low offset give the club a classic look.
Tour Cavity moves the mass to the head’s perimeter while also concentrating some of it in the middle of the face for a soft feeling sweet spot.
V-shaped Tour VT Sole is designed to optimize turf interaction and provide some relief on heavy shots.
Design and Technology
Like most forged clubs, there was no stone left unturned in the design and conception of the ZX7 irons. The head looks sharp and clean when you set it behind the ball. Even though the top line is a little thicker than other forged clubs, it’s not off-putting.
The most noticeable technological feature in these irons concerns the sole. Dubbed the Tour VT design, this sole has notches in both the heel and toe that reduce turf interaction and help the blade glide along the turf instead of into it. The result is crisp contact, especially in wet conditions.
The sole is also a little wider than those found on other forged clubs. Think of the ZX7 as having more bounce, just like a sand wedge. This extra bit of relief helps some of those fat shots turn out a whole lot better than they might otherwise.
The COG is placed precisely perfectly thanks to most of the mass being right behind the sweet spot and on the club’s perimeter. Players that have hit these irons report excellent spin, and the ability to both shape shots and control trajectory.
The meticulous forging process these clubs undergo ensures ultimate responsiveness and feedback. Golfers say that it’s easy to tell how solid you’ve hit a shot by how it feels in your hands. You know right away.
While there might not be anything earth-shattering about the tech in the ZX7 irons, what’s there is proven to work.
Srixon ZX7 Irons
If you’re just learning the game, you should be playing clubs that offer plenty of forgiveness and help you get the ball in the air. If this sounds like you, the Srixon ZX7 irons aren’t the best choice. However, if you’ve been playing for a while and put more of an emphasis on control and shot making, then you probably want an iron that’s a little more compact and easier to manipulate. That’s precisely what this iron offers. While there are some elements of forgiveness in its design, the emphasis is on traditional looks, clean looks, soft feel, and responsiveness.
PROS
- Excellent turf interaction thanks to the Tour VT Sole.
- Remarkable forgiveness for a compact forged club.
- Value is better than most other forged clubs on the market.
CONS
- Lack of new, breakthrough technology may not be attractive to some players.
- Not forgiving enough for high handicappers or beginners.
- Lack of stock shaft options could be a limiting factor.
Our Experience
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a set of ZX7 irons recently. My first thought was that I’m not good enough to hit these “player’s” clubs.
While it’s true that they’re designed with the better player in mind, I found them remarkably forgiving.
Tour VT Sole interacted very well with the turf and provided more forgiveness on heavy shots than I thought it would.
The feedback was otherworldly too. On flush shots, the soft feeling from the forged face was like a knife going through hot butter. I also knew immediately when I didn’t strike a shot solid too. Even then, it didn’t feel awful even though I got a lot of feedback in my hands and arms.
While I’m still not convinced that I’m good enough to play these irons long term, I was quite impressed with their performance, look, and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of golfer are the Srixon ZX7 irons best suited for?
The Srixon ZX7 irons are designed for low to mid-handicap golfers who prioritize feel, control, and workability in their irons. They offer a balance of performance and forgiveness, making them suitable for players who have a decent ball-striking ability and are looking for a player's iron that provides feedback and precision.
How do the Srixon ZX7 irons compare to other player’s irons in terms of performance?
The Srixon ZX7 irons rank highly in terms of accuracy, distance, and forgiveness among player’s irons. They are particularly noted for their exceptional sound and feel, which are critical factors for many golfers. The ZX7 Mk II model, for instance, finished second in the Best Player’s Iron category for 2023, highlighting its strong performance across various metrics.
Can the Srixon ZX7 irons be combined with other Srixon irons in a custom set?
Yes, the Srixon ZX7 irons can be combined with other Srixon models, such as the ZX5 or ZX4, in a custom combination set. This allows golfers to tailor their iron set to better suit their specific needs, such as using more forgiving irons in the longer clubs and more workable irons in the shorter clubs.
What are the key design features of the Srixon ZX7 irons?
The Srixon ZX7 irons feature a compact shape, narrow topline, and a single-piece forging. They also incorporate a V-sole design, which helps the club glide through the turf with less resistance, improving interaction with the ground. Additionally, the irons have a tungsten insert in the toe area to optimize weight distribution and enhance stability.
Are the Srixon ZX7 irons forgiving enough for high-handicap golfers?
While the Srixon ZX7 irons offer a relatively high level of forgiveness for a player’s iron, they may not be the best choice for high-handicap golfers who need maximum forgiveness. High-handicap players might find more suitable options in Srixon's ZX5 or ZX4 models, which are designed to offer greater forgiveness and ease of use.
Conclusion
Srixon is a brand that flies under the radar compared to the other major players. It’s more than clear that they prefer to let their clubs do the talking for them.
That fact plays out with the new ZX7 irons. These clubs are masterfully built, look great, and feel even better.
If you’re a player that’s looking for a club that’s both playable and forgiving, yet still allows you to hit all the shots, give the Srixon ZX7 irons a try.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
