Srixon ZX5 MKII Irons

The Srixon ZX5 from 2021 was our absolute bestseller and was very often the winner in our fittings - even against all western brands. The ZX5 convinced in all respects and has been able to find countless satisfied new owners. We therefore strongly hoped that Srixon would make only minimal changes in the new edition - and fortunately they did. The new ZX5 MKII looks a bit more "tidy" and discreet, with little change to the profile and technology. A very big improvement is the introduction of a Srixon ZX5 MKII A-wedge with 50° which fills the gaps to most wedges better than was previously the case with the PW.

There is a lot of technology in the Srixon ZX5 MKII. It is a typical two-piece construction. This also allows, for example, that the clubface can be manufactured in an independent production step. For the first time, Srixon uses the so-called "Main Frame". The optimal shape and weight distribution of the clubface was determined with the help of artificial intelligence in countless tests. The basic idea is as follows: one simulates the hits of a player and then optimizes the clubface for a maximum but also as constant as possible ball speed. So it's not just about getting the most out of your good hits, but out of the typical hit pattern of an amateur golfer - which unfortunately is usually anything but optimal. The same concept is applied to the Srixon Utility iron.

Aside from the clubface, there's a lot of technology built into the rest of the iron. For example, the tungsten insert in the toe of all long irons. This helps to optimize the MOI, i.e. to provide more stability for hits outside the sweet spot. The insert in the rear area of the club is particularly decisive for optimizing ball speed. At this point you also notice that it is a "two piece construction". The balls develop more speed and the feel is less direct than, for example, the Srixon ZX7, which is only made from one piece. This is the compromise you have to make when choosing an iron like the Srixon ZX5. However, the ZX5 MKII maximizes forgiveness and ball speed.

The Srixon ZX5 MKII is also equipped with progressive grooves. This means that the short irons from 8 to PW have significantly more and deeper grooves than the long irons. This not only allows for more spin, but at the same time allows for less variance in ball speed. Better distance control, which is often crucial with short irons, is the result.

The sole of the Srixon ZX5 MKII is comparatively wide, but equipped with the typical Srixon V shape. This shape helps especially with too "fat" shots, but also gives a better feedback on optimal hits than irons with a traditional sole shape. Only for "pickers" who come neutral or with positive Angle of Attack to the ball and hardly interact with the turf do not benefit from this sole design.

The Srixon ZX5 MKII can be ideally combined with the Srixon ZX7 MKII and ZX4 MKII, for example as a combo set with Srixon ZX4 in the 4 to 6 irons and Srixon ZX5 in the 7 to PW irons - or even with Srixon ZX5 in the long irons and ZX7 in the short irons. Srixon has recognized the trend of combo sets and has already tuned all MKII irons exactly to this. This means that ZX4, ZX5 and ZX7 have a similar size and a similar thick topline. So you hardly notice a difference in the address position. While the irons do vary a bit in loft, this is put into perspective with a different launch. The Srixon ZX5 MKII iron is made of soft steel, so a subsequent change of loft and lie is easily possible. This service is provided by ExactGolf at no extra cost to our customers.

The Srixon ZX5 MKII is available in countless shafts from leading manufacturers such as Nippon, Dynamic Gold, KBS, Project X and Steelfiber. The Srixon ZX5 MKII is theoretically available from irons 3 to AW, but usually we move between irons 4 to AW, that is from 22° to 50°. For lefties, the irons 3 to PW are available.

All Srixon irons are handmade by us and built exactly to specifications. This also allows us to build exactly to swing weight and adjust the irons for longer shafts or heavier grips, for example.

Standard Iron Set from 5-PW.

Srixon ZX5 Lofts and Specs

ZX5 Club Test and Review

The ZX5 from Srixon is visually very similar to the ZX7, but much friendlier and more forgiving. Srixon's intention was to make both models so similar that they can be wonderfully combined in a mixed set. And to be honest, Srixon succeeds in doing this better than any other manufacturer currently. In our opinion, the concept of mixed sets is one for the future and will be appreciated by many players.

The look of the ZX5

From a purely visual point of view, the ZX5 is said to be very similar to the ZX7 in the setup position, and the differences here are also marginal. In the topline, the ZX5 is 0.4mm thicker and the clubface is about 1mm longer overall. There are therefore hardly any visible differences between these two irons, which is why they can also be combined very well in a set. By the way, this is also what Srixon's Tour Pros like Hideki Matsuyama do.

The main visual difference between the two irons is the sole, which is almost 4mm wider on the ZX5. This makes the ZX5 one of the widest soles and in this respect it clearly plays in the game improvement area. One advantage of the ZX5, however, is that the sole has the V-grind Srixon is known for and therefore the sole "plays narrower". Comparable irons like the Honma TR21 X or Mizuno JPX921 Forged have a similarly wide sole. 

Srixon ZX5 Performance

You don't have to hit three balls to notice that the clubface of the ZX5 is very "hot". The ZX5 is designed for high launch, maximum ball speed and relatively low spin. This is immediately noticeable.

The launch is very easy with the ZX5 and you notice that compared to the ZX7, the centre of gravity is much lower and further away from the clubface.

Similar to the ZX7, the ZX5 also has a tungsten insert in the toe. Hits at this spot are therefore punished less harshly, the ball feels less of the "gear effect" which would normally cause a significant left turn.

The ZX5 iron basically performs exactly as you would expect from such an iron. Shaping balls, i.e. playing an intentional draw or fade, is made more difficult by the weight distribution. The ball stays on line more easily.

Feel with the ZX5

Although the ZX5 is a "Two-Piece Construction" - which makes the high ball speeds possible - it lacks the typical and for many players unpleasant "click noise". We have to give Srixon credit for this. Most players want the performance of a "two-piece construction" iron but they don't want it to sound and feel "clicky". They still want a rich impact moment.

It's certainly one of the great strengths that the Srixon ZX5 doesn't do exactly that. But it's also the case that really rich hits are not necessarily rewarded with overly soft feedback. The hits feel very similar across the face. The precise feedback is somewhat lacking. This is not a criticism of the ZX5 because it is basically due to the construction. Just don't expect a Miura-like feel.

Our conclusion on the ZX5

Together with the ZX7, the Srixon irons belong high on the list of recommended irons for 2021. The ZX5 shines in practically every respect. Our criticisms are not of the club itself, but are primarily construction-related. The feel of the ZX5 is among the best in its category. It feels amazingly good for a two-piece construction. However, if you are looking for an even softer feel, you would be better off with a Miura CB-301, for example. The feedback about the strike pattern will also be more direct. However, it should be noted that the Srixon ZX5 plays in a different price category. In terms of price-performance ratio, there is little competition for Srixon in 2021.

About Srixon Golf

Srixon is definitely one of the manufacturers who are clearly underestimated. If you would ask a golfer from Europe if the name Srixon means something to him and what he associates with it, the answer would probably be "balls". This is also where Srixon's core competence lies - precisely because they have been manufacturing balls for 90 years and hold over 800 patents. Srixon is without doubt one of the leading manufacturers of premium golf balls and offers a very wide range of products.

When it comes to golf clubs, however, the Japanese manufacturer does not have to hide and has made extreme progress in recent years. With the new ZX series at the latest, Srixon also makes use of innovations that ensure the best possible performance. For example, Srixon relies on artificial intelligence in the development of the ZX5's clubface. There is another major manufacturer that does this and is making a big deal about it. Srixon is stacking up and concentrating more on developing excellent clubs than on marketing.

This can be seen in the sponsored tour players. Although Srixon has some very good players under contract, such as Keegan Bradley, GMac and Shan Lowry, the Japanese manufacturer is far less aggressive than many of its competitors. Srixon is also more present on the Asian Tour than in Europe or the PGA Tour.