unofficial: Srixon ZX7 / ZX5 combo Irons

[Thin2win]

Hello. 

First, I'd like to thanks Srixon for this very awesome opportunity. Second, the MGS forums for giving me a spot to discuss it.

The opportunity started a couple of days ago when my wife came to me saying she was thinking she wanted a new set off irons. Being the supportive husband,  we immediately got in the car to go to the local golf store. After some time on a launch monitor comparing her existing set to some options,  we walked out the door with a set of Cobra TRails for her, and a combo set of Srixons ordered for me.

It turns out Srixon was running a fathers day special open to all forum members and all humans world wide( maybe not lefties). I was able to pay full retail price and will now be waiting 2-3 weeks for delivery.

So arriving in the next few weeks will be a combo set of ZX7s (PW-7i) and ZX5s (6-5i). They are coming with steelfiber i95s in stiff. 

My golf season this year has been the first  where on average,  I'm just worse than I've been before. Basically, Justin Thomas and I are taking 2023 to refocus,  and re-commit ourselves to our relationships with golf. 

My iron play has been particularly poor. In my last 3 rounds,  I've hit 3 of 12 par 3s. 2 of those were the same 100y par 3( I did birdie it both times), the other was a 175y hole that I hit driver on... my iron play was so bad during that round that on the 12th hole I made the very sane choice to continue using only driver. Which I used to par 3 holes in a row, including winning the KP on the par 3. So maybe that is my best strategy going forward....

Things I'll be eager to see once these arrive: do they include a Brooks Keopka temporary tattoo? Can I hit a par 3 with them? Will they successfully find a spot next to my driver as the only club in my bag right now? Will I find them so good looking that I give up on life, put sweatpants on and buy iron covers for them? Is there a real yardage gap between the 7i/6i split?

I could have gone full ZX7, or full ZX5. They both were great in the magical confines of a store hitting bay. The feel and consistency on them was so good, they are probably illegally in 13 states. But the feels on the ZX7....

Follow along or not,  I'll still give grades and some feedback.  More to come.

 

The Official Unofficial review or Maybe is it is an Unofficial Official review:

Just like a holiday Trifle, there are a few layers to this review. The Grip, shaft, ZX5 and ZX7 heads.

First, PURE grips. I won't say you are wrong if you haven't tried them. But really, you should try them. They are like the Iomic Sticky and the Golfpride Tour Velvet had a fun night in Havana. Taking the best parts of both to make something much better than either could achieve. I'm all in on them. They don't wear out, they don't get slick, they aren't overtly abrasive or soft. They are basically the best golf grip made, and I love being able to use an air compressor to put them on in less than a minute.

PURE grips: 10/10

Next, the Steelfiber i95 Shafts. They are really boring. They don't feel explosive, or dynamic. They just deliver the clubhead where I expect them to and how I want them to every single time. Compared to my former Recoils, they are less active and feel more stable. Some where in the combination of them and the clubheads I can't imagine what else I would want them to be(okay, maybe a limited edition black color). They are an older technology, but Aerotech and their Steelfiber shafts look to be used by 7 of the top 10 LPGA players on the planet. That is a solid endorsement from the group of golfers I play the same Swing Speeds as.

SteelFiber i95: 9.5/10

Srixon ZX5 MKII heads: I will say you are wrong if you haven't tried these. They might not be the right club for you, but you would just be silly to buy something on the market without giving these some swings. They did things in the MGS Most Wanted testing, https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/irons/best-players-distance-irons-2023/

Somehow in the last 3 weeks my 5i has become a club that I look forward to hitting. That isn't a feeling I've had before. I've used my 5i more in the last few rounds than I might have all of last year because I have so much confidence in it. I missed 1 green with it on my last round, a pull to the left. But used it 5 other times, tee shots, lay ups, and approaches and every time I got exactly the shot I wanted. The pull to the left was still pin high and I was able to get the up and down for the par. They aren't the softest more pure feeling club I have ever hit(see below), but they are really close. And they have magical launch properties attached to supermodel good looks. I feel like most OEMs are putting out lots of really good products, but these are a product that puts a gap on the field.

ZX5 MKII's: 10/10

Lastly, the ZX7 MKII heads. I don't have Brooks Koepka's ball striking. I don't even know that I have the ball striking of a D3 player. But they were on the rack, and I asked to test them.

And that was that. My last 9 holes of golf, a personal best of 2 under. More has to happen than just iron play to get a good score. You need to do all the other things too. But hitting every approach to the distance you need on the line you want sure makes it easy. I had 3 birdies on the back, 5 on the round and hard lipped 2 more from about 8'. On the 18th hole I had 140y, over a creek, uphill to the pin. I was sitting at 2 under, which I was aware of. My playing partners who were playing for skins were also aware and decided that this was the moment that they needed to remind me that I was 2 under, hitting over a creek and hadn't mishit a shot yet on the round. What are friends for?   Stuffed a 9i to 7' and smiled.

The ZX7 MKIIs are the best feeling(subjective), most consistent(subjective) and best looking(fact) clubs on the market. They let you, and enable you to hit any shot you want. Low pull cut, high push draw, stinger, or just standard pin seeking darts. They have more spin, and a little lower launch than the ZX5s for me, but the right amount more and less. With the ZX5s I'm trying to hit the green, or the center of a fairway, and they are great. With the ZX7s I'm trying to hit a quadrant of the green, and they are exceptional. I'm glad that I have the split set, I think the 5s do what they should do and the 7s do what they should. Also, the main blog tested the MKII 7s, they did okay there too: https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/irons/best-players-irons-2023/

Srixon ZX7 MKIIs: 10/10

Buyers Remorse: 0/10

 

 

 

[cksurfdude]

21 minutes ago, Thin2win said:

a set of Cobra TRails for her

Was looking at those for my cuter golf partner last year but she felt wanted a set of clubs with traditional irons. Those are definitely on my radar, though, for sometime in my future.

Anyway enjoy your new magic sticks and hope they help restore confidence and improve your game!!

[Thin2win]

23 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Was looking at those for my cuter golf partner last year but she felt wanted a set of clubs with traditional irons. Those are definitely on my radar, though, for sometime in my future.

Anyway enjoy your new magic sticks and hope they help restore confidence and improve your game!!

We went and played 9 last night for her to put them in play for the first time.  Those T Rails are amazing.  I've never seen her get the height and distance that she was with them.  She liked them better than the Taylormade and the Cleveland versions.  i think they are going to be great for her.

[Thin2win]

Added an order of Pure pro midsized neon yellow grips for these.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Going to be a fun review! Thanks for doing it. 

I have seen a lot of the previous version on the buy sell site here and been awfully tempting however haven't pulled the trigger.

[Thin2win]

7 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Going to be a fun review! Thanks for doing it. 

I have seen a lot of the previous version on the buy sell site here and been awfully tempting however haven't pulled the trigger.

I'm pretty excited.  Between the MGS MW results and the hitting bay fireworks I'm expecting weekly hole-in-ones with Jim Nance voice overs.

[revkev]

Thanks for doing this review - I’m fixated on these or edels to replace my D7 forgeds - they are turning 4 this fall and 3-5 years is my iron cycle as opposed to 3-5 months for driver, almost never for fairway woods, 10 years for putter and I try every years but have 12 year old SCORs in the bag.

 

I’m curious about the sole/turf interaction. I would probably go straight 5’s but will be anxious to hear your thoughts on the transition. I’m also wondering why there’s a 6 degree gap between the PW and AW in the straight 5’s - my gut would be to weaken one or strengthen the other in the preorder.

 

My initial question for you is why did you go S in the aero tech? Those play a flex stronger so it’s very stout.

 

Regardless enjoy- I’m going for an iron fitting July 5th - these are in the queue 

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

55 minutes ago, revkev said:

Thanks for doing this review - I’m fixated on these or edels to replace my D7 forgeds - they are turning 4 this fall and 3-5 years is my iron cycle as opposed to 3-5 months for driver, almost never for fairway woods, 10 years for putter and I try every years but have 12 year old SCORs in the bag.

 

I’m curious about the sole/turf interaction. I would probably go straight 5’s but will be anxious to hear your thoughts on the transition. I’m also wondering why there’s a 6 degree gap between the PW and AW in the straight 5’s - my gut would be to weaken one or strengthen the other in the preorder.

 

My initial question for you is why did you go S in the aero tech? Those play a flex stronger so it’s very stout.

 

Regardless enjoy- I’m going for an iron fitting July 5th - these are in the queue 

If you play in neutral or soft conditions you should love the sole. I tried a 565 two years ago and loved it. These are also on the docket for me when my irons crap out but I am going to need multiple clubs to have a cracked face or something to continue my spouse I need new clubs. 

[revkev]

10 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

If you play in neutral or soft conditions you should love the sole. I tried a 565 two years ago and loved it. These are also on the docket for me when my irons crap out but I am going to need multiple clubs to have a cracked face or something to continue my spouse I need new clubs. 

My cousin, Frankie, who lives in Arizona who could come up and take care of cracking those faces for you - after he gets out of prison.  Living in Florida I normally play in wet conditions - we've had, emphasis on had as of today, exceptionally dry conditions this spring but dry for us is wet elsewhere - I thought we were getting lots of roll out until I played in Indiana last month.  

[ScottyHapas]

On 6/18/2023 at 8:10 AM, Thin2win said:

@Thin2winIt turns out Srixon was running a fathers day special open to all forum members and all humans world wide

I tried to sell my wife on that exact sell but she wasn’t buying it! Well played my friend. 
 

I played with a fella the other day that had a set of the ZX7’s and I think he nearly drove every green with his 5i so I think you will have plenty of opportunities for hole in ones with that combo set. He let me swing a one of his 7i and the weighting felt amazing. I really liked how they moved the tungsten out to the toe and it felt like it gave you just enough closing power to smash it to oblivion. 

[revkev]

You guys are killing me - 

 

I know this is going to be a dangerous comment - I've been fit for irons a number of times so there is not likely to be any surprises.  I'm wondering if it's really worth the $150 to go for an iron fitting which is just an excuse to try Edels and these side by side.  As appealing as the combo might be I believe my ZX 7 days are behind me.  I can always look, long, lust and think that I should have gone with them whenever I pull a short iron - I do that all the time with the D7 forged irons - the reality is that Players/Distance irons are built for players like me and I hit them well.  

 

Right now I can get straight ZX 5ii's with the customization that I want for 1,100 - throw in a couple of trade in clubs and it's down to $800 which is in the report not ask category for weekly family budget meetings at this moment in time  (Got to love Social Security retirement while still working) - I don't know if that arrangement will be in place in July nor do I know if I can get the Srixon's at that price - they may become and ask and I know what that answer will be.

 

I'm completely torn on this.  I came close to hitting the buy button last night so to have this thread pop up first think is maddening.  

 

[Kenny B]

Congratulations!  When you get them, come on down!  Or maybe we need to come for a visit.

On 6/18/2023 at 8:10 AM, Thin2win said:

It turns out Srixon was running a fathers day special open to all forum members and all humans world wide( maybe not lefties). I was able to pay full retail price and will now be waiting 2-3 weeks for delivery.

This reminds me of Martha's oldest brother who was a platinum Hyundai salesman (after his police force days).  Her two other brothers got the "family discount" which was MSRP +15%.  

[Hook DeLoft]

On 6/19/2023 at 12:47 AM, Thin2win said:

Added an order of Pure pro midsized neon yellow grips for these.

You must wear sunglasses when you play.

[Thin2win]

14 hours ago, revkev said:

Thanks for doing this review - I’m fixated on these or edels to replace my D7 forgeds - they are turning 4 this fall and 3-5 years is my iron cycle as opposed to 3-5 months for driver, almost never for fairway woods, 10 years for putter and I try every years but have 12 year old SCORs in the bag.

 

I’m curious about the sole/turf interaction. I would probably go straight 5’s but will be anxious to hear your thoughts on the transition. I’m also wondering why there’s a 6 degree gap between the PW and AW in the straight 5’s - my gut would be to weaken one or strengthen the other in the preorder.

 

My initial question for you is why did you go S in the aero tech? Those play a flex stronger so it’s very stout.

 

Regardless enjoy- I’m going for an iron fitting July 5th - these are in the queue 

I thought i was just going to go straight 5s. I was crushing them. Legitimate club further than the D7 Forged I'm still gaming.  They felt good,  and the performance was $.

But they had the 7s, and size wise,  the 7 isn't much different...  i think it's the biggest club in its category. So i hit the 7, and my soul melted.  7i was 3y shorter than the 5s but 1k more back spin and higher launch.  

I know people say that Mizuno has the feels.  And I've hit Mizuno trying to see what the commotion is about and I've never really felt it.  But the 7s... 8 days since i last hit then and i can stop thinking about them.

[Fred Mitchell]

13 hours ago, revkev said:

You guys are killing me - 

 

I know this is going to be a dangerous comment - I've been fit for irons a number of times so there is not likely to be any surprises.  I'm wondering if it's really worth the $150 to go for an iron fitting which is just an excuse to try Edels and these side by side.  As appealing as the combo might be I believe my ZX 7 days are behind me.  I can always look, long, lust and think that I should have gone with them whenever I pull a short iron - I do that all the time with the D7 forged irons - the reality is that Players/Distance irons are built for players like me and I hit them well.  

 

Right now I can get straight ZX 5ii's with the customization that I want for 1,100 - throw in a couple of trade in clubs and it's down to $800 which is in the report not ask category for weekly family budget meetings at this moment in time  (Got to love Social Security retirement while still working) - I don't know if that arrangement will be in place in July nor do I know if I can get the Srixon's at that price - they may become and ask and I know what that answer will be.

 

I'm completely torn on this.  I came close to hitting the buy button last night so to have this thread pop up first think is maddening.  

 

We are not getting younger, the 5'S probably have a longer life cycle. I made the same decision between the Titlist T200 and 300 this year and went with the 300  out of practicality.

[Thin2win]

Nice thing about the local golf shop here is they have a 30 day 100% return policy.  So if i decide that the 7s are "one hit"ting bay wonders then i can turn them in for all 5s.

@revkev also,  you asked about the i95 in stiff,  and i was wrong. I went to look at the Srixon website, and it turns out i was hitting the fc90cw steelfibers in stiff. I should have paid more attention, but i kinda blacked out after the first swing and only vaguely remember handing over my credit card while the euphoria slowly wore off.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

On 6/19/2023 at 1:47 AM, Thin2win said:

Added an order of Pure pro midsized neon yellow grips for these.

Never played these. What are they comparable to?

[Thin2win]

9 hours ago, Ben Joest said:

Never played these. What are they comparable to?

iomic sticky, are what i think are the closest. They are just a better version of the GP tour velvet or Lamkin Crossline. Tackier, while softer and still plenty firm for control.

[revkev]

So what’s with the 6 degree gap between the PW and GW

in the x5’s? I’m thinking I’d customize it to 5 or skip the GW altogether. Any experience with it?

[Thin2win]

6 hours ago, revkev said:

So what’s with the 6 degree gap between the PW and GW

in the x5’s? I’m thinking I’d customize it to 5 or skip the GW altogether. Any experience with it?

I'll see how they gap when i get them.  But guessing I'll need to make some adjustments. 

[Thin2win]

Turns out the yellow is definitely visable from most interstellar objects.

Now need the clubs to arrive.

[Thin2win]

So,  2-3 weeks for delivery actually means 6 days. 

[Thin2win]

Grips on

And,  @revkev i was right the first time i95 in stiff.

[MacTourney]

The grips look good and now you're all set to play in a fog.  They look nice and tacky too, more tack = more smack.

[Thin2win]

1 hour ago, MacTourney said:

The grips look good and now you're all set to play in a fog.  They look nice and tacky too, more tack = more smack.

I was telling my neighbor that these qualify as a safety device now. i can use them to help guide a plane into position,  as a backup emergency flare if i breakdown on the way to the course.  I should never leave one greenside, that's for sure.

[Thin2win]

Did an initial gaping session for my first swings with these. I'll do this again tomorrow and maybe once more before I make and changes. but initial thoughts are 7i is weak, 8i is strong.  Will see what tomorrow brings. I did 20 shots before starting this to be pretty warmed up, and I started with the PW and worked up. Tomorrow, I'll start 5i and work down to see what that looks like.

Also, the 9i was 3 shots, all within 1y of center all within 3y of each other, it was silly.

[Thin2win]

Updated WITB pictures.

[Thin2win]

So, another gaping session today, definitely an issue between 8i and 9i. Didn't hit the 5i as well today, started with my 7w and worked down. Turns out my 7w and 4i utility are about the same, don't need to carry both of those.

Before gap test, I warmed up with my 7i, here are the last 5 shots with it. The consistency of these ZX7s is just crazy. The furthest from center was my last strike, at 8.8L. the other 4 were all within 3.5y of center. So fun to hit.

 

Gaping Session #2

What do you more apt club fitters think on the PW-7i gaps?  9i .5° strong, 8i 1° weak?

[revkev]

Very nice

Let me ask do your start the MK 5's at the 6?  

 

Also is there anyone checking in here who has considered doing this with the MK 5's and the MK 4's?  I keep reading and seeing how the 4's are the marked improvements in this iteration - As I age I struggle with launching it high enough as well as with distance.  I'm thinking I may be better off in a 4/5 combo or even a 4/7 combo - I was thinking that I might go 2 7 irons if I were to do that.  The MK 4 6 and 7 would play as my 5 and 6 in that scenario.  

[Thin2win]

4 minutes ago, revkev said:

Very nice

Let me ask do your start the MK 5's at the 6?  

 

Also is there anyone checking in here who has considered doing this with the MK 5's and the MK 4's?  I keep reading and seeing how the 4's are the marked improvements in this iteration - As I age I struggle with launching it high enough as well as with distance.  I'm thinking I may be better off in a 4/5 combo or even a 4/7 combo - I was thinking that I might go 2 7 irons if I were to do that.  The MK 4 6 and 7 would play as my 5 and 6 in that scenario.  

Yeah,  mkii zx7 goes pw-7. Zx5 is the 6i/5i .

 

I know the zx5s are really good,  but i think the 7s might be better.  They are just as forgiving and so smooth.