srixon zx5 irons Review

My First Impressions

The thin topline of the Srixon ZX5 iron presented me with a classic look at the address. I anticipate that the longer blade and wider sole will provide the forgiveness necessary for those occasional less-than-perfect strikes. The club’s design, with its increased offset, should facilitate easy lifting of the ball.

I’m keen to see how the V-Shaped soles perform under different lie conditions. I expect them to help maintain clubhead speed and minimize digging, which would be beneficial for my sometimes inconsistent ball-striking.

Who is it for ? 

• Suitable for Mid-Handicappers.
• Players Seeking Forgiveness.
• Those who enjoy shaping shots and require workability.

My Profile

• Average Score: 78
• Handicap: 6
• Hand Orientation: Right-handed
• Golfing Experience: 10 years

Club I Used: 

• Model Name: Srixon ZX5 Irons
• Club Tested: 6 Iron
• Loft Setting: 27°
• Shaft Type: UST Mamiya Recoil 95
• Shaft Flex: Regular

My Test Conditions and Setup

Range Facilities:

• Practice area: Standard
• Target distances: 20, 50, 90, 125, 150, 175, 200, and 225 yards

Weather Conditions During Testing:

• Weather conditions were warmer and drier. 
• The temperature was approximately 85°F with a light wind of 5 mph from the south.
• The humidity was lower, around 40%.

On Course Performance Review 

Here is a thorough review of my experience with the Srixon ZX5, tracing the journey from my initial swing through to the final putt: 

Shot Range Tested:

• I tried a full range of shots, including long irons off the tee, mid-iron approaches, short game chips, and various recovery shots.

Performance Off the Tee:

• Distance: Each drive with the ZX5 irons added noticeable distance to my game. On average, I gained an extra 5-7 yards, which often meant reaching a par-5 in two or having a shorter, more manageable approach on par-4s.
• Accuracy: I liked how often my shots landed where I aimed. The dispersion was tight, and even when I didn’t make perfect contact, the ball still ended up closer to my target line than I expected.

Iron Play from the Fairway:

• Playability: The V.T. sole technology of the ZX5 irons made the ball glide through the turf. This led to cleaner contact and more consistent ball striking, shot after shot.
• Control: I found myself hitting my distance targets more frequently, with backspin that allowed for aggressive approaches to stick on the green. This was especially noticeable on well-guarded greens where stopping the ball quickly was crucial.

My Test Stats

After spending some time with the ZX5 Irons, I took it indoors and recorded various data points with the Optishot 2 simulator to assess their performance. Here’s what I found:

Parameters	My Stats
Ball speed	113.4 mph
Ball spin	5024 rpm
Launch angle	19.7 degrees
Carry distance	163.1 yds
Total Distance	171.6 yds

Although my ball speed wasn’t great at 113.4 mph, these irons compensated well, offering me satisfactory distances. The launch angle found a sweet spot at 19.7 degrees, which was high enough to clear hazards. 

With a moderate spin rate of 5024 rpm, the ball lands soft enough on the greens but avoids excessive backspin. The carry distance had a consistency that definitely helped level up my game, particularly on longer par 4s. 

What I liked about ZX5 

• Forgiveness: The ZX5 irons showed their ability to reduce the impact of mishits, maintaining consistent ball flights and distances. The confidence these irons inspired allowed me to play more aggressively, knowing that the club would be forgiving.
• Playability: The ability to shape shots and control trajectory was good, whether I was aiming for a high draw or a low fade, the irons responded well to my inputs.
• Looks: The ZX5 irons gave a premium look, characterized by their silver finish and minimalistic branding. They inspired confidence at address without appearing bulky, striking a balance between traditional and modern iron designs.
• Launch: The Srixon ZX5 irons consistently provided a high and stable launch, making for some great shots, especially towards the green.
• Spin Control: On the shorter par-3 holes, I could control the ball’s spin to make it stop quickly. This often resulted in the ball landing just a few feet away from the hole, giving me a great chance to score a birdie.
• Shaft Performance: The balance between stiffness and flexibility in the shaft was optimal, leading to a good blend of swing speed and control. This resulted in longer, more accurate shots enhancing my overall game experience.

What I didn’t like about ZX5

• Distance:While the ZX5 irons offered a decent increase in distance, they didn’t claim the top spot in terms of distance for me. I’ve experienced slightly greater length with other irons.
• Sound & Feel: The well-struck shots with the Srixon ZX5 irons produced a gratifyingly solid sound. However, when I didn’t hit the ball at the perfect spot, the feedback was noticeably more severe. 

Alternatives

When I took the ZX5 Irons out for a spin, I couldn’t help but compare them to other models I’ve played on the green. Let’s look at some other considerable Iron options: 

1. TaylorMade M6 Irons 

The TaylorMade M6 Irons is a strong contender to the Srixon ZX5 Irons. With a design that promotes speed and forgiveness, they’re perfect for mid-handicappers looking to improve their game. 

2. Wilson Launchpad Irons

Another worthy alternative are the Wilson Launchpad Irons. They provide lightweight components and ease of use, making them a great match for beginners and high handicappers. 

My Take

The Srixon ZX5 Irons are packed with advanced technology. There’s a noticeable forgiveness, which translates to ease of playing that mid handicappers will appreciate.

These clubs offer control and precision, making them a great choice for players looking to improve their game while still enjoying the nuances of a well-struck shot.