Srixon ZX7 MKII Irons

The Srixon ZX7 irons from 2021 were one of our best-selling irons for the last two years. The reason is clear: It was a very classic, forged from soft steel cavity back iron that absolutely convinces with its performance - and at an absolutely reasonable price.

For us as clubfitters, it was a big wish that this concept would not change much - and that's exactly what Srixon has done with the new ZX7 MKII. The look has been slightly revised and is somewhat "tidier". However, nothing has changed in the basic concept and the successful elements such as the V-sole. A big improvement for many players, however, is also the introduction of an A-wedge with 51°. This allows many players to seamlessly transition to the wedges.

The Srixon ZX7 MKII is a soft steel iron forged in Japan that features a bit more technology than a Miura TC-201, for example, so it can be described as a sort of blend of modern technology and the classic Japanese forging technique. The latter provides the typical soft feel at impact and the technology supports the player in certain aspects. In particular, it helps to get the best out of suboptimal hits. The tungsten insert in the toe of the long irons which shifts the weight distribution a little more towards the toe and increases the MOI, is really helpful in this regard.

The club head of the Srixon ZX7 is also relatively large compared to other irons in this class and the topline is slightly thicker - to make it blend with the other ZX irons like the Srixon ZX5. Both give the player a bit more confidence - he knows he doesn't always have to hit the ball in the center. Hits in the sweet spot, on the other hand, feel extremely soft, which is also due to the fact that Srixon concentrates the weight a bit more in this area with the so-called Tour Cavity. In the rear area of the club, directly behind the sweetspot, there's another weight added, which gives an even better feeling.

The V-sole known for Srixon is also installed in the ZX7. This sole is relatively unique and helps to glide through the turf with less resistance - even on hits with a little too early contact with the ground. The sole is relatively wide overall, but the V-shape means it doesn't feel that way and provides much more direct feedback. This type of sole is especially helpful for players with a steep attack angle. So-called "pickers" who hit the ball more on the upswing, on the other hand, do not benefit from it.

The Srixon ZX7 MKII also uses progressive grooves, just like its predecessor. This means that the grooves on the short irons from 8 to PW are somewhat closer together and milled deeper. This provides more spin and a more consistent ball speed for better distance control. In terms of lofts, the Srixon ZX7 MKII is relatively modern with 32° in the 7 iron. 

Available is the Srixon ZX7 MKII from 3 to AW irons, though we would rather recommend sets of 4-PW and 4-AW. For lefties, the ZX7 MKII iron set is available from 3-PW, so unfortunately without AW.

We build our Srixon irons ourselves and offer it with every shaft imaginable. Your Srixon ZX7 MKII iron set is built by hand exactly as you wish. In doing so, we can also make the clubheads heavier or lighter as needed, so we can get to the swing weight you want.

We especially recommend the Srixon ZX7 MKII for players who are looking for the soft feel of irons forged in Japan, but want a little more technology and support. The relatively large face and minimally stronger topline also lend more confidence than comparable irons.

If you are looking for a combo set, it is recommended to consider a combination with the Srixon ZX5 MKII or the Z-Forged MKII. Srixon has already matched all irons very well and there are hardly any differences in the setup position. The Srixon ZX5 MKII gives a little more forgiveness and is therefore an alternative for long irons.

Standard Iron Set from 5-PW.

Srixon ZX7 MKII Lofts and Specs

Srixon ZX7 Test and Review

The Srixon ZX7 is one of the hottest irons for 2021 and has surprised many in the industry. Although Srixon was also a kind of insider tip with one or the other predecessor model, no other Srixon irons have convinced leading clubfitters as much as the ZX7 and ZX5. So we can say right away that the Srixon ZX7 not only convinces the ExactGolf team, but also practically all our colleagues.

The look of the ZX7

The Srixon ZX7 reminds us a little of the Honma TW747 V in terms of shape. It is definitely characterised by the fact that the weight has been shifted to the toe area. This can also be seen in the visible tungsten insert. Despite this technology, the ZX7 is forged. Also noticeable is the V-sole typical for Srixon and a small indentation of the sole under the hosel. We have to honestly admit that there are only a few manufacturers who invest so much in optimising the interaction with the ground. Therefore, both technologies definitely have their justification.

In terms of head size, the ZX7 is roughly comparable to the Miura CB-301 and the Mizuno JPX921 Tour and Forged. The area of the groves and the length of the clubface itself is relatively long for an iron in this category. Comparable irons such as the Miura TC-201 or Honma TR20 V offer a few mm less leeway here. The thickness of the sole is comparable. The topline of the ZX7 is comparatively thick at 6mm.

The feel of the ZX7

No question, the Srixon ZX7 feels soft and you also notice that it is forged from soft steel. The difference between a rich sweet spot hit and everything outside is noticeable. In this respect, you also get correspondingly good feedback as a player.

However, it must also be said that you definitely feel the technology in this iron. This means that the hits feel very similar across the entire clubface. It lacks a bit of that "aha experience" with really rich hits. This can be seen as positive or negative. After all, you don't want to be punished too harshly for worse hits and you want them to perform as well. However, we would hope for a little better feedback here. In this respect, you also have to accept some sacrifices compared to a Miura. The Srixon ZX7 does not feel as soft as a comparable Miura iron and provides less direct feedback. At this point, however, it must also be said that Miura is the absolute gold standard here. In this respect, any other result would have been a surprise.

The Performance of the ZX7

We quickly agreed that the ZX7 delivers very good values in terms of ball speed and spin. The ball speeds are consistently very high and the spin is rather on the low side. The ZX7 is also rather flat with 32° loft in the 7 iron. This aspect should also be taken into account. For us, however, the spin values were absolutely within reason and also very constant across the entire striking pattern.

One point we have to note at this point is the high ball speeds with hits at the toe. The weight distribution in the ZX7 is supposed to compensate for poor hits towards the toe in particular. The ZX7 iron actually does this job, but sometimes a little too well. Hits at this point in combination with a slightly closed clubface result in extreme lengths and a strong deviation left of the target. In our opinion, comparable irons are somewhat friendlier here and make such a miss look less dramatic.

Shaping with the ZX7

A small point of criticism is the, in our opinion, somewhat difficult shaping, which is made more difficult by the higher MOI and the noticeable offset. We did not find it easy to play fades or to give the ball a desired curve with the ZX7. However, this also has advantages, namely for players who simply want to hit a straight ball that does not deviate too much from the target.

Our test result of the Srixon ZX7

The Srixon ZX7 will certainly cause a stir in 2021 and for good reason. Especially when you take the price into account, it has to be said that this iron has very few competitors at the moment. It is a soft steel iron forged in Japan with some technology added to make it easier to play. We can recommend it without reservation to sporty players who want a little more forgiveness and don't put too much emphasis on shaping. The feel with the ZX7 is not a direct comparison with a Miura and a tad harder. The feedback is less direct. For us, the Srixon ZX7 is definitely one of the best irons in this category, which really doesn't have to hide from anyone. Especially not at this fair price-performance ratio.

About Srixon Golf

It is difficult to compare Srixon with any other manufacturer. The company history is too unique for that. But what can be said without a doubt is that Srixon grew up with golf balls and has been active in this field since the 1930s. At that time Srixon was supplying manufacturers with balls. Today Srixon is mainly represented with its own brand and is one of the leading manufacturers of premium golf balls. The company structure and the fact that Srixon is closely linked to Dunlop is certainly helpful here. Through this cooperation a number of innovations were possible since the 1960s. Srixon was the leader in the field of the popular Balata balls and it is in their DNA to produce particularly soft golf balls that can still reach high ball speeds and lengths.

The situation is similar with golf clubs. Because here Srixon relies on traditional Japanese forging technology. However, Srixon combines this with modern technology, which has been undeniable since the introduction of the ZX series. However, not all components of Srixon irons can be forged. Certain innovations, such as the main frame, which was manufactured using artificial intelligence, could not be produced otherwise. The Blade and ZX7 are still forged in one piece.

And as Japanese manufacturers are known for, Srixon is obsessed with precision. The manufacturing quality is among the best and tightest in the industry. The components such as the club heads and Miyazaki's own shafts are made in Japan. The clubs are then assembled in Europe. And here too, Srixon places great emphasis on precision. Srixon, unlike most other manufacturers, pays close attention to the swing weight and makes adjustments when needed. For this reason, we at ExactGolf are happy to work with Srixon.

In our opinion, Srixon is one of the best brands with the highest standards in the industry - but is relatively unknown. Srixon sponsors only a few tour players such as Graeme McDowell, Shan Lowry, Keegan Bradley etc. Srixon is most often represented on the women's tours and in Asia, which is why the Srixon brand is much better known in these latitudes than in the West. However, we are convinced that players around the world will try to convince others of the high quality clubs Srixon is known for in Asia already.