Srixon ZX5 Iron Review

We test the new ZX5 iron from Srixon out on the golf course

Srixon ZX5 Iron Review
(Image credit: Future)
Golf Monthly Verdict

The ZX5 offers a varied blend of performance attributes that will appeal to the slightly higher handicapper. A thinner topline that most other cavity backs in the market make this a great option for those who want a mixture of forgiveness and sleek looks.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    A beautiful and consistent iron

  • +

    Powerful feel

  • +

    Surprising levels of distance and forgiveness

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Might travel too far for better players

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Srixon ZX5 Iron Review

Srixon has launched its new ZX5 iron, a club designed with higher handicap golfers in mind who are searching for a mixture of forgiveness and distance. The ZX5 has been launched alongside the ZX7, a forged iron aimed at a slightly lower handicap range.

Srixon ZX5 Iron Review

We tested ZX5 6-iron on the Flightscope X3 launch monitor in the stock Nippon NS Pro Modus3 120 shaft and also on the course with premium balls to properly assess turf interaction and ball flight. The ZX5 has a pleasantly thin topline and is slightly offset which inspires confidence at address. The rear of the wider sole is visible at address from 6-iron down, which not everyone will like to see, but it is something to be expected on an iron this forgiving.

Srixon ZX5 Iron Review

You can see how the rear of the sole on the ZX5 6-iron (left) is just visible at address.

The ZX5 iron offers up a hot and lively feel along with a loud and more metallic sound at impact. It is consistent with other compact mid handicap irons we have tested and it is a compelling package altogether.

srixon-zx-irons-testing

We compared the ZX5 to its sister iron, the ZX7 when we tested out on the course. The ZX5 produced long carry yardage throughout our testing as well as decent peak height for a relatively strong 6-iron. We also found that off-centre hits were incredibly forgiving on the ZX5, helping maintain carry on heel and toe strikes.

The new Tour VT sole is very pronounced on the ZX5, with a significant ridge running along the middle of the sole helping to stop the club digging excessively. It increases the margin for error on slightly heavy contacts and generally improves the turf interaction.

srixon-zx-irons-sole-web

The soles on the ZX7 (left) and ZX5 irons

Overall, the ZX5 produces a high, straight and stable ball flight. It provides everything you'd expect from an iron aimed at higher handicappers but with an appealing and sleek look at address. Some better players may think about combining ZX5 irons in the long irons with ZX7 short irons, but the majority of players will see overall performance benefits by opting for a full ZX5 set because of how user-friendly they are from 4-iron up to pitching wedge without looking at all chunky at address.

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Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x