The playbook is simple: when Srixon releases irons, the golf world should listen. Today they have unveiled the next generation of ZXi irons, which again includes the ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXiU irons, along with the new ZXi5+ players distance iron, with all four irons forged by the legendary Japanese forging house.
The next-generation ZXi family was engineered to provide golfers with a complete spectrum of forged performance options. From tour-inspired precision and workability to increased speed, distance, and forgiveness, each model is purpose-built to serve a distinct player profile while maintaining the signature feel, shaping, and craftsmanship that define Srixon Irons. Together, they create a cohesive line-up that can be played individually or blended seamlessly into custom combo sets.
The new iron models launched on the PGA Tour at the Rocket Classic in late July, but the utility irons have been floating around since the Travellers Championship. A ZXi5+ utility iron made it into Ryan Fox’s bag the week before he won his first major at the Open Championship.
“From the materials we use to the way each head is forged, shaped, and weighted, every decision was made with feel in mind. It’s the hallmark of Srixon Irons and something we’ve always refused to compromise on,” said Joe Miller, Srixon European Product Manager. “With this generation, we pushed that philosophy even further, creating irons that perform at the highest level while delivering the rewarding sensation golfers instantly recognise when they’ve hit one pure.”
What’s new with the second-generation ZXi irons
Fully forged by Endo
Endo is one of Japan’s most legendary iron forgers. While the company has produced irons under the Epon brand since the late 70s, they’re better known for forging irons for other golf companies like Bridgestone and Nike. Notably, Endo Manufacturing made the Titleist 681T irons Tiger Woods played during the “Tiger Slam” in 2000-01.
Srixon has used Endo to make some of their irons before, but the new ZXi line is the first line the company is fully producing in partnership with Endo. Working with Endo, Srixon changed the proprietary i-FORGED process to strengthen the material around the iron’s grooves, enhancing durability while retaining feel.
Adding the Plus
When Srixon introduced the ZXiR and ZXiR HL last year, it gave the brand its first true game-improvement irons since 2015. That allowed them to rethink the ZXi4 platform, which served both game-improvement and players’ distance categories until then. The result is the new ZXi5+, a true hollow-bodied players-distance iron, while the ZXi5 remains more of a “player performance” offering.
“Think of the Plus as more distance and more forgiveness on the 5 series,” Miller said. “If you’re looking for a little bit more workability and a little bit more spin, that’s who the 5 series really fits. But the Plus is certainly for a player who’s looking for a little bit more help and a little bit more distance than what is provided in the 5.”
Miller added, players weren’t creating many combo sets with the ZXi4, but they expect a lot more with the ZXi5+. That’s what we saw Fox do to help him win at Royal Birkdale. While there is no utility build of the ZXi5+, like Fox’s, available yet at retail, Schultz said it’s definitely a possibility down the road given the success on Tour.
Keeping it ‘Kaizen’
The new ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXiU look very similar to the previous generation by design. Srixon didn’t want to fix anything that wasn’t broken when it came to the second generation of ZXi. Miller said the design team was using the Japanese word “Kaizen” for it. “It’s a Japanese term that means kind of like incremental generational improvement,” he said. “That’s sort of a philosophy that I think really evokes itself within the irons where, as you said, like the 5 series and the 7 series, like they are solid, excellent, market-leading performers, that we take the foundation of everything that’s great in those irons, and we don’t look to just reinvent everything about it.”
To make those incremental changes, Srixon is introducing a new MainFrame iQ system in the ZXi5, 5+ and Utility that uses an AI-assisted design to reallocate mass from behind the face low in the head and increase MOI. For the ZXi7, PureFrame iQ uses AI to stiffen the impact zone, reduce unwanted face deformation and increase stability.
Another change, with extensive feedback from Srixon’s Tour team, was thinner toplines throughout the lineup, as well as cleaner visual transitions. As in previous iterations, all four models feature Srixon’s signature Tour V.T. sole to optimise turf interaction.
The Srixon ZXi lineup
The ZXi5 and ZXi7 return to the lineup, while a more player-distance-optimised ZXi5+ replaces the ZXi4. Game improvement players are now steered toward the ZXiR. Every iron in the ZXi line-up has been refined through extensive collaboration with Srixon’s global Tour staff. The new generation features slightly thinner toplines and cleaner visual transitions throughout the set, creating a more compact and confidence-inspiring appearance at address.
Blade lengths, sole geometries, and offset progressions have been carefully tuned to meet the specific performance objectives of each model while maintaining a cohesive family appearance for seamless combo set integration.
Combined with Srixon’s Tour V.T. Sole technology, engineered with a proprietary combination of sole widths, bounce angles, and notching, the result is a line-up that delivers exceptional turf interaction across a wide range of playing conditions, helping golfers maintain clubhead speed through impact while promoting cleaner, more consistent contact from virtually any lie.
ZXi7
Srixon’s flagship players iron gets the upgraded PureFrame iQ to utilise mass more efficiently. Weight distribution was tuned throughout the set to give the long irons more perimeter weighting to prioritise forgiveness, while the short irons see more mass concentrated at the sweet spot for precision. This iron suits high-level ball strikers who want precision and workability in a mid-sized, slightly stronger-lofted Tour iron.
ZXi5
The ZXi5 returns as a player performance option with the new MainFrame iQ technology to increase launch, speed and forgiveness. This is for players who want a blend of forgiveness and workability, or a long iron alternative.
ZXi5+
The ZXi5+ is a Players Distance iron that replaces the previous ZXi4 and offers a more player-preferred profile than its predecessor. Compared to the ZXi5, it has a longer blade length, stronger loft and a wider sole, and can offer more speed and forgiveness through its hollow-bodied construction. This iron will suit players who want speed and forgiveness out of a player’s shape.
“With the inclusion of the ZXiR and ZXiR HL series serving the needs of game-improvement golfers, we saw an opportunity to introduce a fully forged hollow Players Distance Iron for those seeking more distance and forgiveness in a more tour-authentic package,” Miller said. “Our ZXi5 Irons have been, and will continue to be, phenomenal performers but the addition of ZXi5+ allows us to fit a broader range of golfers within the series. We’ve already seen the success these irons have had on Tour with Ryan Fox’s Open win, and they are a great option for golfers wanting more forgiveness in the long-iron portion of their bags.”
ZXiU
The ZXiU is a long-iron replacement designed for penetrating flight and versatility. The back of the utility iron has a distinct mirror finish, which helps disguise the wide sole at address. This should suit players wanting a long-game option to lower peak height, or a high-launching 4-iron alternative. The ZXiU is available lofts of 2i (18˚), 3i (20˚), 4i (23˚)
My take
The ZXi lineup, buoyed by great Tour success over the past two seasons, was already one of the best iron platforms out there. This next generation has made small refinements which I feel make it better in every way.
Srixon revealing the whole lineup being forged by Endo Manufacturing (and publicly announcing it) is a great addition.
For me, it starts with cleaner, more refined cosmetics. Then as you hit the irons, you can really decide how much speed you want in them. Do you need all the speed the ZXi5+ can give you? Or do you value the compact looks and precision of the ZXi7? The choice is yours.
One thing I felt improved greatly from the previous generation is that these irons spun a good deal more, even with the stronger loft package on the ZXi7. To me, as someone who values height and stopping power, being able to get enough spin out of my irons can make all the difference. I’d probably be a ZXi7 player, but I was shocked at how well I could hit the ZXi5. Despite having a 31-degree lofted 7-iron, the ball was rocketing into the air with tons of speed and decent spin numbers. A lot of players are also really going to love the ZXi5+, which is going to quickly compete with the big boys of the category like T250, P790, M-13 etc.
The first generation of ZXi was loved both on Tour and by ballers, but Srixon just knocked the sequel out of the park, and I fully expect the new ZXi lineup to be the standout performer of any iron we see in 2027. Take a bow, Srixon; you somehow took an already great lineup and made it better in every way, while maintaining the soul of the original and much-loved design.
Price, Specs and Availability
Srixon’s new ZXi7, ZXi5, ZXi5+ and ZXiU irons are available for pre-order starting Sept. 8 and will arrive at retail on Oct. 16. The RRPs are as follows
ZXi7 Iron (6 pc Steel/ Graphite): £1,099.00 – €1,299.00
ZXi5 Irons (6 pc Steel/ Graphite): £1,099.00 – €1,299.00
ZXi5+ Irons (6 pc Steel/ Graphite): £1,099.00 – €1,299.00
ZXiU (Steel/Graphite): £249.00- €289.00
Stock lofts are as follows, but all can be easily adjusted through custom as they are buttery soft!!
ZXi7: (3i) 20, (4i) 22, (5i) 25, (6i) 28, (7i) 32, (8i) 36, (9i) 41, (PW) 46
ZXi5: (3i) 20, (4i) 22, (5i) 24, (6i) 27, (7i) 31, (8i) 35, (9i) 39, (PW) 44,
ZXi5+: (3i) 19, (4i) 21, (5i) 23, (6i) 26, (7i) 29.5, (8i) 33.5, (9i) 38, (PW) 43
ZXiU: (2i) 18, (3i) 20, (4i) 23
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