Srixon ZX7 Irons vs ZX5 Irons Comparison – Which set belongs in your bag?

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of Srixon ZX7 irons vs ZX5 irons.

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 7 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

This is my first experience with Srixon golf clubs. We’ve all heard great things, but I had to know. So, I got my hands on these two iron sets.

I had one range session and one round each with the ZX7s and ZX5s. Luckily for me, my swing was good to go so I got to see and feel the goods.  

Summary: Sound, feel, flight, accuracy, green holding, and trajectory were identical for  ZX7s and ZX5s. ZX5s have a distance advantage due to stronger lofts. The ZX5s have thicker soles, longer blades, and slightly more offset. No doubt, this makes them more forgiving. But, I found the ZX7s surprisingly forgiving in their own right.  

In this comparison of the Srixon ZX7 and ZX5 irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which iron set I’d buy.

Srixon ZX7 (Brookes Koepka’s) Irons

The ZX7s are Srixon’s flagship “player” irons. To be fair, I think good ball-striking mid handicaps might be able to handle them too. 

They are larger blades than I’m used to seeing. Noticeably larger than Hogan Icons, Titleist 620 MBs, or Mizuno Pro 221s or 225s. 

They’re easy to hit. Extremely stable through impact – thus accurate. And, sent my ball at the flag many a time. I could easily put them in play today with complete confidence. The lofts are classic, not jacked (strong). So, I knew my numbers and which club to pull.

Srixon ZX5 Iron 

ZX5s are listed as “player distance” irons by Srixon, and they are that. Which made pulling a club a little tricky for me during my round because they are 2-3 degrees stronger on average than my current set. 

I can’t be the only one that has a hard time telling them from the ZX7s unless I put them right next to each other. They were remarkably easy to hit and consistent from shot to shot. Crucial when scoring is a priority – and it is for me. 

I thoroughly enjoyed playing them.

Testing the ZX7 & ZX5 Irons

ZX7s

• 1 Range sessions: I hit a couple buckets varying targets and clubs. I was on, so testing went well (and quick). 
• 1 Round of golf: I had zero anxiety putting these in play after such a good range session. Made for a really enjoyable round

ZX5s

• 2 Range Sessions: Couple buckets was all it took for the first session. As stated above, I varied targets and clubs often. I took them to range a second time only because I needed images and a little video.
• 1 Rounds of Golf: Thoroughly enjoyed this round. Some issues with distance control because I picked the wrong club. 

My Impressions of ZX7s & ZX5s

They’re the most forgiving-looking & performing player irons I’ve tested. The ZX7s are large for player irons and the ZX5s are larger than the 7s.

It’s most notable at address. There was zero intimidation factor, something I’ve come to expect (at least a little) from player irons.

Both sets are easy to hit, accurate, send the ball high and far, and forgiving on off-center hits. They are great for consistency and scoring.

I could replace my irons tomorrow with either set and shoot a score. 

Looks

Both sets are gorgeous and identical but for 3 things

• The ZX5s have a thicker sole, more offset, and a longer blade.

They have a minimal, almost industrial-like design. Reminds me of the i59s from Ping. The cavity back of each has the same angular, squarish designs that work well. Pretty serious jewelry for your bag. 

That said, I prefer a more compact clubhead and size is part of looks. I prefer the ZX7s.

Winner – ZX7s 

Sound/Feel

Identical. Super solid and muted click at impact. I fell in love immediately with both sets. 

Winner – Draw

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy

Excellent for both the ZX7s and ZX5s. They get the ball up easily without any ballooning and have a high penetrating ball flight. I played my stock high baby-draw, but was able to flight both sets down and play “shots” at will.

I was around the target all during my rounds. I can see why people love these irons. They felt and performed identical for me.

Winner – Draw

Forgiveness

Excellent for both sets. I hit the ball well when I played them, but I hit a few a little chubby and/or towards the toe with minimal to no punishment. The soles of both tear through the turf easily for better distance and control from imperfect contact. The ZX7s are much more forgiving than any player blades I’ve tested.  

Winner
– Draw

Distance

The ZX5s are longer because they’re 2-3 degrees stronger than the ZX7s depending on the club. 

Winner
– ZX5s

Verdict on Srixon ZX7 irons vs ZX5 irons 

The 2 main differences between these clubs are:

1. Size – The ZX5s have a bigger sole, more offset, and longer blades.
2. Lofts – The ZX5s have stronger lofts and will be longer

Which set am I buying if I’m coming out of my pocket?

The ZX7s – (For 2 Reasons)

1. I prefer the ZX7s more compact clubhead. 
2. I prefer the standard lofts of the ZX7s.

Which set should you get?

I do not think performance will be a deciding factor, so it will come down to what I mentioned above. And as always…

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Srixon ZX7 irons vs ZX5 irons. You will love whichever set you end up with. I almost guarantee it.