Srixon ZX5 MK II Irons Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ Srixon ZX5 MK II Irons review.

I’m an avid golfer, 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

I played one round of golf, did a little range work, and a couple of sessions on my new Fiberbuilt mat with the ZX5 MK 2s. I tested the Srixon ZX7 MK 2s at the same time. (Also one range session and 1 round of golf) 

Summary: Srixon ZX5 MK 2 irons are excellent player clubs with game improvement features that make them playable by better mid handicaps. They have improved feel and a more compact head than last year’s ZX5s.  

In this review of the Srixon ZX5 MK II irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

Overview

The ZX5 MK 2s are game improvement irons for better players. Srixon says they can be played by low and mid handicappers – I agree.

There’s ample forgiveness but the heads aren’t bulky, so they won’t offend low handicaps. You also get player qualities in the MK 2s.

Here are a few of the features of the ZX5 MK 2s that translate into benefits for us.

• Mainframe
  • “Variable thickness pattern of grooves, channels, and cavities carefully milled into the backside” of the MK 2s adds more flex at impact, increases COR, and repositions more weight in the toe and heel for a lower center of gravity. All this means more consistant distance for better accuracy and scoring.
• Tour V.T. Sole
  • There’s more bounce throughout the set for added forgiveness on shots hit slightly fat.
• Progressive Grooves
  • Srixon says wider grooves provide more control in the 3i-7i. And, deeper closer grooves in 8i-AW give more spin control for more accurate shots. There’s laser milling between grooves on all irons for more friction.

Why Consider the ZX5 MK 2s

You get player iron looks and playing characteristics, but in a more forgiving package.

Set Tested – ZX5 MK II 4-PW Men Right Hand
Shaft: FST KBS Tour Lite Steel Stiff Flex

Srixon ZX5 MK2 Iron Specs

Club	Loft	Lie Angle	Offset	Length
4	22*	60.5*	4.0 mm	38.5″
5	24*	61*	3.8 mm	38″
6	27*	61.5*	3.5 mm	37.5″
7	31*	62*	3.2 mm	37″
8	35*	62.5*	3.0 mm	36.5″
9	39*	63*	2.7 mm″	36″
PW	44*	63.5*	2.3 mm	35.5″

Testing the ZX5 MK 2 Irons

I tested the ZX5 MK 2s on the range, on my home mat, and on the course.

Almost forgot – I played a full round of virtual golf at Bluejack on the Full Swing monitor at my buddy’s place.

I had them two weeks, but I was injured for the first of those weeks. I messed up my back pretty much the day I got them in.

I managed to get good work in with them after I made a full recovery. 

My Experience with the Srixon ZX5 MK 2s

I absolutely loved playing these new ZX5s. I hit some of the best long irons of my life – particularly a bunch of high, straight, and long 5-irons. This is not common for me. I base my game around not hitting long irons.

Last year’s ZX5s heads were too large for me – these are sleeker and fit my eyes much better (not as well as the ZX7s though).

I hit a slew of solid shots on target and with plenty distance. I love the feel of these new MK 2s too. Really solid and stable at impact.

They’re really nice scoring irons with serious pop.  

Review

Looks (A) I love “player” looking irons and the new MK 2s have that in spades. The design is clean, minimal, and sleek. The heads appear a little more compact this year too.

Sound/ Feel (A) Solid, soft, and stable.

Distance (A) Good, consistent distance and you don’t need perfect contact to get it.

Forgiveness (A) Plenty – I played my normal miss toward the toe all day long and got all the distance I needed and more.

Flight / Playability (A+) High and straight is the stock shot, but you can shape them, flight them, or take distance off if that’s part of your game.

Value (A) The MK 2s are ~$171/ club. Cheaper than most player irons, but more expensive than most game improvement irons.

Customer Reviews

100% of buyers would recommend the ZX5 MK IIs to a friend. 9 reviews total on the Srixon website with a 4.9 average. 

Who are the ZX5 MK IIs for?

Low handicaps (Yes…) But, lower low-handicaps will likely prefer the ZX7 MK 2s because they’re more compact and the lofts aren’t quite as jacked. (I do)
Mid handicaps (Yes…) I think these are fine clubs for better mid handicaps. (Make sure you test before you buy)
High handicaps (No) Check out the ZX4 MK 2s. They’re right up your alley. 

Potential Alternatives

See the display below, or follow these links to check out other player iron or mid-handicap options.

Our Verdict

Great game improvement clubs for better ball strikers that don’t necissarily look like your average game improvement club.

• They’re long, forgiving, solid, consistent, and accurate.

Should you upgrade if you own the ZX5s (and like them)?
No, I don’t think you should. Last year’s ZX5s are still excellent clubs & you won’t be gaining enough to notice.

My #1 suggestion is to test 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 our Srixon ZX5 MK II irons review and let us know how they work for you