TESTED: 2017 Srixon Z-Series Irons

In June we introduced you to Srixon’s 2017 Srixon metalwoods and iron lineups. While the woods got a serious face-lift, the irons only received the subtle technology improvements you’d expect from a one-year iteration.

SRIXON’S “NEW” IRONS

While the 2015 lineup wasn’t exactly on display at every retail store in the country – local availability is one of the biggest gripes about Srixon’s product lines – we’re here to tell you that the company produced a seriously bad-ass line of Z irons.

Trust us; the irons were really good.

In the spirit of not messing with a good thing, Srixon focused on making the kind of small improvements on the Z-Series that could have a big impact for the more serious golfer.

The Srixon team is admittedly obsessed with turf interaction, so it’s not surprising that the most noticeable improvements were made to the company’s signature V.T. Sole.

To that end, the sole itself was thinned a bit. Most notably, a little of the meat was removed from the leading edge. The heel and toe were rounded off to create a smoother profile that better allows the club to glide through any turf conditions.

Golfers will also find 5% larger grooves all on three new models. This enlargement, Srixon says, will allow the golfer more consistent spin control in varying conditions.

As always, however, the proof is in the performance. We put Srixon’s 2017 iron lineup to the test to help you learn if one of the new models might be right for you.

HOW WE TEST

• Three Srixon iron sets were tested (Z 565, Z 765, Z 965)
• Comparison testing was done with the 5-iron, 7-iron, and Pitching Wedge from each set.
• Six golfers with handicaps ranging from 0-15 and driver swing speeds between 90 and 110 mph participated in this test.
• Each tester hit 12-14 shots for each club from every set (frequently rotating between clubs).
• Any gross mishits and shots coming to rest more than 35 yards from the center line were eliminated and not included in the shot counts.
• Remaining outliers were identified using Median Absolute Deviation (both distance and offline), and dropped prior to calculation of the final averages.
• All testers hit Bridgestone B330-RX Golf Balls.
• Ball Data was recorded using a Foresight GC2 Launch Monitor.

The Data

OBSERVATIONS:

• The Z 565 PW achieved the fastest ball speed, as well as carry and total distance.
• Although measuring in at 45.5* loft (two degrees weaker than the Z 565), the Srixon Z 965 PW saw the lowest launch angles of the three wedges.
  • This is likely attributable to a higher center of gravity coupled with the heavier Dynamic Gold S300 shaft (The S300 weighs 130 grams, while the N.S. Pro 980 GH in the 565, weighs 90 grams).
• The Srixon Z 765 PW launched highest with the most spin; the Z 765 measured to the same loft as it’s counterpart Z 965.
• Using shot area as a measurement of consistency, the Z 565 was the most consistent pitching wedge in the test.

OBSERVATIONS:

• The Z 765 7iron produced the highest ball speeds, carry and total distance among the three for this test.
• The Srixon Z 965 launched the highest with the most spin, which helps explain why it was also the shortest.
• The Z 965 was again the least consistent, which is to be expected as it is a blade.
• While the Z 565 was not the longest, the average shot area was extremely tight, nearing that of the Z 965 PW.

OBSERVATIONS:

• Srixon Z 565 generated the highest ball speeds while producing the greatest carry and total yards.
• The Z 565 also produced the tightest dispersion (shot area), suggesting it lives up to its reputation as the most-forgiving of the three.
• Launch angles ascend from the 565 to the 965; this is to be expected as the 765 and 965 are not nearly as strong as the full cavity model (5 iron loft of 23.75*).
• While the launch conditions of the Z 765 and Z 965 are very similar; however again, as expected the blade is less consistent.

VERDICT

With just a few minor tweaks, Srixon has managed to improve on an already excellent series of irons. So which set makes the most sense for you? Consider the following observations.

• The standard deviations for both Ball Speed and Carry suggest that there isn’t a significant drop in forgiveness from the Z 565 to the Z 765.
• Those preferring the more compact look a tour-caliber iron with less offset may favor the Z 765, while those in search of a larger blade with more offset may benefit from the Z 565.
• Those seeking additional distance will likely also benefit from the Z 565.
• Standard deviations for Ball Speed and Carry for the Z 965 were, on average, higher than the Z 565 and Z 765 (suggesting less forgiveness), however, in some individual cases, the differences were negligible. As is almost always the case; the most forgiving iron is the one you consistently hit closest to center – and that’s not always a game-improvement iron.