50 Words or Less
Compact and powerful, the Srixon ZX Hybrid also delivers forgiveness. Better player looks at address plus plenty of appeal in the bag.
Check out the new Srixon ZX Mk II hybrid HERE
Introduction
Looking over the list of PGA Tour players that trust Srixon equipment, I was captivated by how many are recognizable by their first name. Say the name Hideki, Shane, Graeme, Keegan, or J.B. to a golf fan and they’ll know instantly who you are referring to. Those names also seem synonymous with the Srixon brand – a testament to the advancements in Srixon’s clubs and balls that keep their players competitive year after year. With their 2021 woods, including the new ZX Hybrid, Srixon introduces their latest technology, Rebound Frame – designed to “focus your energy.”
Looks
Giving the new Srixon ZX Hybrid the once over twice, my reactions diverged. Examining the new sole, “very nice” popped into my head. Flipping to the crown, I had more of a “hmm” response that gave me pause as I realized it looked oddly familiar. I grabbed my Z H85 [full review HERE] and confirmed by thoughts.
At address, the ZX Hybrid looks nearly identical to its predecessor. The head is compact and slightly pear shaped. The crown features the distinctive step down and is devoid of any alignment aids. The gloss black finish blends seamlessly with the dark face and black shaft. The flat face completes a look that better players will find appealing.
What I like about the sole is it shows some personality. Distinctive without being flashy. And I have to give a golf clap to the headcover that has the club number boldly embroidered. No wheel to set yourself or generic cover that leaves you trying to remember which hybrid is which.
Sound & Feel
The Srixon ZX Hybrid produced a solid metallic “tick,” medium in tone and volume. Solid is also a good word to describe the feel. I could definitely feel when and where I missed centered contact, but the feedback was subtle – more of a friendly reminder than a stinging rebuke.
Performance
After several test sessions, I went to the Srixon website to gather some tech notes to accompany my findings in this review. I was amazed to find that the three performance attributes Srixon listed for the ZX Hybrid matched my field notes nearly exactly: penetrating launch, low spin, and workable. My only deviation was low-mid spin, which I attributed to the Riptide shaft in my hybrid.
One additional note from my testing was good forgiveness. For the compact size, I was impressed that performance remained relatively consistent with reasonable contact. Srixon attributes this feature to the crown step that lowers the center of gravity and increases MOI.
Factoring into all the performance highlights is Srixon’s latest technology – Rebound Frame. The simplest way to convey the science of Rebound Frame is by envisioning a flex zone through the head of the ZX Hybrid behind the step down. With the face serving as the primary flex zone, the second flex zone refocuses energy that’s typically lost in the club head back to the face. Although I couldn’t sense the second zone, the resultant ball speeds were excellent.
Conclusion
The Srixon ZX Hybrid may have a familiar look, but it incorporates the new Rebound Frame technology for enhanced ball speed and ultimately, maximum distance. For the only hybrid model in its ZX family, Srixon did a wonderful job designing a club that’s appealing to better players as well as those inspired to play better.
Visit Srixon HERE
Srixon ZX Hybrid Price & Specs
Matt Meeker
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hi Matt, good review. Does this hybrid present a non-biased face? Hard to find one that doesn’t try to help you not slice it. Really dislike that.
Thanks for the nice comment Raymond. To my eyes the ZX hybrid sets up square. The design is not draw-bias. Sounds like you need to give it a try.
– Meeks
Hey, Matt. I noticed in your review you said the Srixon hybrid has a low spin rate. Why is that desirable in a hybrid? I thought you’d want more spin for control in stopping on the greens. But that’s why I’m asking
Thanks for reading the review Dana. With just one hybrid model in the ZX lineup, Srixon needed to cover a range of players and leaned a bit towards better players with faster swings who prefer/require less spin. They still hit towering shots that can hold greens. For mortals like me, more spin helps with trajectory. Shaft plays a big role making the club playable to that larger market.
– Meeks
Thank you for that review — as always Matt, insightful about clubs and gear that are not readily accessible, but worth consideration.
I love the Srixon irons and hybrid irons. I haven’t found the hybrids, woods or drivers around here.
Unlike my other clubs, I’m continually fighting the left side of the course with hybrids (and ever searching for one that doesn’t set me up for a draw), which has a way of putting doubts in my head about how the ball is going to flight and more importantly, where the ball is going to end up. Given what you said about this club, it’s a real possible option for me.
How does it compare to the previous Z H85 hybrid incarnation? I believe you had been gaming it. Will this supplant it?
I sure wish there was a place to test these clubs. Srixon’s are not the easiest clubs to find. I have a feeling if they were available that they would be much more popular on the course.
Thanks again.
The ZX is a definite upgrade to the previous model Jay. There’s a lot of great hybrids being released, so stay tuned to what makes it into my bag – which you can always see on my about page.
– Meeks
Hi Matt,
I play the Epic Flash hybrids now…while my 18 degree works fine as a 5 wood replacement, I have the 21 degree as well. This club is a tweeter for me. My 5 iron is 25 degrees — the 21 degree Epic just carries more than I would like. I’m looking for a forgiving 4 iron replacement — would you consider this Srixon in a 22 degree a good iron type replacement or is it geared more for distance? Thanks…
Hybrids by design are intended to replace long irons when golfers need some assistance getting the ball airborne and/or forgiveness as you stated. The ZX Hybrid fits that description. But as you know, clubs perform differently for different players and for your specific needs, there’s no substitute for testing.
– Meeks
Hi Matt,
I currently have a 4 iron and 3 hybrid which are 18 and 19 degrees. I don’t use a 3 wood and was wondering if the Srixon ZX 2 hybrid 16 degree would be perfect to fill that gap.
Chris,
The only way to know is to test it in a fitting. For a lot of players, anything lower lofted than a 19* hybrid may hit a point of diminishing returns.
-Matt
Hi, I always come back to this site for reviews, thanks again. As you tested both the radspeed and this one, which would you recommend for a 16hc? Reading both reviews, the Cobra appears a lot more forgiving?
I live in a small Pacific island country where there are no golf shops so cannot test. Online order only.
Really want a 2h again after I broke an old model Taylormade 16 degree 2h. I am generally good with hybrids and also play a 2017 m1 and an old Nickent 3ds.
Appreciate your thoughts.
Pite,
Thank you.
You’re absolutely right, the RADSPEED hybrid is much more forgiving than the ZX. I would recommend that for most players.
Best,
Matt
Hi,
Thanks for the review!
I recently got fit for ZX5 irons with Nippon Pro Modus Tour 105 Stiff shafts and a 2 degree flat lie adjustment.
I did not get fit for hybrids, but based on the insights derived from the above, is there a recommended shaft and flex combination I should look at for these ZX Hybrids? (stock options are Evenflow Riptide 85, Hzrdus Smoke Black 80, KBS Tour Gr Prototype 85, Recoil ES, Proforce V2)
Thanks!
John C
Congrats on the new irons John. Unfortunately there’s just no way for me to recommend a shaft for a potential hybrid. Who ever fit you for the irons might have an educated guess having seen your swing and performance numbers and knowing your goals.
– Meeks
Hello Gentlemen – Do you find the Ping G425 hybrid more forgiving than the ZX? Or are they on par with one another?
Thank you and stay safe
Matt Saternus performed the review of the G425, so neither of us can offer a fair, head to head comparison Landy. That said, if forgiveness is your key focus, I’d give the nod to PING. Hopefully you can hit them both and determine which performs best for you – and circle back to let us know.
– Meeks
Srixon hybrids…I am a fan. Tried a friends decade old 16 deg Srixon AD Hybrid (2) (stiff). Just bombed it, straight and long. Melted off the face. Unfortunately unable to find one for sale anywhere, not even the 3 hybrid. Sad. Have settled for a ZX 3 hybrid, will see how it goes