50 Words or Less
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II irons offer the perfect bridge between the performance characteristics of game improvement and players irons. Strong ball speeds, ample forgiveness, and some workability. Captivating looks.
Introduction
Deservingly so, the original Srixon ZX irons received a ton of accolades when released in 2021. Matt Saternus stated the ZX7 irons [full review HERE] “should be at the top of any good player’s demo list.” And I declared that the “Srixon ZX5 irons set the bar high” for the game improvement category [full review HERE]. With the release of the second generation ZX Mk II irons, I wondered if Srixon could really move the bar higher. New ZX5 Mk II irons in hand, I set off to answer that question.
Looks
“Where to start” I think to myself at the keyboard. From every viewpoint, the Srixon ZX5 Mk II irons have incredible looks. From the address perspective, the slim topline and modest offset place the irons on the “players” end of the game improvement spectrum. I really like how the satin finish in the groove zone continues through the topline.
As much as I appreciated the cavity of the ZX5 irons, the Mk II iteration is even better. The most prevalent change is the straight edge that now runs fully from the heel to the toe across the body. This more linear design gives the ZX5 Mk II irons a sleeker look. Branding is still minimal, but the “MAINFRAME” labelling detracts from an otherwise clean, high end look.
Sound & Feel
A single word captured both sound and feel of the ZX5 Mk II irons: crisp. On the auditory front, any reasonable contact produced a crisp “snap.” Mid-volume and mid-pitch, the sound was amazingly consistent.
Feedback was relegated to my hands, where strike location was easy to discern. Impact felt crisp, like a micro-burst of energy. While the face has retained a forged feel, it’s clearly firmer than the original ZX5s. Srixon designers did a wonderful job making the audible and tactile attributes of the ZX5 Mk II irons harmonious.
Performance
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II irons feature second generation MainFrame technology that consists of milled channels in the backside of the face. The design not only offers maximum face flex for ball speed, but also allows Srixon to position mass in the toe and sole, aiding forgiveness. What I observed on the range was fairly tight clusters of balls as I worked through the set. Off center hits lost distance, but nothing penal. And when I caught the ball thin it still got airborne.
Reviewing data from a test session at Club Champion, I was impressed with the overall consistency of the irons. Ball speeds were strong and spin was good, as were the launch and landing angles. The ZX5 Mk II irons’ reliability inspires confidence for executing shots that are visually intimidating.
I was pleased to see the return of the Tour V.T. Sole. The combination of higher bounce on the leading edge and lower bounce on the trailing edge truly helps the playability of the irons. The former helps prevent digging into the turf, while the latter offers workability. And as I discovered at my new course, which requires playing off the hard pack cart path, the bounce has me executing that shot with 100% confidence.
One last noteworthy design element is the grooves. Srixon actually utilizes two distinctive patterns as you can see above the Sound & Feel section. In the 3 thru 7 irons, the grooves are wider and spaced a bit wider. From the 8 iron down, the grooves are deeper for more aggressive spin when precision is top of mind.
Conclusion
The Srixon ZX5 Mk II irons should be on the short list of anyone looking for new game improvement irons. I didn’t find any substantial improvements in performance over the original ZX5s, but the bar was already set high. Distance, forgiveness, and workability – the ZX5 Mk II irons still check every box. And if you need more focus on one of those factors, Srixon makes it simple to create a combo set with the ZX4 Mk II [review HERE] or ZX7 Mk IIs. If you do, you’ll be pleased to find that the topline is the same width across the ZX Mk II family.
Visit Srixon HERE
Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons Price & Specs
Matt Meeker
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Nice review… I have gamed all of the five series srixon irons, and in my opinion, this club looks better, sounds better, and is actually a couple of yards longer with even better accuracy.Srixon as usual, has set the bar quite high
Love these club s, they are in my bag. Best feeling irons I have hit this year and they pushed my Takomo 101s out of my bag. The VT sole just works for my swing. I paired them with UST 780 es smacwrap stiff shafts and the feel real good even when hitting off of mats in the off season.
Nice review as always Matt. As a slower swinger, I find your reviews very helpful. Have you hit the Mizuno JPX 923 HL irons? I’m wondering how the Srixons compare.
Thanks Charlie. But no, I haven’t hit the Mizuno.
– Meeks
Actually had the new ZX4’s for the first 6 games of the year and took them in and exchanged for the ZX5’s , was a good decision, the new ones are much more consistent and feel like butter when hit.
Will there be a review of the ZX7 Mk II?
Jan,
Yes, likely in June.
Best,
Matt
Can you tell me the bounce on the 50 degree wedge ZX5 MK2.Can’t seem to find that detail.
Thanks
Sorry Rob, I don’t have that information – and also don’t see it anywhere. I’d recommend contacting Srixon directly.
– Meeks
Meeks – what flex Dart shaft did you hit? What were your thoughts on the shaft? Thanks in advance!
Regular flex. The shafts seemed a good fit for me – smooth profile with plenty of launch.
– Meeks
As a rough guide Matt what is your 7 iron swing speed? Thanks
Around 70 mph.
– Meeks