New Srixon ZXi irons 2026 review

Srixon has unveiled its latest generation of ZXi irons for 2026, introducing updated versions of the popular ZXi7 and ZXi5 alongside an intriguing new addition to the family in the ZXi5+.

The new range continues Srixon's reputation for producing some of the most attractive forged irons on the market, but the three models have been designed to offer distinctly different performance characteristics and appeal to a broader spectrum of golfers.

Golfshake Gear Editor Ryan Rastall has already put the new irons to the test at Howley Hall Golf Club, comparing the ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXi5+ both outdoors and using launch monitor data in the Performance Centre.

And while all three impressed, there was one model that emerged as Ryan's clear favourite.

What's New With The Srixon ZXi Irons For 2026?

At the heart of the new generation is Srixon's latest approach to forging and construction, with the company looking to refine the combination of feel, consistency and performance that has become synonymous with its irons.

The ZXi7 remains the more compact, better-player option within the family, while the ZXi5 combines a players-style profile with additional speed and forgiveness.

The biggest change to the line-up is the introduction of the ZXi5+, which brings a hollow-body construction into the range and is designed to offer golfers additional ball speed, distance and forgiveness.

With three models now occupying clearly different positions within the family, golfers also have greater scope to create a blended or combo set depending on the performance they require through different sections of the bag.

But what are the new irons actually like to hit?

Golfshake Tests The New Srixon ZXi Irons

Ryan tested the three models outdoors from the turf before analysing the numbers gathered from indoor launch monitor testing.

He also put the latest ZXi7 up against the previous generation to establish whether the changes have resulted in any meaningful differences in performance.

Here is what he discovered.

Srixon ZXi7 - Sleek Looks And Greater Control

Srixon ZXi7

The ZXi7 remains the model aimed primarily at the more accomplished ball striker.

Its compact dimensions, thin topline and relatively slim profile immediately appealed to Ryan when he placed it behind the ball.

"It looks great sat behind the golf ball. It's nice and slim, and we've obviously got that really great sole profile, so it goes through the turf really nicely."

That turf interaction was particularly noticeable during the outdoor testing, while Ryan also highlighted the ability to control trajectory and shape shots.

Despite its compact appearance, he was pleasantly surprised by the forgiveness available, particularly when testing the longer irons.

However, golfers shouldn't necessarily expect a dramatic performance leap over the previous ZXi7.

Ryan's launch monitor comparison showed the differences between the generations to be relatively small - something he believes is no bad thing.

"I don't think Srixon really need to reinvent the wheel here. They already make fantastic irons and they already perform really, really nicely."

For golfers who already play the previous generation, therefore, the decision to upgrade may come down to the refinements in looks, feel and fitting rather than expecting dramatically different numbers.

Srixon ZXi5 - The Standout All-Rounder

Srixon ZXi5

Moving into the ZXi5 revealed the model that ultimately became Ryan's favourite of the three.

It's also an iron he has rated particularly highly in previous generations.

"This is an iron that I've absolutely loved in its previous iterations. I just think it suits so many golfers."

The appeal of the ZXi5 is the way it bridges the gap between the appearance of a better-player iron and the additional assistance many golfers want.

Compared with the ZXi7, there is a little more mass behind the ball and greater forgiveness, but without moving too far away from the clean appearance associated with Srixon's players irons.

Ryan believes that combination potentially opens the ZXi5 up to golfers across a particularly broad handicap range.

"It blends that great look with fantastic forgiveness as well. Even on the days when I'm not swinging it well, I think I'd get away with it a bit with this."

Out on the range, the ZXi5 produced a high ball flight and proved extremely easy to launch, while retaining the feel that Ryan has enjoyed from previous versions.

His reaction perhaps summed up the appeal better than any launch monitor number could.

"I think this every time I test ZXi5 - why have I not got a set of these in my bag? They're just so much fun to use."

The subsequent data backed up those initial impressions, with the ZXi5 providing additional ball speed and distance compared with the ZXi7 while still producing the height required to land the ball effectively on the green.

Srixon ZXi5+ - The Surprise Package

Srixon ZXi5

The completely new ZXi5+ represents arguably the most interesting development within the range.

Its hollow-body construction and larger profile are intended to provide additional help, and Ryan expected it to produce more distance than either the ZXi5 or ZXi7.

What surprised him was just how powerful it felt.

"My God, does it feel powerful? Wow. That has gone miles."

During his outdoor testing, Ryan saw the ZXi5+ travel around 10 yards further than the ZXi7 shots he had been hitting.

The launch monitor testing subsequently showed the ZXi5+ producing greater ball speed and lower spin, reinforcing its position as the distance-orientated model within the new family.

That construction does result in a different acoustic experience. Ryan noted a higher-pitched, slightly more hollow sound compared with the softer forged sensation of the ZXi5 and ZXi7.

But that didn't detract significantly from his overall impression.

"The ZXi5+ surprised me actually, because I wasn't expecting it to feel and be as fun as it is to use. But it's great. Really, really good."

Ryan also felt that golfers already considering irons in the players-distance category should take particular notice of the ZXi5+.

Its combination of additional speed, forgiveness and a relatively clean appearance gives Srixon a model that can compete for golfers who may previously have looked elsewhere for this type of performance.

Which Srixon ZXi Iron Should You Play?

One of the strengths of the new family is that there isn't necessarily a single model that will be right for every golfer.

The ZXi7 is the obvious starting point for accomplished players who prioritise a compact profile, feel, turf interaction and control.

The ZXi5 adds forgiveness and speed while retaining much of the appearance and feel that better golfers prefer, potentially making it the most versatile model in the range.

And the new ZXi5+ pushes further towards distance and forgiveness, making it an interesting proposition for golfers who need more assistance or simply want greater speed from their irons.

The progression through the three models also creates some interesting possibilities for combo sets. A golfer could, for example, favour the precision of ZXi7 in the scoring irons before introducing the additional forgiveness of ZXi5 - or even ZXi5+ - higher up the set.

As always, a proper fitting will be important to establish which model, or combination of models, delivers the appropriate launch, spin and distance characteristics for an individual golfer.

Ryan Rastall's Verdict - ZXi5 Is The Favourite

After testing all three models both indoors and outdoors, Ryan ultimately had a clear favourite: the Srixon ZXi5.

"The ZXi5 is my favourite. I absolutely love that iron. It feels awesome, looks awesome, performs awesome."

Interestingly, the more compact ZXi7 might still tempt its way into Ryan's own bag - although he readily admitted that would have as much to do with its appearance as any performance advantage.

"ZXi7 is probably the one I would use - probably more out of vanity than anything else. I think I would play just as well with ZXi5."

That admission arguably reinforces the strength of the ZXi5. It offers many of the qualities that attract golfers towards a players iron while introducing enough forgiveness to make the game that little bit easier when the strike isn't perfect.

Meanwhile, the ZXi5+ proved to be the revelation of the test. It won't necessarily be the model for someone who prioritises the softest forged feel or maximum control, but its speed, distance and forgiveness add something genuinely different to the ZXi family.

Overall, Ryan was hugely impressed with the new generation.

"I think they're absolutely fantastic."

And perhaps his best summary of what Srixon has done with the established ZXi7 and ZXi5 models was also the simplest:

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

For Ryan, though, the ZXi5 remains the sweet spot - combining the looks and feel associated with Srixon's better-player irons with the forgiveness and performance that could make it suitable for a remarkably wide range of golfers.

Watch: Srixon ZXi Irons 2026 Review

Watch Golfshake Gear Editor Ryan Rastall test the new Srixon ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXi5+ irons, including outdoor testing, launch monitor numbers and comparisons with the previous generation.