Srixon ZXi5+ Iron Review: Is This Major-Winning Distance Iron Srixon’s Best Yet?

Srixon has officially introduced a brand new model to its flagship iron family: the ZXi5+, a fully forged, hollow-body players' distance iron designed to replace the outgoing ZXi4.

Created to bridge the gap between raw distance and tour-authentic shaping, the ZXi5+ combines stronger lofts, longer blade lengths, and a wider sole into a remarkably sleek, player-focused footprint.

The moment you set the ZXi5+ down behind the ball, the visual differences from the ZXi4 are immediately apparent. The significantly thinner topline makes the look of the ZXi5+ a lot sleeker than the club it replaces, giving it a streamlined appearance that will undoubtedly help place it into the bags of golfers much further down the handicap spectrum.

Furthermore, this is one of the least offset irons I have seen of its type in the entire game - a massively welcome addition to a player's distance iron category typically populated by heavy, and occassionally distracting offset.

That said, as a sucker for a smooth curve, I must admit I marginally preferred the overall silhouette of the ZXi4. The ZXi5+ is just a little more angular in its shaping, though its compact proportions still look fantastic down behind the ball.

I wonder whether the introduction of the superb game improvement ZXiR irons has allowed Srixon to shift these irons' appeal slightly towards the better player. It would make sense.

Where the ZXi5+ makes an undeniable visual leap forward is in its 'in the bag' appeal...

The rear cavity profile is noticeably neater and far more refined. The smarter all-black paint fill offers an exceptionally classy look, and keeping a uniform, cohesive finish across the back of the head - rather than splitting it into two contrasting textures as was present on the ZXi4 - helps to elevate the overall aesthetic. It looks like a pure, high-end tour iron sitting in the staff bag.

Performance-wise, these irons are undeniably hot. Given the aggressive spec sheet featuring a 29.5° 7-iron and a 43° pitching wedge, high ball speed output was always guaranteed, but the launch monitor numbers are truly eye-opening.

What impressed me most was how outrageously good these are off-center. Strikes out of the toe or heel were so stable that my GC3 launch monitor barely blinked; looking solely at the ball flight and carry numbers, quite frankly, you would have no idea whether a shot was flushed out of the sweet spot or severely mishit.

Crucially, Srixon hasn't muted the impact sensation to achieve this. As someone who values tactile feedback, I love that you can still tell precisely where you made contact through your fingers, even while the ball speed retention keeps your distance intact.

Underneath the club, Srixon’s acclaimed Tour V.T. Sole does what it always does: enhances overall feel while heaping on ground versatility across a wide variety of lies. Whether sweeping off tight links turf or digging through heavy rough, the entry and exit through impact are effortless.

Overall, the expanded ZXi range this season represents one of the most seamlessly 'combo-able' iron families in modern golf. The ZXi5+ will likely become an instant fan favourite in the long-iron slot for low-to-mid handicappers and tour pros alike - lest we forget, the iron already has an Open Championship on its resume after Ryan Fox employed it for victory.

For players seeking maximum speed, minimal offset, and forged feel in a forgiving package, Srixon has hit a home run.