When it comes to forged irons, the name Endo Manufacturing can stop gearheads in their tracks.
Srixon is counting on it with their second-generation ZXi irons.
In releasing the updated line, which again includes the ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXiU irons, along with the new ZXi5+ players distance iron, Srixon is announcing that all four irons are forged by the legendary Japanese forging house.
“We’ve been working with Endo for a long time,” Srixon Senior Product Manager Casey Schultz told GOLF. “We’ve had a relationship with them in the past, but this is the first time that we’ve been able to really kind of announce the fact that every single iron is being made there.”
The new iron models launched on the PGA Tour at the Rocket Classic in late July, but the utility irons have been floating around since the Travelers Championship. A ZXi5+ utility iron made it into Ryan Fox’s bag the week before he won his first major at the Open Championship.
Keep reading below for more on the second-generation Srixon ZXi irons, including my take on the release.
What’s actually new with the second-generation ZXi irons — and why you should care
Fully forged by Endo
Endo is one of Japan’s most legendary iron forgers. While the company has produced irons under the Epon brand since the late 70s, they’re better known for forging irons for other golf companies like Bridgestone and Nike. Notably, Endo Manufacturing made the Titleist 681T irons Tiger Woods played during the “Tiger Slam” in 2000-01.
Srixon has used Endo to make some of their irons before, but the new ZXi line is the first line the company is fully producing in partnership with Endo.
Srixon
“I think it really having the entire launch be using them as a manufacturer has been huge,” Schultz said. “Their expertise in the quality that they’re able to produce from the forging side is next to none in the industry.”
Working with Endo, Srixon made changes to the proprietary i-FORGED process to strengthen the material around the grooves of the iron, enhancing durability while retaining feel.
Adding the Plus
When Srixon introduced the ZXiR and ZXiR HL last year, it gave the brand its first true game-improvement irons since 2015. That allowed them to rethink the ZXi4 platform, which served both game-improvement and players’ distance categories until then.
The result is the new ZXi5+, a true hollow-bodied players distance iron, while the ZXi5 continues to be more of a “player performance” offering.
; "For the second-generation ZXi irons, Srixon turned to a legendary partner 1")
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
“Think of the Plus as more distance and more forgiveness on the 5 series,” Schultz said. “If you’re looking for a little bit more workability and a little bit more spin, that’s who the 5 series really fits. But the Plus is certainly for a player who’s looking for a little bit more help and a little bit more distance than what is provided in the 5.”
Schultz said players weren’t creating many combo sets with the ZXi4, but they expect a lot more with the ZXi5+. That’s what we saw Fox do to help him win at Royal Birkdale. While there is no utility build of the ZXi5+, like Fox’s, available yet at retail, Schultz said it’s definitely a possibility down the road given the success on Tour.
Keeping it ‘Kaizen’
The fact that the new ZXi7, ZXi5 and ZXiU look very similar to the previous generation was all by design. Srixon didn’t want to fix anything that wasn’t broken when it came to the second generation of ZXi.
Schultz said the design team was using the Japanese word “Kaizen” for it.
“It’s a Japanese term that means kind of like incremental generational improvement,” he said. “That’s sort of a philosophy that I think really evokes itself within the irons where, as you said, like the 5 series and the 7 series, like they are solid, excellent, market-leading performers, that we take the foundation of everything that’s great in those irons, and we don’t look to just reinvent everything about it.”
; "For the second-generation ZXi irons, Srixon turned to a legendary partner 2")
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
To make those incremental changes, Srixon is introducing a new MainFrame iQ system in the ZXi5, 5+ and Utility that uses an AI-assisted design to reallocate mass from behind the face low in the head and increase MOI. For the ZXi7, PureFrame iQ uses AI to stiffen the impact zone, reduce unwanted face deformation and increase stability.
Another change, with extensive feedback from Srixon’s Tour team, was thinner toplines throughout the lineup, as well as cleaner visual transitions.
As in previous iterations, all four models feature Srixon’s signature Tour V.T. sole to optimize turf interaction.
The Srixon ZXi lineup
The ZXi5 and ZXi7 return to the lineup, while a more player-distance-optimized ZXi5+ replaces the ZXi4. Game improvement players are now steered toward the ZXiR.
ZXi7
; "For the second-generation ZXi irons, Srixon turned to a legendary partner 3")
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What is it: Srixon’s flagship Tour iron gets the upgraded PureFrame iQ to utilize mass more efficiently. Weight distribution was tuned throughout the set to give the long irons more perimeter weighting to prioritize forgiveness, while the short irons see more mass concentrated at the sweet spot for precision.
Who it’s for: High-level ball strikers who want precision and workability in a mid-sized and stronger-lofted Tour iron.
ZXi5
; "For the second-generation ZXi irons, Srixon turned to a legendary partner 4")
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What is it: The ZXi5 returns as a player performance option with the new MainFrame iQ technology to increase launch, speed and forgiveness.
Who it’s for: Players who want a blend of forgiveness and workability, or a long iron alternative.
ZXi5+
; "For the second-generation ZXi irons, Srixon turned to a legendary partner 5")
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What is it: The ZXi5+ takes the place of the previous ZXi4 and offers more of a player-preferred profile than its predecessor. Compared to ZXi5, it has a longer blade length, stronger loft and a wider sole, and can offer more speed and forgiveness through its hollow-bodied construction.
Who it’s for: Players who want speed and forgiveness out of a player’s shape.
ZXiU
; "For the second-generation ZXi irons, Srixon turned to a legendary partner 6")
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What is it: A long-iron replacement designed for penetrating flight and versatility. The back of the utility iron has a distinct mirror finish, which helps disguise the wide sole at address.
Available lofts: 2i (18˚), 3i (20˚), 4i (23˚)
Who it’s for: Players wanting a long-game option to lower peak height, or a high-launching 4-iron alternative.
My take: Srixon somehow made ZXi better
There’s no doubt that Srixon revealing a whole lineup forged by Endo Manufacturing (and publicly announcing it) is a great addition to the market.
The ZXi lineup, buoyed by great Tour success over the past two seasons, was already one of the best iron platforms out there. This next generation is better in every way.
For me, it starts with much cleaner and more refined cosmetics. Then as you hit the irons, you can really decide how much speed you want in them. Do you need all the speed the ZXi5+ can give you? Or do you value the compact looks and precision of the ZXi7?
One thing for me that I felt was greatly improved from the previous generation is that these irons spun a good deal more, even despite the strong loft package on the ZXi7.
To me, as someone who values height and stopping power, being able to get enough spin out of my irons can make all the difference.
I’d probably be a ZXi7 player, but I was personally shocked at just how good I could hit the ZXi5. Despite having a 31-degree lofted 7-iron, the ball was rocketing into the air with tons of speed and decent spin.
A lot of players are also really going to love the ZXi5+, which is going to quickly compete with the big boys of the category like T250, P790, M-13 and more.
The first generation of ZXi was loved, but Srixon just knocked the sequel out of the park.
Price, Specs and Availability
A players Iron with refined, tour-preferred looks, pro-level feel, and unmatched control—featuring newly refined toplines, narrow soles, shorter blade lengths, and minimal offset designed for precision workability.
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A players performance Iron that perfectly blends distance and forgiveness—featuring a wider sole than ZXi7, with a moderate blade length and offset.
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Introducing ZXi5+ players distance Irons, an all-new model uniting feel with a forgiving, compact shape. ZXi5+ features a confident player’s topline with longer blade lengths, widersoles, and stronger lofts than ZXi5 for more distance and forgiveness in a players chassis.
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ZXiU Utility Irons are powerful long Iron replacements—even among tour pros—featuring signature Srixon feel, higher launch, and excellent forgiveness in a blade-like design with moderate offset.
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