FIRST LOOK: Srixon’s ZX5, ZX7 drivers and ZX fairways, hybrids

The driver frame rarely receives the respect it deserves during a product unveiling. It doesn’t have the eye appeal of a carbon-composite crown or the allure of a red-hot face design. But without a sturdy frame connecting the sole, face and crown, an efficient energy transfer at impact is a pipedream.

Due to the critical role the frame plays, Srixon spent extensive time designing the new Rebound Frame, which consists of a rigid area along the perimeter and topline. The reinforced frame allows for a more consistent transfer of power to the Ti51AF titanium alloy face. When combined with a flexible area just behind the crown and a stiff internal rib structure, the alternating levels of stiffness in select zones produce an impressive level of ball speed protection across the entire face.

“Rebound Frame represents the best energy transfer system we’ve ever designed into a driver,” said Jeff Brunski, Srixon Vice President, Research and Development. “From the center of the face to the very rear of the club, we’ve tuned the clubhead stiffness to put more energy into the ball than ever before. The entire driver head works in harmony to provide an unprecedented rebound effect, giving you more maximum ball speed for more distance.”

A lightweight carbon-fiber crown — 15 percent larger than its predecessor — was also added to help drive the center of gravity low and deep, and along the perimeter, to increase the club’s overall forgiveness.

The 460cc ZX5 ($499.99; 9.5 and 10.5 degrees) and ZX7 ($529.99; 9.5 and 10.5 degrees) offer different looks and benefits for a range of handicaps.

The ZX5 is slightly longer front to back and features an 8-gram weight in the back of the sole that helps deliver a towering launch and stability on off-center strikes. With the ZX7, a traditional pear shape profile is combined with two adjustable weight ports (4-grams and 8-grams) in the heel and toe that assist in producing a draw or fade, depending on their location. Placing the heavier 8-gram weight in the toe should generate a fade; a slice can be negated by affixing the same 8-gram in the heel. Additional weights are also available for swing weight purposes.

Srixon’s ZX fairways ($269.99; 13.5, 15, 18 and 21 degrees) and ZX hybrids ($229.99; 16, 19, 22, 25 and 28 degrees) follow a similar blueprint with the addition of varying levels of flexibility and thickness — part of the Rebound Frame — that help impart an efficient transfer of energy on the golf ball.

Ball speed was specifically increased in the 13.5- and 15-degree fairways via a lightweight carbon-fiber crown that made it possible to shift the center of gravity low and closer toward the stainless steel face. The company’s step-down crown also helps concentrate more weight directly behind the sweet spot.

Srixon’s ZX line of drivers (Project X EvenFlow Riptide or Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black shafts), fairways (Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black shaft) and hybrids (Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black shaft) will be available Jan. 15 at retail shops.

To book your driver fitting today, head over to our sister-company True Spec’s website or check out our list of Top 50 clubfitters.