As a new PGA Tour season kicks off in Napa, Calif., this week, so, too, does speculation surrounding new equipment from the major manufacturers. First up: Srixon.
As of Monday, there were at least 10 new driver heads from the Japanese manufacturer spotted on the USGA and R&A conforming drivers list under the names ZX7 and ZX5 MKII; I’m assuming that stands for Mark II.
Srixon ZX5 drivers
Similar to the way Srixon designates their popular iron lineup, the ZX5 series drivers have always been about maximizing forgiveness and distance to a wide group of golfers. When compared to the current generation (bottom right), we can see with the new line that Srixon engineers are sticking to a similar formula of using an adjustable weight in the rear to offer customization while also boosting MOI.
The standout here, though, is the ZX5 MKII LS. Based on the forward weighting along with the LS naming, I’d wager all of my lunch money that the LS stands for low spin. This would be a first for Srixon to offer a lower spinning version of their more forgiving driver model, and based on potential specs would put the driver between the ZX5 and ZX7 models.
Srixon ZX7 drivers
The ZX7 series drivers, on the other hand, are about maximizing control, distance and adjustability for lower handicap and higher swing speed players. When compared to the current generation (bottom right) ZX7, the new standard model (top left) continues to offer adjustable weights in the heel and toe.
There is also a ZX7 MKII Diamond (top middle), which based on the images is built to a smaller scale than the other driver heads pictured and likely indicates it is closer to a 400cc head than 460cc.
The last “Diamond” product Srixon released is the Z-Star Diamond ball, which was built for Brooks Koepka — and with Koepka having gone away from both his Srixon driver and Diamond ball at this year’s U.S. Open this could be the driver they were working on with him.
Smaller-headed drivers still have a place among a select group of players, and Srixon may be targeting that demo at retail given the only other major OEM with an option in this category is Titleist and the TSR4.
We don’t have an official release date on these new drivers or full specs, but will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
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