Review: Srixon Z-TX Irons

Sleek looking irons good for low-to-mid handicaps. Stepped sole pattern increases flexibility from less than perfect lies. Cavity/muscle back provides forgiveness while providing workability. Unmistakable feel of forged clubs get back to the roots of the game.

While the brand name might not be a household name in the American market, Srixon has made attractive and functional forged irons for quite some time now. With the introduction of the Z-TX line including forged irons, the name will become familiar to many more golf enthusiasts. Several high-profile players including Jim Furyk are now using the company's equipment on tour.

Strikingly beautiful and elegant, the sleek looks and slim topline say "scratch golfer," while in reality the set can be used by handicappers, I'd say, up to 12. The soft, forged 1025 steel yields a feel that can be compared to a room temperature stick of butter – and that is a good thing.

What's been added with the Z-TX irons are two 5-gram tungsten weights, one in the heel and one in the toe. The result is stability at impact that backs up the smooth feel. Stock shaft in the Z-TX irons is the Dynamic Gold 300. It matches quite nicely with the Z-TX head in terms of balance.

The Z-TX irons back up their appearance with a strong performance.

Low-mid handicap testers were able to work the ball both directions. Trajectory was mid without ballooning. Longer irons are easier to launch, aided by the tungsten weights. What Srixon calls the "stepped sole pattern" is a multi-angle bounce allowing easier and cleaner strikes from a variety of lies.

Distance was good but not farther than other offerings. So, what was the downside of the Z-TX? Not much, but I didn't see enough innovative design and improvement from previous company offerings to put my old set up for sale – at least not yet. But sharp looks and forgiveness in a forged club make them worth checking out.