Srixon Z-Forged Irons Review

Srixon Z-Forged Irons

The new Srixon Z-Forged irons are the replacement blades for the Z-965 irons in their Z lineup. The offer sleek looks, and maximum shotmaking capabilities, but only for those with the game to swing ’em.

The Looks

I’ve said this with the Srixon Z-965’s and I’ll say it again here with the Z-Forged: these are some of the best looking clubs your money can buy. Compact heads, a sleek looking V.T. “V-shaped” sole, and flashy, polished chrome with some matted accents. It just doesn’t get much better than this in the looks department.

As is normal for a player’s club, the Z-Forged has small, thin club heads with very little offset. They set up amazingly to your eye with an extremely thin topline mixed with minimal offset. However, you better have the ball striking for these, because the Z-Forged doesn’t look like it has a ton of forgiveness. They have that intimidation factor when looking down on them, but again, they’re just so pretty I couldn’t help but want to swing them. Bravo again, Srixon.

How Does it Feel?

If I can describe the feel of the Srixon Z-Forged in one word it would be “balanced.” The blade heads have a great weight to them, that allows me to feel the club head throughout the swing. For better players looking to work the ball both directions, this can be very important.

In terms of impact, the Z-Forged has a great, soft feel that you’d expect from a blade. They’re forged from a single billet of 1020 carbon steel, which contributes to that “buttery” feel. Golfer-beware, however, shots anywhere but on that sweet spot are going to sting. They provide steady feedback in the hands and really let you feel it when you miss one. Per the Srixon site, the Z-Forged is for Tour pros or “highly skilled amateurs.” You’re going to want to be a good ball striker to get the most out of the feel on these ones. But when you hit them square, boy do they give you that tingly feeling inside.

How Does it Sound?

As many find with blades (and most clubs for that matter), the sound of the Srixon Z-Forged largely depends on the contact being made. When struck on the center of the face, the Z-Forged lets off a soft, yet solid-sounding “crack.” It’s weird to describe a sound as both solid and soft, but it matches the pure feel of a well-struck shot. Miss thin, off of the toe, or in on the heel? You’re going to have a higher-pitched cracking sound that isn’t nearly as appealing to the ears.

On-Course Performance

I’m not going to try and beat a dead horse here, but you need to be a solid player to play the Srixon Z-Forged irons. One thing I found to be particularly pleasing about the Z-Forged is that on the well struck shots, they’re extremely consistent. Ball flight, distance, shot shape, you name it. If I got that feel in my hands that it was on the center of the face, I looked up and knew exactly what the ball was doing. The V.T. sole slides easily through the turf, and allows you to easily manipulate the face for any shot. I had no problem working the ball right or left when trying to. In fact, I would occasionally overcook it in a particular direction because of how easy the Z-Forged is to move the ball with.

With that, know that misses with the Z-Forged left or right are going to be over exaggerated. Misses off of the toe or heel are going to lose considerable distance. Like 30 yards or more of distance loss. And that’s by design, as they’re made for people who hit the center of the club face, and work the ball. However, if you’re one of those people, the Z-Forged are some of the best new blades on the market.

Final Thoughts

The Srixon Z-Forged has everything a player could want in a blade. Amazing looks, great workability, and above all, consistency. If you have the game to play a blade, by all means, you need to try the new Z-Forged irons out. You won’t be disappointed. It’s too bad I don’t have the consistency for these beauties or they’d be a strong contender for me.