We’ve all heard of players irons vs. game improvement irons, right? Game improvement are easy to hit, and players offer more workability.
It’s not very often that you’ve thought of drivers in the same light, though. Until now.
In my opinion, the Srixon ZX7 driver is a “players driver”. It’s not as forgiving as the ZX5 driver, but it offers far more workability. The Srixon ZX7 driver will be best for golfers with super fast swing speeds that may generate too much spin on their drives.
Appearance & Performance
At address, this driver is a heck of a looker. I’m typically a bigger fan of an all-black crown, but I really liked the design while standing over the ball.
The ZX7 has a more compact look at address when compared to the ZX5. Although they are both 460cc, the ZX7 looks more compact due to the rounded rear and taller skirt. Personally, I’m always a fan of the look of compact club heads at address.
Obviously performance will depend on your swing, your shaft, your ball, and a million other things. But, in general, you should expect more penetrating ball flights from this driver head. I used the stock shaft (Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 60) and hit some awesome, penetrating line drives that flew far and rolled far, too. I’d recommend finding a local golf course that stocks Srixon clubs, or maybe scheduling a professional club fitting near you if possible.
Who It’s Best For
I can see this driver fitting into a few different player categories.
- The Srixon ZX7 driver is a great fit for those with fast swing speeds that hit too many high, “spinny” drives. With great swing speed comes great responsibility…. to find a low spin club head and club shaft combination.
- The ZX7 is great if you like to tinker with your driver setup, as it’s far more adjustable than most drivers. If you like to tinker with different weight setups and loft/lie/face angle adjustments, then this is a great driver for you. The adjustment sole weights and adjustable hosel will keep you occupied for a while.
- The ZX7 is great if you like to work the ball. The driver is more workable than most drivers that are meant to go as high and straight as possible. If you like working the ball (fades and draws), then I’d go with a driver like the ZX7.
- The ZX7 is great for windy conditions. If you play in typically windy conditions, then a more penetrating ball flight of the ZX7 will make sense to keep the ball out of the wind as much as possible.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great, compact look at address
- Low spin for those with fast swing speeds that often hit high, spinny shots
- Great stock shaft
- Easy to work the ball left and right
- Penetrating ball flights are cool
- Highly adjustable (weight on the sole and adjustable hosel)
- Can be draw or fade biased (just move the sole weight towards the heel or toe, respectively)
Cons:
- Less forgiving than I’d like
- Super expensive, even for a new driver. Similar performing alternatives for a fraction of the price.
- Most golfers will score better with a higher launching driver head
Srixon ZX7 vs ZX5 Comparison
When compared to the Srixon ZX5 driver…
- The Srixon ZX7 driver is more workable. The ZX5 is meant to go as high and straight as possible.
- The Srixon ZX7 driver is more adjustable. The ZX7 has weights that can be moved toward the heel or toe for a draw or fade bias. The ZX5 only has a center weight that can be increased or decrease to affect the height of your shots.
- The Srixon ZX7 driver will result in more penetrating ball flights. The ZX5 driver is meant to hit the ball as high as possible.
- The Srixon ZX7 looks more compact at address. The ZX5 looks more oversized due to the shape (even though both are 460cc).
Better Value Alternative
If you want a driver similar to the Srixon ZX7 but don’t want to spend $500, then check out the Cobra King F7.
The Cobra King F7 and Srixon ZX7 BOTH:
- Have 7 in the name. Coincidence? Yes, probably so. Actually, yes, definitely so.
- Have adjustable weights on the sole and an adjustable hosel to change the loft, lie, and face angle at address.
- Can be set to penetrating, low spin ball flights. Just move the 12g movable weight on the Cobra up to the front and you’ll be good to go.
You can find a good, slightly used Cobra King F7 for around $150. It seems like a no brainer when I’m sure the difference between the two is marginal at best.
