50 Words or Less
The Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver offers golfers a more traditional look at address but at the cost of forgiveness. More adjustability than Srixon’s other drivers, but additional weights must be purchased to make the best use of it.
Introduction
For 2023, Srixon has expanded their driver line up from two models to three. However, by introducing a new model, they may have pushed an old one into obsolescence. With the launch of the ZX5 LS MK II driver, the ZX7 Mk II is no longer the lowest spinning, but it remains the least forgiving. Is such a driver worth playing? Let’s discuss.
Looks
The Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver ditches almost all the red that adorned that original ZX7 driver [review HERE]. With the exception of the red “Rebound Frame” on the sole, this club is entirely black, white, and silver. Whether this look is timeless or boring is in the eye of the beholder. Prominent “Srixon” and “ZX7” branding dominate the sole, making the two removable weights a visual afterthought.
At address, the ZX7 Mk II is a big departure from the original ZX7. The gloss black and carbon fiber fade have been replaced by a crown that’s matte black. Only a small alignment aid and faint graphics at the trailing edge break the monotony. The ZX7 Mk II has a footprint that’s smaller front-to-back than either ZX5 Mk II driver, and the shape is almost perfectly symmetrical and round.
Sound & Feel
The Srixon ZX7 Mk II didn’t just change its look – it also got a sonic makeover. Where the original ZX7 driver was above average in the volume, the Mk II is average at most. The sound has also been dialed down from an aggressive “crack” to a more pleasant “pop.”
As you would expect from a more traditionally-shaped driver, the feedback it provides is strong. Centered hits feel very solid, but mishits feel hollow. You don’t need to being paying strict attention to locate impact with precision.
Performance
Starting with the positives, the Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver is billed as the most workable driver in the line. To that end, it also features the only dual-weight system in Srixon’s driver family. Both sole weights are located toward the rear of the head, one nearer the toe, one nearer the heel. Weights are available in even numbers ranging from 2 to 14 grams, and can be changed with the same torque wrench that adjusts the hosel.
The ZX7 Mk II comes stock with one 4 gram weight and one 8 gram weight. Per Srixon, swapping them can adjust your shot shape by “5-6 yards.” They also state that with heavier aftermarket weights, you can adjust your flight by “as much as 20 yards.” I did not have access to the aftermarket weights, but I would agree that swapping the stock weights creates a small but noticeable change in ball flight.
In addition to the weights, you can influence the ball flight with the adjustable hosel. The problem for the Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver is that the other drivers in this family have that, too. Being able to change the face angle and lie angle has a greater impact on ball flight than the stock weights, so it calls into question how unique or advantageous the ZX7 Mk II is, given the lack of forgiveness.
The ZX7 Mk II driver does have the same technology – Rebound Frame, Dual Flex Zone, and Star Frame Crown – as the other two new ZX drivers, but the forgiveness is not as impressive. Per Srixon, the ZX5 Mk II driver [review HERE] is the most forgiving while the ZX7 Mk II has its forgiveness labeled “Mid.” When an OEM labels the forgiveness “Mid,” you know it’s not going to be easy to hit.
Now before all the internet golfers run to the comments to go off about how they have no problem hitting the Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver, let me be excruciatingly clear: this is a modern driver, and it’s far from impossible to hit. Small misses will still have good ball speed. However, in comparison to the ZX5 Mk II or other drivers that make use of more advantageous shapes, it is lacking.
There’s a good reason that – to the best of my knowledge – none of Srixon’s Tour players use the ZX7 Mk II. If you need low spin, you can get it from the ZX5 LS Mk II [review HERE] without giving up as much forgiveness. For players that want maximum forgiveness, there’s the ZX5 Mk II. That leaves a very small niche for the ZX7 Mk II: players who put a premium on the smaller footprint and are willing to sacrifice forgiveness for lower launch and another adjustable weight.
Conclusion
So is the Srixon ZX7 Mk II driver obsolete? Not entirely, but it has become a niche offering. If low spin is your priority, the ZX5 LS Mk II is the best choice. If it’s forgiveness, go for the standard ZX5 Mk II. That leaves the ZX7 Mk II for players who either fit perfectly into its combination of lower launch and low-mid spin or those who really want the more traditional shape at address.
Visit Srixon HERE
Srixon ZX7 Mk II Driver Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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2 Comments
Your review is not surprising as quite frankly you are not the audience for this driver. Low handicap players that generate speed and find the middle of the face will really like this club.
Like the matte look on this one #DoubleSecret