Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood review
Welcome to my Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood review. The 2023 Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood carved its niche as a no-nonsense distance machine, though it never quite reached the tour bag ubiquity of rivals like TaylorMade’s Stealth 2. With its successor—the 2025 ZXi—now making waves, let’s revisit why this club still deserves consideration for certain players.
Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood Review –Overview
The ZX Mk II is a glued-hosel fairway wood built for golfers craving consistency off the tee and turf. Its standout tech—Rebound Frame and Carbon Crown—delivered above-average ball speeds, earning it a 3rd-place finish for distance in MyGolfSpy’s 2023 rankings. However, its lack of adjustability and middling forgiveness held it back from broader appeal. Available in 3W (15°), 3+W (13.5°), 5W (18°), and 7W (21°), it’s best suited for players who prioritize raw yardage over shot-shaping versatility.
Look & Design
At address, the ZX Mk II flaunts a matte black crown with a subtle carbon fiber step near the face (3W/3+W only). The pear-shaped head (430cc for 3W) leans player-friendly but avoids intimidating size.Here are some few Key design quirks:
Stepped Carbon Crown: Lowers CG for higher launch in 3W/3+W models
Canon Sole: Curved weight pad improves turf interaction on tight lies
Minimalist Branding: Clean alignment aids inspire confidence over the ball
Compared to flashier competitors, it’s the sleeper sedan of fairway woods—understated but capable.
Features & Technology
Rebound Frame
Srixon’s signature tech uses Dual Flex Zones to boost ball speed. The face (Zone 1) flexes inward on impact, while a titanium ring (Zone 2) snaps outward, creating a “spring within a spring” effect. Result: 10% larger sweet spot vs. prior models.
Carbon Crown
Exclusive to 3W/3+W, the 35g carbon fiber crown saves 8g vs. steel, repositioning mass low for optimized launch. Paired with the stepped crown, it adds ~4 yards of carry over traditional designs.
Glued Hosel
The fixed hosel polarizes players. While it locks in swing weight consistency, it forfeits the loft/lie adjustability that rivals offer.
Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood Performance on the course
Distance
The ZX Mk II’s party trick: Top-tier ball speed. Testing showed center strikes averaging 147 mph ball speed, yielding 231-yard carries (15.4° launch, 3,447 RPM spin). Even thin strikes retained 90% speed, though low-face misses shed 15+ yards.
Forgiveness
Achilles’ heel. Toe/heel strikes lost ~20% ball speed—worse than Callaway Rogue ST Max. The 3W’s carbon crown helped launch low-face hits, but overall, it ranked 17th out of 24 in MyGolfSpy’s forgiveness metric.
Feel & Sound
A muted thwack with minimal vibration—preferable for players averse to metallic “ping” acoustics. Mishits telegraph clear feedback through the hands without sting.
Playability
- Off the Tee: 3+W (13.5°) produced piercing trajectories ideal for tight fairways
- From the Deck: Canon Sole glided through rough but occasionally dug on firm turf
- Workability: Neutral bias allowed fades/draws, though spin rates (3,200-3,600 RPM) limited shot-stopping greenside control
Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood Specifications
| Model | Loft | Length | Stock Shaft | Adjustable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3W | 15° | 43.5″ | HZRDUS Smoke Red 60 | No |
| 3+W | 13.5° | 43″ | HZRDUS Smoke Red 60 | No |
| 5W | 18° | 42.5″ | HZRDUS Smoke Red 60 | No |
| 7W | 21° | 42″ | HZRDUS Smoke Red 60 | No |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Elite center-strike distance
- Confidence-inspiring compact shape
- Smooth turf interaction
Cons:
- No adjustability
- Below-average forgiveness
- Limited shot-shaping versatility
Comparison: ZX Mk II vs. ZXi
| Feature | ZX Mk II (2023) | ZXi (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustability | None | ±1.5° loft, ±3° lie |
| Forgiveness | Moderate | High |
| Sound | Muted “thwack” | Crisp metallic “ting” |
| Best For | Pure distance seekers | Versatile shot-makers |
The ZXi’s adjustable hosel and i-FLEX face resolve the Mk II’s core weaknesses, making it the better all-rounder. However, the Mk II remains a budget-friendly bomber.
Who Should Play This Club?
Mid-handicappers (10-18) with consistent strike patterns will maximize its distance potential. Avoid if you:
- Frequently miss heel/toe
- Need trajectory customization
- Prioritize greenside spin
Conclusion
The ZX Mk II is a flawed gem—dominant on center strikes but punishing on mishits. While the 2025 ZXi has surpassed it with adjustability and forgiveness, the Mk II still shines for players who:
Want premium distance under $250 (now discounted)
Prefer glued-hosel consistency
Don’t need shot-shaping bells and whistles
If your misses are rare and your wallet’s light, this Srixon deserves a demo. Just know its successor—the ZXi—offers the tech upgrade tour pros finally embraced.
