Older model · Srixon’s 2019 blade irons

Srixon Z-Forged Irons Review

Pure Z-Forged Blades

The Z-Forged came out in 2019 as the blade in Srixon’s Z line, following the Z 585 and Z 785 irons of 2018. Srixon replaced it with the Z-Forged II in 2023, and the current family is the ZXi. Ryan’s original review is below, word for word, for anyone buying a Z-Forged used or comparing it with what they play now.

Shopping today? The current versions

Srixon Z-Forged II Irons

Srixon’s direct update to the Z-Forged, and a review from Ryan, for anyone who liked the original.

Read our review

Our verdict at the time

A modern blade that the author says gains him a full stroke, offering more forgiveness than expected while retaining classic blade feel and looks. Best for single-digit, and some low-double-digit, handicap golfers.

Pros

  • Pure forged blade feel
  • Stunning modern blade looks
  • Surprisingly forgiving for a blade
  • Excellent V-sole turf interaction

Cons

  • Requires a fairly decent golf swing to get the full benefit

Best forSingle-digit handicap golfers who want a pure blade feel

Where to buy this one

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

In this review
  1. Our verdict
  2. Buying one used
  3. Model history
  4. Photos

Ryan’s original review

Not all blades are created equal.

I’ve heard comments that while everyone likes the looks of blades, they are basically all the same and there isn’t much you can do with the design.

That is just not true.

As a golfer and reviewer that typically plays a “blade” iron, I can tell you for a fact they are not all the same.

If you study the weighting, head shapes, head dimensions, MOI, and soles, you will see that the precision golfers are looking to get out of blades, is the same precision that the designers put into the blades.

The Srixon Z-Forged irons are some of the purest blades on the market.

Srixon Z-Forged II Irons

They are surprisingly forgiving and designed to hit pure shot after pure shot.

There is certainly more than meets the eye in these irons.

I don’t think there is golfer anywhere that doesn’t drool over the looks of the Srixon Z-Forged irons.

Srixon really knocked it out of the park with these modern blades.

They have just enough angle and shape that sets them a part from others.

Instead of a straight divide of weight mid blade, they shape the weight with more in the toe and less toward the hosel which makes perfect performance sense.

They make a second swooping design near the top to create an even thinner top line while pushing the weight low.

The simplicity of the club from all angles with just enough flare make these pure just resting in your bag.

The Srixon Z-Forged stand on their own as a full set of irons, but also work really well in combination with the Z785 irons and Z585 irons.

I add my Z-Forged to a combo set so that I could benefit most from the scoring precision of the Z-Forged by still have the max forgiveness in the long irons.

They blend together extremely well in every way.

They look like they were designed to compliment each other and transition nicely for distance, look, feel, and playability.

Why Srixon Z-Forged?  After you enjoy looking at them, your joy will continue when you hit them.

They offer that pure forged blade feel at impact that no matter how hard cavity backs, polymer filled irons try to replicate, they simply can’t argue with solid 1020 Carbon Steel forged into this head.

This is part of the love of blades is that pure feeling you get on irons shots.

Yes this does require a decent golf swing, but not only a pro swing.

Especially if you go combo set, but even if you go full irons 3-PW in the Srixon Z-Forged they are playable.

They offer enough forgiveness that most single digit handicap golfers can play them, maybe even some low double digit golfer could play if iron play isn’t the weakness.

The Srixon Z-Forged irons give you amazing accuracy.

While they are workable, I find them just as easy to hit straight at my target repeatedly.

From time to time there is reason to make the ball curve, but these are shaped and weight to hit the ball straight.

The weight is low so they are easy to elevate too.  I can step up and hit these straight and high as I attack pins.

The part that always sets Srixon apart for me is the sole grind.

They continue to refine the V shape of the sole for ideal turf interaction.

This for me is really what seals the deal.

I like the V sole for relief while entering the turf and cleaner exits.

It honestly works for the best turf interaction.

Flightscope Xi Tour Launch Monitor

Srixon Z-Forged  —  8-iron

  • Spin: 8228 rpms
  • Launch Angle: 27.2*
  • Dispersion: 3.0 yds
  • Club Head Speed: 87.1 mph
  • Ball Speed: 114.8 mph
  • Total Distance:  153.6 yds
  • Carry Distance:  150.5 yds

There is nothing better in golf than hitting a PURE Z-Forged iron shot into the green.

The feel is perfect and the accuracy is excellent.

I don’t lose a single stroke with these blades in the bag, actually my stat show I gain a full stroke with Z-forged irons in the bag.

That might not seem like much, but that margin for error is fairly small.

I am able to hit closer to the pin with the precision of the Srixon Z-Forged irons than with their Z785 irons.

I highly recommend checking out the Srixon Z-Forged irons.

For more information: https://us.dunlopsports.com/srixon/clubs/irons

Buying Z-Forged irons used

  • The Z-Forged is a muscleback blade with a thin topline, so it rewards good ball strikers more than it forgives mishits.
  • Make sure the listing says Z-Forged and not Z-Forged II, since they are different irons.
  • Forged soft steel marks easily, so check the back of the head and the grooves on the short irons for nicks and wear.

Srixon players irons, 2014 to now

Red names are ones we’ve reviewed.

  1. 2014 Z 945 Our review
  2. 2016 Z 765 Our review
  3. 2018 Z 785 Not reviewed
  4. 2019 Z-Forged You’re here
  5. 2021 ZX7 Our review
  6. 2023 Z-Forged II Our review
  7. 2025 ZXi7 Our review

About the author

Ryan Heiman

Founder and Head Reviewer of Independent Golf Reviews

Ryan Heiman founded Independent Golf Reviews in 2011 and is its head reviewer. A 3-handicap based in Tucson, Arizona, he has written more than 1,500 reviews of golf equipment, accessories and courses, played more than 600 courses, and worked with virtually every major golf brand over 15 years.

More about Ryan