Images of Srixon’s new irons have begun circulating. These images came from Srixon US’s Facebook page. They show the “ZXi5” and “ZXi7,” which have already begun to be supplied to professionals in the United States.
However, one point needs to be clarified first.
The models currently on sale, released in 2024, are also called the ZXi5 and ZXi7. The next-generation models that have now appeared also have “ZXi5” and “ZXi7” engraved on their back faces. At this point, there is no indication of generation-identifying wording such as Mk II.
If you search based on the images alone, the current and new models become mixed together. In this article, the products currently on sale will be called the “November 2024 release models,” while the newly revealed models will be called the “2026 tour-introduction models.”
## The Current ZXi5 and ZXi7 Were Released in November 2024
The ZXi series currently on sale was released in Japan on November 9, 2024.
The lineup consists of the ZXi7, which prioritizes workability and feel; the ZXi5, designed to balance distance, workability, and forgiveness; the ZXi4, which enhances distance and ease of use; and the ZXiU utility iron.
A newly adopted concept in the current ZXi series is “i-FORGED.” Rather than simply using a single forging method across all models, this approach changes the material, forging process, and heat treatment for each model.
The ZXi7 uses extremely soft S15C carbon steel and PUREFRAME. The ZXi5 is equipped with MAINFRAME, which strengthens the frame while enabling a thinner face.
In other words, the names i-FORGED, PUREFRAME, and MAINFRAME are not appearing for the first time with these new models.
The key to identifying the new models is the “IQ” added after those names.
## The New Models Are Already Being Used on the Japan Men’s Tour
The new ZXi5 and ZXi7 did not suddenly appear in the United States. They had already been spotted at a Japan men’s tour venue by the end of June 2026. Players including Yuki Inamori, Daijiro Izumida, Kohei Okada, and Rintaro Nakano have put the new ZXi5 or ZXi7 into play.
What is particularly interesting is that this has not stopped at testing; multiple players have switched to the new models within a short period.
Regarding the new ZXi7, Inamori explained that, in addition to its excellent feel, he can now hit a 9-iron about 5 yards farther than before without having to swing hard. Izumida moved his existing combo setup—ZXi5 in the longer irons and ZXi7 in the shorter irons—directly to the new models.
As manufacturer-contracted players, it is natural that they would test new products.
Even so, irons cannot be changed as easily as drivers. It is necessary to match not only distance, but also address appearance, feel, spin rate, distance gapping, and turf interaction.
Seeing several players put them into competition early on suggests that this is not merely a design change.
## Full Tour Supply Began at the 3M Open in the United States
In the United States, full-scale tour supply of the new ZXi series began at the PGA Tour’s “3M Open” in July 2026.
Three models were prepared at the venue: the ZXi7, ZXi5, and ZXiU. At this stage, this is not an official announcement for retail sales, but rather a tour launch intended for professionals to test and use in competition.
U.S. media describe these new models as the “2027 ZXi series.” The models appeared in Japan in 2026, but based on their U.S. release timing, they may become 2027 models. The official model year, pricing, lofts, and release date have not yet been announced.
For that reason, it is somewhat risky to definitively call them “2026 models” at this point.
More accurately, it seems best to regard them as the next-generation ZXi series introduced on tour in 2026.
## The New ZXi7 Evolves Into PUREFRAME IQ
The new ZXi7 is shown in the lower part of the image.
The current ZXi7 is also a very simple forged carbon-steel cavity-back, but the new model has an even more refined set of lines on the back face, giving it a cleaner shape.
The major difference is the “PUREFRAME IQ” engraving in the cavity area.
PUREFRAME in the current model is a structure that places a thicker section near the actual impact area to control vibration and face deformation at impact. The new model adds IQ to that name.
However, there has not yet been an official explanation of what IQ means. It may indicate further optimization of weight placement, thickness designs that vary by iron number, or an approach to vertical impact-location variation. Based on the image, there appears to be more pronounced thickness around the center of the lower back face than on the current model.
Because the ZXi7 is a one-piece forged head, it is not an iron designed to make a thin face flex substantially like the ZXi5.
Even in the new model, rather than pursuing distance performance to an extreme, it may be intended to improve the feel of centered strikes and stability when impact moves slightly away from the center.
The hosel continues to carry the “i-FORGED” marking. It is natural to see this as retaining the material and forging philosophy praised in the current model while evolving the structure around the impact area.
## The New ZXi5 Features MAINFRAME IQ
The new ZXi5 is shown in the upper part of the image.
I believe the ZXi5 is the core model that greatly boosted the popularity of the ZX series.
It has a sharp profile that looks suited to advanced players, yet the head is actually moderately sized and resistant to mishits. Its lofts are not overly strong like those of distance irons, and it does not sacrifice feel or spin performance.
It occupies a relatively rare space: a serious iron that average golfers can use.
The new ZXi5 carries the “MAINFRAME IQ” marking.
MAINFRAME in the current model varies the thickness and channels on the back of the face to generate ball speed across a wide area. It is reasonable to think that this design has been further updated in the new model.
Looking at the image, the back-face shape appears slightly rounder than that of the current ZXi5, with fewer angular sections. The lower frame also looks thicker, while the center has a three-dimensional shape that appears to surround a hollow area.
Rather than making the appearance dramatically flashier, it gives the impression that the internal weight distribution and the way the face flexes have been redesigned.
What particularly interests me is not distance itself, but the difference when impact moves vertically on the face.
For amateur golfers, impact varies not only from side to side but also vertically. If the club can retain height and carry on slightly thin strikes, that would be a major practical improvement.
## There May Be Meaning in Keeping the Same Names
Srixon released the ZX5 and ZX7 in 2020, the ZX5 Mk II and ZX7 Mk II in 2022, and the ZXi5 and ZXi7 in 2024. In Japan, new ZX-series irons have generally been released in the fall on a two-year cycle.
Based on that pattern, it would not have been surprising to see another letter or “Mk II” added next.
However, these are again called the ZXi5 and ZXi7.
This may indicate an intention to develop the ZXi series name not as a one-generation designation, but as a brand that will continue going forward.
On the other hand, this could make things slightly confusing for buyers.
In the future, when searching for a ZXi5 at used-club stores or online shops, the November 2024 release model and the next-generation model may appear in the same search results. To distinguish old from new, it appears necessary to check for “PUREFRAME IQ” on the ZXi7 and “MAINFRAME IQ” on the ZXi5.
## When Will They Be Released?
An official release date has not yet been announced.
However, looking at past Japanese releases, new ZX-series irons were released in the fall every two years: October 2020, November 2022, and November 2024.
This time, they entered the Japan tour in June 2026, and supply began on the U.S. tour in July.
Based on this pattern, they may be officially announced or released in Japan in fall 2026, with a U.S. rollout possible in early 2027.
This is a prediction based on past cycles, not confirmed information.
Official announcements are still needed for the loft specifications, head size, materials, shafts, and pricing.
## Should You Wait Rather Than Buy the Current ZXi5 or ZXi7?
When new images emerge, it is natural to wonder whether it is still safe to buy the current models.
However, the current ZXi5 and ZXi7 have been on the market for less than two years. They are not being changed because they lack refinement.
The new models retain the basic concepts of i-FORGED, PUREFRAME, and MAINFRAME from the current models. Rather than being completely redesigned, they appear to retain the highly regarded elements while refining impact stability and weight distribution.
Those who want to use the latest model should wait for the official announcement.
On the other hand, if you have tested the current ZXi5 or ZXi7, achieved good results, and are comfortable with the price, I do not think there is a need to abandon the purchase simply because images of the new models have appeared.
What is more worth watching is how prices for the current models will move from here.
As exposure for the new models increases, it is tempting to expect markdowns, but markdowns on golf clubs are basically manufacturer-led. The appearance of new-model images does not necessarily mean price reductions will begin immediately.
At present, no official markdown information for the current ZXi series has been confirmed.
## Summary
The new ZXi5 and ZXi7 are not simply online rumors.
Multiple players have already put them into competition on the Japan men’s tour, and supply for professionals in the United States has also begun at the 3M Open.
The ZXi7 evolves into PUREFRAME IQ, while the ZXi5 evolves into MAINFRAME IQ. Both retain i-FORGED.
Given that the names have not changed significantly and the appearance retains Srixon’s character, the company likely has confidence in the direction of the current models.
Rather than creating something radically different, the ZXi7 appears set to further refine feel and workability, while the ZXi5 appears set to improve the balance between forgiveness and a serious-looking profile.
Personally, the ZXi5 is the one that interests me most.
I am eager to see how far the new MAINFRAME IQ can expand on the most appealing trait carried forward from the ZX5: a serious iron that average golfers can use. I am looking forward to the official announcement and hitting test.
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