Forged from 1020 carbon steel and engineered for precision, the Srixon Z785 irons offer a blend of feel and performance that appeals to discerning golfers. But what exactly makes these irons so special? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key features and technologies that set the Srixon Z785 apart. We’ll analyze its Tour Cavity design, its Tour V.T. Sole, and its laser milling technology, explaining how these elements contribute to its exceptional performance on the course. We’ll also compare the Z785 to other popular iron models, discuss its ideal player profile, and offer tips on customization, care, and maintenance. Whether you’re considering adding the Srixon Z785 to your bag or simply curious about its capabilities, this guide will provide valuable insights.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize feel and workability with the Srixon Z785 irons: Designed for skilled golfers, these clubs offer precise control and responsive feedback, making them ideal for players who value shot shaping over pure distance.
- Match your skill level to the Z785’s design: Best suited for mid-to-low handicappers, these irons reward a consistent swing and precise ball striking. Consider your current skill level and playing style before making a purchase.
- Find the best deal by exploring new and used options: The used market offers significant savings, allowing you to experience the quality of the Z785s without the higher price tag of a brand-new set. Check reputable retailers for used clubs in good condition.
What are Srixon Z785 Irons?
The Srixon Z785 irons are forged cavity-back irons designed for skilled golfers who demand both feel and performance. Unlike game-improvement irons, which prioritize forgiveness, the Z785s offer a more compact clubhead and thinner topline preferred by better players. This design promotes workability and precise shot shaping. Think of them as a sports car—responsive and demanding, yet capable of incredible feats in the right hands. Srixon has built a reputation for producing high-quality equipment, and the Z785s are no exception. They’re crafted from 1020 carbon steel for a soft, responsive feel, providing valuable feedback with every shot. If you’re looking for irons that offer a blend of control, feel, and performance, the Srixon Z785s are worth considering. They share some design elements with the Srixon ZX7 irons, particularly the V-shaped sole, but differ in the cavity-back design. This makes them a compelling option for players seeking a classic look and modern technology.
Key Features and Technologies
The Srixon Z785 irons pack a punch with several key features designed to improve your game. Let’s break down the technology that makes these irons stand out.
Tour Cavity Design
Srixon refined the “Tour Cavity” for the Z785s, giving them a thinner topline for a clean look at address. The narrower sole and modified camber improve turf interaction, helping you make consistent contact regardless of lie. This design promotes a smooth swing and cleaner exit from the turf, leading to more predictable shots. You can read more about the design features in Golfalot’s review.
1020 Carbon Steel Construction
Forged from 1020 carbon steel, the Z785s offer a noticeable difference in feel at impact. This premium material provides excellent feedback, letting you know precisely where you’ve struck the ball on the clubface. This contributes to the overall responsiveness and satisfying feel that better players appreciate. Golf Monthly discusses the benefits of this construction.
Tour V.T. Sole
The Tour V.T. Sole is a standout feature, designed to glide through the turf. This specialized sole grind minimizes digging, even on tight lies or slightly off-center hits. This design element contributes to consistent performance, as highlighted in this review by Plugged In Golf.
Laser Milling Technology
Srixon uses laser milling between the grooves on the clubface. This process enhances spin control and consistency, especially when hitting from the rough. The added precision helps you generate the spin you need to stop the ball quickly on the green. Today’s Golfer offers a detailed look at this technology.
Progressive Design
The mid-sized head of the Z785 irons strikes a balance between feel, forgiveness, and workability. This progressive design means the longer irons have slightly larger heads for more forgiveness, while the shorter irons have more compact heads for precision. This design choice makes the set versatile enough for a wide range of players. You can learn more about the club’s design in this Golfalot review.
Performance Breakdown
Feel and Feedback
The Srixon Z785 irons have earned a reputation for their exceptional feel. Many reviewers praise the satisfying “thwack” you get on center hits. Even better, off-center hits provide solid feedback, making for a more enjoyable and forgiving experience on the course. The overall feel has been described as “buttery soft,” which makes these irons a pure pleasure to play. For more in-depth reviews and opinions from other golfers, check out Plugged In Golf’s review of the Z785 irons.
Distance and Consistency
When it comes to distance, the Z785s truly shine. They consistently produce impressive carry distances, often outperforming other irons in their category. Testing by Today’s Golfer shows these irons can even add a few yards compared to their predecessor, the Z765, all while maintaining a slightly lower spin rate. This winning combination of distance and consistency makes the Z785s a serious contender for golfers looking to improve their long game.
Workability and Shot Shaping
For those who like to shape their shots, the Z785 irons offer excellent workability. Whether you’re looking to fade, draw, hit it high, or keep it low, these irons give you the control you need to navigate the course effectively. Even pro golfer Russell Knox has praised these clubs for how easy they are to hit and their generous sweet spot, which contributes to their shot-making capabilities. Read more about the Z785’s workability on Plugged In Golf.
Turf Interaction
Srixon incorporated their Tour V.T. Sole into the Z785 design, and it makes a real difference in turf interaction. This specialized sole glides smoothly through the turf, leading to cleaner contact and more consistent shots, regardless of the lie. This feature is a game-changer, especially when facing those tricky lies that can often throw off your game. Today’s Golfer offers a closer look at the Tour V.T. Sole.
Who Should Use These Irons?
So, you’re intrigued by the Srixon Z 785 irons, but are they the right fit for your game? This section breaks down the ideal player profile for these clubs.
Ideal Skill Level
The Srixon Z 785 irons are designed for golfers who already possess a good understanding of their swing and want irons that respond precisely to their input. Think of them as tools for sculpting your shots, rather than clubs designed purely for maximum distance. If you’re a mid-to-low handicapper who values feel and control, these irons deserve a serious look. The Srixon Z 785 irons review from Today’s Golfer highlights their suitability for skilled players.
Playing Style Match
These clubs truly shine when it comes to shot shaping. Want to draw the ball around a tree? No problem. Need a low, piercing shot into the wind? These irons can deliver. The refined “Tour Cavity” design, thinner topline, and modified sole camber interact beautifully with the turf, regardless of your swing or course conditions. You can read more about the design features in Plugged In Golf’s review. Golfalot also assessed the Z 785 irons, confirming their versatility for various playing styles.
Benefits for Skilled Golfers
Beyond shot shaping, skilled golfers will appreciate the exceptional feel and impressive distance the Z 785 irons offer. Srixon has redistributed the weight in the clubhead, leading to a noticeable improvement in feel and a touch more forgiveness compared to their predecessors. This combination of feel and forgiveness makes the Z 785 a compelling choice for players looking to fine-tune their performance. Today’s Golfer and Golfalot both point out the impressive distance these irons generate.
Srixon Z785 vs. Other Models
Z785 vs. Z585 and Z-Forged
The Srixon Z785 and Z585 irons, while both excellent clubs, cater to different players. The Z585s prioritize distance and forgiveness with larger soles, wider toplines, and more perimeter weighting. Golf Club Guru’s review highlights these game-improvement features while noting they still maintain a player’s iron look at address. The Z785, however, focuses on workability and feel. This means less forgiveness but more control, making them a better fit for skilled golfers who value precision. If you like to shape shots and demand precise feedback, the Z785s are likely the better choice. For those who prefer straighter shots, even with slight mishits, the Z585s are worth a look. Srixon also offers the Z-Forged irons, blending the forgiveness of the Z585 with a more compact shape.
Competitor Comparison
Titleist AP2
The Srixon Z785 and the Titleist AP2 are often compared. Both target skilled players. The Golf Mine offers a good breakdown of this comparison. The Z785s offer a compelling mix of precision, forgiveness, and feel, making them a strong competitor to the popular AP2s, known for their consistent performance. The choice often comes down to personal preference.
Mizuno JPX919 Tour
The Srixon Z785 stands out in feel and control when compared to the Mizuno JPX919 Tour, according to this Golfers Authority review. This makes the Z785 particularly appealing to better players who prioritize shot shaping and appreciate direct feedback. The JPX919 Tours are also excellent, but they may not offer the same level of feedback and workability.
TaylorMade P760
The TaylorMade P760s and the Srixon Z785s take different approaches. The Z785s excel in feel and workability, while the P760s lean towards a balance of distance and forgiveness. This Srixon comparison by Golf Blue Heron (though focused on the ZX7) illustrates Srixon’s focus on feel and workability within their Z series. The best choice depends on your individual priorities. If you value distance and forgiveness, the P760s might be a better fit. If feel and workability are paramount, consider the Z785s.
Customize Your Fit
Getting the right fit for your clubs can significantly impact your game. The Srixon Z785 irons offer several customization options to help you optimize your performance.
Shaft Choices
The Srixon Z785 irons come with various shaft options to accommodate different swing styles and preferences. These include popular choices like the Nippon Modus 120, Project X, and True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts, available in Regular, Stiff, and X-Stiff flexes. Selecting the correct shaft flex can considerably improve your ball striking and overall consistency.
Grip Selections
When purchasing Srixon Z785 irons, especially used sets, it’s important to consider the condition of the grips. Grips are typically rated from Below Average to Average, allowing you to determine if they are suitable for your game or if you might prefer to replace them with your preferred grips for optimal control and feel. A comfortable, secure grip is essential for a confident swing.
Professional Fitting
For the best results with your Srixon Z785 irons, a professional club fitting is highly recommended. A club fitter can analyze your swing and determine the ideal specifications for your game, including shaft length, lie angle, and grip size. This personalized approach ensures that your clubs complement your swing, maximizing your performance on the course.
Price and Value
So, you’re interested in the Srixon Z785 irons but wondering if the price is right? Let’s break down the costs and see if the value makes sense.
New vs. Used
When these irons first came out, they retailed for around $1149.99 for a set. If that’s a bit much, consider exploring the used market. You can often find great deals on sites like 2nd Swing Golf, with prices for used Z785 sets ranging from $236.99 to $589.99. Buying used is a smart way to get these clubs into your bag without emptying your wallet.
Price Comparison
The Srixon Z785s were priced higher than many other irons released in 2018. This premium reflects the quality materials and construction. While you can certainly find less expensive options, the Z785s offer a combination of performance and feel that justifies the cost for many golfers. It’s always a good idea to compare the Z785s directly with competitors to understand the performance differences and whether they’re worth the price difference. For example, comparing the Srixon Z785 with the Titleist AP2 can help you see how these clubs measure up.
Long-Term Investment
The Srixon Z785 irons are designed for durability. Built for the discerning golfer, these clubs prioritize feel and control over pure distance. This emphasis on precision makes them a worthwhile long-term investment. If you value a consistent, responsive feel and the ability to shape your shots, the Z785s could be a valuable addition to your game for years. Srixon created a forged iron that delivers both exceptional feel and impressive distance, making them a solid choice for skilled players.
Where to Buy
Finding the right retailer for your Srixon Z785 irons can make all the difference, especially when you factor in price and availability. Here are a few reliable options worth exploring:
Top Retailers
2nd Swing Golf
2nd Swing Golf is a great place to start, with a wide selection of new and used Srixon Z785 iron sets for both right and left-handed golfers. Their used club offerings are particularly attractive, often priced significantly below the original retail price. This makes 2nd Swing a smart option if you’re looking to save some money.
Golf Galaxy
Golf Galaxy is another solid retailer that regularly stocks the Srixon Z785 irons. They often run promotions and discounts, especially during seasonal sales, so it’s worth checking their website for current deals.
PGA Tour Superstore
The PGA Tour Superstore is known for its extensive selection of golf equipment, and you can usually find the Srixon Z785 irons there. They offer competitive pricing and frequently have trade-in programs, allowing you to offset the cost of your new clubs by trading in your old set.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods also carries the Srixon Z785 irons and often has sales events. Check their website or visit a local store to see their current deals and potentially snag a bargain.
Deals and Discounts
Beyond checking individual retailers, consider using a price comparison website like Golf Price Compare to find the absolute best deals on Srixon Z785 irons. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, trade-in opportunities, and other promotions to get the most for your money. A little research can make a big difference in your final purchase price.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Keeping your Srixon Z785 irons in top shape is easier than you think. A little regular maintenance goes a long way in preserving their performance and feel.
Cleaning and Storage
After every round, give your clubheads a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grass. For a deeper clean, use a soft-bristled brush and some warm, soapy water. Pay particular attention to the grooves. Keeping those laser-milled grooves clean is essential for maintaining optimal spin and control. As Golfalot mentioned in their Srixon Z 785 Irons review, the clean look of these clubs enhances their appeal and preserves that “better players’ feel.” When you’re not using your irons, store them in a dry place. Consider using iron headcovers for extra protection from scratches and dings.
Longevity
The Srixon Z785 irons are forged from soft 1020 carbon steel. This gives them a fantastic feel and makes them surprisingly durable. However, even the best clubs benefit from proper care. Avoid hitting off hard surfaces like cart paths or rocks, and try to use them on appropriate turf conditions. Regularly inspect the clubheads for any signs of wear and tear, especially in the grooves. Maintaining the sharpness of those grooves is key to consistent performance. Golf Unfiltered highlighted the exceptional performance of these irons, and with the right care, you can keep them playing at a high level for years.
Making the Decision
Pros and Cons
Deciding whether new clubs belong in your bag always means weighing the pros and cons. The Srixon Z785 irons are no exception. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages to help you make a smart choice.
On the plus side, these irons offer fantastic tour-level performance in a compact, forged cavity-back design. This makes them a great option for golfers who value precision. Srixon prioritized feel and control over maximum distance with the Z785s, which can seriously improve your shot-making. The forged 1020 carbon steel construction gives them a premium feel that many golfers appreciate. And if you like to shape your shots, the Z785s will help you execute those tricky maneuvers. Their design allows for working the ball, curving it left or right, high or low—a real advantage on challenging courses. Plugged In Golf’s review highlights this workability as a key feature.
However, no club is perfect. Some golfers have mentioned that the loft gapping might feel different from other iron sets, which could affect consistency. Also, the blade-like design, while contributing to the club’s workability, might not offer enough forgiveness for average golfers. If forgiveness is your top priority, you might want to explore other options.
Is the Z785 Right for You?
So, are the Srixon Z785 irons the right choice for your golf bag? If you value a premium forged iron with excellent feel, control, and respectable distance, then these irons are worth checking out. They definitely cater to skilled players looking to refine their game. Today’s Golfer considers the Z785s a solid upgrade from the Z765 model, offering improved feel and forgiveness without sacrificing distance. If those qualities are important to you, the Z785s could be a game-changer. Ultimately, the best way to know for sure is to try them out and see how they feel in your hands. Consider a professional fitting to determine if the Z785s are the perfect match for your swing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between the Srixon Z785 and other irons like the Z585? The Z785 is designed for feel and precision, making it ideal for skilled golfers who like to shape their shots. The Z585, on the other hand, offers more forgiveness and distance, making it a better fit for players who prioritize consistency and easier launch. Think of the Z785 as a scalpel and the Z585 as a broader tool – both effective, but for different purposes.
Are these irons good for high-handicap golfers? While any golfer could technically use them, the Z785s truly shine in the hands of mid to low-handicap players. Their focus on workability and feedback makes them more demanding than game-improvement irons. Higher-handicap golfers might find more consistent success with clubs designed for greater forgiveness.
Where can I find the best deal on Srixon Z785 irons? Check out online retailers like 2nd Swing Golf for used sets, or stores like Golf Galaxy and PGA Tour Superstore for new or used options. Comparing prices across different platforms is always a good idea. Don’t forget to look for seasonal sales or trade-in opportunities to maximize your savings.
What shafts are available for the Z785 irons, and does the shaft matter? The Z785s come with a variety of shaft options, including steel shafts like the Nippon Modus 120 and Dynamic Gold, to suit different swing speeds and preferences. The right shaft can significantly impact your performance, so consider consulting a club fitter to determine the best fit for your swing.
How do I keep my Z785 irons in good condition? Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and warm, soapy water will keep your clubs looking and performing their best. Pay special attention to the grooves, as clean grooves are essential for spin control. Storing your clubs in a dry place and using iron headcovers can also help protect them from damage and extend their lifespan.