Eric Benzenberg September 13, 2022 Equipment, News Leave a Comment
It’s crazy to know that you’re still cleaning up after that Labor Day weekend party, but the TOUR has already started the 2022-23 golf season. And with that turning of the page brings something we junkies are more interested in: the 2023 product lineup.
Titleist has just debuted its new TSR drivers and fairways, and we know TaylorMade and Callaway will both keep their new offerings secret until the Hawaii swing, but that doesn’t stop other OEMs like Ping, Srixon, Mizuno, Wilson, or Cobra from debuting their stuff.
Coming in hot with no less than ten new equipment teasers on the USGA list is Srixon. The Japanese brand places a premium on its precision forged irons but has developed a solid metalwood lineup with its current-generation ZX5 and ZX7. For 2023, it looks like Srixon is preparing to launch an entirely new catalog for both.
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Starting with the metalwoods, Srixon has registered seven new driver heads: the (1) ZX5 MKII; (2) ZX5 MKII LS; (3) ZX5 MKII T219; (4) ZX5 MKII T220; (5) ZX7 MKII; (6) ZX7 MKII (Diamond); and (7) ZX7 MKII T217.
Sadly, the USGA list doesn’t give us any indications as to what new technologies Srixon will be incorporating into its new metalwoods, but the naming of the models indicates a Low-Spin (the ZX5 MKII LS) and fade-biased (ZX7 MKII (Diamond)) may be part of the lineup. Likewise, the images indicate that Srixon will be sticking with the adjustable sole-weight that can be used to help dial in flight and headweight.
Although Srixon has become more well-known since Hideki Matsuyama (2021 Masters) and Shane Lowry (2019 Open) both secured Majors and the brand signed Brooks Koepka, the fact remains that Srixon has secretly been manufacturing some of the highest quality forged irons for several years now.
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But after years of changing the model naming, it appears that Srixon will be sticking with the ZX5 (Player’s Distance), ZX7 (Better Player), Z Forged (TOUR Blade), and ZX Utility naming for its iron lineup. But after being on the market for 2 years, the ZX series is due for an update. The styling changes to the MKII generation appear more subtle but worth noting is the labeling on each of the irons.
Specifically, while the fully-forged ZX7 has “PUREFRAME’ written in the cavity back, the forged body/forged steel face ZX5 and ZX Utility iron are both labeled with “MAINFRAME.” The distinction may be as simple as fully forged vs. forged body, but it would be reasonable to assume that both technologies refer to Srixon’s goal to redistribute weight to the perimeter of the club head to enhance forgiveness and enhance performance.
Despite Gary Woodland’s 2019 US Open victory, it seems the brand has never gotten the praise it deserves. But Wilson has made a conscious effort in recent years to reclaim market share, both in the golf ball marketplace with its STAFF Model, STAFF Model R, Triad, and DUO offerings and equipment with its irons. Wilson also has been trying to develop a more competitive driver over the years with the new DYNAPWR.
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While we can hope that the performance will complement the name, the DYNAPWR and DYNAPWR Carbon are nearly identical, with exception of the toe-side featuring what appears to be a high gloss Carbon with the Wilson Sporting Goods logo. Otherwise, both clubheads feature what appears to be a rear-positioned weight cartridge.
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But it appears that Wilson isn’t wasting any time with the new metalwood, as GolfWRX was actually able to capture multiple shots of the DYNAPWR Carbon, which Staffer Kevin Tawy is already putting in play. While the design is very simple, the dark carbon with red accenting looks very sharp.
The pictures of the face indicate that Wilson’s PKR (Peak Kinetic Response) will be getting an update to help maximize ball speed across the face. The topline, however, looks very similar to the TaylorMade Stealth with the gloss crown section that bridges the club face and carbon crown.
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PING is also gearing up to debut its G430 lineup and same with Mizuno and their next-generation JPX 923 lineup. But the most important takeaway is that new equipment packed with new technology is coming soon, so make sure to try and hold out a little longer if you’re in the market for new equipment.
Ever since golf became a competitive outlet, nothing brings Eric more joy than a well struck 4 iron. And despite living in NYC, Eric makes it a priority to work on his game and fitness during the week, along with a round or two over the weekend. Fortunately, he’s got a very understanding fiancé who (for the time being) accepts him and his obsession. Follow Eric on IG @hozel_rocket.
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