Srixon ZX4 Mk II iron £999
GM verdict
Few irons can claim as big a makeover, from a visual perspective at least, as the new Srixon ZX4 Mk II. Where the prior version was a true hybrid-iron with a chunky sole and bags of offset, the latest iteration bears very little resemblance, but all the changes are certainly positive ones.
The Srixon ZX4 remains a hollow-headed construction, but this is far less obvious on first inspection. It has the appearance of a cavity-back iron, which fits in more neatly with the updated ZX5 and ZX7 irons in the Mk II line-up. The sole width has narrowed significantly, too, and the Tour V.T. sole, the V-shaped camber that runs along the centre line, has become much more pronounced.
We tested the ZX4 Mk II iron indoors on the Foresight Sports Gcquad launch monitor with Titleist Pro V1x golf balls, and in truth, we were blown away by the results. This iron feels fantastic.
It’s energetic, solid, stable yet soft all at the same time. The impact experience was up there with any iron we’ve tested over the last few years.
The 7-iron comes in at 28.5° in loft, which is strong even by modern standards, and yet the ZX4 does not in any way skimp on playability. With a peak height of 36 yards, it gets the ball up and away with ease, and with spin hovering around the 5,000rpm mark, it’s able to generate more than competitive distance as well as ample stopping power. Our average was 178 yards, which was impressive, but it wasn’t anywhere near as impressive as the dispersion.
To say we had the ZX4 on a string would be an understatement. This iron delivered a level of consistency to the performance you don’t often see from a game-improvement iron. Of the shots we hit, you could throw a pretty small blanket over four of them. The ZX4 iron is long, but it doesn’t get away from you unexpectedly, and it boasts the off-centre forgiveness to rescue a poor swing.
It’s quick through the turf, as well. On really firm tight lies, some golfers may feel it bouncing up a tad, but in normal conditions it feels brisk. The ZX4 Mk II is undoubtedly one of the best irons of 2023. If you want to make your life easier on the golf course, it’s one of the most forgiving irons out there.
Caddytalk Minimi rangefinder
With a footprint comparable to a credit card and weighing just 132g, the Minimi has a minimalistic design that enhances its versatility. It features two different slop functions: Magic Slope, which takes ballistics into account, and e-slope, which takes into account factors like temperature and altitude. It’s still easy to use with all this tech, and comes with a premium carry case, too.
Titleist TSR2 hybrid
£265
One of the more playable hybrids in the TSR franchise, the TSR2 continues to offer plenty of performance to a wide range of golfers. The profile has got a lot larger since the last iteration, and the deeper CG makes this hybrid easy to launch. The ball flight is remarkably neutral for a hybrid club and it’s incredibly stable through impact, giving poorer ball-strikers plenty of confidence that heel or toe strikes will still perform to a reasonable level.
£259
Golfbuddy Aim W12 GPS watch
Much slicker than before, the new W12 GPS watch benefits from a flatter control button and comes with a premium leather strap as standard. Features include full-hole maps and yardages to hazards and greens, and it also now benefits from slope functionality. From a user-experience perspective, it is near faultless and great value for money at under £300.
Payntr X-003 F shoe
This performance-driven golf shoe creates a real locked-in sensation. The soft midsole offers plenty of cushioning and support around the ankle and locks the foot into place, while the comprehensive outsole is coupled with an energy-return power plate that supports the foot’s movement through the swing. While the upper isn’t as premium feeling as some spikeless golf shoes, it is still soft to the touch and easy to maintain.
£109.99
Bridgestone e6 ball
Re-engineered with a larger, softer core for faster compression and more distance, the new e6 is exceptionally soft to putt with while still offering solid overall distance. On the greens, the ball comes off the putter at a measured pace, while in the long game it’s easy to shape both ways. The extra softness makes it a joy to chip with, too. Overall, this two-piece ball offers serious all-round performance at a very reasonable price point.
£24.99 per dozen
Mizuno JPX923 Tour iron
For golfers who want a little more help versus what’s on offer in the bladed Mizuno Pro 221, this compact, shallowcavity iron fits the bill. This latest iteration adds a copper underlay for a softer feel while still ticking all the right boxes visually, with a thin topline and narrow blade length. Mizuno’s goal was to create an iron that looks and feels like a blade but plays more like a players’ cavity back, and it certainly delivers on that brief.
£1,109