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Do you struggle to get the golf ball airborne when using your irons? Struggle no more as Srixon have released a set of high launching irons that may just transform your game
Being a golf pro and a coach, I’ve found many amateur and novice golfers struggle to launch the golf ball high enough, or at least consistently. This tends to be a problem with their iron play especially. As a result, a lot of brands have invested in high launch irons, with Srixon the latest to venture into the category.
They have release the ZXiR HL irons which accompany their ZXi range. Designed to helped golfers fly the ball more consistently, but is it as it says on the tin or is there more than meets the eye.
NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
These irons feel far softer than typical game-improvement models. They are among the most effective high-launch options available right now. Golfers who struggle to generate enough launch, particularly those with slower swing speeds or aging swings, will benefit enormously.
Srixon have once again worked their magic with these irons, so they definitely deserve some serious consideration.
Despite being a high-launch, super-game-improvement club, I found the Srixon ZHiR HL irons have avoided many of the flaws other similar irons have that often turn golfers away. The clubhead is undeniably large, and the offset is clearly visible, but the shaping is nowhere near as chunky as I thought it would be. Most importantly for me, the back of the club is not visible at address, which I thought gave the club a cleaner look to it.
From what I could work out, the eight iron appeared to have the same loft as the nine iron. Ultimately meaning the club sat extremely inviting behind the ball for an easy, high launch.
NCG Verdict
The main performance benefits are as the name would suggest; high launch. The ZHiR HL irons are built to launch the ball high, and during testing, I found they delivered exactly that. The HL 8-iron produced peak heights well above 110 feet, which was around 20 feet higher than the standard ZHiR I previously tested.
The descent angles frequently exceeded 47 degrees, with some shots approaching 51 degrees. As a result their ability to hold greens is second to none, even from mid-iron distances.
From my first strike they almost launched too high. Now, I’m not someone who requires high launching irons, so when I immediately saw the ball launch higher than I would normally see, I know that they’d work perfectly for those who do need them.
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One concern you may have with all loft is a lack of distance. Well let me put that worry to bed. Although the ZHiR HL irons have more loft than the standard model, they still delivered very respectable distances.
Ball speed remained high thanks to the MainFrame design, and even mishits travelled well enough to remain competitive. The HL irons are not built to be distance-dominant, but they are long enough, and consistently long at that.
They are also extremely forgiving. Thin shots flew higher than expected and retained enough carry to reach a green. Even a low-face strike with the 6-iron produced a peak height of more than 100 feet and a carry of 177 yards. I’ll take these mishits everyday.
The feel of the ZHiR HL irons is arguably their most impressive trait. Despite being large, high-lofted, and strongly game-improvement in design, the irons deliver a surprisingly soft strike.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the Srixon ZHiR HL irons are an impressive addition for those looking for game-improvement irons. I can find no reason for them to not be worth the investment for the right golfer, and they represent one of the most complete high-launch options available today.
