Srixon launches ZXi RKT drivers, the family Ryan Fox used to win The Open

Srixon has launched its new ZXi RKT metalwoods: three drivers, a fairway wood and a hybrid. Ryan Fox won The Open at Royal Birkdale in July with a ZXi RKT LS driver in the bag, months before the clubs reached shops.

The line-up

Club	Who it’s for	Lofts	US price	UK price
ZXi RKT driver	The widest range of players; traditional Srixon shape with heel-toe adjustable weight	9°, 10.5°	$649.99	£569
ZXi RKT LS driver	Faster swings that need less spin; compact pear shape with front-to-back weighting	8°, 9°, 10.5°	$649.99	£569
ZXi RKT MAX driver	Maximum forgiveness on off-centre hits; largest profile, single rear weight	9°, 10.5°, 12°	$649.99	£569
ZXi RKT fairway wood	Central sole weight, cleaner look at address	13.5° to 21° (3+, 3, 5, 7)	$379.99	£339
ZXi RKT hybrid	Adjustable sole weight, more penetrating flight	17° to 28° (2 to 6)	$329.99	£289

US prices and specs via GOLF.com, UK prices via Golfshake. European prices are around €679 for a driver.

Dates: pre-orders opened in the US on 22 September and open in the UK on 2 October. Everything reaches shops on 16 October.

Fixing spin, sound and look-alike heads

Srixon has admitted that the previous ZXi drivers were fast but had problems with spin and sound, and that the models looked too alike. The RKT range changes four things:

• A new face. A multi-thickness titanium face aimed at protecting ball speed across the face, plus a reworked “variable roll” curvature, adjusted especially in the high-toe area, for more consistent launch on off-centre hits.
• Rebound Frame. Srixon’s system of flexible and stiff zones in the head, now updated to return more energy to the ball.
• Tuned sound. A technology Srixon calls Acousticore tunes the sound of each head separately.
• Three distinct shapes. Each driver now looks different at address, so it’s easier to tell which one suits your eye.

Stock shafts are Mitsubishi’s Kai’li Dark Waves in the drivers and fairway, and the MMT HY in the hybrid.

On tour, Shane Lowry won on the DP World Tour with the new driver before release, and Lucas Glover and Sepp Straka have also switched.

Start with the MAX, and leave the LS to fast swingers

For most everyday golfers the MAX is the one to try first, and its 12° loft option helps if your swing speed is modest or you struggle to get the ball in the air. The standard head is the all-rounder, and the LS is only worth it if a launch monitor shows you’re spinning the ball too much.

At £569 / $649.99, each driver is priced alongside the big brands’ flagship drivers rather than undercutting them.

Sources: GOLF.com, Golfshake, Plugged In Golf, GolfWRX.