2024 was a big year for the high MOI driver category with models like the TaylorMade Qi10 Max and the Ping G430 Max 10K achieving massive success. Subsequently, a number of other manufacturers have followed suit and have released similar product such as the Cobra DS-Adapt Max K, and now Srixon has joined the party with the ZXi Max. Looking to sit alongside the best drivers of 2025, let’s see what is on offer.
In terms of the technology story, I am going to point you toward either my ZXi or ZXi LS driver reviews, as the bulk of the story remains the same other than the placement of the weights in the head. This is interesting in itself as it seems, to my eye at least, that Srixon has used the exact same base chassis for all three of its models within this range and has simply moved the weight ports to varying locations around the head to produce the required flight characteristics for each individual model. This, if accurate, seems to be a smart and economical way to engineer three drivers that perform differently, but are the aesthetics compromised as a result?
Well, yes, I think there is. On the whole, the ZXi Max is a brilliant-looking head, but once again I could refer you to either of the other two reviews to describe it, as all three seem exactly the same in the playing position. This is somewhat strange and most manufacturers use different shaping to shift CG and vary MOI, but Srixon appears to have done so purely with weight ports.
The nicely textured crown is a real improvement from the smooth matte finish we saw on the ZX5 Mk II driver, and the removal of the white border strips also cleans up the playing position visual well. My only concern here would be that players shopping in this market might want the extra real estate behind the ball that drivers like the Ping G430 Max 10k provide, but on the other hand, there may be other higher handicap players that have been crying out for a more ‘player’ looking head that can offer high levels of forgiveness.
But away from the visuals, the playability on offer here is brilliant - the clubhead barely batting an eyelid on mishit shots. My dispersion with the ZXi Max was as tight as anything else I have tested this launch season with the possible exception of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max which is also phenomenal in that regard.
Feel is solid rather than spectacular and offers a slightly higher-pitched noise than some of its carbon-orientated counterparts, but it is a much improved acoustic from the ZX7 Mk II, for example.
For me, this was a very neutral driver in terms of flight bias which I very much enjoyed, but I wonder whether a sprinkle of draw bias may have been a good idea to broaden appeal. Either way, this is a supremely user-friendly driver, wrapped up in a very sophisticated aesthetic that is normally reserved for the low-spin/low-handicap sector.
I also welcome the shift in nomenclature to the widely used 'Max' and 'LS' models versus the 5 and 7 numbers, which to many golfers wouldn't have meant much and likely needed explaining. That said, the numbers remain on the ZXi irons. All in all, this driver will have a broad appeal among amateur players and should certainly be included on the shortlist if you're looking to upgrade your big stick in 2025.
The Srixon ZXi Max driver will be available from $549/£549 and in a variety of custom shaft and grip options. The ‘stock’ shaft option will be a Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6 in R, S and X flex, while the grip will be a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
