Srixon ZXiR Vs Ping G740 Irons Comparison And Performance Review
TL:DR Overview
The Srixon ZXiR and Ping G740 are both game improvement irons for 2026 but they take very different approaches to helping mid to high handicap golfers play better golf.
The ZXiR is Srixons return to the game improvement category after 10 years away and they’ve created a sleek, premium feeling iron that doesn’t look like a massive game improvement club at address.
The Ping G740 is unashamedly huge with the widest sole and longest blade in Pings entire lineup, built purely for maximum forgiveness and launch.
The ZXiR was longer, had less spin and a shallower landing angle in our testing while the G740 flew higher with more spin and steeper descent angles to hold greens better.
Both are excellent options but will suit different golfers depending on what you value most.
Performance Stats
| Srixon ZXiR | Ping G740 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Speed | 124.8 mph | 126.3 mph |
| Height | 103.2 ft | 107 ft |
| Spin | 4898 rpm | 6153 rpm |
| Land Angle | 47.2° | 49.8° |
| Distance | 183.3 yards | 177.4 yards |
Srixon ZXiR Irons Overview
Srixon have properly come back to the game improvement market after being away for 10 years and the ZXiR is their answer to combining forgiveness with that premium players iron look.
The key innovation here is the new i-ALLOY material which is 10% softer than traditional 431 steel. This gives a buttery, muted feel that you just dont get in most game improvement irons. Its proper premium stuff.
MainFrame face milling uses AI to redistribute weight behind the face for extra ball speed, specifically targeting low face strikes which is where most high handicappers miss. The Tour V.T. sole helps the club glide through turf and prevents digging even on fat shots.
Progressive grooves through the set give you wider grooves in long irons for launch and tighter deeper grooves in scoring clubs for spin control with laser face milling for extra bite around the greens.
The profile is larger than Srixons players irons with a longer blade, wider sole and more offset but the clever bit is they’ve made it look sleek and compact at address. Its a master stroke really because it blends in seamlessly with the ZXi7 players irons making it ideal for combo sets.
They also offer the ZXiR HL version which is Srixons first ever super game improvement model with weaker lofts for slower swing speeds and higher launch.
Overall a really impressive return to game improvement irons from Srixon with premium feel and a look that wont embarass better players.
Ping G740 Irons Overview
The Ping G740 is the biggest iron in Pings entire lineup with a 22% wider sole than the G440 and a 3% longer blade length. These are built for pure forgiveness and theres no hiding it.
Cast 17-4 stainless steel construction with a three piece PurFlex cavity badge that dampens vibrations for a powerful compressed sound rather than the clicky feel you get with some big irons. This badge is clever because its multiple pieces rather than one big insert so it doesnt stiffen the face.
The dual camber sole design is borrowed from better player irons but optimized here for max forgiveness. The slightly rounded leading edge and trailing edge relief means the club glides through turf and maintains speed even on fat strikes. Thats crucial when your not catching it clean every time.
Ultra low center of gravity via a shorter hosel and shallower face helps launch the ball high with soft landings. High density heel and toe weights boost the moment of inertia so the club resists twisting on mishits.
The 5 and 6 irons use 3/4 inch shorter shaft lengths to bridge the gap to hybrids and maintain gapping consistency which is smart thinking from Ping.
Hydropearl 2.0 matte finish repels moisture, reduces glare and maintains spin in wet conditions. Its also more sophisticated looking than the flashy chrome of previous models.
The 56 degree wedge takes inspiration from the iconic Eye 2 design for improved bunker play which is a nice touch.
Overall these are maximum forgiveness irons designed specifically for players shooting in the 90s and 100s who need help with launch, consistency and making solid contact.
Overall Srixon ZXiR Vs Ping G740
These two irons approach game improvement from completely different angles and will suit very different golfers.
The Srixon ZXiR is for the golfer who wants game improvement forgiveness but cares about looks and feel.
It launches high, spins less and goes longer with that premium buttery feel from the softer i-ALLOY material. If your a mid handicapper moving down from higher handicaps and want something that looks good in combo sets with players irons, the ZXiR is brilliant.
The Ping G740 is for golfers who need all the help they can get and dont care if the iron looks big at address. It flies higher, spins more and has steeper descent angles to hold greens better.
The forgiveness is exceptional with mishits staying playable thanks to the massive sweet spot and wide sole.
If your struggling with consistency and launch and shooting in the 90s or 100s regularly, the G740 will make golf easier.
The ZXiR had better ball speed and went longer in testing but the G740 had significantly more spin and better stopping power on greens which is valuable for higher handicappers.
Both clubs offer high launch versions for slower swing speeds which is great for fitting options.
Overall the Ping G740 is the better choice for pure forgiveness and consistency while the Srixon ZXiR is better for golfers who want forgiveness without sacrificing looks, feel and distance.
Always best to get fitted to see which suits your swing and what you value most in your game.
Srixon ZXiR Irons
Category: Game Improvement Irons
Srixon ZXiR Irons First Impressions
Srixon are back in the Game Improvment market with some clean looking cavity back irons that offer a ton of distance, stability and forgiveness.
These clubs look more compact than they are, but they are actually much bigger with longer blades, wider soles, and more offset to give that extra confidence at address for high to mid handicappers.
They’re cast irons , made with an i-ALLOY material that’s about 10% softer than the 431 Steel from previous models.
We also have the Main Frame milling on the face which cleverly redistributes weight to boost ball speed and make the club more forgiving.
The sound at impact is satisfying at impact and we get V.T Tour soles in there to effortlessly dig through the turf.
Progressive grooves mean we get more spin in the scoring irons which means we can stop the ball dead on the green with minimum roll back and also lower spin and more distance in the longer irons.
Srixon ZXiR Irons Selling Points
- Softer i-ALLOY material gives a premium feel for this category
- MainFrame face milling boosts ball speed and forgiveness
- Larger profile with longer blade length, wider soles and more offset
- Tour V.T. sole aids turf interaction and versatility
- Progressive grooves for more control in the scoring irons
- HL version with weaker lofts for slower swingers and higher launch
Who Are The Srixon ZXiR Irons For?
These irons are an easy call for High To Mid handicap players who want some help getting the ball up there higher and flying longer but with a clean look that defies the thickness of the soles which provide a ton of forgiveness.
The HL model, especially, is aimed at slower swingers or older golfers looking to launch the ball easier and get extra distance.
If you’re coming from bulky, clunky irons or some very basic beginner irons, these ZXiR irons feel and perform like something
Not for the low handicapper chasing every bit of workability or full control but for the typical mid to higher handicapper who wants a proper balance of forgiveness, launch and feel.
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Ping G740 Irons
Category – Super Game Improvement Irons
Ping G740 First Impressions
The Ping G740’s mark a return to the super game improvement category and these are built for one thing – getting the ball in the air and keeping your shots consistent.
First thing you notice is the larger clubhead and wider sole. These are not trying to hide what they are. They are confidence inspiring clubs that want to help you hit more greens.
We have got a dual-camber sole that positions the COG low and back which means higher launch and more ball speed. The face is bigger too with an expanded hitting surface so when you miss the center, you barely notice.
The PurFlex cavity badge is doing the work behind the face with three flex zones that control the bending and give you a really satisfying feel and sound at impact.
There is plenty of offset here which will help golfers who struggle to get the ball airborne or fight a slice.
The Hydropearl chrome 2.0 finish is back and it keeps performing in wet conditions which is always a bonus.
Overall these are the most forgiving irons in Pings current lineup and they deliver serious distance too.
Ping G740 Irons Selling Points
- Most Forgiving Iron In The Ping Range
- Larger Face With Expanded Sweet Spot
- High Launching With Plenty Of Distance
- Dual-Camber Sole For Lower COG
- Three Loft Specs Available – Standard, Power & Retro
- Great Feel From The PurFlex Badge
- Hydropearl Chrome 2.0 Finish
Who Are The Ping G740 Irons For?
These are for higher handicappers who need help getting the ball in the air and keeping it straight.
If you struggle with consistency or find yourself topping irons and losing distance on mishits, these are worth a serious look.
They will also suit golfers who are transitioning from hybrids back into irons or those who want reliable gapping through their set for better scoring.
The offset wont suit lower handicappers but thats not who these are for. These are built to help you improve and hit more greens.
With standard, power and retro loft specs available, you can get these fitted to your swing speed and needs.
The Ping Iron Series
The G740 is the super game improvement option, the G440 is the game improvement iron with a more player friendly profile, the i530’s are the players distance iron and the i240 are for the better players.
Distance: 98/100
Accuracy: 94/100
Forgiveness: 99/100
Feel and Control: 91/100
Value: 95/100
Overall Rating: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Aidan Lehane is a 7 handicap who is on the road to becoming a scratch golfer. AIdan has been an avid reviewer of golf clubs for over 5 years now bringing a wealth of experience to the Golf Fitting And Equipment Markets. Recently seen winning the Lobster Cup in Bangkok Thailand.
