On this page you’ll find our detailed Srixon Z H65 Hybrid Review, the pros and cons, and a side-by-side comparison with other hybrids we have recently reviewed.
Srixon’s all-metal Z range has caused quite a stir, particularly their fairway metals. Perhaps a tad more surreptitious amongst all the hype are the Z H65 Hybrids, which launched in late 2016.
Surreptitious, why? Well, that’s because at first glance, they don’t look like anything that’ll get you leaping off your chair. Brand champions would describe the look as ‘simple’ or ‘understated’. Cynics, on the other hand, might fall back on descriptions such as ‘boring’.
Certainly, there are a few amenities which are conspicuous by their absence, and we can’t say that we were particularly enamored by the H65s at first glance. But as this game so often teaches us, looks can be deceiving, and in the one metric that matters most – performance – these hybrids came to the party.
We reviewed the Srixon Z H65 Hybrid as part of our Best Golf Hybrids Review.
If you already own the Srixon Z H65 Hybrid please leave your review in the customer review box at the end of this article.
Srixon Z H65 Hybrid
Our Assessment
These aren’t hybrids which can be accused of catching your eye, and there definitely isn’t much in the way of bells and whistles here.
There also isn’t the level of adjustability many have come to expect in modern hybrids. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – it’s just dealer’s choice. However, the H65s impressed us when it came to the business of hitting golf balls.
Superb launch and forgiveness, plenty of distance and a lovely feel as well. A penetrating ball flight too, for what it’s worth.
These are undoubtedly fine hybrids, but, all things considered, we just wouldn’t position them as the best of the 2017 family. No shame in that though, to be fair.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $229.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low – High |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand |
Lofts | 16.0° (2H); 19.0° (3H); 22° (4H) |
Head Type | 2H; 3H; 4H |
Swing Weight | D2 |
Length | 41.25” – 39.75” |
Shaft Type and Name | Miyazaki Kaula 7 |
Grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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Srixon Z H65 Hybrid Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
There is undeniably a certain elegance that comes with the sheer simplicity of this club. Depending on your view on these things, the absence of contraptions and fancy adjustables may well make for a refreshing change.
The glossy black on the crown is very enticing, and it is complemented nicely by the black/silver sole. The stepped Arc Support Channel is very visible on the crown. It isn’t an eyesore, but it does break the otherwise clean finish slightly.
At address, it certainly shapes up quite intriguingly. The head is actually one of the largest out there, but it doesn’t look it, and the square leading edge gives you the impression that it will play more like an iron than a wood.
That is somewhat counter to how it plays, as, although you wouldn’t describe these hybrids as bulky, it certainly feels as though you’re holding a decent unit once your swing is in motion, and it isn’t the most nimble or workable clubhead either.
Overall, it looks somewhat sleek. But at the same time, there are prettier hybrids out there too.
Image Credit: Official Srixon Image
Build Quality
Obviously the signature talking point in terms of build is the Arc Support Channel, which runs along the crown. The idea behind it is that it boosts launch, while optimizing spin across the face.
It works by inducing greater flex at impact, more so in the upper areas of the face, thus stimulating a higher launch. The step runs progressively deeper as loft increases, which yields more club-specific trajectories as you shift through the gears.
This sort of technology isn’t unprecedented, and we’ve seen similar features in other forms. But this is pretty efficient, and low maintenance in terms of the exterior design too.
The other key piece of technology is the Optimized Centre of Gravity Locations. Again, nothing too off the wall in terms of innovation, but the CG shifts downwards as loft decreases. The 2H actually has a slightly flatter sole to enable this, whereas the 4H is more rounded at the bottom.
It further enhances launch, but also gives it that extra bit of versatility – playability with the 2H, while you also have the feeling that you can really work the ball with the 4H, and, to a lesser extent, the 3H.
I think the other balance Srixon have struck really well here is that there is pretty much no offset, yet there is enough mass within the clubhead that higher-handicap players won’t be cast aside. A really clever way to keep the umbrella spread nice and wide.
Control & Performance
At the end of the day, the lack of hosel adjustability is a missing feature which will turn some guys and girls off. That’s just the way it is, and you can’t please everyone. But, that important caveat aside, it was hard to really criticize the H65s in terms of performance. They’re impressively forgiving, but – and I hate to bang this drum all the time – the feedback on mishits was excellent!
Sometimes these things can get lost in all the adjustables with respect to loft and weight, but it was very pleasing to see both good and bad shots stay true (I even chunked one or two, and they flew with aplomb), yet still easily be able to discern between the two. The sound is a satisfying ‘thwack’, rather than the metallic ping you might anticipate when looking at the clubhead.
Launch is a piece of cake too, thanks in no small part to the lower CG, and there is some good distance on offer. Perhaps my happiest takeaway from it all was the trajectory – strong, true and very reliable. That, in conjunction with an easy launch, is about all you can ask for if consistency is what you seek.
I would say these play slightly more like woods than irons, particularly the 2H and 3H. Whether that’s a good thing or not is entirely subjective, but there’s no doubt that, out on the course, there’s plenty of benefit to be had when it comes to long shots, particularly if you’re laying up or playing safe, rather than honing in on a specific target.
That said, the 4H offered up some very impressive control, which would lend credence to the technology that’s gone into the Arc Support Channel.
Image Credit: Official Srixon Image
Value for Money
They’ve come in at a price which ranks somewhere between the middle of the road and the upper echelons for hybrids, which is understandable.
This is positioned as a high-quality set of merchandise, and, in that respect, the price tag just about fits the bill. And for certain players, who find that the club suits their eye and golf swing, there will be few complaints.
Our view though, from a more generic perspective, is that there are hybrids out there for $30 less with just as much to offer, if not more.
And if you are willing to shell out $250 plus, then the H65 Hybrids just don’t quite compete at these levels in terms of all-round quality.
As such, they almost occupy a bit of limbo in the middle, and we thus aren’t convinced that they represent excellent value.
