Equipment
Srixon Z 745 irons: A modern cult classic?
For professional and amateur golfers alike, we all share one common goal: to hit our approach shots as close as possible to our intended target. The clubs used most for these shots are irons, and since, for pros, these are the real “money makers,” when they find something they like, they tend to stick with it. (We can say the same thing about putters too)
With irons in mind, I present to you the Srixon Z 745. Released all the way back in 2013, and now officially three models old, these continue to be spotted on a weekly basis all over the PGA Tour and in many better players’ bags alike. At this point, as a club junkie, I’m ready to declare the Z 745 a “modern cult classic” (cue confetti cannons and air horns).
But why?
Its a simple question with a less than simple answer, but I have a few theories, along with some tech talk that might shed some light on why the Z 745 already has a coveted spot on the cult classic irons list.
Let’s talk business first: Cleveland Srixon is a big golf company, and if you pay attention to many of its staff players’ bags, you will see that there doesn’t seem to be a lot of pressure to change into the newest gear if players are happy. A prime example of this is Rod Pampling, who still uses Cleveland 588MB-shaped (easy to spot this) Srixon “Z” irons (see below). If these aren’t rebranded Cleveland 588 MBs, I’ll eat a pair of socks…
So, let’s get back to the Z 745. This was a big step forward in design as Srixon was reestablishing its irons in North America. A lot of “new” (former Cleveland-focused) staff players quickly made the switch to these. What’s not to love? Shorter compact blade length, beautiful straight top line, not too thick or thin, no badges, forged, well-designed, loft gapping starting at a 46 degree PW, and last but in NO way least the aggressive V.T. Sole design with raised heel and toe. There’s just something about this iron that WORKS!
Speaking to Ian Fraser from Tour Experience Golf (TXG), when asked about the 745s, he had this to say
“The Z 745 were created in a perfect storm; you have a high-quality Endo forging, appealing aesthetics with sharp lines, v-sole and tungsten in the toe to relocate CG. It was one of the fastest players irons we tested at the time”
From personal experience and a retail perspective, I can tell you that at the brand-agnostic custom shop I worked at when these came out, we were selling these at a faster rate than any other single players CB. PERIOD. As a forged iron and used club fanboy, whenever someone asks me about looking for a nice set of used forged irons the 745s are high on my list. This isn’t to say that the following Z765 series wasn’t great, but from judging the adoption rate, there was clearly something about the “45s” that kept them in players’ bags. Even now we see these in a LOT of Srixon staffers and non-staffers bags alike
Keegan Bradley’s bag
Jerry Kelly’s Bag
Jon Curran’s 745s
Even non-staffer and ball striking machine Brian Gay is still rocking a combo set of both Z 545 and 745 irons, along with an Adams Super 9031 (but that’s another story) . On a side note, can we all just take a moment to again acknowledge that BG is a machine. He has one of the slowest swing speeds on tour at 105 mph but has four total wins, just under 22 million in career earnings, and is currently inside the top 100 on the money list. Basically, it proves that with enough practice, I still have a chance to one day play on tour!
I think if you pressed hard enough, you could even get the team at Srixon to admit that the 785s are more of a return to the 745 design features and shape than a progression from the 765s. With the more centered mass in the cavity (a looks thing) and a less rounded toe and topline profile from address, it’s easy to see the inspiration. Even in our own GolfWRX forums, players of all abilities seem to still love and hold onto their Srixon Z 745 irons.
It’s official: Srixon Z 745 irons are modern cult classics.
Do you have a set of Z 745 irons still? Why do you love them? Why have you stuck with them like so many tour players? Would love to hear your feedback in the comments section.
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- Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: TPT Driver 15 Lo
3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth (21 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (3, 4), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-10S, 60-04T), Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack (56-10 MID, 52-10 MID)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Putter: TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider Limited
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X (with Mindset)
Check out more in-hand photos of Jason Day’s WITB here.
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- Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 9 X
Irons: Titleist 718 TMB (2), Titleist T200 (2), Titleist T100 (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour Hybrid 105 X (2), KBS Tour 130 X
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50-08F, 54-10S, 60-08M, 60-04T), WedgeWorks Proto (60-10V)
Shafts: KBS Tour 130 X
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Versa #1
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Ludvig Aberg’s clubs in the forums.
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We have seen a few new mini drivers from the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade being tested out on tour recently. Now, Callaway looks to be jumping into the mix at the RBC Heritage. We spotted Christian Bezuidenhout testing out a new Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 mini driver on the range. We don’t have any details yet but the club clearly states “mini driver” on it, and the “340” could easily refer to how many CCs the head is.
What we do know is that this mini driver has a very similar design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 3-wood. The sole looks to be made from steel or titanium, not forged carbon like the Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. It has weights up near the face and at the back of the club. Callaway’s OptiFit hosel is also present on this driver to allow loft and lie adjustments, and if you look closely on the face, you can make out the “Ai Smart Face” text at bottom center. The crown looks to have the familiar carbon fiber weave and Ai Smoke logos we have seen on the current clubs.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke DUW
The other Callaway prototype that was spotted looked to be a little more of a traditional fairway wood — but with non-traditional weight placements on it. Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke DUW looks to have four adjustable weights on it — two on the sole, one on the hosel, and one on the toe. This hosel isn’t adjustable, and I would assume that is to save some weight from creating spots for the movable weights.
It is hard to tell from the photos, but the face looks to be a touch deeper than the traditional Triple Diamond fairways. This deeper face could be where the “DUW” name comes from. With three weights all pushed forward near the face this DUW has to be a very low spinning and launching head. The sole is made from metal and similar in design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway woods as is the carbon crown.
- Check out more of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10) Shaft: TPT...
Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)
Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...
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Richo
Jun 13, 2021 at 9:29 pm
I had 745’s back in the day but every now and then I’d get these huge “fliers” from theiddle of the fairway. It was probably me but when they were so consistent most if the time and then just went 10-15yrds further than normal, I lost confidence in them. Great irons though!
Dean
Mar 9, 2020 at 10:34 pm
Wow i have a set of these as backup set in great shape. I was thinking of selling them so I checked on ebay. Has anyone checked the prices of these on ebay? They are selling really high. But I think Ill keep them,
Jason
May 23, 2019 at 4:20 pm
I have 2 sets of 745s bought new for about $400 each. Play them in two different states. I love these irons and won’t be changing them for a long time.
Roseland67
Feb 23, 2020 at 9:52 pm
Along with my 1971 Sunburst Les Paul Deluxe, you’re gonna have to pry these clubs outta my cold dead hands.
JP
May 14, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Roger Dunn Golf Shoo in Santa Ana has a LOT of these sets in used condition that look NEW! They have boxes upon boxes of them stacked up. And they were CHEAP! Was in the store last week.
rosie
Jun 4, 2019 at 9:25 pm
i just called them they said they had none . Where did you see this ? Thanks.
Harvey Thomson
May 8, 2019 at 5:14 pm
Well, I have to admit my combo set of 745/945 are back in the bag and I’m glad I didn’t get rid of them.
.
May 1, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Did they continue to add more and more tungsten for forgiveness in each gen of the 745-756-785? Like Titleist does with the AP2’s, they keep cramming more and more tungsten in each gen of irons for extra forgiveness in yet still a “players cavity back” design?
ChipNRun
May 1, 2019 at 11:53 am
I have hit the Z745 and Z765 irons at multiple demo days, and really liked them and WANTED them. Alas, however, I have a swing that NEEDS the Z545 and Z565 irons.
The Z5– and Z7– irons are at the top of the list for cool irons I have never owned. (My wife says two bags full is enough).
Wes B
Apr 30, 2019 at 8:43 pm
I play the 565(4-5)& 765(6-pw)combo set with KBS Tour 125 S+ shafts and absolutely love them! I’m kind of afraid to try the 745 or 785 because I might like them too much. I wanted the 765 over the 45’s because the blade length was slightly longer and I thought it would be a little more forgiving/confidence inspiring while maintaining the same feel. The only thing I’m not a big fan of is the more rounded top line on the PW as apposed to the perfect shape and thickness of the rest of the set. I should also mention how seamless the transition between the 565 5 iron and 765 6 iron is. You can not tell the difference at all looking at them from address.
Mark
Jan 24, 2021 at 10:16 am
What’s your handicap I’m 18 and thinking of getting them.
FirePro
Apr 30, 2019 at 8:51 am
as someone that changed my irons every year I have yet to even think about getting rid of my Z745’s. A couple shaft changes has kept my tinkering addiction satisfied and I now feel that I have found the perfect storm with the Z745 heads and KBS $-Tapers.
Justin M
Apr 29, 2019 at 11:22 pm
I love my 745/945 split set. I originally had issues with the topline of the scoring irons being to think, so I decided to get a used set of 945’s to swap out the heads of the 8-pw pw. Now I have the greatest set of irons ever after shafting them with kbs tour v x-stiff. Softest feel ever, amazing control and somehow maintain high spin with good length. I’ve tried just about every players iron that has come out over the last few years and nothing compares.
WESTSIDE GOLFER
Apr 29, 2019 at 11:01 pm
I’ve played Several sets of Mizuno and Titleist CB’s and MB’s and Wilson Staff FG 17… But the Z745 is the best iron I’ve ever played period. Love the Vsole and despite being forged no loss of distance!
Brian
Apr 28, 2019 at 2:01 am
Are the Bridgestone J40s and Srixon Z 745’s virtually identical? I’ve been playing the J40s for years and I always just assumed the 745’s were the same irons with a different brand-name.
Brandon van Dell
May 6, 2019 at 7:20 pm
I was thinking this too after seeing these. Love my J40 CB’s!
Henning Göbel
Apr 28, 2019 at 12:25 am
The one thing stops tje Z745 from being a classic: no availability for lefties! I am grateful,Srixon changed that with the 765.
Dan
Apr 27, 2019 at 7:45 pm
The Z745 irons are the best irons I have ever played. I’m starting to fear replacement as mine are starting to wear. Srixon should bring out new old stock so us die hards could continue to play this iron….
Frank
Apr 27, 2019 at 7:18 pm
Came close to buying the Z785s, but I favored the new Apex/apex Pro combo set and love them.
Bob
Apr 27, 2019 at 6:30 pm
I have played the 545s because they are more forgiving then the 745s. I tried the 585s but they were a little clicky and didn’t feel as good as my 545s so I took them back and bought another set of 545s they are just softer and easier to hit. Best game improvement club I have ever hit. If I was better I would hit the 745s
dat
Apr 27, 2019 at 4:46 pm
I really wanted to like these, but the sole grind didn’t fit my game.
Exrog
Apr 27, 2019 at 4:10 pm
I have a set of z945 and z965 irons. The z945 irons are an amazing feeling set. I want to try and configure the heads to a one length set up due to back problems. Does anyone know if the 945’s are endo forging?
Olson
Apr 27, 2019 at 4:04 pm
I originally got mine with S300 shafts, got fitted for X100, instead of getting new irons I reshafted mine, replaced the 9 iron and PW last year with the Z965. Have been to a lot of demo days and fittings since but still cant find any I like enough to replace the Z745s. If I got a set of Z785, JPX Tour or 718 CBs heavily discounted I would consider it but why spend $1000 on a new set when the ones I’ve got are still on tour and works well for me. And they’re one of the best looking CBs out there. They will stay until theres no grooves left.
Rick
Apr 27, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Had a set, but grew out of nippon 125. Got 565 with 105 and wow.
William Baltazar
Apr 27, 2019 at 3:19 pm
I currently play 545/745 combo, and love them!! Haven’t been able to find suitable replacements. I did just order the new 585 full set. Looking for a little more forgiveness in short irons I guess. They seem to feel very similar to my current 45s. Best irons I’ve had in many many years. My original Callaway forged X Tours come to mind when thinking about clubs that move the needle.
Josh
Apr 27, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Man I just got fitted for/ordered a combo set of z585/785’s. Hope I’m not going to regret going on eBay and finding a set of nice 745’s…the cavity on them looks a little bigger than the z785, wonder if they are any more forgiving?
Josh
Apr 27, 2019 at 2:47 pm
I meant I hope I don’t regret not going on EBay and grabbing a set of 745’s.
2putttom
Apr 27, 2019 at 12:38 pm
great line of clubs all around.
August
Apr 27, 2019 at 12:37 pm
I went from the 745s to the MP18 MB/SC about a month ago and the 745s are already back in the bag. They are by far and away the best iron I’ve ever played. I agree that the 785 is a step in the right direction but the offset increased which I’m not a fan of. Hoping to stumble across another set or two of the 745s in the next couple years as I don’t think anything will come close.
Mike S Berg
Apr 27, 2019 at 11:03 am
Been playing golf for many years the Z585 are by far the best iron on the market..
john j
Apr 27, 2019 at 9:59 am
Anyone know any other forged cavity backs forged by Endo?
joe
Apr 28, 2019 at 8:37 am
Callaway Apex Pro 2019, Callaway Apex MB 2018, Bridgestone J15, Bridgestone xCB (and likely everything from Bridgestone), Srixon 765, Srixon 785, Srixon Z-Forged, Titleist 680, NIKE VR Pro, and VR Pro combo, and possibly the new Tiger P7TW
john
Apr 29, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Are you sure Joe that Callaway Apex pros? Interesting.
Chappy
Apr 27, 2019 at 9:33 am
The 745s are the best iron I’ve ever played. Lots of reasons already mentioned. Short blade length, very little offset, fantastic feel and very forgiving for a small head. But the most import reason for me is the sole. The V sole is great.
BJ
Apr 27, 2019 at 8:38 am
785 are best irons Ive played to date. first time I ever played a Srixon iron
Kent Gavel
Apr 27, 2019 at 8:17 am
The 745’s Simply the best all around iron I’ve ever played.
Shot making is pure joy!
Soft feel, easy to flight.
Smellis745
Apr 27, 2019 at 7:50 am
Still rock the 745s and like them so much, I bought a second set that was like new just to have a spare set of heads
Benny
Apr 27, 2019 at 7:20 am
I have played 588 cb/mb set and last year fell in love with CG1 Tours. Not the longest but not short either. I keep trying to find a replacement with a 1/2 clud longer distance and this article is making me want to get a set of 745’s. Great read and nothing wron with Cleveland, Wilson or BStone. Look at what they produce!
Jesse
Apr 27, 2019 at 7:18 am
I still have the 745’s in my bag. Purchased in 2015. I am looking a new set but nothing I’ve hit so far match the 745’s in my opinion
Joakim Pekkari
Apr 27, 2019 at 7:05 am
Loved my black 745’s but just recently upgraded to the Z-Forged (comboed with 785 5i and 585 4i) which is just so beautiful and surprisingly easy to hit!
BS
Apr 27, 2019 at 5:33 am
Played j40cb originally and they were an amazing iron. Moved into 745/945 combo as were very similar design with a touch better performance through out the set. Can’t fathom changing them but j40cb is the original classic iron..
Chris
Apr 26, 2019 at 11:40 pm
The feel of the 745 is great, but to me it’s about the look. The 765 was much too rounded, especially in the shorter irons.The 785 looks much more like the 745 than the 765, so it is an iron that should be on almost anyone’s must-try list, but at the end of the day I didn’t want to give up my 745.
bonifacj
Apr 26, 2019 at 10:22 pm
The Srixon z745s are truly fantastic irons. Best I’ve played. Have a back up set in storage for when my gamers where out so hopefully will not have to change for a long, long time.
Deron
Apr 26, 2019 at 9:38 pm
I love my 765s. Anyone know if they are Endo forged as well like the 745s?
Paul
Apr 26, 2019 at 11:32 pm
They are, 785 are Endo forged as well.
john j
Apr 27, 2019 at 9:55 am
Are you sure, Paul? Was curious myself if the 785’s were endo forged as well.
Paul
Apr 27, 2019 at 10:48 am
Yes, I’m sure. Confirmed with someone at Cleveland/Srixon at the PGA show that 785 and Z Forged are Endo forged.
conted
Apr 27, 2019 at 5:23 pm
I’m gaming my z745s w/ Nippon 125s. Played z765/965 last two summer and went back to the z745s. I really like the head and shaft combination.