#TWIGE - 09 - Srixon irons and new wedges

TWIGE · Edition 9 · Equipment news for 2–8 September 2026

This Week in Golf Equipment is TP Golf’s weekly look at new releases, useful developments and what they could mean for your bag. This edition follows our July and August equipment coverage.

Cover photograph: Srixon / Dunlop Sports.

New irons from Srixon and two wedge launches give equipment enthusiasts plenty to explore this week. There is a fresh option in Srixon’s forged iron family, TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe moves to forged construction, and Cleveland brings a familiar sole design back into the conversation.

Here is what has changed, and what we would look at before making room in the bag.

Srixon announces its next generation of ZXi irons

The second-generation Srixon ZXi iron family. Photograph: Srixon / Dunlop Sports.

Srixon unveiled its second-generation ZXi family on 8 September, with four models: ZXi7, ZXi5, the new ZXi5+ and ZXiU utility irons. All four are forged by Endo Manufacturing in Japan.

The addition to watch is ZXi5+. Srixon describes it as a players-distance iron, pairing a compact appearance with a longer blade, wider sole and stronger lofts than ZXi5. The manufacturer also highlights revised forging and AI-assisted design across the family. Its US announcement lists 16 October as the launch date; that is not confirmation of UK shop availability. Read Srixon’s announcement.

The TP Golf view: our starting point when comparing these would be the job each iron needs to do. Ask to compare the actual lofts and carry distances, then look at how the set progresses from one club to the next. A longer 7-iron is interesting; a useful set needs more than one impressive number.

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 reaches retailers

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 5 sole options. Photograph: TaylorMade Golf.

TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe 5 became available through authorised retailers worldwide on 3 September, following its August announcement.

The headline change is a fully forged carbon-steel construction. The design combines the distinctive high toe with grooves extending across the face, a raw face and TaylorMade’s Spin Tread treatment, which the company says helps manage moisture at impact.

There are five sole-grind configurations across the range, although they are not all standard options: ATC is a right-handed custom option, also offered through MyHi-Toe 5. Read TaylorMade’s launch details.

The TP Golf view: for anyone tempted by the shape, we would make the trial practical. Try the straightforward chip and bunker shot you regularly face, as well as the open-face shot that makes a high-toe wedge look appealing. Choose around the shots you need most often.

Cleveland RTZ 2 brings back the 588 grind

Cleveland RTZ 2 wedges in the Tour Rack range. Photograph: Cleveland Golf / Dunlop Sports.

Cleveland’s RTZ 2 wedges reached their stated US launch date on 4 September. They were announced in August, so this week’s development is their launch rather than a first unveiling.

Roger Cleveland contributed to the design, including the return of the 588 grind. The family has five sole grinds, and the brand describes the returning 588 option as suited to moderate or shallower swings. Its ZipCore iQ construction is tailored to individual loft-and-grind combinations. Read Cleveland’s announcement.

The TP Golf view: the useful question here is which version deserves a place in your testing. Take your current wedge along and describe where it causes problems: tight lies, softer ground, bunkers or full shots. That gives a fitting a clearer purpose than simply asking for the newest model.

This week’s takeaway

Treat these releases as a shortlist to explore. Start with what you want to improve, then compare suitable options with the clubs you already own.

At TP Golf, we can help you consider the specification before you buy, whether you are exploring new equipment, a pre-loved club or changes to your existing setup. Ask us about your current clubs and what you would like to improve.

TWIGE — This Week in Golf Equipment. Equipment news, with a practical TP Golf perspective. Look out for the next edition and join the conversation with #TWIGE.

This roundup is based on manufacturer announcements, rather than hands-on TP Golf testing. Performance statements attributed to brands are their claims. UK prices and local stock should be checked separately.