It’s release season in the golf industry, and so far, this month has been super busy for Srixon Golf. We’ve seen the new ZX MK II Drivers, metalwoods, and irons, to go along with the 13th generation of the SOFT FEEL golf ball. Now it’s time to look at what they have in store for the eighth-generation 2023 Srixon Z-STAR Series.
Srixon tends to introduce its latest core technology in the Z-STAR lineup, and this release follows that trend. We’ve seen the FastLayer core going back to the 2019 release, however, instead of trotting it out for a 3rd successive release cycle, Srixon redesigned the core to create the FastLayer DG Core, which offers a more dramatic shift from soft to firm within the center portion and a more gradual transition on the outer core.
Golf ball design is rarely the most exciting thing to discuss, and the above changes lead many to wonder how this affects golf ball performance. With the FastLayer DG Core, the answer comes in two parts. Thanks to that sudden change from soft to firm on the interior part, the Z-STAR lines will produce faster ball speeds. Meanwhile, the outer core is designed to increase spin rates, especially on irons. Each of the three new Z-STAR golf balls has its model-specific core design, which alters the performance when comparing each ball.
Z-STAR balls will also benefit from the new Spin Skin+ coating and a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern. With an improved Spin Skin+ layer, each cover will dig into your wedge or iron grooves more, causing more friction and, thus more spin. Meanwhile, the improvement in aerodynamics help achieves consistent launch and ball flight, regardless of the playing conditions.
Below is a brief synopsis of what to expect from each of the three models with the Z-STAR line.
Z-STAR: Offers a combination of the lowest flight, softest feel, and most greenside spin. It is also the only Z-STAR model with a sub 100 compression rating.
Z-STAR XV: Represents the longest golf ball within the family. It launches higher and offers more speed than is achieved with the Z-STAR. XV also features the thinnest cover in the lineup.
Z-STAR Diamond: A perfect blend of the Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV. Diamond has better greenside spin than the XV, with higher iron spin and ball flight than the Z-STAR.
“Finding the right golf ball for your game is just as important as finding the right irons or driver,” said Brian Schielke, General Manager of Srixon. “It’s the one piece of equipment you use on every single shot, which is why technological advances like the new Spin Skin+ and FastLayer DG Core give players confidence that their ball is going to react how it should and excel in every category that matters – more spin, bite, and speed.”
The 2023 Srixon Z-STAR lineup hits store shelves on February 15, 2023, with a price tag of $47.99. Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV are available in either Pure White or Tour Yellow, while Z-STAR Diamond is only available in Tour White.
There is, of course, one more thing. Z-STAR DIVIDE is back!
DIVIDE presents a unique look where 50% of the golf ball is white, and the other 50% is yellow. It adds a little flair to the golf bag and a different visual presentation on short pitch shots where golfers can easily see how the ball is spinning on the approach.
“The visual feedback on its own is one of the most beneficial features of the DIVIDE ball,” Schielke says. “The ability to track your spin in the air and around the greens will help overall consistency, and with the one-of-a-kind 360° line, you’ll be able to see your line more clearly and perfect your roll on the greens.”
DIVIDE will launch in the Spring and is available in only the Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV models at the same price of $47.99.
Which Z-STAR model will make it into your bag this season?
Any one try the Divide with yellow-white z star or xv?
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 11279412, member: 51186″]
I didn’t feel like I lost distance using the ball.
[/QUOTE]
I think the Diamond is just a couple yards shorter than the XV with the driver. But the feel you get off the irons and putter more than make up for it IMO.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 11279415, member: 44136″]
Any one try the Divide with yellow-white z star or xv?
[/QUOTE]
Yes. I had the divide XV. it was great. Simply like an XV but with the divide for putts, color, fun, etc….. I simply went to the diamond where the divide isn’t available.
[QUOTE=”ToddJ027b, post: 11279369, member: 9006″]
I want to try some of the new ones, but I still have like 5 dozen of last model ?
[/QUOTE]
That’s a lot!
[QUOTE=”ToddJ027b, post: 11279421, member: 9006″]
Yes. I had the divide XV. it was great. Simply like an XV but with the divide for putts, color, fun, etc….. I simply went to the diamond where the divide isn’t available.
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I would go divide if they were in the Diamond.
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 11279423, member: 51186″]
That’s a lot!
[/QUOTE]
I know!! But I like them so I’ll keep using them until gone. (Then again, I know I’ll buy some new diamonds before the old ones are gone. I just will)
I over spin a lot of balls with short/mid irons but I am very curious about it being a harder ball and more short game spin.
Recently picked up some diamonds. Because that is what you do when you can’t play golf.. you buy golf stuff.
[QUOTE=”MarMill, post: 11279427, member: 51186″]
I would go divide if they were in the Diamond.
[/QUOTE]
Diamond Divide would be my ultimate. I’ll swap between the Divide XV and the Diamond depending on what I pull out of the bag on the first tee.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11279461, member: 37622″]
I over spin a lot of balls with short/mid irons but I am very curious about it being a harder ball and more short game spin.
[/QUOTE]
XV is for you
[QUOTE=”ToddJ027b, post: 11279521, member: 9006″]
XV is for you
[/QUOTE]
Not always around the green. Love it off the tee. Love approach shots with it. Struggle stopping the ball on well struck pitch and chips. Worth a try. I’ll go back to the XV if this doesn’t work
I was pretty sure about the Diamond being a good match, but after reading through the thread I just don’t know. I may grab a box, but luckily I know I love how the Z Star feels and performs into greens. I expect swing changes are going to make any educated guesses I have somewhat useless anyway.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11279821, member: 1193″]
I was pretty sure about the Diamond being a good match, but after reading through the thread I just don’t know. I may grab a box, but luckily I know I love how the Z Star feels and performs into greens. I expect swing changes are going to make any educated guesses I have somewhat useless anyway.
[/QUOTE]
most of my thoughts are useless until I try to validate them. I get about 40% of guesses correctly. In baseball its a HOFer… anything else its a failure:LOL:
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11279832, member: 37622″]
most of my thoughts are useless until I try to validate them. I get about 40% of guesses correctly. In baseball its a HOFer… anything else its a failure:LOL:
[/QUOTE]
I think coming from XV will make things a little easier for you.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11279844, member: 1193″]
I think coming from XV will make things a little easier for you.
[/QUOTE]
Only greenside matters at this point. I really like the XV. If I go to more of a players distance iron (presently in the King Tour MiM) the iron spin will be wanted
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11279853, member: 37622″]
Only greenside matters at this point. I really like the XV. If I go to more of a players distance iron (presently in the King Tour MiM) the iron spin will be wanted
[/QUOTE]
That’s kind of where I was coming from. I’m pretty low spin in irons to begin with, though I do hope to see that go up a bit in the near future. Hell, now I’m back to leaning Diamond ? The answer is try them both I think.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11279860, member: 1193″]
That’s kind of where I was coming from. I’m pretty low spin in irons to begin with, though I do hope to see that go up a bit in the near future. Hell, now I’m back to leaning Diamond ? The answer is try them both I think.
[/QUOTE]
hahaha I actually am looking to change iron profiles to get some lower spin. I’m about 8100 with a 7 iron right now on GC Quad with a ProV1x. Using a higher spin around the green helps if the iron profile lowers mid to long iron spin.
[QUOTE=”Gman79, post: 11251969, member: 52297″]
didn’t know there was sooo much hate on the XVs lol I like em!
[/QUOTE]
Z-Star is my ball but I’ve got no hate for the XV. It was really a coin flip as to which between the two I was going to game. The XV is longer by a smidge off the tee for me but is adjusted better in the short game with the Z-star. If I had to, I could make the adjustment to the XV, no problem.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 11279415, member: 44136″]
Any one try the Divide with yellow-white z star or xv?
[/QUOTE]
I was lucky enough to win both the Z-Star and XV Divides here om THP. They are super fun. Admittedly, I thought it was kind of gimmicky when they were first released and (honestly) if I hadn’t had the opportunity to give them a free spin, I don’t know if I would have bought them. They are SUPER fun and no one does yellow better than Srixon. The white/yellow combo made my ball easy to identify in the group (I hope the AZTHP group doesn’t start playing them, selfishly) and seeing the spin in the short game and watching the roll on the greens is pretty damned fun.
I am and will remain a XV guy. Tried Z star and diamond against them. Ball speeds 2-3mph more with XV. Ball control into greens ON SIMULATOR no different. Chipping doesn’t count on there. Worth a try. I’ll play these out but 2023 Z Star XV likely my go to
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 11279415, member: 44136″]
Any one try the Divide with yellow-white z star or xv?
[/QUOTE]
Received a box of the Z-Star Divides for my birthday last year. Tried them for a couple rounds and didn’t notice any discernible difference from the regular except for the fun factor. Fun factor = High (y)
[QUOTE=”just8abug, post: 11280649, member: 12543″]
Received a box of the Z-Star Divides for my birthday last year. Tried them for a couple rounds and didn’t notice any discernible difference from the regular except for the fun factor. Fun factor = High (y)
[/QUOTE]
I used divide a few times last year. I don’t mind it. I could use it every round without a problem. Yellow and white. Not sure if like the potentials blues and such.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11280892, member: 37622″]
I used divide a few times last year. I don’t mind it. I could use it every round without a problem. Yellow and white. Not sure if like the potentials blues and such.
[/QUOTE]
Yes, def. yellow and white!
[QUOTE=”robrandalgz, post: 11279932, member: 44393″]
I was lucky enough to win both the Z-Star and XV Divides here om THP. They are super fun. Admittedly, I thought it was kind of gimmicky when they were first released and (honestly) if I hadn’t had the opportunity to give them a free spin, I don’t know if I would have bought them. They are SUPER fun and no one does yellow better than Srixon. The white/yellow combo made my ball easy to identify in the group (I hope the AZTHP group doesn’t start playing them, selfishly) and seeing the spin in the short game and watching the roll on the greens is pretty damned fun.
[/QUOTE]
I played the balls that you gave me today. I really liked how the XV played and hit some great drives. It was fine around the green and felt good off the irons. I didn’t like the divide. I am used to using triple track or a black line (I played black line all weekend) and if I switch to Srixon, it would be the yellow XV with a black line on it.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11279351, member: 59233″]
Same
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”88DE313C-82EB-4666-A07C-7C3146EE2803.jpeg”]9155054[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
t shirt or t shirt hoodie?
[QUOTE=”Gman79, post: 11283015, member: 52297″]
t shirt or t shirt hoodie?
[/QUOTE]
T-shirt
[QUOTE=”oumagic, post: 11282988, member: 52535″]
I played the balls that you gave me today. I really liked how the XV played and hit some great drives. It was fine around the green and felt good off the irons. I didn’t like the divide. I am used to using triple track or a black line (I played black line all weekend) and if I switch to Srixon, it would be the yellow XV with a black line on it.
[/QUOTE]
That’s the good thing about Srixon. They do yellow better than any ball in the business. The XV is a bomber off the tee. The adjustment in the short game is real. Once you get used to how the ball reacts, and play accordingly, it’s a really solid ball.
I tried the XV last time I played and will try the standard and diamond on Sunday versus the Chrome Soft. Putting around the house, I have liked the feel of standard Z star the best.
[QUOTE=”robrandalgz, post: 11279932, member: 44393″]
I was lucky enough to win both the Z-Star and XV Divides here om THP. They are super fun. Admittedly, I thought it was kind of gimmicky when they were first released and (honestly) if I hadn’t had the opportunity to give them a free spin, I don’t know if I would have bought them. They are SUPER fun and no one does yellow better than Srixon. The white/yellow combo made my ball easy to identify in the group (I hope the AZTHP group doesn’t start playing them, selfishly) and seeing the spin in the short game and watching the roll on the greens is pretty damned fun.
[/QUOTE]
Yep, isnt that the problem!?! I started playing the Z-Star divide last year and another guy in my group liked em and started playing them. Great to get the word out but now I am not the unique ball in the group. Good but bad ????
Looking at the bell description, is the ?? the closest to the CSX?
Putting the XV in play tomorrow. I’ll report back
[QUOTE=”MattyD-MPLS, post: 11315344, member: 51852″]
Looking at the bell description, is the ? the closest to the CSX?
[/QUOTE]
Kinda it seems. At least that’s how I interpreted it
I played the XV today. I really like it after one round. My irons seem a little longer. It was hard to tell on the short game though as the greens were like concrete and rolling out.
This was cool to see. I should have moved the plastic carriers ?[ATTACH=full]9158718[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”MSEASU, post: 11317741, member: 46570″]
I played the XV today. I really like it after one round. My irons seem a little longer. It was hard to tell on the short game though as the greens were like concrete and rolling out.
[/QUOTE]
I’ve tried everything. I get great results with the XV the CSX and the V1x. Srixon cost less and I enjoy it. Win win situation
My srixon ball performance:
Diamond>ZStar>XV
but when I factor in that I want yellow:
Zstar>XV>diamond.
I can play all 3 of them, but really like srixon yellow enough not to play diamond.
I have a Dick’s gift card and will be doing a Diamond/Z Star comparison soon. Will have to wait until courses open to really dive in there, but at the least I can get an idea of feel. XV is too much ball for me. I have grown too accustomed to softer feeling balls and even a V1x annoys me. High hopes the Diamond will give me a little spin boost with a little better feel.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11318969, member: 1193″]
I have a Dick’s gift card and will be doing a Diamond/Z Star comparison soon. Will have to wait until courses open to really dive in there, but at the least I can get an idea of feel. XV is too much ball for me. I have grown too accustomed to softer feeling balls and even a V1x annoys me. High hopes the Diamond will give me a little spin boost with a little better feel.
[/QUOTE]
Look forward to this comparison. I tried the Diamond last year very early on and I just did not like the spin around the greens. Feel was good but I still preferred the Z-Star. I may give this new version a try again.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11319001, member: 5944″]
Look forward to this comparison. I tried the Diamond last year very early on and I just did not like the spin around the greens. Feel was good but I still preferred the Z-Star. I may give this new version a try again.
[/QUOTE]
I read all your posts in that thread and it actually muddied the waters for me :ROFLMAO: In a good way though. I had convinced myself it was the right ball just from reading boxes, so it was good to see that everybody is going to see different things.
I’ve had lots of great times with the Z, so I’d gladly go that direction.
I am going to be rocking the Z-STAR this week and see if it can give me what I want. I actually really enjoy the Q-STAR Tour model, but early testing had the Z-STAR a bit faster without too much more spin.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11319034, member: 3″]
I am going to be rocking the Z-STAR this week and see if it can give me what I want. I actually really enjoy the Q-STAR Tour model, but early testing had the Z-STAR a bit faster without too much more spin.
[/QUOTE]
Dang, gotta take QST into consideration too. Regardless, I almost feel like I have to go Tour Yellow just to honor the past. I played that color ball for years. Takes Diamond out of the running though.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11319047, member: 1193″]
Dang, gotta take QST into consideration too. Regardless, I almost feel like I have to go Tour Yellow just to honor the past. I played that color ball for years. Takes Diamond out of the running though.
[/QUOTE]
#Divide and conquer 😀
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11319050, member: 3″]
#Divide and conquer 😀
[/QUOTE]
I’ve got some real mental blocks putting with those Divides. The sad thing is I absolutely love them in the air though. I think if I just put a solid side up when I putted I’d be ok.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11319060, member: 1193″]
I’ve got some real mental blocks putting with those Divides. The sad thing is I absolutely love them in the air though. I think if I just put a solid side up when I putted I’d be ok.
[/QUOTE]
If you line up the divide portion at the hole it acts like a direction marker. But the cool thing is seeing if you hit it true. The rolling colors are fantastic. You probably already knew that, but that is how it works for me. Love the QST Divides (now I just need a sale as I am getting low).
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11319060, member: 1193″]
I’ve got some real mental blocks putting with those Divides. The sad thing is I absolutely love them in the air though. I think if I just put a solid side up when I putted I’d be ok.
[/QUOTE]
I love them for everything. ANd the yellow and white Z-STAR versions are spectacular.
Welp, we shall find out. A dozen each Z Star, Diamond, and QST on the way.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11319087, member: 3″]
I love them for everything. ANd the yellow and white Z-STAR versions are spectacular.
[/QUOTE]
Got a box for $25 this weekend at the CO golf expo – sort of kicking myself that I didn’t just buy all that they had. I love them.
[USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] I found the XV to be a little too stiff for me – I could play it with driver, but for everything else the Zstar is far better feeling. There are days with the divide that I put it yellow side up and use the lettering as my line.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11319047, member: 1193″]
Dang, gotta take QST into consideration too. Regardless, I almost feel like I have to go Tour Yellow just to honor the past. I played that color ball for years. Takes Diamond out of the running though.
[/QUOTE]
QST is quite the ball. I really enjoyed it last year. Played the divide a lot and had good performance for me.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 11319174, member: 59803″]
QST is quite the ball. I really enjoyed it last year. Played the divide a lot and had good performance for me.
[/QUOTE]
The Blue/Yellow is a cool look!
[QUOTE=”Coloradomrg, post: 11319173, member: 61066″]
Got a box for $25 this weekend at the CO golf expo – sort of kicking myself that I didn’t just buy all that they had. I love them.
[USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] I found the XV to be a little too stiff for me – I could play it with driver, but for everything else the Zstar is far better feeling. There are days with the divide that I put it yellow side up and use the lettering as my line.
[/QUOTE]
I think I’ll end up trying that. I typically use a line, but found myself overanalyzing the Divide line for putting.