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?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11319175, member: 1193″]
The Blue/Yellow is a cool look!
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I love the look of the blue/yellow. But from a functional perspective if it lands blue side up in the rough it makes it alot harder to see. And since I spend alot of time in the rough it didnt work for me. Really wanted to keep playing it though. ?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11319175, member: 1193″]
The Blue/Yellow is a cool look!
[/QUOTE]
This is my least favorite. When the ball lands blue side up in the rough, it’s difficult to spot sometimes.
I do agree with you guys.
Dozen each of the Z and Diamond showed up yesterday. QST should be here today. I apparently ordered the Z in white like an idiot and I’m pretty bummed about that, but it’s not like I’ll be playing that dozen for months or anything. No launch data because of the R10 ban (it would be useless anyway), but I have been hitting wedge shots with them to see how the feel compares. It’s tough indoors to get a completely full picture of feel, but better than nothing.
With the Edison wedges, which are more solid/firm feeling in general, the difference between the Z and Diamond was very noticeable. Much softer impact sound on the Z. Diamond really wasn’t that far off the V1x, which isn’t 100% ideal, but something I’m used to at least. My kid has an older RTX wedge, which is a pretty soft feeling golf club in general and the difference wasn’t so apparent there. In fact, I’d say the Diamond felt really good on center impacts. We’ll see how they perform eventually.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11323266, member: 1193″]
Dozen each of the Z and Diamond showed up yesterday. QST should be here today. I apparently ordered the Z in white like an idiot and I’m pretty bummed about that, but it’s not like I’ll be playing that dozen for months or anything. No launch data because of the R10 ban (it would be useless anyway), but I have been hitting wedge shots with them to see how the feel compares. It’s tough indoors to get a completely full picture of feel, but better than nothing.
With the Edison wedges, which are more solid/firm feeling in general, the difference between the Z and Diamond was very noticeable. Much softer impact sound on the Z. Diamond really wasn’t that far off the V1x, which isn’t 100% ideal, but something I’m used to at least. My kid has an older RTX wedge, which is a pretty soft feeling golf club in general and the difference wasn’t so apparent there. In fact, I’d say the Diamond felt really good on center impacts. We’ll see how they perform eventually.
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Looking forward to your thoughts. I agree the Z feels much softer than the diamond, though the diamond feels better than the XV. They each definitely have their place in the lineup
I was pretty sure I would be back in zstar xv, as that was my go to ball for a long time.
But the more I read, the more I’m a bit intrigued about the diamond. As long as it’s not to mushy, the added spin might be nice. :unsure:
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11324959, member: 52381″]
I was pretty sure I would be back in zstar xv, as that was my go to ball for a long time.
But the more I read, the more I’m a bit intrigued about the diamond. As long as it’s not to mushy, the added spin might be nice. :unsure:
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The diamond is not mushy
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11324969, member: 5944″]
The diamond is not mushy
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definitely not.
Have play several rounds with Q Star need to give the Z Star a go.
I fucking LOVE the Z divides
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11325105, member: 1579″]
I ******* LOVE the Z divides
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Do the Z divides play differently than the regular Z or are they just fun to watch? I am glad to see they made it as a shiny ball, not matte.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 11325424, member: 44136″]
Do the Z divides play differently than the regular Z or are they just fun to watch? I am glad to see they made it as a shiny ball, not matte.
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It’s just aesthetic
I *think* these might be last years but still a good deal @32.50 a dozen.
[URL unfurl=”true”]https://us.dunlopsports.com/srixon/balls/z-star-series/z-star-xv/z-star-xv-limited-edition-24-pack-golf-balls/MZSTARXV7LE24.html[/URL]
[URL unfurl=”true”]https://us.dunlopsports.com/srixon/balls/z-star-series/z-star/z-star-limited-edition-24-pack-golf-balls/MZSTAR7LE24.html[/URL]
I was able to hit balls on the course twice last week. Both times on borderline-closed courses that are just letting people walk to make a few extra bucks. It isn’t golf, but a great opportunity to get a feel for golf balls.
I’m trying to evaluate Z Star, Diamond, and the QST with wedges right now. My first impression is that the feel of the Z and Diamond aren’t far off from each other on center contact outdoors. More noticeable on toe shots for example, with the Diamond sounding a little firmer there. Still, both are more than acceptable to my ears. We’ll see how full shots compare eventually. The QST sounds borderline silent (not really) compared to the other two. Very soft. If I’m stating a preference at the moment, it’s going to lean towards the Z’s, but a lot of that could be recency bias.
I can’t really say I’m noticing a huge difference into greens between the Z’s .I hit partial swings from 40, 50, 70, and 90 yards and both stopped well within my expectations for the various shots and trajectories I was working on. Same with greenside chips. I’m reality, QST wasn’t far off either. All three were either right in my wheelhouse or could be with a tiny adjustment in technique/strategy.
Will transition this to full swings next. Trying to just get a feel for ball flight and shot shape with the changed swing. Also, scared to lose them before I even play legitimate rounds of golf. ?
Srixon Divide had some nice stopping power from 107 yds out!
[ATTACH type=”full”]9162506[/ATTACH]
Srixon Zstar Divide had some nice stopping power from 107 yds out today!
I had the new Srixon Z-Star Diamond in play the last couple days and I have to admit I came away impressed. I liked them much better than the previous version. Saw enough of what I needed to around the greens, a slightly firmer feel than the Z-Star but not the rock like feel of the XV.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11354971, member: 5944″]
I had the new Srixon Z-Star Diamond in play the last couple days and I have to admit I came away impressed. I liked them much better than the previous version. Saw enough of what I needed to around the greens, a slightly firmer feel than the Z-Star but not the rock like feel of the XV.
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That’s good to hear. I’m looking forward to really getting into this one from tee to green. If I can get similar performance with wedges and a little more height in the middle of my bag, it’ll be an easy winner for me.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11356528, member: 1193″]
That’s good to hear. I’m looking forward to really getting into this one from tee to green. If I can get similar performance with wedges and a little more height in the middle of my bag, it’ll be an easy winner for me.
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I haven’t really tried anything else this year obviously but I really enjoyed this ball. I plan on picking a ball by June and sticking with it the entire year, this is definitely in the running.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11356554, member: 5944″]
I haven’t really tried anything else this year obviously but I really enjoyed this ball. I plan on picking a ball by June and sticking with it the entire year, this is definitely in the running.
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I’m hoping to do the same. Hoping I have a way to see some numbers eventually.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11356562, member: 1193″]
I’m hoping to do the same. Hoping I have a way to see some numbers eventually.
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None of mine is based on numbers but having some would be good. I just liked what I saw and felt.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11356564, member: 5944″]
None of mine is based on numbers but having some would be good. I just liked what I saw and felt.
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Same for me so far. It’s tough, because most the low-cost monitors don’t actually do much for ball testing. Skytrak does, so eventually I’ll get to it.
Can’t remember if I put thoughts on the Diamond here or just in messages.
So when the new ones were coming out, testing them on monitor a couple others and I saw a lot of what we saw last time. Fairly high spin, and maybe just a tad less speed than some.
Well I’ve been a little shallow lately and am needing spin. Was hitting 52-400 rev 7i shots with my 7 iron the other day with V1x. So I figured I might go to there Diamond and pick up a little more. CSX and the Diamond both spin a little more for me.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9165041[/ATTACH]
Little hobbled today so tried to just match up the numbers as best I could and extrapolate for normal. And it’s about what I expected. 250 or so more usually. The one thing is the speed. CSX is a little quicker with a little more spin in this part of the bag for me. The Diamond is a little slower with more spin. I swung the Diamond 1mph faster on average here, and it was less efficient. It always is for me. Takes more to get the same out of it. It’s not a big gripe because I like the ball and I hit it fairly far. I may go with it. It just gets me a little because 1x definitely isn’t the fastest or longest with irons, and it still doesn’t usually keep up with it.
Who is the guy/gal that created the Tour Yellow formulation? He’s the real hero.
I’ve been doing my best to test the QST, Z, and Diamond head to head. The part of me that likes the middle ground, which is basically every part of me, leans towards the Z for feel. It’s so nice off pretty much every club. That being said, the Diamond isn’t that big a departure feel-wise, and I wouldn’t be shocked if failed a blind test.
Didn’t use the Diamond yesterday in the hopes I could isolate the QST and Z a bit better.
As usual, the Z spins wonderfully off a wedge. Other than that, I’m not sure I could look at performance with other clubs and reliably say any of the three are better or worse. Maybe if I got on a SkyTrak and did a deep dive I’d see some slight differences, but full swing consistency doesn’t always jive with the minutia of ball fitting data for me. If a ball feels great and does what I want from a wedge, I’m pretty much sold. Then factor in the beauty that is Tour Yellow and I think it’s all becoming an easy decision for me.
I’ve always been a Zstar XV guy. I wouldn’t mind them being a touch softer, but doesn’t bother me like some.
still curious to pick up some diamonds at some point to give them a go.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11250679, member: 1193″]
Yep. It still says premium while making me feel just a little better. I think I’ll grab a box of the Diamonds to start and then check out standard Z Star after that. Now to decide if I go Divide or not.
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Exactly what I am going to do. Picked up a box of Diamonds last week and going to see how those are. I played Z Stars a few seasons ago and went back to ProVs but really wanting to try them again and definitely going with the Divides if I do. Cant wait to get out on the course and try them out.
After a handful of rounds with the Z and the Diamond, I’m just going to say it.
I don’t think it really matters which one I play. Both spin well around the green and I’ve not seen any difference in full swings that leads me to believe one is better than the other (for me). I think a great deal of that is related to me. As a typical inconsistent golfer I’m not sure I can say one ball went higher than the other based on anything other than the nature of each swing. Don’t get me wrong. There are lots of you that surely have a different experience in that regard and I hope I’m in the same boat one day.
I will say that my number one priority with ball choice, assuming no major discrepancies in full swings, is short game spin and both balls are giving me plenty. From there, I’d go to feel and the Z wins by a small margin. I’ll play everything I’ve purchased until they are gone, but after that I’m going Z in Tour Yellow exclusively.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11452052, member: 1193″]
After a handful of rounds with the Z and the Diamond, I’m just going to say it.
I don’t think it really matters which one I play. Both spin well around the green and I’ve not seen any difference in full swings that leads me to believe one is better than the other (for me). I think a great deal of that is related to me. As a typical inconsistent golfer I’m not sure I can say one ball went higher than the other based on anything other than the nature of each swing. Don’t get me wrong. There are lots of you that surely have a different experience in that regard and I hope I’m in the same boat one day.
I will say that my number one priority with ball choice, assuming no major discrepancies in full swings, is short game spin and both balls are giving me plenty. From there, I’d go to feel and the Z wins by a small margin. I’ll play everything I’ve purchased until they are gone, but after that I’m going Z in Tour Yellow exclusively.
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Same distance off the tee?
My worry with the diamond is losing distance off the tee.
I need to figure out which Srixon ball to use still. I really love the CSX LS because it spins well into greens but not so much off the driver. I lost a full box of diamonds pretty quickly, I think they just spin too much off the driver. I want to give them another box to decide though. Might try the XV next but I’m afraid it may not have enough greenside spin. I tried the regular Z Star last year and it was 15-20 yards shorter off the driver for me (probably a spin issue)
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11452052, member: 1193″]
After a handful of rounds with the Z and the Diamond, I’m just going to say it.
I don’t think it really matters which one I play. Both spin well around the green and I’ve not seen any difference in full swings that leads me to believe one is better than the other (for me). I think a great deal of that is related to me. As a typical inconsistent golfer I’m not sure I can say one ball went higher than the other based on anything other than the nature of each swing. Don’t get me wrong. There are lots of you that surely have a different experience in that regard and I hope I’m in the same boat one day.
I will say that my number one priority with ball choice, assuming no major discrepancies in full swings, is short game spin and both balls are giving me plenty. From there, I’d go to feel and the Z wins by a small margin. I’ll play everything I’ve purchased until they are gone, but after that I’m going Z in Tour Yellow exclusively.
[/QUOTE]
I go back and forth between the yellow and the divide, but I think I actually prefer to the divide. I found the diamond and the Z to be nearly identical for me also from a performance standpoint.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11452076, member: 52381″]
Same distance off the tee?
My worry with the diamond is losing distance off the tee.
[/QUOTE]
Nothing noticeable for me.
[QUOTE=”Coloradomrg, post: 11452131, member: 61066″]
I go back and forth between the yellow and the divide, but I think I actually prefer to the divide. I found the diamond and the Z to be nearly identical for me also from a performance standpoint.
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You know, I’m going to grab a box of Divides next time now that you mention it. Good thought!
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11452114, member: 67660″]
I need to figure out which Srixon ball to use still. I really love the CSX LS because it spins well into greens but not so much off the driver. I lost a full box of diamonds pretty quickly, I think they just spin too much off the driver. I want to give them another box to decide though. Might try the XV next but I’m afraid it may not have enough greenside spin. I tried the regular Z Star last year and it was 15-20 yards shorter off the driver for me (probably a spin issue)
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A little shorter, but more consistent? I’d give up a few yards to find more fairways most days.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11452138, member: 1193″]
You know, I’m going to grab a box of Divides next time now that you mention it. Good thought!
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I’ve got two boxes of last years yellow, and two boxes of last years divide on the shelf. One box of this years Divides after those are gone 🙂
[QUOTE=”Coloradomrg, post: 11452145, member: 61066″]
A little shorter, but more consistent? I’d give up a few yards to find more fairways most days.
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the problem on my course, a little shorter means in the water on #11 and #15 instead of carrying on the line I want to take. Otherwise I have to play way left on 11, turning it into a 3 shot par 5, and way right on 15 making it a 4i into the green instead of a 9i. I”m long (for me) and consistent with the CSX LS, just need to find the Srixon ball with similar numbers.
Oh I feel like I’ve been putting my feedback in the wrong thread.
I’ve been playing the Diamond some again the last couple weeks. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s not the longest but the spin and flight profile is a nice match for me with my Srixons. It’s a good pairing. Good around the greens. I still love it off my putter. Sounds like a cracker off the Aerojet LS too.
I used the Z-STAR today and was super impressed. Good launch, great spin around the greens and durability is solid.
I need to burn through my prior model to get some of these new ones in play. :unsure:
I need to go grab a dozen each of the z Star line and figure out which to play.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11478668, member: 5944″]
Random thought for the day, why is it Z-Star XV and not just X?
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that is a great question actually.
I’ve been trying to find which of these balls works for me. I’ve been playing the standard Z-Star Divide and tried the Z-Star XV my last round. I felt I might be losing some driver distance with the Z-Star, but after measuring with gps app, it was getting me out to a total distance of 260-270 on good strikes. A number I’m happy with. The XV was a bit further, but not by much. Both balls spun well and checked up with the irons and wedges. But I like the softer feel of the Z-Star.
I plan to give the Diamond a try. Hopefully this weekend.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11487753, member: 46310″]
I’ve been trying to find which of these balls works for me. I’ve been playing the standard Z-Star Divide and tried the Z-Star XV my last round. I felt I might be losing some driver distance with the Z-Star, but after measuring with gps app, it was getting me out to a total distance of 260-270 on good strikes. A number I’m happy with. The XV was a bit further, but not by much. Both balls spun well and checked up with the irons and wedges. But I like the softer feel of the Z-Star.
I plan to give the Diamond a try. Hopefully this weekend.
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I’m interested to hear your feedback on the Diamond. I still think the Z feels better than it does, but it’s not far off in my opinion. Hoping once I get the SkyTrak+ up and running, I can have a really thorough comparison between the two. It’s hard for me to attribute driver performance to a ball – most of the time I just feel like it’s random and I got lucky :LOL:
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11487978, member: 1193″]
It’s hard for me to attribute driver performance to a ball – most of the time I just feel like it’s random and I got lucky :LOL:
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I feel the same way. I don’t always hit the center of the face, so a good drive is usually a good swing and not any ball difference. But I have been measuring my drives recently to get numbers on the course. It’s only total distance and doesn’t take into account bounce and conditions, but it’s something.
I was hitting 2 balls on most every shot yesterday to compote diamond and the csxls. The two feel pretty similar and had pretty similar results on th shots where I hit them equal. Unfortunately I only had 2 drivers where I hit them similar and that’s where my biggest concern is. On those 2 shots they were pretty similar results
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11487978, member: 1193″]
I’m interested to hear your feedback on the Diamond. I still think the Z feels better than it does, but it’s not far off in my opinion. Hoping once I get the SkyTrak+ up and running, I can have a really thorough comparison between the two. It’s hard for me to attribute driver performance to a ball – most of the time I just feel like it’s random and I got lucky :LOL:
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[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11489673, member: 46310″]
I feel the same way. I don’t always hit the center of the face, so a good drive is usually a good swing and not any ball difference. But I have been measuring my drives recently to get numbers on the course. It’s only total distance and doesn’t take into account bounce and conditions, but it’s something.
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And just like that, I’m completely waffling.
I don’t do a lot of comparisons off the tee box because of what I said above (and I’m always convinced that there’s some karmic rule that says I’m going to lose the second ball since I’m a weirdo), but I did yesterday. QST and Z Star.
I did this twice on two of my favorite driving holes. Both balls were [I]relatively [/I]similar in terms of contact and ball flight. I am not a robot, unless maybe somebody made a robot that is the opposite of other robots.
Hole 7 (elevated tee box).
QST – 243
Z Star – 266 (!)
These were both mid-height draws. The Q was a shade more toe side and likely carried a bit less spin based on the ball flight being a little lower. The Z was dead center, a little higher, and actually carried where the QST stopped rolling.
Hole 9 (hitting up a hill to a plateau)
QST – 212
Z Star – 229
These, again, were both mid-height draws. Z was maybe a little bit more centered up, but they didn’t feel remarkably different in terms of contact. Numbers aren’t big, but it’s way uphill. I was happy with both tbh.
I’m not sure what to take away from that. I have the part of me that says it’s just coincidence and then part of me says Z Star is life. Again, can’t wait to test them out on a monitor one of these days.
Yeah I really really like the q star for everything besides off the tee.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11502029, member: 52381″]
Yeah I really really like the q star for everything besides off the tee.
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What do you notice outside distance (I assume that’s why you don’t like it from the tee). Ball flight different? I’m trying to nail down why there would be a difference – speed, spin, etc.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11502061, member: 1193″]
What do you notice outside distance (I assume that’s why you don’t like it from the tee). Ball flight different? I’m trying to nail down why there would be a difference – speed, spin, etc.
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It seems to fly just fine. Not to high/low, not over spinning. Got to assume it’s just ball speed.
It’s playable but doesn’t have any of those wow drives like the zstar xv.
I do like it a bit better off irons. Which is why the diamond intrigues me. Maybe it splits those keeps more distance off the tee, little more spin feel with irons.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11502070, member: 52381″]
It seems to fly just fine. Not to high/low, not over spinning. Got to assume it’s just ball speed.
It’s playable but doesn’t have any of those wow drives like the zstar xv.
I do like it a bit better off irons. Which is why the diamond intrigues me. Maybe it splits those keeps more distance off the tee, little more spin feel with irons.
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Well dangit. Now you’re making me want to revisit Diamond.