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: 11502013, member: 1193″]
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.
[/QUOTE]
I’ll have to measure the next time I’m out. I don’t hit 2 drives because I’m usually walking 9 holes and don’t want to walk to both shots. Maybe I’ll ride and try out the Z Star and the Diamond next time out. I’m curious what comes of it.
My coach offers indoor training on trackman. I might bite the bullet and have an hour practice and see what the numbers are. I really like the Z Star around the greens and with the irons. My only issue has been a few drives that didn’t seem to go as far as I thought they should.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11502106, member: 46310″]
I’ll have to measure the next time I’m out. I don’t hit 2 drives because I’m usually walking 9 holes and don’t want to walk to both shots. Maybe I’ll ride and try out the Z Star and the Diamond next time out. I’m curious what comes of it.
My coach offers indoor training on trackman. I might bite the bullet and have an hour practice and see what the numbers are. I really like the Z Star around the greens and with the irons. My only issue has been a few drives that didn’t seem to go as far as I thought they should.
[/QUOTE]
Trackman sounds fun for sure.
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11452192, member: 67660″]
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.
[/QUOTE]
I love Courses like that, they make you think instead of just grabbing a Club and whaling away.
[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.
[/QUOTE]
In my testing, the Q Star was really nice in everything else but distance. Compared to Z Star and otgers, it lost distance a little or a lot. Driver was naturally the biggest difference.
[QUOTE=”Inioch, post: 11502522, member: 72219″]
In my testing, the Q Star was really nice in everything else but distance. Compared to Z Star and otgers, it lost distance a little or a lot. Driver was naturally the biggest difference.
[/QUOTE]
Very interesting. I would have probably not expected that had I not seen it.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11502677, member: 1193″]
Very interesting. I would have probably not expected that had I not seen it.
[/QUOTE]
I had to check again when I was doing it, as the difference was big.
I checked my data and Q star was 3-4mph slower ball speed on same club head speeds with wedges and irons. Pretty much the same with a driver. That translated directly to distances of course.
Big fan of the diamond! It’s really good in all areas. Especially off the tee and in the wind. Great with mid irons as well. Love the control!
I’m still using the Z-Star Divide and liking a lot of aspects about it. Had lots of balls check up and even had some roll back with the wedges. Feel and spin are my favorite aspects of the Z-Star.
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”118px”]9179274[/ATTACH] [ATTACH type=”full” width=”130px”]9179275[/ATTACH]
Left was 52* CBX Full Face 2 out of the sand from 85 yards. Right was 48* CBX Zipcore from 110 yards.
I’ve been worried about distance off the tee, but good strikes are still getting me far enough and putting me a good distance away for approach shots. I still plan to give the XV a trial run. As well as the Diamond.
From a looks perspective, I love the Divide. I don’t even use it to line up my putts. I just like the 2 colors.
I have been using the Q Star Blue/yellow Divide the last few rounds. I have no gripe with it other than I have a hard time seeing it once it hits the ground. It holds the green well, sounds good striking it and I enjoy putting with them. I lost 2 balls today that landed in fairway and should have been easily found but my old eyes just can’t find them. Even my playing partners had the same problem. My next few rounds I’ll try some ? and see how I like them.
The Z Star Diamond has really won me over lately.
[QUOTE=”wazzubrew, post: 11514079, member: 60811″]
The Z Star Diamond has really won me over lately.
[/QUOTE]
What about it do you like compared to the others in the lineup?
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11514339, member: 46310″]
What about it do you like compared to the others in the lineup?
[/QUOTE]
I would say that it’s as advertised. Really good distance on irons with better ball flight & ability to hold greens compared to rest of lineup for me. I feel like I hit more FIRs and GIRs, but approach shots ~140+ yards are really where I notice its performance the most.
I’m really looking forward to comparing the Z and the Diamond on a monitor. I’m actually going to save any more comparison between the two until after I can do that.
As it stands, the Z has defeated the QST for me, except when I feel like I’m going to lose balls off the tee. We all have those days, and I’d rather lose a slightly cheaper ball. The Z does seem longer, and I actually find myself preferring a slightly firmer feel than the QST. Speaking of feel, I do think the Z manages to find that perfect sweet spot between soft and firm. I think some of this is related to using firmer balls over the winter, but my love affair with ultra soft golf balls seems to have ended.
Spin performance with the Z still impresses me every time, and I feel like it still manages to be one of the more durable balls out there, especially visually when it comes to the Tour Yellow.
Looking forward to seeing your results with this. Feel free to throw in the XV to that comparison ?
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11532720, member: 67660″]
Looking forward to seeing your results with this. Feel free to throw in the XV to that comparison ?
[/QUOTE]
I probably should. For some reason I’ve just discounted it altogether, but you never know until you try.
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11532720, member: 67660″]
Looking forward to seeing your results with this. Feel free to throw in the XV to that comparison ?
[/QUOTE]
Just ordered some XV’s. I tried a sleeve of them and thought they were great. But on a bad day I have a high lost ball rate and that sleeve didn’t last long. Hopefully these can last a little bit longer.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11532742, member: 46310″]
Just ordered some XV’s. I tried a sleeve of them and thought they were great. But on a bad day I have a high lost ball rate and that sleeve didn’t last long. Hopefully these can last a little bit longer.
[/QUOTE]
I have the same problem sometimes. I lost the original dozen Diamond balls very quickly. The next one I bought has hung around much better.
The Z-Star is my gamer, has been since 2019, and this offseason I got a box of the Diamonds to try out. I tested the XV as well, but I just wasn’t getting the performance I was hoping for around the greens. Though now that this year they’ve changed the XV to a 3 piece ball, I am interested again. Has anyone tried this new version yet?
[QUOTE=”DiscipleofPenick, post: 11532890, member: 71800″]
The Z-Star is my gamer, has been since 2019, and this offseason I got a box of the Diamonds to try out. I tested the XV as well, but I just wasn’t getting the performance I was hoping for around the greens. Though now that this year they’ve changed the XV to a 3 piece ball, I am interested again. Has anyone tried this new version yet?
[/QUOTE]
I haven’t played it yet, but there are a couple guys that have I believe. Maybe they’ll chime in.
[QUOTE=”Steve2100, post: 11514041, member: 57217″]
I have been using the Q Star Blue/yellow Divide the last few rounds. I have no gripe with it other than I have a hard time seeing it once it hits the ground. It holds the green well, sounds good striking it and I enjoy putting with them. I lost 2 balls today that landed in fairway and should have been easily found but my old eyes just can’t find them. Even my playing partners had the same problem. My next few rounds I’ll try some ? and see how I like them.
[/QUOTE]
Have you tried the yellow/orange version of the QStar divides if you have issues seeing ball on the ground? That color scheme seems to be much easier to spot. Love the look of the blue and yellow but have the same issue finding them on the ground. Everything else great! Have not played in wet conditions recently but spin seems to be reduced with the matte cover in those situations.
[QUOTE=”jwwong10, post: 11533606, member: 74038″]
Have you tried the yellow/orange version of the QStar divides if you have issues seeing ball on the ground? That color scheme seems to be much easier to spot. Love the look of the blue and yellow but have the same issue finding them on the ground. Everything else great! Have not played in wet conditions recently but spin seems to be reduced with the matte cover in those situations.
[/QUOTE]
Yes I have used them in the past and will probably go back to them again this summer. The XV Divides are really easy to see too.
[QUOTE=”jwwong10, post: 11533606, member: 74038″]
Have you tried the yellow/orange version of the QStar divides if you have issues seeing ball on the ground? That color scheme seems to be much easier to spot. Love the look of the blue and yellow but have the same issue finding them on the ground. Everything else great! Have not played in wet conditions recently but spin seems to be reduced with the matte cover in those situations.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=”Steve2100, post: 11533686, member: 57217″]
Yes I have used them in the past and will probably go back to them again this summer. The XV Divides are really easy to see too.
[/QUOTE]
I can’t do it. I tried but that thing is hard to look at. I will play yellow Zs, but not the two color balls.
Used the latest version of Z Star’s last time out and was elated with the performance I saw. Need to do a head to head against the Q-Star Tour’s and see if there’s enough of a difference to justify the higher $$. I doubt with my game I’ll notice a big difference.
I get it. Every Ball lost is “well, there goes another $4.
Getting close on just losing 1 Ball a round so it’s close to comparing z vs xv. Right now still playing my old Project a.
A 42 on frt and doing great on back until a 11 on last. Final score a 91… what could have been. Starting to see my old game back, just not as long.
Anyone playing the xv’s?
[QUOTE=”just8abug, post: 11533748, member: 12543″]
Used the latest version of Z Star’s last time out and was elated with the performance I saw. Need to do a head to head against the Q-Star Tour’s and see if there’s enough of a difference to justify the higher $$. I doubt with my game I’ll notice a big difference.
[/QUOTE]
Was playing my xv’s and found a Q tour. Hit both and Q felt softer but hooked left and never found it so not a proper test.
Had a ball fitting yesterday and the Srixon Z-Star XV won out as the ball that fitted me best for what I need. Had been playing CSX for 2 yrs but the lower launch and trajectory always felt like it didn’t help my game. Played with them today and helped tremendously off the tee as I didn’t have to try to launch the ball higher as it’d do it itself, and iron shots were great as they flew higher than normal.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11537581, member: 59233″]
Had a ball fitting yesterday and the Srixon Z-Star XV won out as the ball that fitted me best for what I need. Had been playing CSX for 2 yrs but the lower launch and trajectory always felt like it didn’t help my game. Played with them today and helped tremendously off the tee as I didn’t have to try to launch the ball higher as it’d do it itself, and iron shots were great as they flew higher than normal.
[/QUOTE]
How’s the feel working out for you? I have some preconceived notions about that ball, but maybe I need to get over that. Had some free money at Dick’s and just grabbed another dozen Z-Stars yesterday though.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11540145, member: 1193″]
How’s the feel working out for you? I have some preconceived notions about that ball, but maybe I need to get over that. Had some free money at Dick’s and just grabbed another dozen Z-Stars yesterday though.
[/QUOTE]
Coming from the CSX I’m used to firmer ball so no issue at all, maybe a touch softer but that could be just me.
After a little bit of play with the new Diamond. I actually prefer the previous version. Not the biggest fan of the new ball.
The divide is by new go to, love the white/yellow. And for some reason I love the double number numbering system!! 11, 22, 33, 44
Really enjoying the Z-Star divide at the moment, was hitting Z-Star Diamond but find the divide seems to get through the air wind better for me
now that 2+1 is here, time to get into the 23’s…will be paying a visit to the store this weekend for some XV’s
I’d love to be able to get a whole box of Z-Star XV Divides with the 33 number. The XV Divide has been my go-to for more than a year. I like the look and using them to line up on putts is very confidence-inspiring compared to a line-up line that doesn’t circumnavigate the ball.
I might have to put a Divide in play for the weekly scramble tonight.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 11542282, member: 53139″]
After a little bit of play with the new Diamond. I actually prefer the previous version. Not the biggest fan of the new ball.
[/QUOTE]
What do you like less about the new version?
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 11544411, member: 40538″]
What do you like less about the new version?
[/QUOTE]
Not really sure.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 11544455, member: 53139″]
Not really sure.
[/QUOTE]
How do you like it less if you don’t know what you like less about it? lol. I’m not being a smart a… either. I’m legitimately confused. Is it spin, feel, launch, etc?
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 11544463, member: 40538″]
How do you like it less if you don’t know what you like less about it? lol. I’m not being a smart a… either. I’m legitimately confused. Is it spin, feel, launch, etc?
[/QUOTE]
I am saying I dont really know what was changed, I know it performs differently. It is slower off the tee for one and does not seem to have the same zip around the greens.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 11544473, member: 53139″]
I am saying I dont really know what was changed, I know it performs differently. It is slower off the tee for one and does not seem to have the same zip around the greens.
[/QUOTE]
Gotcha. That makes sense now.
I tried a sleeve of the diamonds today. Seemed to follow what Srixon is stating about each ball. Went a little further than the Z-Star. Averaged 270 on my quality drives. Close to the XV. Spin was good. Had a few solid check ups. I’ll need to play more with each, but at the moment, I could see myself being happy using any of them. Probably speaks to the inconsistencies in my game rather than the any of the models.
I might load up with the Buy 2 Get 1 sale Srixon has going on right now.
The 3 for 2 sale is a great deal for Father’s Day loaded up on 3 dozen more really liking the performance of the XV.
I have really enjoyed the XV divide recently. Plenty of distance and enough spin around the greens. I am going to grab the 3 for 2. The divide is worth playing XV over diamond for me.
Played the XV the last 2 rounds to compare to the diamond. I think I’m seeing exactly what I expected…little longer off the tees, little less spin into the green. I’m honestly not sure which I prefer. need some more rounds.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11549002, member: 59233″]The 3 for 2 sale is a great deal for Father’s Day loaded up on 3 dozen more really liking the performance of the XV.[/QUOTE]
I did the same. Great deal.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
3 boxes of XV Divides for $70 is a hard deal to pass. My last few boxes of Zstars were fragile though. Hope these covers are tougher.
I’m still trying to figure which to use. I think the Diamond is out. I used a sleeve for a few rounds and while they were very good, they had a tendency to side spin a bit too much. Could absolutely be my swing. But it’s coming down to Z star and XV. I might go for the distance of the XV.
I have played a handful of rounds with the new diamond and XV Divide. I like both but am 100% set on the XV. Durability is very good, doesn’t feel firmer to me, and is definitely a little longer and a bit straighter. I’m not a super high spin player but had no issues hitting and holding on every approach. Timing on the 3 for 2 deal couldn’t have been better and I’m set for a while with 6 dozen balls of XV and XV Divide!
Half a regular round and a scramble with the XV and I’m kind of liking it. Going to try to get out tomorrow or Friday on my regular course with it
Only made it through 11 holes before lightning ended the round but really enjoyed the XV again today. Think this may be the ball for me
How’s the durability on these been holding up? They’ve been getting beat up pretty bad in my experience especially with the yellow whether in a divide or a solid yellow ball.