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?
I got the 3 for 2 xv divide from DSG, $73 shipped to my door in 2 days. I am liking the ball a lot. Long off the driver w plenty of green side spin for me. Putt nicely as well. Durability seems fine. I wish I’d gotten more.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11594376, member: 59233″]
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.
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I’ve found them to be plenty durable. Take that for what it’s worth since I lose a lot of golf balls. But I’ve only had to throw 1 away due to cover scratches, and that was because I bounced it off the cart path.
Watching Keegan down the stretch reminded me to pull out some Diamonds for some testing time.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11594376, member: 59233″]
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.
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I haven’t had any durability issues with the Z Star XV divides so far.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11594376, member: 59233″]
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.
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The finish on the Z-Star is more durable than the Q-Star Divide in my opinion. Easier to clean as well.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11594376, member: 59233″]
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.
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The only thing I can really compare them to at the moment are CSX’s since I’ve hit both a bunch indoors over the last couple months. I posted a picture of the CSX leaving residue on my wedges with swings as short as half swings. Both the Diamond and Z haven’t left a similar mark on the same wedge with any swing.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11597116, member: 3″]
Watching Keegan down the stretch reminded me to pull out some Diamonds for some testing time.
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Diamond may be my new ball. Was playing the regular Z star. Have put the diamond in play here and there the last 4 rounds or so and notice that my longest drives are with the diamond. Do not appear to be sacrificing in other areas. It doesnt to me seem any harder off the face. Will keep comparing it to z star the next few rounds but barring some really conclusive data that makes an argument against, will be what I go with.
I think the XV is my favorite. It’s longer off the tee. The compression doesn’t bother me even though I usually like a softer ball. There’s plenty of spin going into greens. Lots of check ups the last few rounds I’ve played. I did get some QST’s to try as well. I like them, just less distance and it seems not as much spin going into greens.
But again, I’d be happy with any of them.
I wanted to comment again on the durability of both the Z and the Diamond. I have put six balls (three of each) through the absolute ringer since getting the ST+. Just the amount of wedge shots alone should have destroyed these golf balls, but they are still going strong. Will try to get pictures today.
I plan on doing a comparison on both balls for both the driver and wedges, hopefully today. I’d like to incorporate iron swings into that, but frankly I’m just hoping to hit my irons with a 60% proficiency rate right now. There is no way for me to realistically pick a better ball for myself with irons.
Here is a comparison of the Z and the Diamond with the same 54 degree RTX 6 wedge. This was a 75% swing that I’d use in the 70-75 yard range. I was setting up with a slightly opened face, as I find that 1) increases my spin and bit and 2) mitigates my tendency to pull wedges. My takeaway is I am more than happy with the performance of both balls here. My anecdotal feedback has been similar as well.
Top data set is the Z and bottom data set is the Diamond. Shot score is high because ST+ expects me to be swinging full.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9192344[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11628884, member: 1193″]
Here is a comparison of the Z and the Diamond with the same 54 degree RTX 6 wedge. This was a 75% swing that I’d use in the 70-75 yard range. I was setting up with a slightly opened face, as I find that 1) increases my spin and bit and 2) mitigates my tendency to pull wedges. My takeaway is I am more than happy with the performance of both balls here. My anecdotal feedback has been similar as well.
Top data set is the Z and bottom data set is the Diamond. Shot score is high because ST+ expects me to be swinging full.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”Capture.JPG”]9192344[/ATTACH]
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Man Hawk, I like what I see from the Z. Flatter, more spin, checks.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11628900, member: 1579″]
Man Hawk, I like what I see from the Z. Flatter, more spin, checks.
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Yea, if forced to pick, I’d take it as well for a few reasons. Just the fact that it comes in Tour Yellow alone is a big deal, but feel and performance is just there for me as well.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11628902, member: 1193″]
Yea, if forced to pick, I’d take it as well for a few reasons. Just the fact that it comes in Tour Yellow alone is a big deal, but feel and performance is just there for me as well.
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I like the Diamond a lot, but the Z just has always been so well rounded in my experiences
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11628911, member: 1579″]
I like the Diamond a lot, but the Z just has always been so well rounded in my experiences
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I did test them both with driver, but was a bit gassed by the time I got there, so I’m not going to make any major conclusions.
I’ve always been a high compression ball guy.
But I’m going to pick up some regular zstars. All this ball fitting talk is in my head. I need to shake it up.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11628917, member: 1193″]
I did test them both with driver, but was a bit gassed by the time I got there, so I’m not going to make any major conclusions.
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Do you plan on doing another driver test between the two at a time when you have more left in the tank?
This is good stuff. I still teeter between z and diamond as they both suit me well but if there is one that may be just a hair better numbers wise, good to know.
[QUOTE=”jwwong10, post: 11631890, member: 74038″]
Do you plan on doing another driver test between the two at a time when you have more left in the tank?
This is good stuff. I still teeter between z and diamond as they both suit me well but if there is one that may be just a hair better numbers wise, good to know.
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Yea, I will for sure eventually. As for now, they’re pretty dang similar.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11628884, member: 1193″]
Here is a comparison of the Z and the Diamond with the same 54 degree RTX 6 wedge. This was a 75% swing that I’d use in the 70-75 yard range. I was setting up with a slightly opened face, as I find that 1) increases my spin and bit and 2) mitigates my tendency to pull wedges. My takeaway is I am more than happy with the performance of both balls here. My anecdotal feedback has been similar as well.
Top data set is the Z and bottom data set is the Diamond. Shot score is high because ST+ expects me to be swinging full.
[ATTACH=full]9192344[/ATTACH]
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I see someone already had the same question I did about doing the same thing with the driver. I keep going back and forth between the XV and the Diamond and I really can’t decide which I like better. I thought the Diamond was getting a little squirrley off the driver, but I’ve decided it’s just that I seem to have lost my driver swing the last few rounds.
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11632069, member: 67660″]
I see someone already had the same question I did about doing the same thing with the driver. I keep going back and forth between the XV and the Diamond and I really can’t decide which I like better. I thought the Diamond was getting a little squirrley off the driver, but I’ve decided it’s just that I seem to have lost my driver swing the last few rounds.
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That happens more than I wish!
[QUOTE=”J.B. Cobb III, post: 11597127, member: 50607″]
The finish on the Z-Star is more durable than the Q-Star Divide in my opinion. Easier to clean as well.
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I 100% agree with this! I feel like the Z-Star is holding up quite nicely!
Zstar aquired
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11632350, member: 52381″]
Zstar aquired
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I’m set for a while with the xvs. ?
Been trying out the z-star the last couple of weeks and really liking it. I was using the QST, which is a fantastic ball, but just wanted to try something new. Distance off the tee wiht the z-star has been comparable, but where I’m enjoying it the most is on my approach shots and around the green. I seem to be getting more spin out of the z-star on my approaches and chips. My last round, I regularly found the ball was stopping no more than 2-3 ft or so from the pitch mark even on the long approaches. Ball also seems to be pretty durable, so all around a great ball.
[QUOTE=”mson, post: 11639082, member: 66070″]
Been trying out the z-star the last couple of weeks and really liking it. I was using the QST, which is a fantastic ball, but just wanted to try something new. Distance off the tee wiht the z-star has been comparable, but where I’m enjoying it the most is on my approach shots and around the green. I seem to be getting more spin out of the z-star on my approaches and chips. My last round, I regularly found the ball was stopping no more than 2-3 ft or so from the pitch mark even on the long approaches. Ball also seems to be pretty durable, so all around a great ball.
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I’ve played the zstar xv for awhile and dabbled with the QST.
been toying with putting the reg zstar in play, but don’t like hearing it’s the same distance off the tee as the QST. :confused: that’s my biggest knock on the QST is distance off the tee.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11639085, member: 52381″]
I’ve played the zstar xv for awhile and dabbled with the QST.
been toying with putting the reg zstar in play, but don’t like hearing it’s the same distance off the tee as the QST. :confused: that’s my biggest knock on the QST is distance off the tee.
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Yeah, I was hoping to see both distance and spin, but only truly noticed the spin. If there were any gains off the tee, it was probably minimal for me.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11639085, member: 52381″]
I’ve played the zstar xv for awhile and dabbled with the QST.
been toying with putting the reg zstar in play, but don’t like hearing it’s the same distance off the tee as the QST. :confused: that’s my biggest knock on the QST is distance off the tee.
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I have been playing around a little bit with the Zstar diamond and from what I can tell, I am getting more distance with the diamond off the tee versus the regular Z. I can’t tell anything appreciable regarding spin/greeenside or irons, but that is just anecdotal, and have no hard launch monitor numbers to back that up.
Just picked up another box of diamond after having played the XV for a few boxes. Let’s see if I can get my driver swing to cooperate enough to get a better feel for them there. I love the Diamond off the irons into greens.
Divides are in the house. Hope to get them in play tomorrow.
Consider me a Divide convert. Not to say I’m solely committed to them, but I’m a fan. I did add a sharpie line along the transition on one side. That’s a better option for lining up putts to my eye and doesn’t really detract.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11661797, member: 1193″]
Consider me a Divide convert. Not to say I’m solely committed to them, but I’m a fan. I did add a sharpie line along the transition on one side. That’s a better option for lining up putts to my eye and doesn’t really detract.
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I like them. I don’t really use the dividing line as a guide at the moment. I just like the look.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11661883, member: 46310″]
I like them. I don’t really use the dividing line as a guide at the moment. I just like the look.
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For sure. The Tour Yellow is classic as always, but the white side has a nice pearlescent thing going on. Very sharp. The divide isn’t quite as noticeable in the air as you see on the blue/yellow QST, but it’s so much easier to spot on the ground.
Why did I wait so long to Divide? I may have to pick up a box of XV – 34.99 for the 2022 version at my local GG.
[USER=59872]@Hibs[/USER] was not a fan of this golf ball :ROFLMAO:?
I’m team divide as well.
I’m going to put my vote in to get the crazier colors into the z star xv line
Started playing the Z star after the 2 packs went on sale and I really liked the ball. I don’t think I get quite the distance I see with the XV but overall I was very happy with it
I’m in love with the XV Divides. Love the white and yellow split. Great visual, for me, through the air and when putting. They’re just fun. Also, the performance I’m seeing out of them is exactly what I want out of a golf ball. Great distance, plenty of spin, and nice solid feel off the putter.
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Overall I have been really loving this years z star and z star diamond depending on if I need more spin or not.
The only issue for me is that they are scuffing a little bit easily and thus I am getting sometimes less than one round but usually less than two rounds before needing to replace a ball.
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2023 zstar xv divides are next to get in play. I need to settle on something soon.
I have been playing the diamond all year and am still really happy with them. They feel good everywhere, respond the way I expect and seem as long as other balls I play. There are times when I feel like they get marked up a bit out of bunkers. Has anyone else seen that?
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 11690628, member: 48542″]
I have been playing the diamond all year and am still really happy with them. They feel good everywhere, respond the way I expect and seem as long as other balls I play. There are times when I feel like they get marked up a bit out of bunkers. Has anyone else seen that?
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Not something I have seen thus far but will be something I will be on the lookout for.
finally put some 2023 zstar xv in play this weekend. I’m not sure I like them as much as the old model. hard to put my finger on it. Played fine with them for the most part but they feel softer. had some old model divides still in the bag and it felt a little stronger and straighter in with wind.
Went back the the XV today and I think it’s definitely the right ball for me. I keep wanting to like the Diamond, and it is fantastic off the irons and wedges into greens, but I just lose too many of them off the driver. The XV straightens me out a bit and finds a lot more fairways and still bites into the green nicely.
I’m all Divide, all the time at this point. They are very hard to lose for me – easy to see in the air and easier to see on the ground.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11760831, member: 1193″]
I’m all Divide, all the time at this point. They are very hard to lose for me – easy to see in the air and easier to see on the ground.
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I absolutely love them.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11760831, member: 1193″]
I’m all Divide, all the time at this point. They are very hard to lose for me – easy to see in the air and easier to see on the ground.
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hmm, I might have to grab a box of the Xv Divide. I tried the Qstar that was blue and yellow and that was the hardest ball to find ever if it ended up blue side up. Sure was cool watching it fly though.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11760831, member: 1193″]
I’m all Divide, all the time at this point. They are very hard to lose for me – easy to see in the air and easier to see on the ground.
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I’m thinking there’s going to be a lot of divides out there. :love:
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 11761241, member: 67660″]
hmm, I might have to grab a box of the Xv Divide. I tried the Qstar that was blue and yellow and that was the hardest ball to find ever if it ended up blue side up. Sure was cool watching it fly though.
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yea that one is not my favorite.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11761247, member: 52381″]
I’m thinking there’s going to be a lot of divides out there. :love:
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Funny, because one thing I like is that I always know which ball is mine normally.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11761247, member: 52381″]
I’m thinking there’s going to be a lot of divides out there. :love:
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I’m divided on these… ? Come on, ya know I had to.
Wish they had a yellow diamond.
I am a lower spin player and my choose when dry have greens that are firm and the added spin would help.
I like the XV distance of the tee but don’t get enough greenside spin.
Z star works as an all around ball and as it gets colder it compressed better and ends up being longer
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