Though it seems like we have limitless options in 2023, it’s easy to forget there was a glaring hole in the golf ball market back when Srixon first introduced the Q Star (and eventually, Q Star Tour). With some exceptions, it seemed like most major brands offered a low-end ball and a high-end line, but there wasn’t much available in the middle. The Q Star was designed to offer a slightly more premium experience for customers not possessing the skill or swing speed to best utilize a Tour-level golf ball. Since that time, the line has evolved, most notably into the Q Star Tour, which offers many of the same features as the venerated Z Star with a softer feel and lower price point. 2024’s version of the Q Star Tour, the line’s fifth generation, continues this well-received tradition and builds on it with some design changes.
Reformulated FastLayer Core
The 2024 Srixon Q Star Tour 5’s most noticeable and exciting change is a newly formulated FastLayer Core. While the ball remains geared towards sub-Tour swing speeds due to its lower compression, this new core was designed to be slightly firmer and faster to improve ball speeds on full swings. Still, the new core should help reduce side spin with woods and full iron swings.
FastLayer continues to utilize Srixon’s technology of varying layers of firmness throughout the core. The company says it best when they note that after starting at the center of the core they add, “thousands of layers, resulting in a gradual transition from firm to soft. This transition allows for a core firm enough at the center to generate powerful ball speeds and distance, soft at the edge for unparalleled feel in a tour-performance package.”
Urethane Cover with Spin Skin
The Q Star Tour’s ultra-thin urethane cover is intended to provide Tour-level spin, and Srixon notes that this year’s version is even softer. We’ll discuss how the cover performs both on the course and on the launch monitor later in the article, but it is always worth celebrating lower-cost options in the urethane ball space.
Spin Skin, a proprietary coating that Srixon claims enhances spin at the “microscopic” level is again present with the 2024 Q Star Tour. The company notes that this coating enhances the elasticity of the urethane cover, increasing the ball’s ability to grab onto the club face. This evenly distributes load across the ball and maximizes spin and control. In hand, it’s easy to feel the softness of the urethane cover and Spin Skin. It feels supple in-hand and gives confidence that the ball will produce ample spin.
338 Speed Dimple Pattern
338 has been a magic number for Srixon for a long time, and 2024 is no different. This aerodynamic design has been tweaked to provide the most possible distance by limiting drag early in the ball’s flight and increasing lift at its terminus. In addition to distance benefits, Speed Dimples are intended to promote straighter flight, even in the wind.
Divide Technology
Srixon’s approach to visual technology has always been unique and forward-thinking. It doesn’t seem like any other company has come close to matching their legendary Tour Yellow color. In recent years, they’ve latched onto the Divide concept, where one half of the ball is one color and the other half another. With the Q Star Tour, Divide is executed in three different BRITE color combinations: Yellow/Orange, Yellow/Red, and Yellow/Blue.
Divide provides a convenient way to line up putts that Srixon calls 360 Alignment. A nice byproduct is also Divide’s ability to instantly provide roll feedback. In other words, if you are a wobbly putter, the Divide will let you know. Though it’s not necessarily a game-improving feature, there is something hypnotizing about watching Divide spin through the air. It’s especially noticeable with the Q Star Tour’s color combinations. As far as visibility goes, Yellow/Orange and Yellow/Red are by far the superior options, with Yellow/Blue proving a bit more difficult to see on the ground.
Q Star Tour Divide balls also have a new, soft urethane cover but appear to come without the Spin Skin coating. With a matte finish, the balls feel much different than the line’s Pure White or Tour Yellow options in the hand, but the fingernail test does illustrate the cover’s softness.
We still have our hopes up that Srixon will offer the Q Star Tour in the Tour Yellow/Pure White Divide combination. It’s currently only available with the Z Star line and is a personal favorite of ours.
2024 Srixon Q Star Tour Performance
In early November at the 2023 Srixon Experience in Briggs Ranch, TX, a group of THP forum members, including yours truly, were among the first in North America to sample the new Q Star Tour line over 54 holes of golf. This opportunity was even more unique in that none of the technical details covered above were known to us at the time. We were left to evaluate the ball on its own merits, without marketing information to guide our thoughts. Briggs Ranch, with its newly rebuilt, firm greens proved to be a stern test of the Q Star Tour’s performance.
The most common, and eventually self-validating, feedback was centered around how much better the 2024 version felt on full and partial swings. Previous generation Q Star Tours were soft; almost too soft. With the word “Tour” comes a set of expectations, and while soft feel is desirable, there is a point at which players begin to perceive it at a detraction. The 2024 version was noticeably firmer while still managing to remain on the softer side of the spectrum, striking a much better balance that appealed to a wider section of player types. Of course, in retrospect, these observations matched perfectly with Srixon’s description of their new FastLayer Core. I do confess to some self-indulgent back patting.
Also interesting were the lack of comments about distance loss among the faster-swinging players. This was a common criticism heard about earlier versions of the Q Star Tour, and it seems that the reformulated core may have remedied that to an extent. Obviously, fitting will always come into play here, and we aren’t suggesting the new Q Star Tour will be a universal fit for everybody, but the improvement seemed to be tangible.
The Q Star Tour sits in an interesting part of the golf ball market, especially when you consider how it should perform in comparison to the more-expensive Z-Star series. The $39.99 price tag is closing in on a 20% discount over Srixon’s premium lines but is priced well above what we’d consider a “discount” ball. With a heavy emphasis from the company on its urethane cover and Spin Skin coating, Srixon has a fine line to walk between making the ball provide enough spin without diminishing the value of the Z Star.
Regarding outdoor testing, it’s important to again note that our first look at the Q Star Tour’s spin performance took place on brand new, TifEagle Bermuda greens. These firm and fast greens didn’t make it easy to stick wedge shots with any ball, but a comparative look made it seem like the Q Star Tour held its own. Low spinning shots did produce visible check with solid contact, though maybe not to the level we’d see with the industry’s spinniest balls.
Later testing with a SkyTrak+ illustrated this as well. The Z Star, long considered a top choice for short game spin, did beat out the Q Star Tour, but the results were closer than you might expect. With a 54 degree wedge and using a partial swing, we took a number of (ideally) 75-80 yard wedge shots to produce the averages below. Keep in mind that robot testing, or testing conducted by a different player, may not match what we show here. This is an “average” player’s swing, with all its faults and inconsistencies, but it’s what I was blessed with.
Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry | Total | Peak Height | |
Q Star Tour | 69 mph | 31 deg | 7566 rpm | 78 yards | 79 yards | 17 yards |
Z Star | 69 mph | 29 deg | 7979 rpm | 79 yards | 79 yards | 16 yards |
At just over 400 rpm more spin, the Z Star did outperform the Q Star Tour, but again, the two are quite close, especially when you consider the nature of an amateur swing. Is that extra 5% of spin worth the additional cost the Z Star commands? That’s a decision only you can make, but personally, with the improved feel and performance on full swings, the Q Star Tour is making a very strong case for being my 2024 ball of choice.
2024 Srixon Q Star Tour Details
- Available January 11, 2024
- $39.99
- Pure White and Tour Yellow
- Divide available in BRITE Yellow/Red, Yellow/Orange, and Yellow/Blue
- More information available at us.dunlopsports.com/srixon
Played this quite a bit, including at the Srixon event at Briggs Ranch we hosted with THPers and they all got to put them in play with their new equipment early. This to me was much more of an evolution than expected. Quite different than in years past. Its firmer, faster and performed significantly better for me personally.
The QST often gets lost in the shuffle when discussing premium golf balls and I think you can make the case using the phrase pound for pound right now that it will make a lot of golfers happy.
Thanks for the stats, always been a fan of the Divides and look forward to giving the QST a go.
Receiving these early was such a nice surprise at the Srixon Experience. The Q Star Tour was already my ball of choice as it is the perfect ball w/ my swing speed. Love the Divide line and they will be my ball of choice for a long time. Price point is fantastic as they perform like a $55/doz ball.
Great article, love hearing that this is the ball you guys got to try out at the Srixon Experience, can’t wait to hear more from that group about these balls now. I love the divide concept, it’s interesting that Srixon isn’t using the “spin skin” on these and instead going a matte finish I wonder what the difference in spin between the divides and regular q-star tours is.
Love the qst it’s been my go to. Can’t wait to see what the new edition feels like.
Great review Ryan! It seems like 2024 will have a lot of options for golfers out there from a ball perspective. It has been quite some time since I’ve put a Srixon ball in play. I may need to pick up a sleeve to do some testing with. Great price point.
Is the Orange/Yellow version of the Divide new?
QST was one of the balls I tested when looking for a gamer last year. Loved the feel, but lost too much from the tee. Gave them to my dad who loved them.
Will need to give the new ones a fresh look.
Good write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]
The thousand layers with each increasingly softer from the middle sounds interesting. Is that just how solid core golf balls are made or is that something they are doing exclusively here? It sounds intricate.
Probably my favorite ball from Srixon is the Q-Star Tour. I have plenty of the yellow and divides in my inventory. Will pick up the new ones when I am depleted.
Big fan of QST! Well written [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]! The fast layer core is very interesting. That would be fun to watch manufacturered.
QST lb for lb is probably the most underrated golf ball. While I personally don’t know how this one performs. If it performs as good or better than the last 4 generations. It definitely needs a look for many to go in the bag. Solid ball!
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 12066084, member: 47057″]
Good write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]
The thousand layers with each increasingly softer from the middle sounds interesting. Is that just how solid core golf balls are made or is that something they are doing exclusively here? It sounds intricate.
[/QUOTE]
That was a question of mine too. And then how do they do it?!
The Q-Star Tour has been my go to golf ball for several years now and the Divide being my go to since its release. At $32.99 and $34.99, they were always the best bang for your buck offering. I’m glad to see Srixon continue to innovate.
I was hoping to see more color combinations for the divide and maybe a non-matte finish, so that is a little disappointing. My only criticism of the divide was how fast they got dirty.
In 2024, I think I’m going to do some golf ball testing. With the new $39.99 price tag, that puts them inline with the TM Tour Response Stripe and the Wilson Triad.
Calling [USER=61009]@Deebo76[/USER] !
Definitely held up to the driver a little better which was always the biggest concern with the past QSTs.
Still pretty low spin overall.
Played it alongside the prior QST a bit in SA and while still soft overall, noticeably firmer.
I could play it all year and be pretty happy.
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 12066077, member: 74252″]
Love the qst it’s been my go to. Can’t wait to see what the new edition feels like.
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Saw you mention that recently and have been excited for you to see the new ones. I think you’re going to really like it.
[QUOTE=”TWright971, post: 12066069, member: 11048″]
Great article, love hearing that this is the ball you guys got to try out at the Srixon Experience, can’t wait to hear more from that group about these balls now. I love the divide concept, it’s interesting that Srixon isn’t using the “spin skin” on these and instead going a matte finish I wonder what the difference in spin between the divides and regular q-star tours is.
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I wish I could have got that done, but had a very limited number of Divides and foolishly lost my last one before I hit the monitor with it.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12066083, member: 19877″]
Great review Ryan! It seems like 2024 will have a lot of options for golfers out there from a ball perspective. It has been quite some time since I’ve put a Srixon ball in play. I may need to pick up a sleeve to do some testing with. Great price point.
Is the Orange/Yellow version of the Divide new?
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Edit: I believe so.
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 12066084, member: 47057″]
Good write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]
The thousand layers with each increasingly softer from the middle sounds interesting. Is that just how solid core golf balls are made or is that something they are doing exclusively here? It sounds intricate.
[/QUOTE]
Sorry, I don’t really know about the manufacturing process. I doubt they are laying layer after layer, though I can understand how it might read that way. I’m thinking layers of firmness. I dunno really lol. Probably the most important takeaway in my opinion is just that it’s a little firmer and quicker than before, which was a common complaint about previous versions (too soft/slow).
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12066083, member: 19877″]
Great review Ryan! It seems like 2024 will have a lot of options for golfers out there from a ball perspective. It has been quite some time since I’ve put a Srixon ball in play. I may need to pick up a sleeve to do some testing with. Great price point.
Is the Orange/Yellow version of the Divide new?
[/QUOTE]
I thought the orange yellow was new but now hawk has me questioning.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12066108, member: 52381″]
Definitely held up to the driver a little better which was always the biggest concern with the past QSTs.
Still pretty low spin overall.
Played it alongside the prior QST a bit in SA and while still soft overall, noticeably firmer.
I could play it all year and be pretty happy.
[/QUOTE]
I still think you and I are awesome for knowing the core was firmer before we knew the core was firmer.
I think your last line is most telling to me. This really isn’t a ball for a player with your speed, so the fact you would/could play it at all is worth mentioning.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12066158, member: 52381″]
I thought the orange yellow was new but now hawk has me questioning.
[/QUOTE]
I’m trying to remember as well…
[USER=50607]@Thrillbilly Jim[/USER] i know you game these are the Orange/Yellow colorway new?
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12066083, member: 19877″]
Great review Ryan! It seems like 2024 will have a lot of options for golfers out there from a ball perspective. It has been quite some time since I’ve put a Srixon ball in play. I may need to pick up a sleeve to do some testing with. Great price point.
Is the Orange/Yellow version of the Divide new?
[/QUOTE]
The orange/yellow version is not new. I played them for quite a while 2 years ago and from a visual perspective they were the easiest to spot on the ground no mayter which side landed up. The half red or half blue version were tougher visually to locate on the ground.
Glad to see a refresh on these! Not the ball for me as in the past it has felt like a marshmallow, but I don’t think this ball is intended for me (audience wise), but I now A LOT of peeps that like this ball, so cool to see the refresh for them.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12066158, member: 52381″]
I thought the orange yellow was new but now hawk has me questioning.
[/QUOTE]
Dang it. I think you are right. My bad.
Edit. Lmao. We need an official ruling here.
Great write up! Any early indications on durability? When I’ve played the QST, I’ve noticed that good wedge strikes take off paint and cover material.
I really like the divide as an option. I’m going to do a new ball shootout in the spring to choose my gamer for this year, QST has to be in the mix based on this article.
An improved Q Star Tour is interesting. A good performing ball at a very good price.
The yellow orange is a fun color either way.
Not as jarring as the blue/yellow.
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Srixon does their gloss yellows so well too.
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[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 12066170, member: 48815″]
Great write up! Any early indications on durability? When I’ve played the QST, I’ve noticed that good wedge strikes take off paint and cover material.
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I’ve been hitting the same three balls both indoors and outdoors for two months now, including a ton of wedge testing. I’m not terribly hard on golf balls to begin with, but I haven’t noticed any shredding.
[QUOTE=”Inioch, post: 12066179, member: 72219″]
I really like the divide as an option. I’m going to do a new ball shootout in the spring to choose my gamer for this year, QST has to be in the mix based on this article.
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I personally think it has be. Maybe it’s not the ball, but you never know until you try. I was talking to [USER=3]@JB[/USER] yesterday and called it a Z-Star Jr. I’m aware that’s a ton of hyperbole, and there are going to be people that don’t agree, but I stand by it. It’s softer, but not terribly soft. The cover and color feel/look very premium. The performance is close.
This is where the golf ball cost/performance thread I made came from. I am trying to figure out for myself personally at what level of performance leads me towards a $50-55 golf ball, because this one really does good things for me at $40.
The QST is the most underrated ball on the market, if you are a player of any of the DTC balls, you need to give the QST a look.
The ball is a winner. It looks like it is keeping it’s sparkly yellow color. Which is growing on me. But, I prefer the taxi cab yellow of the soft feel.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 12066198, member: 22002″]
The QST is the most underrated ball on the market, if you are a player of any of the DTC balls, you need to give the QST a look.
[/QUOTE]
Yep
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066197, member: 1193″]
I personally think it has be. Maybe it’s not the ball, but you never know until you try. I was talking to [USER=3]@JB[/USER] yesterday and called it a Z-Star Jr. I’m aware that’s a ton of hyperbole, and there are going to be people that don’t agree, but I stand by it. It’s softer, but not terribly soft. The cover and color feel/look very premium. The performance is close.
This is where the golf ball cost/performance thread I made came from. I am trying to figure out for myself personally at what level of performance leads me towards a $50-55 golf ball, because this one really does good things for me at $40.
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That’s a really valid question. This was my experience with the previous version:
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QST was neck to neck with others on many things, but from the tee I found it not for me. But from what you wrote, that might be a thing of the past. This is also why I love ball review articles, they bring stuff that otherwise might be discarded for years back into the frame.
Playing this new version at Briggs was such a treat! The Qstar and Divides are perfect for my swing speed and for that price still a bargain.
[QUOTE=”Inioch, post: 12066215, member: 72219″]
That’s a really valid question. This was my experience with the previous version:
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QST was neck to neck with others on many things, but from the tee I found it not for me. But from what you wrote, that might be a thing of the past. This is also why I love ball review articles, they bring stuff that otherwise might be discarded for years back into the frame.
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#LoftUp
I was thrilled to be able to put these in play at the Srixon Experience. I tried out all the Srixon golf balls last year and found myself coming back to the Q Star Tour. Especially the Divide. I love the color combination and how well it stands out on the course. Putting feedback is instantaneous and the colors are also just fun. It didn’t take away any distance off the tee for me and still provides plenty of spin for my irons and wedges. I’m a fan of these.
I have Played/Loved this ball for the last 2 years and I like the new changes.
I am curious why the Divides come without the Spin skin coating. I do think the Divides scuff easier than the Yellow Q-Star Tours.
Great write up! Love seeing the improvements on this ball. It’s been my gamer for the past several years. I’m looking forward to playing the updated version.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12066222, member: 3″]
#LoftUp
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Indeed. That was LTDx at 10.5. I play Aerojet at 11.5.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 12066198, member: 22002″]
The QST is the most underrated ball on the market, if you are a player of any of the DTC balls, you need to give the QST a look.
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I meant to also say that from a price to performance ratio standpoint you will be hard pressed to find a better ball in that respect.
[QUOTE=”PatsFan, post: 12066227, member: 42803″]
I have Played/Loved this ball for the last 2 years and I like the new changes.
I am curious why the Divides come without the Spin skin coating. I do think the Divides scuff easier than the Yellow Q-Star Tours.
[/QUOTE]
I’m going to guess it’s something related to the manufacturing process/matte finish. Cover is still urethane though.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066197, member: 1193″]
I personally think it has be. Maybe it’s not the ball, but you never know until you try. I was talking to [USER=3]@JB[/USER] yesterday and called it a Z-Star Jr. I’m aware that’s a ton of hyperbole, and there are going to be people that don’t agree, but I stand by it. It’s softer, but not terribly soft. The cover and color feel/look very premium. The performance is close.
This is where the golf ball cost/performance thread I made came from. I am trying to figure out for myself personally at what level of performance leads me towards a $50-55 golf ball, because this one really does good things for me at $40.
[/QUOTE]
I thought this one may have been the genesis for your earlier cost thread when I saw it pop. Nicely written.
The fact it was seemingly performing well to hold greens at Briggs definitely caught my attention.
The more ball info that gets dropped the more I wish I wasn’t sitting on a stash ?
Based on the pictures, the Srixon Yellow is still the best Yellow color in all of golf.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12066162, member: 19877″]
I’m trying to remember as well…
[USER=50607]@Thrillbilly Jim[/USER] i know you game these are the Orange/Yellow colorway new?
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No. Yellow/orange isn’t new. It’s my favorite color combination, but it’s not easy to find like the yellow/red and yellow/blue divides.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12066246, member: 62865″]
I thought this one may have been the genesis for your earlier cost thread when I saw it pop. Nicely written.
The fact it was seemingly performing well to hold greens at Briggs definitely caught my attention.
The more ball info that gets dropped the more I wish I wasn’t sitting on a stash ?
[/QUOTE]
Yea, getting anything to stick at Briggs was a challenge, but good wedge shots did what they should do imo.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12066253, member: 50607″]
No. Yellow/orange isn’t new. It’s my favorite color combination, but it’s not easy to find like the yellow/red and yellow/blue divides.
[/QUOTE]
This is my experience as well…the Blue/Yellow and Red/Yellow are harder to find on the golf course if the Blue or Red sides are up.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066239, member: 1193″]
I’m going to guess it’s something related to the manufacturing process/matte finish. Cover is still urethane though.
[/QUOTE]
I used to play the Divides but now play the Yellow ones more. Maybe the Spin skin makes a difference or maybe its in my head.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12066253, member: 50607″]
No. Yellow/orange isn’t new. It’s my favorite color combination, but it’s not easy to find like the yellow/red and yellow/blue divides.
[/QUOTE]
I am with you on the Orange being the best but have no problem finding them in stores anymore.
I wish they would add a Pink option. Pink/Yellow would be ?.
I have never understood the Blue ones and the Red while they look great just disappear in the rough.
I am also now glad I only have a moderate supply of the old ones. Really looking forward to playing the new upgraded version.
Srixon, please hear me.
Make me a yellow/white QST Divide. Please.
[QUOTE=”WICHITAREJECT, post: 12066297, member: 46010″]
This is my experience as well…the Blue/Yellow and Red/Yellow are harder to find on the golf course if the Blue or Red sides are up.
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I was actually referring to finding them in the stores. I find the yellow/blue combo the hardest to find on the course.