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
[QUOTE=”PatsFan, post: 12066307, member: 42803″]
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.
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.
[/QUOTE]
Blue is a great color for winter golf on dormant Bermuda.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066140, member: 1193″]
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]
Yeah these are the absolute sweet spot for me when it comes to price/performance. I will definitely stock up if they run that buy two get 1 free sale.
One of my absolute favorite balls since it’s release. I’m really happy to see Srixon continuing to make improvements to an already great ball.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066313, member: 1193″]
Srixon, please hear me.
Make me a yellow/white QST Divide. Please.
[/QUOTE]
with a Gloss Finish!
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12066314, member: 50607″]
I was actually referring to finding them in the stores. I find the yellow/blue combo the hardest to find on the course.
[/QUOTE]
I played the ones my SS got me. So freaking hard to 1) see in the air and 2) find on the ground.
The red/yellow much much easier.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12066316, member: 52381″]
Blue is a great color for winter golf on dormant Bermuda.
[/QUOTE]
I had the opposite experience. The red was superior at least for me
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066165, member: 1193″]
Dang it. I think you are right. My bad.
Edit. Lmao. We need an official ruling here.
[/QUOTE]
I have not seen orange/yellow.
I will also stump with you for a yellow white divide
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 12066370, member: 32688″]
with a Gloss Finish!
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 12066380, member: 74252″]
I have not seen orange/yellow.
I will also stump with you for a yellow white divide
[/QUOTE]
This has to happen at some point. Until then I’ll stick with Tour Yellow.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066397, member: 1193″]
This has to happen at some point. Until then I’ll stick with Tour Yellow.
[/QUOTE]
Did you happen to have thoughts on this vs the new chrome tours? I know they are much different price points but those are top of the list for this year
I’ve been playing the prior version of this ball for awhile. Love the feel of the cover and the performance. I’ll be buying a dozen. These along with Triad are my go to’s
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 12066407, member: 74252″]
Did you happen to have thoughts on this vs the new chrome tours? I know they are much different price points but those are top of the list for this year
[/QUOTE]
I need to dig into some of that a little more with full swings, but will say that the CT provided similar wedge spin to the Z Star for me, while the CTX was well above both of them.
I think it’ll come down to full swing performance for me and I plan to spend the next month or two ironing that out.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066313, member: 1193″]
Srixon, please hear me.
Make me a yellow/white QST Divide. Please.
[/QUOTE]
Ok yellow/white and yellow/pink.
I think they are missing some marketing opportunities with the pink version.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066434, member: 1193″]
I need to dig into some of that a little more with full swings, but will say that the CT provided similar wedge spin to the Z Star for me, while the CTX was well above both of them.
I think it’ll come down to full swing performance for me and I plan to spend the next month or two ironing that out.
[/QUOTE]
I’d be really interested in your results on that front.
Interesting read. I have tried the Q star tours. It is too soft for my taste but it is a great ball over all. I don’t like matte balls but I know they are popular.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12066455, member: 50607″]
For those interested in when the Yellow/orange combination was launched.
Thread ‘New Colors: Srixon Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE’
[URL]https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-colors-srixon-q-star-tour-divide.8931546/[/URL]
[/QUOTE]
Nice I don’t think I ever saw the orange at retail which is why I probably made that part up in my head.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066465, member: 1193″]
Appreciate that. I think the new vs old confusion is because the orange/yellow is hard to find in stores. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12066470, member: 52381″]
Nice I don’t think I ever saw the orange at retail which is why I probably made that part up in my head.
[/QUOTE]
I’ve only seen it for sale maybe twice. I usually have to order it to get it.
Really looking forward to trying these out. I’ve been a big fan of the QST line. It’s hard to find more bang for your buck than the QST.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12066062, member: 3″]
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.
[/QUOTE]
Such a tremendous ball for so many people
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066313, member: 1193″]
Srixon, please hear me.
Make me a yellow/white QST Divide. Please.
[/QUOTE]
Man, I would LOVE for them to release a yellow/white QST like the Z-Star Divides. The finish on the Z-Star Divide is soooooo good!
My big takeaway (or plural of that).
The difference can be seen more with higher/faster swing speeds and the results that come from them?
They are not going to change/add colors (which if I missed it, it was early). And that would suck.
I would like to see yellow/white, orange/white (creamsicle), pink/white – for my daughter who plays. I surely do not know the process, but unless it’s really labor intensive I can’t fathom why not.
Yet another great article.
[QUOTE=”PatsFan, post: 12066307, member: 42803″]
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.
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.
[/QUOTE]
To me at least, The blue ones are really good in late summer early fall. They really stand out those times of year.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 12066625, member: 63219″]
My big takeaway (or plural of that).
The difference can be seen more with higher/faster swing speeds and the results that come from them?
They are not going to change/add colors (which if I missed it, it was early). And that would suck.
I would like to see yellow/white, orange/white (creamsicle), pink/white – for my daughter who plays. I surely do not know the process, but unless it’s really labor intensive I can’t fathom why not.
Yet another great article.
[/QUOTE]
I don’t really think you need to have a faster swing to realize gains from the new core. It should be faster in general. The issue with faster swings is that they often commented thy were leaving distance on the table with the older versions.
Does the spin skin not make it to the Divide due to the matte finish?
I would love a divide, non matte finish, with spin skin.
Glad to see this line continue on, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
Great writeup!
Really glad to see they are making what look like pretty significant upgrades and still keeping the price down.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066646, member: 1193″]
I don’t really think you need to have a faster swing to realize gains from the new core. It should be faster in general. The issue with faster swings is that they often commented thy were leaving distance on the table with the older versions.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks that was the thing I read and focused on how I interpreted it was flawed – appreciate the clarification.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12066648, member: 6727″]
Does the spin skin not make it to the Divide due to the matte finish?
I would love a divide, non matte finish, with spin skin.
Glad to see this line continue on, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
[/QUOTE]
That’s my understanding at least. I could be wrong though.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066685, member: 1193″]
That’s my understanding at least. I could be wrong though.
[/QUOTE]
It makes sense.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12066100, member: 50607″]
With the new $39.99 price tag, that puts them inline with the TM Tour Response Stripe and the Wilson Triad.
[/QUOTE]
Not so bad when they run the Buy 2 Get 1 specials, ~$27/dozen.
I moved away from the QST because they were a little too soft. I’ll have to buy a couple dozen to try these when the sale comes up.
I’m kind of partial to the Diamond, but I have to say, that I took the QST out for a couple rounds just to try them out. I can honestly say that I’m impressed with the QST ball. It held up well, not much wear and tear, distances were good, spin was good, and it just performed. I let a golfing buddy of mine try one out, and now he’s still using that QST ball and was waiting for this new model to come out to get more. It’s definitely a ball that should not be overlooked, especially if you’re not wanting to pay for the high prices of the “premium” balls.
[QUOTE=”Bjornjorg, post: 12066823, member: 9006″]
I’m kind of partial to the Diamond, but I have to say, that I took the QST out for a couple rounds just to try them out. I can honestly say that I’m impressed with the QST ball. It held up well, not much wear and tear, distances were good, spin was good, and it just performed. I let a golfing buddy of mine try one out, and now he’s still using that QST ball and was waiting for this new model to come out to get more. It’s definitely a ball that should not be overlooked, especially if you’re not wanting to pay for the high prices of the “premium” balls.
[/QUOTE]
Like [USER=52381]@baylrballa[/USER] , I’d say you’re a good testament to the improved core with your speed. While it might not be 100% ideal, just the fact that you have that to say is a good sign of its improvement.
[QUOTE=”Steve2100, post: 12066220, member: 57217″]
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]
18 HDCP my A$$
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066313, member: 1193″]
Srixon, please hear me.
Make me a yellow/white QST Divide. Please.
[/QUOTE]
Yes please hear him. Love that combo. I do enjoy my orange/yellow as well.
Do you all think that the reason they don’t do a Yellow/White Q Star is because that’s the only bi-color in the Z star balls, and they don’t want that confusion with consumers?
[QUOTE=”Bjornjorg, post: 12066887, member: 9006″]
Do you all think that the reason they don’t do a Yellow/White Q Star is because that’s the only bi-color in the Z star balls, and they don’t want that confusion with consumers?
[/QUOTE]
Yea, that’s my guess. It sets the premium line apart a little more.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066902, member: 1193″]
Yea, that’s my guess. It sets the premium line apart a little more.
[/QUOTE]
I agree, and approve. I really, really like the Z Star line. I would like golfers to give that premium line it’s due, and not confuse a consumer that all divide balls are less than premium. IMO.
[QUOTE=”Bjornjorg, post: 12066917, member: 9006″]
I agree, and approve. I really, really like the Z Star line. I would like golfers to give that premium line it’s due, and not confuse a consumer that all divide balls are less than premium. IMO.
[/QUOTE]
I get that for sure.
On another note, is there a better value than the Z Star line in the premium ball space right now? Still sub-$50.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066971, member: 1193″]
I get that for sure.
On another note, is there a better value than the Z Star line in the premium ball space right now? Still sub-$50.
[/QUOTE]
Absolutely NOT. Great ball and at a GREAT price. You’re right on.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066313, member: 1193″]
Srixon, please hear me.
Make me a yellow/white QST Divide. Please.
[/QUOTE]
Cannot agree more. This would instantly be my ball.
Played the QST yellow all of last season. The new ball was great and have been playing it the last couple months. Will continue to play them in 2024.
According to [USER=41109]@bigbov[/USER] the new QST gives you a 50% better chance of dropping a 40 foot bomb for eagle.
Thank you [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] for all that information. The QStar is such a good ball and in reality can work with swings into the upper 90’s imo. If they corrected some of the feel into and around the greens, it will be a premium offering that many could benefit from.
This ball has become a regular in my rotation because of the market segment it occupies. I have had the same criticisms of the ball as are noted in the article, and am very interested in trying the new version.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12066997, member: 1193″]
According to [USER=41109]@bigbov[/USER] the new QST gives you a 50% better chance of dropping a 40 foot bomb for eagle.
[/QUOTE]
This is an absolute fact. For you visual learners just see pg 89 of the Srixon Experience live thread.
This is one ball that I have still yet to try even after recommending it to friends quite frequently. After reading this article, with the changes stated are making me take pause because even with the price increase this sounds like a fantastic value.
I wasn’t too impressed with the last “Tour” ball. It sounds like they addressed a lot of issues, so I’ll be trying these out at some point. Still have 2 dozen left of the last iteration balls to use
Loved the feel of the gen 4, so hopefully it doesn’t feel too much firmer.
Thanks for the great write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] , I”ve been waiting to see the tech story on these. The new version of the QStar tour definitely gets some of it’s lost length back. For me the old version was noticibly shorter off the tee than the Zstar Xv of the CSX LS which were the 2 balls I primarilarily played the last 2 years. The new version of the QST gets a lot of that back and doesn’t feel like it spins as much off the driver either. Into the greens the new QST has plenty of spin and oh short game it’s fantastic and grabs instantly. This version of QST is, at least for me, significantly improved.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12066470, member: 52381″]
Nice I don’t think I ever saw the orange at retail which is why I probably made that part up in my head.
[/QUOTE]
The 1st year I never saw the Orange at retail Unless it was in a Pro shop at a course. Never in a Big box store like PGASS or the likes.
Now my local TGW has stacks of them But I think I prefer the Yellow. They seem to stay cleaner than the matte balls by a wide margin.
Jmho
[QUOTE=”Slowmo, post: 12067330, member: 67660″]
Thanks for the great write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] , I”ve been waiting to see the tech story on these. The new version of the QStar tour definitely gets some of it’s lost length back. For me the old version was noticibly shorter off the tee than the Zstar Xv of the CSX LS which were the 2 balls I primarilarily played the last 2 years. The new version of the QST gets a lot of that back and doesn’t feel like it spins as much off the driver either. Into the greens the new QST has plenty of spin and oh short game it’s fantastic and grabs instantly. This version of QST is, at least for me, significantly improved.
[/QUOTE]
How does it feel off wedges compared to the old version?
[QUOTE=”Keith Prater, post: 12067696, member: 63820″]
How does it feel off wedges compared to the old version?
[/QUOTE]
It’s very nice. It’s still a softer golf ball. I think you’re going to really like it.
A lot closer to the Zstar, little softer but not as soft as old QST but they really spin like crazy on green side wedge shots.
[QUOTE=”Keith Prater, post: 12067696, member: 63820″]
How does it feel off wedges compared to the old version?
[/QUOTE]
Pretty similar imo.