Equipment
Srixon launches new Z-Star, Z-Star XV and Q-Star Tour golf balls
In the last year, Srixon has become one of the winningest golf balls globally with its Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls. It doesn’t hurt that Hideki Matsuyama had the Srixon Z-Star XV in the bag for his five worldwide wins in 2016; but staffers Graeme McDowell (Z-Star XV) and Russell Knox (Z-Star) also recorded wins with Srixon golf balls in 2016.
Despite their success, and even reluctance from Tour players to change, Srixon has made tweaks to both the core and the cover of the Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls for 2017. Srixon expects that the majority of Tour players will make the switch due to the improvements.
The company has updated the core of the Z-Star to make it a bit softer to improve feel, launch conditions and distance. The Z-Star XV golf balls also have a redesigned dual core for better launch conditions and more distance.
“I’m a guy who really can’t give up any yardage off the driver, so I feel like with the Z-Star XV I can keep the ball speed up, but still have the touch and feel around the green,” says Srixon staffer Graeme McDowell.
Both golf balls use a redesigned 338 “Speed Dimple Pattern,” which uses five different-sized dimples as opposed to the seven of its predecessors. It’s said to be more aerodynamic, leaving the player with more control and distance on full shots — especially in windy conditions. Due to the dimple layout, the balls are said to maintain flight better and fly farther by reducing drag and increasing lift.
Also, a third-generation “Spin Skin Coating” was made softer and with more elasticity for a softer feel at impact, while generating more greenside spin and more predictable spin on approach shots — especially out of the rough. The urethane coating works by helping the cover stretch more at impact, increasing the amount of impact points between the face and ball, thus causing more friction.
Srixon’s Z-Star and Z-Star XV — each available in White and Yellow — will sell for $39.99 per dozen starting on February 17.
For golfers who have “moderate speed” with their drivers, Srixon is also bringing much of the same Tour technology into a lower-compression golf ball called the Q-Star Tour. Lower-speed players will likely find a higher launch and lower spin with this golf ball for more distance, but won’t lose much by way of feel due to the three-piece construction with a urethane cover. The Q-Star Tour, which is only available in White, will sell for $29.99 per dozen starting on April 14.
Learn more about the three new golf balls below.
Z-Star
“I attribute much of my recent success to the trust I have in my Z-Star golf ball,” says PGA Tour pro Russell Knox. “I love how this ball feels. It gives me complete confidence in my ability to control the spin on greenside pitches and chips.”
Compression was reduced in this three-piece golf ball, giving it a slightly softer feel that also encourages a higher launch and lower driver spin from the tee. Its Energetic Gradient Growth (E.G.G.) core is designed to be the softest in the middle, and gets progressively firmer toward the outer edge of the golf ball. This design is said to maximize energy transfer at impact and optimize launch conditions for the player.
Compared to the Z-Star XV, golfers can expect the Z-Star to launch higher and spin more overall — about 200 rpm at 36 mph of club head speed, and 500 rpm at 112 mph — and have a slightly softer feel. Srixon suggests this golf ball for golfers who swing more than 90 mph with their driver.
Z-Star XV
“I trust the total performance of the Z-Star XV,” says Hideki Matsuyama. “I have excellent distance and spin control on my iron and wedge shot, but what I like most about this new Z-Star XV is its pleasant sound and feel on all shots — especially the superb feedback on putts and chips.”
The redesigned dual E.G.G. core, which now has a softer inner core and firmer outer core, helps to decrease driver spin but also increase ball speed on this four-piece construction. Golfers can also expect their launch angle to be higher than with the Z-Star XV predecessor due to the changes.
Compared to the Z-Star, the Z-Star XV will spin less, provide a lower launch for most golfers and have a slightly firmer feel. Srixon suggests this golf ball to golfers who swing more than 100 mph with their driver.
Q-Star Tour
This three-piece golf ball has a urethane cover and was made with a softer feel and lower compression to optimize distance and greenside feel for golfers with lower swing speeds. Like the Z-Star and Z-Star XV tour balls the Q-Star is also built with a E.G.G. core, but will be easier to compress than the Z-Star or Z-Star XV. Also, the Q-Star has a 324 dimpled cover, rather than 338 in the Z-Star and Z-Star XV, making the golf ball spin more and stay in the air longer for golfers who need the extra boost.
Srixon calls the golf ball the “most spin for your money,” as it sells for $10 less than its Z-Star family members, but has many of the same technologies.
Related: Our review of the Z-Star and Z-Star XV 2015 golf balls
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- Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: TPT Driver 15 Lo
3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth (21 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (3, 4), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-10S, 60-04T), Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack (56-10 MID, 52-10 MID)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Putter: TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider Limited
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X (with Mindset)
Check out more in-hand photos of Jason Day’s WITB here.
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- Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 9 X
Irons: Titleist 718 TMB (2), Titleist T200 (2), Titleist T100 (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour Hybrid 105 X (2), KBS Tour 130 X
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50-08F, 54-10S, 60-08M, 60-04T), WedgeWorks Proto (60-10V)
Shafts: KBS Tour 130 X
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Versa #1
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Ludvig Aberg’s clubs in the forums.
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We have seen a few new mini drivers from the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade being tested out on tour recently. Now, Callaway looks to be jumping into the mix at the RBC Heritage. We spotted Christian Bezuidenhout testing out a new Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 mini driver on the range. We don’t have any details yet but the club clearly states “mini driver” on it, and the “340” could easily refer to how many CCs the head is.
What we do know is that this mini driver has a very similar design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 3-wood. The sole looks to be made from steel or titanium, not forged carbon like the Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. It has weights up near the face and at the back of the club. Callaway’s OptiFit hosel is also present on this driver to allow loft and lie adjustments, and if you look closely on the face, you can make out the “Ai Smart Face” text at bottom center. The crown looks to have the familiar carbon fiber weave and Ai Smoke logos we have seen on the current clubs.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke DUW
The other Callaway prototype that was spotted looked to be a little more of a traditional fairway wood — but with non-traditional weight placements on it. Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke DUW looks to have four adjustable weights on it — two on the sole, one on the hosel, and one on the toe. This hosel isn’t adjustable, and I would assume that is to save some weight from creating spots for the movable weights.
It is hard to tell from the photos, but the face looks to be a touch deeper than the traditional Triple Diamond fairways. This deeper face could be where the “DUW” name comes from. With three weights all pushed forward near the face this DUW has to be a very low spinning and launching head. The sole is made from metal and similar in design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway woods as is the carbon crown.
- Check out more of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)
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Bob Bissonette
Jan 30, 2017 at 7:59 am
This new Q-Star is the European AD333 Tour of yesteryear?
Kim
Jan 24, 2017 at 6:02 pm
It seems a lot of us understand why the golf balls cost so much (R&D, cost of patents, and important getting balls in play on tour). Really less then 10% of us need a tour ball, but thank goodness the fun of golf leads to the fun of getting balls and equipment we just got to have. I say the Q-Star in Yellow has my vote.
Furious Styles
Jan 23, 2017 at 8:56 pm
Calm down, sparky.
Mikec
Jan 24, 2017 at 11:01 am
Why? OEM’s follow these boards, as a customer trying to get their attention.
As noted, TM responded and released a yellow Project (a). As noted I only meant to post once.
trebird
Jan 23, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Been gaming the XV ball on and off for a couple of years. I thought the 2015 version was better than the 2016. Looking forward to trying these and the TP5’s.
Golfandpuff
Jan 23, 2017 at 5:25 pm
drop prices on current “old” ball any time now please!
Mikec
Jan 23, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Apols for the multiple posts.
That’s because my first 2 times did not post, now they “all” seem to have posted.
Not intentional.
I like Srixon balls and have loyally played them over the years (Z Star, ZS XV, and Q-Star, all in yellow). Last year I moved to the B330RX, as my SS is now just around 100, and I found that I got better feel over the ZS XV with the RX. However, the Q-Star Tour really has my attention, and I would be trying it, if it were in yellow. Not sure I agree with all the marketing research and think some of this is purely arbitrary in some respect. Take Titleist, NXT Tour S in both colors, but Tour, only white. B330RX in both colors, but B330RXS, only in white. To me, Srixon was the first company stateside to offer premium urethane balls in yellow (ZStar and XV, Volvik was just entering the US market), so to “not” offer it in one of their lines is a departure of their philosophy IMO. Also, it seems that most of the balls offered in “yellow”, cater to the mid to high cappers and/or value shoppers and those not needing “as much” spin, with the exception of Srixon and Volvik. So personally was a bit surprised and disappointed. No big deal though, will wait and see. TM in example eventually released the Project (a) in yellow. Basically that and the B330RX yellow are my current gamers.
Uhit
Jan 23, 2017 at 1:21 pm
I read Srixons press release:
http://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia/20170122/282355449451754
as if Matsuyama and others already played the 2017 version in the 2016 season…
…and that they already had a total of 18 wins (with the new balls) as of the middle of November 2016.
You write, as if they would have played the former version of the ball:
“Despite their success, and even reluctance from Tour players to change, Srixon has made tweaks to both the core and the cover of the Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls for 2017. Srixon expects that the majority of Tour players will make the switch due to the improvements.”
…which seems to be wrong, according the press release.
blakes
Jan 23, 2017 at 1:21 pm
been gaming the xv for 2 years now and absolutely love the performance. can’t imagine how they could have improved the current version but will certainly give the ’17 model a whirl. Love the $39.99 price point too! If you haven’t tested Srixon Balls I highly recommend testing them against your current gamers.
eric
Jan 23, 2017 at 2:32 pm
have you played the chrome soft? curious to how the two may compare.
blakes
Jan 24, 2017 at 12:20 pm
I have not but would def give the chromesoft a whirl. I tested the XV against my old gamer: Prov1. XV spun less off driver, more distance with driver, and spun more around greens. Only spot the V1 outperformed the XV was on midirons. V1 got a bit higher launch, more spin, and slighter steeper landing angle.
Kim
Jan 23, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Can charge less then PROV1 as they only need to supply 5% of tour players balls for playing and practice, PROV1 must provide balls for up to 90% of touring pros can you imagine how much it cost them to supply thousands of balls for driving range and tournament play each week? You can bet that $9.00 difference in price all goes to supply Tour Players….
blakes
Jan 24, 2017 at 12:22 pm
whatever the reason, i will take it.
Uhit
Jan 23, 2017 at 1:15 pm
I read Srixons press release:
http://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia/20170122/282355449451754
as if Matsuyama and others already played the 2017 version in the 2016 season…
…and that they already had a total of 18 wins (with the new balls) as of the middle of November 2016.
You write, as if the played the former Version of the ball:
“Despite their success, and even reluctance from Tour players to change, Srixon has made tweaks to both the core and the cover of the Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls for 2017. Srixon expects that the majority of Tour players will make the switch due to the improvements.”
…which seems to be wrong, according the press release.
S Hitter
Jan 23, 2017 at 11:52 am
This new Q Star Tour is the shiznit. Why would anybody ever pay almost double for the Pro-V1? And both balls are 3-piece. Don’t believe the hype on the Pro-V, y’all. That’s just advertising. There have always been balls that are better than the Titleist ones. And this new Q Star Tour should take a nice bite out of Titleist
Robert
Jan 23, 2017 at 11:50 am
So is it correct to say that the new XV is going to feel softer than the prior gen XV?
bonifacj
Jan 23, 2017 at 11:31 am
These guys just make such fantastic stuff, all around.
Mikec
Jan 23, 2017 at 10:29 am
No yellow Q-Star Tour??
Big miss IMO, as your target user is mid-low cap seniors like myself who like yellow for vision.
Listen to your customers Srixon!!
I will not be trying this ball, as I do not play white.
I will be playing TM Project (a) Yellow this year, thanks for listening TM.
Feel the Bern
Jan 23, 2017 at 11:37 am
You’ve said so three times now.
Double Mocha Man
Jan 23, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Mike… they look at overall sales and, apparently, you are not their customer… at least not one they can make revenue from. Stock up on last year’s model on ebay. They are not going to make a golf ball essentially just for you. That is free enterprise/marketing life. Notice, no CAPS were used in the making of this post.
Mikec
Jan 23, 2017 at 10:26 am
C’mon SRIXON, listen to your customer!!
Yellow is a popular color w seniors like myself for vision, as will be the Q-Star Tour.
HOW COULD YOU NOT RELEASE THIS IN YELLOW????
BIG BIG MISS IMO!!
Will be playing 2016 Project (a) Yellow.
Good job TM, YOU LISTENED!!
Dat
Jan 23, 2017 at 4:25 pm
Great, buy the TM ball.
Mikec
Jan 23, 2017 at 9:36 am
No Q-Star Tour in yellow? BIG MISS SRIXON, BIG MISS!!
Yellow is very popular w senior golfers (vision) like myself as will this ball.
WHO MAKES THESE DECISIONS?
OBVIOUSLY NOT LISTENING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.
Furious Styles
Jan 23, 2017 at 8:57 pm
Calm down.