Equipment

Srixon launches new Z-Star, Z-Star XV and Q-Star Tour golf balls

Published

7 years ago

Jan 23, 2017

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.

SrixonDimplesSkinCoat

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

SrixonZStar

“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

SrixonZStarXV

“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

SrixonQStar

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.

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Andrew Tursky

He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

24 Comments

Bob Bissonette

Jan 30, 2017 at 7:59 am

This new Q-Star is the European AD333 Tour of yesteryear?

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Furious Styles

Jan 23, 2017 at 8:56 pm

Calm down, sparky.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Golfandpuff

Jan 23, 2017 at 5:25 pm

drop prices on current “old” ball any time now please!

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- eric
  
  Jan 23, 2017 at 2:32 pm
  
  have you played the chrome soft? curious to how the two may compare.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
- 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….
  
  Reply Report comment
  - blakes
    
    Jan 24, 2017 at 12:22 pm
    
    whatever the reason, i will take it.
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
bonifacj

Jan 23, 2017 at 11:31 am

These guys just make such fantastic stuff, all around.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Feel the Bern
  
  Jan 23, 2017 at 11:37 am
  
  You’ve said so three times now.
  
  Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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!!

Reply Report comment
- Dat
  
  Jan 23, 2017 at 4:25 pm
  
  Great, buy the TM ball.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Furious Styles
  
  Jan 23, 2017 at 8:57 pm
  
  Calm down.
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

4 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

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And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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