Expert consensus review
Srixon Z-STAR Golf Balls Review
Srixon's softer, higher-spinning tour ball — premium greenside control and feel for less than most tour-ball rivals.
What we like
- Thin urethane cover with Spin Skin+ coating for approach and greenside spin
- Softer-feeling FastLayer DG 2.0 core than the Z-STAR XV
- $54.99 per dozen undercuts most flagship tour balls
- Pure White and Tour Yellow options
What to weigh
- Less ball speed than the Z-STAR XV for high-speed players
- Urethane still scuffs — this is not a budget ball for water-heavy courses
- Moderate swing speeds may get similar value from the Q-STAR TOUR
- Feel preference is personal, so test a sleeve before buying multiple dozens
Scorecard
How scores are built- Distance 8.6
- Forgiveness 8.2
- Accuracy 8.8
- Feel 9.2
- Value 9.1
- Build 8.8
This review weighs the manufacturer specifications, independent testing from across the golf equipment world, and long-term owner feedback, then scores the product against its closest alternatives. It is not presented as a GolfTested lab measurement.
Quick answer
Srixon’s Z-STAR is built for control. Srixon says it offers maximum greenside spin in a premium three-piece construction, while its firmer sibling, the Z-STAR XV, prioritizes ball speed. For golfers who care most about spin around the greens and a softer feel, Z-STAR is a better value than many tour-ball rivals at $54.99 per dozen.
What is inside
- Thin urethane cover with biomass: tour-level feel and spin, made partly from a plant-derived material.
- Spin Skin+ coating: a thin urethane layer that adds friction for approach and greenside spin, now with a stronger paint for better resistance to dirt and grime.
- FastLayer DG Core 2.0: soft in the center and progressively firmer toward the edge, designed for feel and approach-shot spin.
- 338 Speed Dimple Pattern: designed to reduce drag and increase lift for a stable flight in wind.
Z-STAR vs Z-STAR XV
Choose Z-STAR for softer feel and more greenside spin. Choose Z-STAR XV for more speed and a firmer, lower-spinning flight off the driver. Independent coverage lists the XV at about 102 compression, making it Srixon’s firmest ball, so Z-STAR is the choice for golfers who find the XV too firm.
Verdict
Z-STAR is one of the best buys in tour balls: strong short-game performance and premium construction at a lower price than the biggest names. Buy a sleeve, hit chips and putts, then buy the dozen.
How we built this review: manufacturer specifications (Z-STAR product page), independent testing from respected golf equipment reviewers, and long-term owner feedback, weighed against the closest alternatives.
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Alternatives
