A very much anticipated release is finally here, it’s the 2021 Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV time folks, and it definitely looks like what was already an excellent golf ball series just got even better.

Centered around the idea of refusing to compromise, the new Z-Star golf balls are a labor of intense research and development to take things to another level by optimizing each design for optimization of the golfers who put them into play.
The 7th Generation
Crazy to think about, but this does indeed mark the seventh iteration of the Z-Star and the foundation that it laid for what would become a duo of Tour caliber golf balls that have over the years racked up numerous accolades and successes. Seven versions, and not once has Srixon just stuck with the status quo, so though there is the return of some familiar terms, they have definitely evolved.
The main example of that is Spin Skin with Slide-Ring Material, though most of you will remember that last part from its abbreviated name, SeRM. Yes, the name is, interesting, and no doubt some of you will have jokes, but what isn’t a joke is the performance and durability benefits it affords. This material is a urethane compound that coats both golf balls in the line. The secret here is the amount of shear force that it allows the cover to take without having the bonds break, literally like interlocking slide rings. This shear force means the cover can be optimized to dig into the grooves to increase friction while maximizing spin and control. Oh, and it’s worth noting, no other golf ball company utilizes this, which Srixon believes gives them a competitive advantage.

Additionally, this go-round Srixon has evolved the aerodynamics of both the Z-Star and Z-Star XV moving to a 338-dimple design. The depth of the dimples has actually been increased in order to work through the wind more effectively after initial launch than previous versions. Because the new dimples reduce drag, it means that when the wind gets up, the results in direction and distance retention will be better than in the past. When it comes to aerodynamics, it’s the little things that matter.
Finally, both golf balls also utilize the “FastLayer Core” design. Srixon recognizes that historically the trade off in terms of feel and speed have been a tough one to master. A firmer golf ball offers more speed but isn’t as enjoyable in the feel department. Likewise, softer cores offer feel, but can sacrifice speed for stronger players. The FastLayer design remains Srixon’s answer through being soft in the center and increasing in firmness toward the outer edge. This is done through a unique baking process, and the company believes it is what allows both Z-Star golf balls to offer feel with speed.
Now, lets take a closer look at each golf ball.
Srixon Z-Star
The 2021 Z-Star remains a 3-Piece design aimed at golfers who swing 90+ MPH with their drivers. Being a 3-Piece design, the FastLayer Core is the biggest portion of the design and ensures the softer feel players seek while still creating ample speed with its 90-compression rating. The Z-Star remains the ball in the Z-lineup that will offer the most spin around the greens while keeping a mid-overall flight and low spin off the driver as well. The Z-Star of course does utilize the previously discussed SpinSkin with SeRM in a 0.6mm thick Urethane cover which is 0.1mm thicker than last time in order to increase the greenside spin even more, as well as the new 338 dimple design.
Srixon Z-Star XV
Keeping with history, the 2021 Z-Star XV is Srixon’s highest compression ball coming in at a 102 rating and according to Srixon aimed at golfers swinging the driver at 100+ MPH. The XV is a 4-Piece design and the big internal change is in the central core with the new iteration of FastLayer which seeks to make the ball, though higher compression, still maintain feel that golfers seek. Additionally, this is the longest of the two versions as well as the highest trajectory (mid-high) of the two. The Z-Star XV offers greenside spin just below that of the Z-Star but also maintains low spin off the tee. The application of the new dimple design as well as SpinSkin with SeRM is here as well in the 0.5mm thick Urethane cover that is just thinner than its counterpart.
The Details
Both the 2021 Srixon Z-Star and 2021 Z-Star XV will hit shelves on 2/26/21 while carrying a $42.99 price tag which remains among the most attractive points out there for a Tour level golf ball. Additionally, both will be offered in Pure White and Tour Yellow.
We will have much more to come on the Z-Star and Z-Star XV on the THP Community with some already having them in hand to work with. Be sure to jump in there or below and let us know your thoughts on the newest golf ball release from Srixon!
Zv’s are the ones….I’m telling you now. Great ball.
I do like the softer feel off the putter face of the Z as well. I’m just not good enough to control my full/short iron spin coming into the green. They just spin too much for me and my swing.
I find it most interesting when the entire industry (mostly) does the same thing at the same time.
Kind of ironic based on the misnomer filled crusade that some on the internet perpetuated last year. #ClickbaitIsNotFact
I agree, and was thinking the same thing. But they are the only one that has been getting firmer over the past few years as. Everyone seems to be moving to center.
so…many…sleeps…
Being that I turned, virtually, my entire bag over last May, I’m not really in the market for any new clubs this season so the release season isn’t as intriguing to me this year from a clubs standpoint. With that in mind, this is probably the release that I am most excited about this season. I’ve been a Srixon loyalist to some degree (at least in the ball space) ever since I was picked to review the original Q-Star ball here on THP. I’ve tinkered with other balls just out of curiosity but I always seem to end up back at my tried and true (though the black and yellow Truvis CSX always seems to find a way into my bag for a few dozen). I’ve been bouncing back and forth between the Z and the XV and currently have about 3 dozen XV of the last iteration in stock. I’m going to put the battle back in the bag this season with the newest iteration as to which ball is actually best for me. I’ve always veered toward the XV (something in my gut just tells me that I like it better) but further testing is absolutely warranted. Thanks again for a glimpse into the newest version of an old friend.
I almost exclusively used the XV last year for performance but preferred the feel of the Z. It is very exciting to here the feel has improved on the XV and spin on the Z is greater than the XS! That’s crazy!!.
I did have some durability issues last year but at the BOGO deal I loaded up and really didn’t mind. I stopped by Edwin Watts today and these were out on the floor. The improved feel is really the most exciting part for me because performance has always been there! could be my go-to ball this year as well.
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OF COURSE they would have them out already. Lmao
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I’m XV, except in cool fall/spring weather