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!
That is the last I had heard was that the issue was fixed.
So anyway, it was windy and I was playing the ZX7 again, and I get the impression this is a pretty good wind ball. I BOMBED a couple drives with it. LIke, unbelievable bombs. And had a couple 270-272 into it that were really good considering the conditions. I really never had to play more than about an extra iron into it, even with wedges, which was pretty impressive. I was playing the zipcores and do not love again today, but comparing shots with them and other short irons I still get the impression it might be just a little on spin there for me. Little more roll out. Really dig the feel though. Love it off driver. I could see how some wouldn’t like it, especially off the putter face though. Brought the ‘Popper’ today (M Craft IV) and it felt a little firm and still surprisingly dull. It’s like the cover deadens it on putter strikes.
Have another thing coming up and then after I’ll play them with my usual clubs to get a truer understanding of them for me. If my clubs spin them a little more, which is definitely possible, they could be interesting with how good I’ve been hitting them off driver.
I think your notes about being on the low spin side of average make sense for the XV. I have noticed that is both its strength off the tee and in the wind, but also that you may trade a touch of short iron spin for it.
I’ve noticed a trend in Srixon irons after playing a few sets, that they tend to be on the low-side of average for spin. Combined with XV that is also a lower spin, a low-low kind of combo is in play. This is actually what I play most, but when I am looking to be more neutral with spin putting a regular ZStar or other higher spin ball helps offset the lower spin nature of the iron.
XV off driver is outstanding. I love, love the firm feel and overall distance plus wind capability the ball has.
Man.. that’s a good question. I hope someone else can chime in. I didn’t play them back to back, or with that in mind, but from separate memories I feel like it might be pretty close.
Great question. I would sure love to know how they compare across the board, not just in feel.
I’ve played them both, and to me they feel essentially indistinguishable.
I need to get on this.
It ends on the 20th so don’t let it pass by. I’ve thought about trading in a Ping Driver and not worrying about golf balls again for a really long time
I’d buy those as well!! Where do we get them? Or better yet, HOW do we get them? Yellow/White Z stars, let’s go!
They are only officially for sale in Japan/Asia. The few overseas website I’ve been able to find seem to be sold out of White/Yellow. There are a few boxes of the White/Orange on EBay for $78 if you are feeling that price. So far, I have not bit.
Where are you located?
Utah
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I just picked up 3 dozen of the XV last week to try out. I got the whites otherwise I’d have sent to a box or two.
Played a sleeve of CSX a couple of weeks ago up against my XVs and the XV is firmer if i still have a CSX laying around I’ll try and do a sound video comparing (spotty with my thping and out of town so it may be a bit)
Ive played 5-6 rounds with ProV1x. Abd now in taking the Z Star XV for a “spin”. Ive only gothave a round with the XV. But I really like them. So looking forward to getting to know them better.
if you want spinnier try the Z star XV is great but the spin on the Z star is legit
CSX or CSX LS? The XV definitely feels a bit firmer than a CSX to me. He was talking about the LS though.
CSX LS @93civiccpe gave me a sleeve
Absolutely let me know what you think. I’ve been pretty impressed with the standard Z-Star so far but as always the allure of the unknown is strong
I haven’t played the Z star yet. I like the XV better than the QST I’ve played before. Not that those are bad balls just not the best fit for my anti spin swing.
as noted in the thread the XV seem softer off my irons and wedges than the 2019 ProV1x. And they are not as loud off the driver too. Which is nuts as the posted spec is higher compression in the XV.
in only a few swings I think I’m getting better peak height too.
how so? Based on how I understand these balls, the Z Starhas more green side spin. While the XV has higher ball flight. I’m most interested with the latter.
Am I reading that incorrectly?
I read your post just as spinny and the z spins more greenside (which was my inference) – you didn’t read it incorrectly- gl w/ your testing
I can get it for cheaper than other comparative balls and it seems to play really well in the wind. I don’t know why that is but it really holds its line.
Plus I love the green side spin whilst still getting big distance.
Sent from my VOG-L09 using Tapatalk
Anyone with a 88-90mph SS play the XV’s?
I have in the past but with my slower SS but I prefer the softer feel of the Z-Star ball… such a good overall gamer.
I would suggest that you try a sleeve or two of the XV’s and see for yourself how they work out for you.
Yes just ordered a dozen of each and see how they play vs the AVX’s. Thank you and stay safe!
The closest to the AVX out of their lineup would be the Q-STAR Tour. Three piece with lower compression like the AVX.
@JB Interesting I would have assumed the Tour Speed = Q-Star Tour.
Thank you for the feedback and stay safe…
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Limited 24 pack …. Very Nice!
really trying not to order… are the numbers green?
can’t wait to hear feedback
No green numbers. I’m hoping for a twilight round tomorrow or Sunday AM. I’ll report back
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are a pretty sweet deal.
Driver – I give the edge to the CSX here. Distance wise and the ability for the ball to hold it’s line, the XV is really good. I just feel the CSX is a touch softer feeling off the driver. All things being equal they both performed similarly for me off the tee, but I liked the softer CSX.
Irons – This is where I give the nod to the ZStar XV. Where the harshness was felt off the tee, hitting my irons I don’t feel that audible "click" or firmness. They felt the exact same way the CSX do off the irons. These are not spinning as much for me as the CSX do and while I was a bit shorter, the shots didn’t move as much as the CSX does. Nothing scientific, but the dispersion has been really good with the XV.
Wedges – Here I have to go CSX. This could be some bias at play here or how I delivered the wedges, but the XV rolled out a little more than I cared for. The CSX I have come to rely on a ball landing within a few feet of the pitch mark or rolling back. The ZStar consistently rolled out and I didn’t pull one back at all.
Putter – Both felt the same to me. I have been alternating from a milled putter and an OWorks face, so the feel is quite different from the two, but when comparing the two I could play either one without any issues. The main issue for me is missing my TT alignment. I didn’t realize how much I had come to rely on TT until I didn’t have it. Given that, the CSX wins here.
I think I will give them another try as I have a bunch left. The differences were not deal breakers and other than the TT not being present, I can play these without any issues.
On here