The Srixon Z Star has more distance, spin and consistency for 2017? Sign me up!
The Srixon Z Star boasts big claims and backs them up with a bunch of tour wins.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
The Good: The new “spin skin” coating is 13% softer than before and increases spin for serious bite.
The Bad: You might lose a bit of distance in exchange for some feel vs other high performance balls.
Bottom Line: A solid high performance ball at a slightly lower price.
Experience Level: Advanced/Pro
Construction: 3 piece ball
Compression: High – 88
Pricing: Expensive
The 5th generation of the Srixon Z Star has some improvements that are said to offer more distance, more spin and more consistency in the wind. Wow sounds great huh? They have lowered the compression down to 88 from 90 of last year which gives it a softer feel and improved launch for a long ball in general. They call it the “Super Soft Energetic Gradient Growth Core”. It may be longer than the previous version but based on numbers and my experience it still felt a bit shorter than a Titleist ProV1x or Bridgestone B330.
The ball is constructed of a urethane cover and the new SSEGGC which enables the core stiffness to vary from soft to hard to maximize the energy transfer at impact, increase the launch angle and lower the spin for even more distance. The core is harder on the outside and becomes softer towards the middle to maintain feel while generating distance.
The new “spin skin” coating is 13% softer than last years model and aids in the creation of more spin for serious control. The high durability, ulta-thin urethane cover is .5mm thick and allows for a soft feel while fending off scuffs and marks which is good when the occasional blade happens or a shank into the forest.
338 dimples maintain ball speed and produce a more penetrating flight by decreasing the drag coefficient right after launch. Are we talking about rockets or golf balls here?
Overall the Srixon Z Star is a great ball for the lower handicapper and comes for about $10 less than a comparable high performer per dozen. If Hideki Matsuyama has 4 wins and a second place in the last 5 events it has to be good no?
