Srixon Z-Star, XV and Diamond golf balls: 4 things you should know
Jack Hirsh
Srixon
When it comes to golf ball production, the goals are usually to get it off the tee faster and around the greens more. But what is often overlooked is how long a golf ball lasts and how many rounds it can last (if you don’t throw it away of course).
Srixon’s new Z-STAR series of tour-level golf balls, the ninth generation of the popular series, tick all three boxes thanks to new core and cover technology.
Here are four things you should know about the Z-STAR, Z-STAR XV and Z-STAR Diamond golf balls.
FastLayer DG Core 2.0
The ninth generation of the Z-STAR line features a new design FastLayer DG Core 2.0. The previous generation of Z-STAR golf balls introduced FastLayer technology which allowed Srixon to create a core that is progressively harder from the inside out. By doing this Srixon creates a golf ball that maintains a soft feel, but also creates great distance speed.
With FastLayer DG Core 2.0, the progression of durability allows great flexibility for each of the three models, making a big difference between the options.
Three models and three colors to choose from
Once again, the Srixon Z-STAR will offer players three different options to choose from for play, but there will also be three optical choices depending on the golf ball model.
Level Z-STAR The golf ball has a soft center core, which creates a soft feel and the lowest compression (88) of the golf ball in the family. The STAR produces a more neutral flight trajectory while providing more greenside spin, but still reduces driver rotation.
On the other hand, i STAR XVthe selection of last week’s Sentry champion Hideki Matsuyama, has added durability in the middle and creates the highest pressure ball in the family at a higher distance. The XV will also produce a very high iron spin.
Returning to the lineup after being introduced in the previous generation STAR Diamondthe ball was not chosen for Brooks Koepka. The diamond is the golden keys of the family, providing the best of both worlds in terms of distance off the tee and greenside spin.
Both the Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV are available in Pure White, Tour Yellow and a 50/50 split is called for Separate launched in 2023.
“For virtual players who like to track their ball in the air and on the green, the Divide is a game changer,” said Srixon VP of R and D Jeff Brunski in the release. The yellow/white contrast creates a spinning strobe effect, allowing golfers to easily measure the swing rate of their wedges. If you add a 360° seam line to the green for better alignment and roll, these balls can improve consistency in the most important areas of your game.”
New biomass cover and Spin Skin+
For the latest Z-STAR series, Srixon has developed a new thin urethane cover made from biomass materials.
“Our approach to this generation of the Z-STAR series was to produce a durable ball without compromising performance,” said Brunski. “This next generation’s unique cover and strong grip help improve spin performance specific to each ball, while our team has developed improved distance and control to give golfers a cleaner performance from tee to green.”
The company says the new cover is “designed to withstand all the conditions we face on the course” meaning it can maintain performance for multiple rounds of use.
Srixon also applied for a Spin Skin+ layer, which is an additional thin layer of urethane that is added to increase friction, which in turn increases the rotation of the green. The new balls also have a tough urethane paint, designed to resist dirt and grime.
Price and availability
All Z-STAR models (Z-STAR, Z-STAR XV and Z-STAR Diamond) in Pure White, Tour Yellow and Divide (Z-STAR and XV only) will go on sale from January 24 for $49.99.
Do you want to fix your wallet in 2025? Find the perfect spot near you at True Spec Golf.
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Jack Hirsh
Golf.com Editor
Jack Hirsh is the Associate Equipment Editor at GOLF. A native of Pennsylvania, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was the captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as the head coach. Jack is also *still* trying to stay competitive with the local novices. Before joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a reporter/multimedia reporter, but also producing, anchoring and presenting even the weather. He can be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.
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