Who’s It For?
Srixon’s Z-Star golf ball series has been successful for several years, and it only improved with its latest release. New with the 2019 version of the Srixon Z-Star golf balls is the FastLayer Core, an innovate core design that produces a soft and firm feel at the same time. In general, the Srixon Z-Star series golf balls are engineered for players with higher swing speeds and lower handicaps. The Srixon Z-Star XV is a higher compression ball generally suited for golfers searching for maximum distance, especially on longer shots. However, players in search of a slightly lower launch and maximum spin will want to look at the Srixon Z-Star. Golfers with lower or medium swing speeds who want much of the same technology in the Z-Star series should look at the Q-Star series from Srixon.
The Tech Story
Srixon revolutionized the cover on the latest Z-Star series golf balls with Slide-Ring Material, which is a urethane compound that improves both distance and spin. This material is extremely resistant and uses what Srixon calls, “moveable cross-linking,” to enhance spin thanks to a unique molecular structure. Furthermore, Slide-Ring Material combines with Srixon’s trademark Spin Skin technology, returning from previous Z-Star models, to take unprecedented levels of shearing force without breaking its molecular bonds to dig deep into wedge and iron grooves for more stopping power on every shot than previous Srixon Z-Star models. Spin Skin has fewer bonding points and stretches across more of the clubface at impact for more friction and spin. Together, Spin Skin and Slide-Ring Material create a thin cover that plays soft, whereas most golf balls require a thick cover to play soft and thus sacrifice distance. Additionally, with its new FastLayer core, Srixon has made a golf ball that has a firm and soft feel at the same time. The key is a core that starts soft in the center and gradually gets firm around the edge, enhancing ball speed for maximum distance. The marquee difference between the Srixon Z-Star XV and the Z-Star is that the Z-Star XV contains another layer in its core that produces more compression than the Z-Star. The result is a penetrating ball flight with less spin and more carry on full swings while maintaining excellent short game control. Additionally, the newest Z-Star XV has a slightly lower compression (102) compared to the previous model (105) for increased control and feel around the greens.
Facts and Figures
- Construction: 4-piece
- Cover: Urethane
- Cover Thickness: 0.020 inches
- Compression: 102
- Dimple Number: 338
- Color Options: Pure White, Tour Yellow
Quotable
“The new Z-Star series golf balls are built on top of the heritage of the most successful, trusted Tour golf balls in the market. The exceptional ball speed and distance of both Z-Star offerings are driven by the new FastLayer Core technology, producing both outstanding ball speed and launch conditions tuned for the high swing-speed, better player.” -- Jeff Brunski, Srixon Vice President of Research and Development.
“Distance is one of the major strengths of my game, and I trust the performance of the Z-Star XV like nothing else on Tour. The exceptional ball speed and distance I’m able to generate with the Z-Star series gives me the unique opportunity to compete at an elite level week-in-and-week-out.” -- Cameron Champ, PGA Tour Driving Distance leader.
“The new Z-Star XV is hotter off the driver. It’s definitely longer with my irons as well. So, it’s a ball that’s going to help you throughout the entire bag.” -- Keegan Bradley, four-time PGA Tour winner.
Get Fit
With all of the emphasis on getting the right fit for your golf clubs, it is equally important to get fit for the right golf ball. The award-winning fitting staff at 2nd Swing can find the golf ball that’s best for your unique swing. For fitting questions, please call 612-216-4152, and for more information about 2nd Swing’s custom fitting services, locations, and staff, click here (http://fitting.2ndswing.info/).