MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is where we quantify the quality and consistency of golf balls. Today, we’re reviewing the 2023 Srixon Z-Star. To learn more about our test process, click here.
About the Srixon Z-Star
The Srixon Z-Star is the softest of the company’s premium (“tour”) offerings.
According to Srixon, the standard Z-Star should be the lowest-flying of its three Z-Star models. Iron spin is listed as high (as it almost always is). Greenside spin is listed as the highest within the Z-Star family.
All of the balls we purchased were made at Srixon’s Indonesian factory. The data we’ve collected to date suggests (though it does not prove) that quality control isn’t quite as good as it is in the company’s Japanese factory.
Srixon Z-Star Construction
The Srixon Z-Star is a three-piece ball with a 338-dimple urethane cover.
Because Srixon colors its mantle layers to match its covers, some believe the Z-Star is a two-piece ball. While the price tag should make it abundantly clear regardless, the picture above is meant to hammer the point home.
Compression
On our gauge, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star measures 85 compression, making it the softest Z-Star we’ve measured to date (the prior version clocked in at 87). While we’d classify that as “firm” overall, it’s relatively soft by tour ball standards.
For reference, it’s roughly 10 points softer than the Z-Star XV and a bit more than five points softer than the Z-Star Diamond.
Similar compression balls in the marketplace include Bridgestone Tour B XS and Titleist Tour Speed.
Compression Comparison Chart
We’ve had requests for a standalone compression comparison tool. As it turns out, that tool exists. We created it as part of our Golf Ball Compression FAQ page. At some point, we may merge the two charts but, for now, the plan is to include this chart in future Ball Labs.
Diameter and Weight
All the balls in our 2023 Srixon Z-Star sample were USGA conforming for both size and weight.
A single ball in the sample failed to meet our standard of roundness and was flagged as bad.
Srixon Z-Star – Inspection
Centeredness and Concentricity
While most of the concentricity issues were minor, we found one issue significant enough to warrant flagging the ball as bad (see above).
Core Consistency
Core color was generally consistent (differences in the photos are the result of lighting) although the balls had bits of regrind (those bits of yellow and white you see in the photo above), we’ve come to expect from Srixon. We did observe a streak of blue in a single core. It’s likely the result of materials not being completely mixed.
Since nothing was out of the ordinary on the gauges, we did not flag the ball.
Cover
No cover defects were identified.
Srixon Z-Star – Consistency
In this section, we detail the consistency of the 2023 Srixon Z-Star. Our consistency metrics provide a measure of how similar the balls in our sample were to one another relative to all of the models we’ve tested to date.
Weight Consistency
- Weight consistency for the 2023 Srixon Z-Star fell within the Average range.
- Weight was generally consistent from one box to the next.
Diameter Consistency
- Diameter consistency falls within the Average range.
- While the last ball in Box 3 is a bit of an outlier, size is within the allowable limits.
Compression Consistency
- Compression consistency for the 2023 Srixon Z-Star Tour falls at the high end of the Average range.
- The balls in Box 3 were a bit softer than Boxes 1 and 2.
- The compression delta across the sample was seven points which is very good.
True Price
True Price is how we quantify the quality of a golf ball. It's a projection of what you'd have to spend to ensure you get 12 good balls.
The True Price will always be equal to or greater than the retail price. The greater the difference between the retail price and the True Price, the more you should be concerned about the quality of the ball.
2023 Srixon Z-Star Tour – Golf Ball Quality Summary
To learn more about our test process, how we define “Bad” balls and our True Price metric, check out our About MyGolfSpy Ball Lab page.
Other than a narrow compression delta, nothing stands out as particular good about the 2023 Srixon Z-Star from a quality/consistency standpoint.
That said, it’s no worse than average in every respect and, while it’s not on the level of the best balls we test, there aren’t any red flags here that should dissuade you from considering it should it fit your game.
The Good
- Average quality across the board
- Narrow seven-point compression delta
The Bad
- One ball in the sample not round (a not entirely uncommon occurrence in our Srixon tests).
- A single layer concentricity defect.
The Score
The True Price for the Srixon Z-Star is $50.81. That’s a six-percent increase over the retail price of $47.99
At the time of testing, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star receives a Ball Lab score of 75. That’s one point above the current database.
Christopher
10 months ago
Soft in the range of balls played on tour, but MGS test a few marshmallows too and they’re not played on tour.