The newly updated Srixon Q-STAR TOUR golf balls present a very interesting question: What is a “tour-level” golf ball?
The simple answer is simple. If it’s played on a professional golf tour – any tour – then it’s a “tour-level” golf ball.
However, just because a ball has three pieces and one of those pieces is a urethane cover, can it be considered “tour-level?”
And can a ball be “tour-level” ball simply by the maker of said golf ball calling it “tour-level?”
While not on the metaphysical level of Do we have free will or is everything predetermined?, the question of what constitutes “tour-level” is germane to today’s topic. Srixon is updating its popular Q-STAR TOUR golf ball line. The company is calling them “tour-level” but is that label warranted? Let’s take a look.
Are the new Q-STAR TOUR golf balls really “tour-level?”
I’ll admit it. I’ve typed “tour-level” more times in the past five minutes than I have in the past five years. I won’t type it again in this article which should save us both a lot of time.
Srixon introduced the Q-STAR TOUR in 2017 as a urethane-covered go-between. It was designed to bridge the gap between Srixon’s two-piece, ionomer-covered standard Q-STAR golf balls and its top-of-the-line Z-STARs. The idea was to make a high-performing ball at a lower price point for golfers with more moderate swing speeds.
More succinctly, it’s a softer, cheaper, not-quite-a-Z-STAR.
By any measure, MyGolfSpy’s 2025 Ball Test showed that the Srixon Q-STAR TOUR, along with comps such as the TaylorMade Tour Response and Titleist Tour Soft, are not in the same overall performance league as a Z-STAR, Pro V1 or TP5. That doesn’t make them bad balls but, overall, their performance in terms of ball speed, spin and distance doesn’t compare.
What they do have going for them is a soft feel and a lower price. And the performance, while not the same, might very well be close enough for many.
So, is the Srixon Q-STAR TOUR at, you know, that level? No. Is it close enough for you? At nearly $20 less per dozen compared to balls that are at that level, however, it very well may be.
What’s new with the Q-STAR TOUR?
Srixon is touting material enhancements and aerodynamic advancements in the new Q-STAR TOUR golf balls. Specifically, it’s the latest Srixon urethane-covered ball to be made with BioMass.
First used in the 2025 Z-STAR line, BioMass is a durable, plant-based material that supplements petrochemicals in the urethane cover. BioMass is a relatively small percentage of the urethane formula but Srixon says it reduces carbon emissions without sacrificing spin, feel or control.
The new Q-STAR TOUR also features Srixon’s latest SpinSkin+ coating. It’s an updated, spin-enhancing layer that digs into grooves to maximize friction. The new material is more durable and, according the company, resists dirt, mud and other gook better so the ball stays cleaner longer.
As with the 2024 model, the new Q-STAR TOUR compression is listed at 74. That’s considerably softer than the standard Z-STAR at 88. Srixon uses a version of its signature FastLayer Core in the Q-STAR Tour line. Many OEMs feature similar technology. The core is like a sort of Tootsie Pop. It’s soft in the middle and gets progressively firmer toward the outer edge.
Across the great DIVIDE
The standard Q-STAR TOUR golf balls will be available in the conventional Pure White and Tour Yellow colors. For you non-conventional golfers out there, Srixon is also giving the line a bit of a DIVIDE refresh.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you have to admit those two-toned Srixon DIVIDE golf balls are eye-catching. They make lining up putts a breeze and many golfers like using them for short-game practice, as the spinning strobe effect gives you a clear indication of spin.
Srixon is offering two additional color combinations for the new Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE golf balls. White/Lime and White/Pink are joining the carryover Yellow/Red and Yellow/Orange fishing bobber colorways.
The new Srixon Q-STAR TOUR and Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE golf balls are available starting today. They retail for $39.99 per dozen.
Oh, just one more thing …
Srixon is also launching a new feature to its Q-STAR Ultispeed golf ball: an alignment system it’s calling Trackline.
First launched nearly a year ago, the Q-STAR Ultispeed is an interesting ball. It’s a two-piece ball with a FastLayer core and an ionomer cover. That’s the standard recipe for any lower-compression ball. The Ultispeed, however, is built for distance with a compression of 85.
As our 2025 Ball Test showed, if you have a low swing speed and want a ball that goes like hell, the Ultispeed is a great choice. It won’t spin worth a damn but, man, does it fly.
“Advanced alignment aid golf balls continue to be a popular and growing segment in the market, especially for golf balls designed for everyday players,” says Srixon Product Management Specialist Jake Donahue. “Trackline will take Ultispeed to new heights, offering golfers more options and more ways to play.”
Trackline is somewhere between Callaway’s Triple Track and Vice’s Tracer alignment systems. Is it a helpful aid or an overdone distraction? That’s for you to decide.
The Q-STAR Ultispeed with Trackline comes in Pure White and Tour Yellow. They’re also available starting today for $29.99 per dozen.
Sonoma Valley Tom
3 months ago
I carry a 17 handicap. My driver swing is 90mph. If I play a Srixon ball it’s a Soft Feel. I can count on consistent performance. Not the longest ball for me. At $24 / box it’s a good enough ball.