Srixon Z-STAR DIVIDE – Key Takeaways
- Srixon’s Tour-level Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV get the two-color DIVIDE treatment.
- $44.99 per dozen
- Available Jan. 21
The new Srixon Z-STAR DIVIDE yellow/white golf balls beg one simple and obvious question.
Why?
Fortunately, there’s a simple and obvious answer to that simple and obvious question.
Why the hell not?
I’m sure a bit more went into Srixon’s decision-making than why the hell not? There had to be questions of market potential, unit forecasting, break-even points, new-equipment capital expenditure and amortization, the potential for cannibalizing existing sales versus market share growth and so on. Those are all for the grown-ups to decide.
For golfers, it really does boil down to why the hell not?
As seriously as many of us golfers take both the game and ourselves (and, for many, that’s way too seriously), it’s important to remember that golf is a game. And games are supposed to be fun.
And, if nothing else, Srixon’s DIVIDE balls are kinda fun.
Srixon Z-STAR DIVIDE: Yellow and White
When Srixon announced the two-color Q-STAR TOUR balls last spring, literally one of the first comments to our article was, to paraphrase, “What about a two-colored Z-STAR?”
“We had interest from the start in a Tour-level ball with DIVIDE technology,” says Srixon GM Brian Schielke. “Having easier alignment on the green and more spin feedback on pitches and chip shots is great for all.”
The Q-STAR TOUR has been released in several color combinations. To start, however, both the 90-compression Z-STAR and the 102-compression Z-STAR XV are coming out in the White/Yellow combo only. And, while the Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE balls all have a matte finish, the Z-STAR models have a standard glossy finish.
DIVIDE On Tour?
Nothing would make the Z-STAR DIVIDE family take off faster than seeing it played by Srixon staffers on the PGA TOUR.
“Hideki Matsuyama has really enjoyed practicing with the Z-STAR XV DIVIDE,” says Schielke. “In fact, he practiced with prototypes during the week he won the Masters. Ernie Els has also shown interest so stay tuned”
The balls themselves are no different than the standard Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV. The standard Z-STAR DIVIDE is the three-piece, higher-spinning model. It’s 90 compression with a 0.6-millimeter cover. Srixon says it’s for 90+ mph swing speeds.
The Z-STAR XV DIVIDE is the firmer (102 compression), lower-spinning, four-piece model. Its cover is a skosh thinner and Srixon recommends it for swing speeds of at least 100 mph.
Both DIVIDE balls feature Srixon’s signature Spin Skin with SeRM urethane coating to enhance spin. Both feature Srixon’s 338 Speed Dimple Pattern to reduce drag and create more stability in the wind. The only difference is two colors instead of one.
“Creating the DIVIDE construction with two different colors of urethane bonded together in a clean line is very challenging,” says Schielke. “We worked hard to get Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE right and leaning on that experience made it more straightforward to produce the Z-STAR DIVIDE series.”
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Why DIVIDE?
Well, fun first and foremost. As we said, for most of us this is a game and there’s no harm in adding a dash of color and a touch of jocularity to the on-course proceedings is there?
From a practical standpoint, if you can’t align a DIVIDE ball for a putt, golf might not be your game. It’s easy and gives you crazy visual feedback on your stroke. Also, you can’t really miss seeing the spin on pitches and chips.
Srixon tells us that’s exactly why Matsuyama uses them for practice. This past weekend at the Sony, Matsuyama gamed his normal Z-STAR XV but used the DIVIDE version for practice around the green. It might just be a coincidence, but the defending Masters champ led the field in Strokes Gained on the green in his victory.
If you’re looking for another reason why Srixon is adding DIVIDE to its Z-STAR lineup, try some math.
The two new DIVIDE offerings bring to seven the number of Z-STAR balls in Srixon’s lineup. You have the standard Z-STARS in white and yellow, the XVs in white and yellow, the Z-STAR Diamond in white and now the Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV DIVIDE models. Add to that the three urethane-covered Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE colorways plus the standard white and yellow Q-STAR TOUR balls and you have 12 distinct urethane-covered offerings.
If you really want to get crazy, throw in the yellow and the white ionomer Q-STAR balls plus seven different colors of the Soft Feel balls. That makes 21 different offerings. In theory, you could take up a lot of shelf space at retail with that many balls.
We won’t even mention the colorful acid trip that is the new XXIO Rebound Frame collection.
For a company that continues trading with Bridgestone for third and fourth place in the market share game, that’s kind of important.
DIVIDE Here to Stay?
It would appear yes. Schielke tells us the Q-STAR DIVIDE exceeded the company’s expectations in terms of sales. The biggest problem was keeping up with demand. Srixon released the Q-STAR Tour in Yellow/Red in April and then added Yellow/Blue and Yellow/Orange during the summer. So far, Srixon is being coy about any new Z-STAR DIVIDE colors.
“We can’t talk too much about future product plans,” says Schielke, “but more colors are certainly an option.”
That, friends, is what’s known as a tease. And I’d bet my entire collection of Cleveland VAS irons we’ll see something later this year. Just don’t expect to see them in a matte finish. As we have learned, when matte balls get wet, they launch higher and spin less which you definitely don’t want in a Tour-level ball.
Z-STAR DIVIDE: Price and Availability
Srixon is offering the standard Z-STAR and the Z-STAR XV in the White/Yellow DIVIDE color. Tech-wise, these Z-STARs are the current models, just with the DIVIDE colors.
The new Z-STAR DIVIDE and Z-STAR DIVIDE XV will retail for $44.99. They’ll hit retail on Jan. 21.
For more information, visit the Srixon website.
*We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
Bill
2 months agoI really like these balls and at least for me the white/yellow split is not distracting when playing between the tee and the green (unlike the Q-Star Tour Divide). I found the Z-Star and Z-Star Divide a perfect fit for my 95-100 mpg driver speed. It just works well for me. the PV1 comes in at a close second.
Jonathan R
2 months agoI’ve switched to these balls for the putting alignment and feedback on stroke. That is invaluable to me and worth the tradeoff with any other almost negligable performance differences with other balls. I’d probably slightly prefer a ChromesoftX or ProV1 or even Maxfli Tour, but it’s not enough difference to offset the putting benefit. If the other companies start doing this, then I’ll be looking at comparing those other small performance differences again. Until then, I’m glad Srixon did this and am happy to play their ball.
Rod Chmberlin
4 months agoPlayed this ball the past 2 weekends and loved it. I’ve always been a fan of the SRIZON Z Star and love how easy you can see your greenside spin and roll on the green with the “divide” coloring. Additionally since not many will be playing this ball in the immediate future, it’s a great ball for cart path only conditions. It takes much of the guessing out of the equation when trying to determine which ball is yours from the cart path. .
Kyler
4 months agoCan’t say I have found much difference in golf balls lately but the bi-color Ping is a ball I played frequently in earlier years. I liked the the color split as long as stealth blue wasn’t on one side. White and yellow are the two colors I play for solid balls and the new Z-Star would be a great addition.
Dr Tee
4 months agoAlready playing the Q Star Divide and love it. Great for alignment on the green and assessment of pure center strike roll. Easy to find in the fairway. don’t see any reason not to upgrade to the Z Star Divide !
Dean
4 months agoThe ball looks the mini golf balls used to be like. I will say no I will not play them.
Kenneth Agbanobi
4 months agoThe issue here is are the golf balls balanced for a predictable roll and spin followed around the line between the colours or not? Balancing the balls the balls at home if they are would mean another line on the balls which would cause issues visually as the balls are not a uniform colour (OCD perhaps)
jim
4 months agoI will stick with Green they show up the best
Mat
4 months agoIf Bridgestone doesn’t do anything other than white for their BX model, this is where I’ll stray first.
WiTerp
4 months agoThis is less gimmickry than the Travis/TP5 wallpaper. If I found better visualization than with an amber only ball, then I’d consider it. But would only start with a sleeve. With all the proliferation of ball lines with variants even with dot/dashes from Titleist, I can see direct sales needed for anything beyond the first 5-6 balls from any OEM. Sri on should offer a 6 pack for $19.99 – free shipping for trial use.
Steve S
4 months agoI play yellow Snell MTBX or yellow Pro V1X; but I draw the line at those ugly things and the price is way too high for what you are getting. So, big NO for me.
Scott
4 months agoI play these balls when they go on sale for 2 for 3.
If they do this with the Divide, I will buy in again
I use the Divide balls to practice putting and it really helps to see if you are hitting the ball correctly.
I am not a fan of the Matte finish so I will wait for the Father’s Day sale again
It is just hard to beat the Snell Black in price and performance..
Brent Hendry
4 months agoI would definitely try these balls, I like the Srixon balls I have played and the colored ball seems easier to pick up against a clear sky!
Lee
4 months agoI am the opposite as I find it easier to pickup yellow balls when the sky is overcast and white balls when it is sunny. Maybe these would be good when in between (partly cloudy). I do like the idea of using for practice putting. I don’t use alignment lines on balls but see how it can help show if striking squarely on the back of the ball.
DrRob1963
4 months agoI like the Srixon Z-Star and play it in competitions, but if you gave me these “Divide” Z-Star balls for free – I still wouldn’t use them.
YUK!!!
P.J.
4 months agoFor starters – there are a lot of comments on these balls, which means more market exposure, which has got to make the Srixon folks happy.
I’ve been playing the Q-Star Tour Divides in yellow/orange and yellow/red. I’ve bought the yellow/blue, but have a hard time finding them on the course. Love the ball, it’s been rivaling the Snell MTB-X for the most common ball I play.
As for the white/yellow of Z-Star, meh…I think it would’ve done better with yellow/orange, but maybe Srixon wants to keep the Z-Star and Q-Star distinctly different? Regardless, people are talking about Srixon golf balls and that’s not something uttered too often in most golf circles. As for me, I can find the Srixon Q-Star Tour DIvides with a coupon for under $30, so don’t see myself spending an extra $15 for something similar.
Bob
4 months agoTo me I have not liked yellow balls they fell harder it’s not the same as a white ball when you make a good strike I feel it in my hands and see it in my distance . So I am a no to a rock!
Bob
4 months agoTo me I have not liked yellow balls they fell harder it’s not the same as a white ball when you make a good strike I feel it in my hands and see it in my distance . So I am a no !
Darryl Law
4 months agoI would definitely try this. I have played the Q-Star Tour Divide (red/yellow). It does help visually and the putting is easy to line up. My issue was the matte finish. Perfect world would have the glossy finish on the Q-Star…better price point. Hard to justify $45/dozen when you’re high handicap.
Brian
4 months agoNo, I would never play those, MyGolfSpy..
2E PGA
4 months agoPing did this in the 1980’s and the ball was actually easier to see in the air with the constant change of color of the ball in flight.
IanM
4 months agoThe whole concept would mess with my OCD…I’d have to line up the divide on every tee and every putt and that would takes days.
It would also screw with my head on the fairway or in the rough when the divide isn’t lined up..my eyes would start glazing because the divide isn’t pointing where I want to hit the ball….
Give me an all white or all yellow every day…just not both at the same time..
Madness lurks there…
Deacon Blues
4 months agoAwesome! I’m already playing the yellow Z-Stars, so I’ll give these a try. Just ordered direct from Srixon.
norebound29
4 months agoI’m not generally a fan of Srixon products but as an older golfer freshoff of a couple of eye surgeries my days of playing a white ball are done. Anything that would allow me to track a ball in flight on a cloudy day would be fabulous. A sleeve of these just might make it into my bag in 2022.
Scott Kalina
4 months agoI have the same problem, switched to Volvik about 4 years ago. Try the Volvik S4 in green or the S3 in orange. Those are their tour balls. Lots of the Korean women play the S3.
David
4 months agoIs it yellow on the left, or yellow on the right?
Product Manager Fail. Back to MBA school.
Srixon is too good for this.
John Barba
4 months agoAnd the honorable Mrs. O.Connor was never the same!!
Strong early contender for Comment of the Week – love it!
Randy Barnes
4 months agoI like the divide concept, and would try them. I tried Srixon when they first cam out and LOVED THEM! Then they started changing things and have not ever been as good as the originals, so n my opinion. They are just not for me.
CHARLES Hanna
4 months agoAs I get older and my eyesight/depth perception gets worse, I’m looking for anything that may allow me and my playing buddies to track my ball. It will look pretty cool on the green also
Corey
4 months agoLove it! My new ball for 2022!! I will absolutely game these and I’ll look forward to additional color schemes if/when they arrive.
A lot of the negative comments have me quoting John Riggins, “Come on Sandy baby, loosen up. You’re too tight.”
Max
4 months agoIncredible he said that to a Supreme Court Justice
Mike Lankston
4 months agoGood news (maybe), I’m on board. Bad news, its 27° in central Illinois today. Might ne quite a while before I can give them a try
Mike Lankston
4 months agoGood news (maybe), I’m on board. Bed news, its 27° in central Illinois today. Might ne quite a while before I can give them a try
WBN
4 months agoI can’t wait to find somebodys lost yellow/white divide. After trying that one I’ll make a decision.
Tom R
4 months agoDefinitely would try! why not!
ChipNRun
4 months agoGot QStar Divides in yellow + orange. In Oct. / helpful for aligning putts, easy to track against grayish fall sky.
One problem: matte finish balls -all brands – seem to absorb soil stains more than shiny finish.
clubthrower#2
4 months agoPlay the Q Star Divides in Red/Yellow in the fall and early spring. Much easier to find in dormant conditions in Kansas. Found them to be a reliable lower compression ball w. decent spin characteristics. I don’t align for puts, but the ball spinning into to green is pretty cool–many comments about this. I think the matte finish is easier to see and find as well. Would I spring for the Z Stars at $45? Probably not. Be interesting to see how they are received.
JHawk1981
4 months agoI agree with Clubthrower#2. Had my best round at Colbert Hills in November with the red/yellow combo and kept commenting how cool they looked when I hit a good tee shot or chip. I don’t align for putts either to save some time. I like the ZStar XV balls as well, but I was really impressed with these for less money. Felt like a good ball and felt pretty soft to me (which I like). Ended up buying all three color schemes to see which I like best.
Simon White
4 months agoI’d buy a box just for putting practice
Bob Kendall
4 months agoSure, I’d try them. Good for 74 year old eyes.
Lance Matteo
4 months agoI truly believe that the new 3-piece ball that Srixon put out last year cost around $30. I have a hard time going to $45, for this ball, Especially when the performance would be extremely similar. Just played in Myrtle Beach over New Year’s holiday and played the 3 piece Srixon and the Maxfli Tour. I thought the Maxfli ball was better! Really like the feel and performance.
Bo cornell
4 months agoWhich color golf ball has been found to be the easiest to
to find?
Septimus Lhonly
4 months agoThe one that’s hit in the fairway.
JHawk1981
4 months agoI have found the red/yellow combo the easiest to track in the air and find in the grass. I can’t help when it comes to easiest to find in the fairway, as I am rarely there.
tom brumfitt
4 months agoit looks like a practice ball why do the makers think we would play with these balls taylormade ruined the P5 and the P5x with there design on the ball
just get your act together on producing a descent ball
my last game with a z star the covering was splitting you will never see these on tour get something done as for two colour balls crap
Cody
4 months agoZ Stars are played on tour. Brooks Koepka plays one. Wtf are you even talking about?
Jon
4 months agoMommy didn’t cut the crust off of his toast this morning..
Kris
4 months agoPlenty of guys play it on tour. Koepka and Matsuyama 2 names you might know. I even believe its the most popular ball by guys not paid to play a ball.
Dean Dodge
4 months agoClearly, the yellow inside ring around the ball is not centered. What is the QC on offset of internal ball layers?
aaron mcguill
4 months agoIt absolutely is centered. I’ve seen them in person. And the ball is internally dyed, not painted.
Gil Bloomer
4 months agoI would not buy these to put in play but I think these balls are a great idea for putting practice. Just my opinion.
MarkM
4 months agoI haven’t played the Z star regularly (usually Bridgestone or TP5) but it’s a good ball and I like that ½ & ½ look. As long as it’s not matte I’ll give it a go. You never know till you get out on the couse.
RT
4 months agoPrice is too expensive, That says it all but the split colors is very distracting no way would I buy the ball !!
Cody
4 months agoThey’re the same price as the regular Z Star?
Mark
4 months agoNo.
Eddie
4 months agoI actually play the Divide golf ball and I absolutely love it. The ball itself is pretty good, but the real reason I play it is because of the way I can line the ball up to putt. For me, it’s a no-brainer and I’ve been much more comfortable on the greens because of it. I play to of a 5 handicap and I’ve been waiting for this exact color combination. I have to admit that I am sometimes reluctant to use this ball when I’m a guest at a private course, but this new color combination is very neutral and not so embarrassing. I’m planning on picking myself up a couple dozen of the yellow/white this coming Friday.
Gary Sansom
4 months agoToo expensive for my taste plus i have been fitted for the Bridgestone e series.
Billy Stowe
4 months agoI played both the q-star and the z-star ball for one full year. I was not happy with either. I simply could not get the distance that I did with my top flight or pinnacle brand.
John Marsh
4 months agoI love the Q-star yellow/blue. I tried the Ping 2 color, at the time, being too serious back then i got away from them. With age I play mostly for enjoyment and really enjoy the Q-star. My swing speed would keep me away from the Z-star,
Ron
4 months agoWorst headline… By tossing the word EVER into it, you immediately put a person on the defensive about playing them.
That said, the ZStar is Srixon’s top tour ball and their Q-Star Divide is flying off the shelf. Seems like a decent enough plan to merge the two. Any word on if full personalization will be offered at launch? They have the regular Z Star that can be emojied instead of numbered and alignment aids added as well.
Tider992010
4 months agoI like the white and yellow divide. I will use them and give em a try.
Dave
4 months agoI was given the q star device as a gift. The balls are great for practicing putting and chipping but I find them distracting when playing a round. They are red and yellow so maybe the yellow and white would be ok. Also I have played the Calloway truvis yellow and black and have no problems playing this design.
elvis14
4 months agoYes, I would play these. The ZV is a great ball. Seeing more spin might be helpful. Putting alignment help and seeing the roll better. Plus, it’s a game and it’s meant to be fun. Trying new equipment is part of the fun for me.
Rick
4 months agoIn a word – NO
Colored golf balls seem to pulsate to me and I just can not properly focus on them. Not only that but they seem larger than normal when looking down at them in the address position.
Mark R
4 months agoGimmick – these balls won’t be flying off the shelves. in the USA.. It’s been tried before.
Srixon would be better off investing in quality control with its golf ball line versus a color scheme..
Ron
4 months agoPeople said that about the Q Star and those have been flying off the shelves.
aaron mcguill
4 months agoActually, they just launched today. So they will be flying off the shelves in the US.
Zippy
4 months agoAlthough I’ve switched to Bridgestone Tour B XS last couple years and absolutely love them, I find the Z-stars very similar. If they came out with a BOGO deal, I’ll give them a whirl at least on the practice green for sure..
Jonathan
4 months agoI think this is smart, give the premium ball category so love and excitement. I can see this helping with practice and excitement. Plus you don’t have to mess with the ball too much and your friends will be pissed when they are best with a two-toned ball.
Ivan G
4 months agoCould not agree more John, golf is a game and is meant to be fun.
I have in the past used Callaway golf balls because of truvis and I did buy a dozen of the Qstar divide. The ball flight of the divide was almost hypnotic. Srixon makes a good golf ball at a decent price so yes I will certainly be buying a dozen. I bet I will also be giving some of them out to my friends.
When there is so much product out there, you have to differentiate somehow. This is a cool and easy way to do that. Thumbs up!
Glenn
4 months agoMy grandson thought these were cool so I bought him a dozen.
When these balls spin around the green on a bright day it is like staring at a strobe light.
albatrossx3
4 months agoNo way,, ping came out with something like this, they were the ugliest balls ever
Jon Burroughs
4 months agoI played the Q-Star Divide this year, actually moving down from better Vice and Snell balls to do so, simply because I loved the look and visibility while both Vice and Snell never seemed to have the yellow versions in sock. Don’t like the white half on the Z Star. Will game if they come out with the same color combos as the Q Star.
john Smith
4 months agoI am an absolute NO GO on this one. There are so many distractions, such as my list of 12 swing thoughts that I intend to whittle down to 10 this spring. The last thing I need is a ball that adds to the distraction factor- I would not even retrieve this thing from the woods for my shag bag. They can keep this one.
JHawk1981
4 months agoMaybe if you tried these balls, then you focusing on how much you hate the two tone color scheme would be your ONLY swing thought? Sounds like a win to me!
Nagi Mato
4 months agoAll I had to see was the price. No way I’m paying $45 for 12 balls. There’s not THAT much difference between brands.
Terry
4 months ago“There’s not THAT much difference between brands.”
Have you actually read the MGS ball reviews? There is a HUGE difference between brands and ball models. Not all golfers will recognize or be able to take advantage of he differences, but that doesn’t deny it being true.