Srixon Z Star ball review

Has Srixon improved its new Z Star ball?

Andy Roberts's picture
Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Srixon Z Star ball review

READ: Best premium golf balls test 2015

Srixon has revamped its latest Z-Star ball with a new 324 Speed Dimple Pattern - and that has certainly made a difference to its trajectory, especially in the wind. 

Reducing the number of dimples from 344 to 324, Srixon has made more of them of equal size to ensure they cover 80% of the surface and therefore they have more effect on ball flight.

We found the new Z Star - suited for players with a swing speed between 95 and 105 mph - was the best ball at holding its line when the wind picked up during our test. 

While it was down the pecking order for total distance with the driver, the Z Star flourished around the green with its improved Spin Skin coating that Srixon says is 21% softer than before.

Our wedge spin rate with the Z Star was only beaten by the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x. 

The ball reacted superbly on the green from centre strikes with the wedge outside of 100 yards, and it also checked well on short pitch shots and out of greenside bunkers.

On the green, the ball rolled beautifully and distance control was very good from all distances. The pointed side stamp also ensures great alignment with the putter.

One slight niggle is that this ball is not the most durable. Although we hit a couple of shots on the thin side, we did notice several scuff marks to the Z Star after our testing. 

Verdict

Srixon has tweaked its latest Z Star with 20 fewer dimples to improve the ball's trajectory, especially in the wind. It excelled in the short game, too, aided by a new coating that is 21% softer than before, but it lacked some distance off the tee and did not appear very durable after the test. You are taking a chance at £45 per dozen.