MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is the place we quantify the standard and consistency of golf balls. Right this moment, we’re reviewing the 2023 Srixon Z-Star. To study extra about our check course of, click on right here.
In regards to the Srixon Z-Star
The Srixon Z-Star is the softest of the corporate’s premium (“tour”) choices.
Based on Srixon, the usual Z-Star must be the lowest-flying of its three Z-Star fashions. Iron spin is listed as excessive (because it virtually all the time is). Greenside spin is listed as the best inside the Z-Star household.
All the balls we bought have been made at Srixon’s Indonesian manufacturing unit. The info we’ve collected so far suggests (although it doesn’t show) that high quality management isn’t fairly pretty much as good as it’s within the firm’s Japanese manufacturing unit.
Srixon Z-Star Development
The Srixon Z-Star is a three-piece ball with a 338-dimple urethane cowl.
As a result of Srixon colours its mantle layers to match its covers, some consider the Z-Star is a two-piece ball. Whereas the worth tag ought to make it abundantly clear regardless, the image above is supposed to hammer the purpose residence.
Compression
On our gauge, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star measures 85 compression, making it the softest Z-Star we’ve measured so far (the prior model clocked in at 87). Whereas we’d classify that as “agency” total, it’s comparatively tender by tour ball requirements.
For reference, it’s roughly 10 factors softer than the Z-Star XV and a bit greater than 5 factors softer than the Z-Star Diamond.
Related compression balls within the market embody Bridgestone Tour B XS and Titleist Tour Velocity.
Compression Comparability Chart
We’ve had requests for a standalone compression comparability device. Because it seems, that device exists. We created it as a part of our Golf Ball Compression FAQ web page. Sooner or later, we might merge the 2 charts however, for now, the plan is to incorporate this chart in future Ball Labs.
Diameter and Weight
All of the balls in our 2023 Srixon Z-Star pattern have been USGA conforming for each measurement and weight.
A single ball within the pattern failed to satisfy our normal of roundness and was flagged as unhealthy.
Srixon Z-Star – Inspection
Centeredness and Concentricity
Whereas many of the concentricity points have been minor, we discovered one challenge vital sufficient to warrant flagging the ball as unhealthy (see above).
Core Consistency
Core colour was usually constant (variations within the images are the results of lighting) though the balls had bits of regrind (these bits of yellow and white you see within the photograph above), we’ve come to anticipate from Srixon. We did observe a streak of blue in a single core. It’s probably the results of supplies not being utterly combined.
Since nothing was out of the atypical on the gauges, we didn’t flag the ball.
Cowl
No cowl defects have been recognized.
Srixon Z-Star – Consistency
On this part, we element the consistency of the 2023 Srixon Z-Star. Our consistency metrics present a measure of how related the balls in our pattern have been to 1 one other relative to the entire fashions we’ve examined so far.
Weight Consistency
Weight consistency for the 2023 Srixon Z-Star fell inside the Common vary.
Weight was usually constant from one field to the subsequent.
Diameter Consistency
Diameter consistency falls inside the Common vary.
Whereas the final ball in Field 3 is a little bit of an outlier, measurement is inside the allowable limits.
Compression Consistency
Compression consistency for the 2023 Srixon Z-Star Tour falls on the excessive finish of the Common vary.
The balls in Field 3 have been a bit softer than Packing containers 1 and a pair of.
The compression delta throughout the pattern was seven factors which is superb.
True Value
True Value is how we quantify the standard of a golf ball. It is a projection of what you’d must spend to make sure you get 12 good balls.
The True Value will all the time be equal to or better than the retail worth. The better the distinction between the retail worth and the True Value, the extra you need to be involved in regards to the high quality of the ball.
2023 Srixon Z-Star Tour – Golf Ball High quality Abstract
To study extra about our check course of, how we outline “Dangerous” balls and our True Value metric, try our About MyGolfSpy Ball Lab web page.
Aside from a slim compression delta, nothing stands out as explicit good in regards to the 2023 Srixon Z-Star from a high quality/consistency standpoint.
That mentioned, it’s no worse than common in each respect and, whereas it’s not on the extent of the most effective balls we check, there aren’t any crimson flags right here that ought to dissuade you from contemplating it ought to it suit your sport.
The Good
Common high quality throughout the board
Slim seven-point compression delta
The Dangerous
One ball within the pattern not spherical (a not totally unusual incidence in our Srixon checks).
A single layer concentricity defect.
The Rating
The True Value for the Srixon Z-Star is $50.81. That’s a six-percent improve over the retail worth of $47.99
On the time of testing, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star receives a Ball Lab rating of 75. That’s one level above the present database.