Srixon, a global leader in golf ball technology and innovation, proudly launched the seventh-generation Z-Star Series golf ball in February. The Z-Star and Z-Star XV are available in Pure White and Tour Yellow.

The seventh-generation Z-Star features a 0.6-millimetre cover that is thicker than previous generations for enhanced spin and control around the greens. When paired with the revolutionary FastLayer Core that dramatically increases ball speed to deliver maximum distance, the new generation offers unparalleled feel.

“The new Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls are specifically designed for better players and they feature advanced technology to add performance from tee to green,” said Jeff Brunski, Srixon’s vice-president of research and development. “The Z-Star XV is played by some of the longest hitters on professional tours around the world, and this new generation features a reformulated inner core to add even more distance. The new Z-Star produces the highest greenside spin of any ball in our line-up, thanks to its super soft urethane cover and Spin Skin coating. If you demand the absolute best performance, the new Z-Star and Z-Star XV are made for you.”

For 2021, the new Z-Star XV features a reformulated inner core for heightened resilience, leading to improved ball speed and distance without sacrificing feel. This allows players to push their distance to the limit and take advantage of high levels of greenside control.

Both of the new Z-Star Series golf balls feature new Spin Skin technology with Slide-Ring Material (SeRM), a urethane compound that coats the cover of every Z-Star Series ball. By taking unprecedented levels of shearing force without breaking its molecular bonds, Spin Skin with SeRM is able to dig deep into your wedge and iron grooves, dramatically increasing friction and maximising spin for more control and more stopping power on every shot.

The all-new Z-Star Series golf balls are the only in the world to use Slide-Ring Material, providing a competitive advantage that cannot be matched.

“Engineered for more spin and control, the Z-Star Series features a Spin Skin coating enhanced with SeRM, an extremely flexible material,” Brunski said. “Never before has Srixon combined so many technologies in one golf ball, to produce more friction for more spin around the green.”

The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern on each Z-Star Series golf ball improves overall aerodynamics for better flight performance, even in the toughest wind conditions, with drivers, woods and irons.

Pricing: $59.95 per dozen.

Key Innovations inside Z-Star Series balls

• New FastLayer Core: The FastLayer Core starts soft in the centre and gradually becomes firm around its edge, giving high-speed players exceptional feel and enhanced ball speed for maximum distance.

• New Spin Skin with SeRM: A new coating with flexible molecular bonds digs deep into wedge and iron grooves, maximising spin for more control and more stopping power.

• New 338 Speed Dimple Pattern: The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern offers less drag and more lift to boost overall distance, while flying straight even in the toughest wind conditions.

Putting them to the test

Srixon’s latest Z-Star and Z-Star XV balls certainly grab your attention. From the FastLayer Core to the Spin Skin with SeRM and 338 Speed Dimple Pattern, you quickly realise this is a ball that brings a unique brand of technology to the golf-ball market.

In trying out the newest Z-Star and Z-Star XVs, I found the balls felt solid coming off the driver and seemed to cut through the wind with ease. I liked the ball flight and the distance was impressive – with no sign of excessive spin. They suit my faster swing speed and would be a good fit for higher swing-speed players.

Through the irons, the Z-Star and Z-Star XV generated a solid ball flight with the ability to stop on the green, even with the longer irons. With short irons, the ball felt pure coming off the clubface and I had a real sense of control over the ball flight and spin.

Around the greens, there is a nice feel to the Z-Star and Z-Star XV – a soft feel that I like. Often overlooked is the way golf balls feel when putting, however these were easy to putt with and felt great coming off the putterface. – Jason King, PGA professional