Updated November 17, 2022. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
For years, Srixon has been quietly making some of the best golf balls on the planet. By offering soft feel, a dynamic dimple pattern for more spin, and ultimate short game control, the company has been delivering high-quality performance to professionals and amateurs.
The company’s two top products, the Srixon Q-Star Tour golf ball and Z-Star line, both provide players with a reasonable price point, low compression for high launch, a thin, but durable, urethane cover, and exceptional greenside control.
Srixon Q Star vs Z Star: which golf ball is better?
We put both golf balls to the test in this review to see what ball is right for your game and offers the best playing experience.
Last updated on 2024-04-08. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Srixon Q-Star Tour
Best Distance Ball for High Handicappers
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Pros
- First-rate urethane cover generates incredible spin for exceptional shot-stopping power
- FastLayer Core offers lower compression with outstanding speed
- Excellent performance for high handicappers with low spin for better accuracy
- Reduced drag on each hit for powerful shots from fairway and tee with irons
Cons
- Not ideal for low handicappers that want more control and shot-shaping ability
- Softer feel might turn away golfers who like a firmer feel golf ball
Stand-out Features
FastLayer Core
The Q-Star Tour’s FastLayer Core is soft at the center but offers a firmer feel around the edge when using a fairway wood and long iron.
While this ball is softer than the Z-Star and Z-Star XV, it still provides an easy transition for uniform feel and high levels of ball speeds, regardless of your swing speed.
338 Dimple Pattern
The Srixon Q-Star Tour offers a speedy dimpled pattern that minimizes drag. For golfers that struggle with lift, the cover provides long penetrating flight with moderately high launch for extended carry.
Along with the advanced core, the dimples maximize length with woods and provide exceptional precision on each hit.
Tour-Level Cover
Utilizing the company’s patented Spin Skin coating, the Q-Star Tour’s thermoplastic urethane cover is remarkably thin. Adding high rotation and precision, the cover increases friction off the face of the club for maximal rotation of the ball regardless of what shot you play on the course.
The cover’s urethane material provides reliability and durability, making it first-rate across the board and a wonderful ball for all golfers.
Srixon Z-Star
Best High Spin Ball for Low Handicappers
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Pros
- Ideal for single-digit handicappers that want control with higher compression
- Srixon’s top ball comes in pure white and yellow colors
- Offers moderate price point for tour-level golf ball
- Great for golfers who generate high swing speed shots with irons
Cons
- Too sophisticated for beginners and high handicappers
- Firmer feel could keep golfers away who prefer soft cover material
Stand-out Features
Spin
For advanced golfers, the Srixon Z-Star delivers low spin with the woods and high rotational activity with irons and wedges. On approach shots, the ball provides exceptional control with the thicker cover offering higher spin.
Once you get close to the green, these golf balls deliver wonderful performance on shots inside 100 yards. With the sand and gap wedge, the ball’s core generates high rotation to add considerable control to your game.
Long Distance
Off the tee box, the Z-Star and Z-Star XV, are wonderful for high swing speeds. With accuracy and tight shot dispersion, the ball maintains low rotation with moderate piercing flight for far-reaching length.
From the fairway, the ball really extends the course with each iron club. Most golfers will find another 3-5 yards with the Srixon Z-Star golf balls.
3-Piece Construction
The ball’s three-piece construction is great for elevated swing speeds over 105 mph. Powered by the company’s FastLayer core, golfers with high swing speed will find the most benefit from playing these balls on a wide variety of shots.
With each dozen of balls like this, golfers can expect tour-centric play that can compare to the elite-level balls like Callaway Chrome Soft and Titleist’s Pro V1 series.
Features Face to Face
Distance
With each ball we expected high launch and long reach, and we were quite happy with the results both displayed after testing.
The Q-series from Srixon are great for players with slower club speeds as the lower compression helps maintain the yardage for any club in the bag. But with higher compression, the Z-Star shines for players with 105 mph swings from the back tees.
While both balls provide high launch with long reach, the Z-Star is the ultimate winner in the battle of what ball flies the farthest on any of the shots you face on the course.
Winner: Z-Star
Spin
When testing the two golf balls for spin, we were pleased to see that both the Z-Star, Q-series work hard to provide grip on an array of shots. Whether you are in the sand in a bunker or sitting pretty in the fairway, each ball gets the launch needed to generate the high rotation for precision shot-making.
From inside 100 yards, the Z-series is the noted winner between these two titans with high rotation rates that stops shots and checks the ball on the putting surface.
Winner: Z-Star
Feel
When we looked to compare the two golf balls on feel, the Srixon Z-Star definitely held the edge off the tee box, but as we got closer to the hole, the Q-Star Tour shined with its cushioned feel and high rotational rates.
The Z-Star, and alternate Z-Star XV, has thicker cover helps dampen vibration, but that comes at a slight cost of feeling each hit at impact. Regardless, each ball’s outer material keeps the golfer connected with the ball on shot after shot.
With each dozen we played, we found that Srixon’s well-designed Q-Star ball offered a softer feel on a variety of shots, making it the winner for this category.
Winner: Q-Star Tour
Putting
On the putting surface, both golf balls offer outstanding feel, forward roll without skidding, and exceptional precision with all aspects of the short game.
The Z-Star has a thicker cover than the Q-Star so there’s a slight need for more muscle on moderate to long putts, but that modification is quickly accepted by players.
If we had to choose between the two, the Q-Star Tour provides a firmer feel that offers better response off the putter’s face, even though it is classified as a softer feel golf ball.
Winner: Q-Star Tour
Our Verdict: Srixon Q Star vs Z Star
Use a Q-Star if:
- You want a ball with an energetic core that jumps off the face of the club
- You want softer feel around the greens with the patented Spin Skin
- 338-dimple urethane cover that reduces drag and maximizes length
The Srixon third generation Q-Star is a terrific option for mid handicappers who are looking for a three-piece ball that plays softer around the greens but still delivers far reaching yardage with the driver.
Use a Z-Star Tour if:
- You want high rotation with phenomenal greenside control
- You want soft feel from your golf ball without sacrificing length
- High-grade urethane covers with maximum ball speeds
The Srixon Z-Star is ideal for low handicappers who are hunting for a 3-piece ball that offers distance along with a soft feel close to the greens.