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Ball Lab: Srixon Z-Star XV
MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is where we quantify the quality and consistency of golf balls. Today, we’re reviewing the 2023 Srixon Z-Star XV (9th Generation)To learn more about our test process, click here.
About the Srixon Z-Star XV
Once considered a high-spin golf ball, the Z-Star XV ha become more of a middle-of-the-road offering. Off the driver, it’s not dissimilar from the Pro V1x and, while that’s a high-spin ball by Titleist standards, you can expect less spin than you’ll find with the Z-Star Diamond and stock Z-Star.
The same holds true for irons where the XV spins less than the others in the Srixon Z-Star lineup.
Srixon has the capability to produce the XV in both Indonesia and Japan but all three boxes in our sample were made in Indonesia while our Z-Star Diamond sample was made in Japan.
Key Takeaways
The quality doesn’t appear to match the standard of the Z-Star Diamond but the XV tested within the average range for Ball Lab. With an average compression of 94, the XV is the firmest of the Z-Star offerings.Srixon Z-Star XV Construction
Of the current generation of Srixon Z-Star family of golf balls, the XV has undergone the most significant change. Previous iterations of the XV offered four-piece construction but the newest model is a three-piece design.
Like other Z-Star models, it offers a 338-dimple urethane cover.
Srixon uses a unique cover application process that effectively squeezes the mantle between the two halves of the cover during the curing process. The seam is prone to paint loss but it’s not a durability issue, per se, and shouldn’t impact playability.
Srixon Z-Star XV Compression
Every generation of Z-Star XV we’ve tested has measured in the mid-90s. The Z-Star XV 9 is no exception. We clocked this one at 94, a point softer than the previous model, so it’s reasonable to assume the target spec is identical.
Balls with similar compression include the Callaway Chrome Soft X LS and the Bridgestone Tour B X.
Of note, a single ball in the sample measured 10 compression points below the average. Accordingly, it was flagged as bad.
Compression Chart
We’ve had requests for a standalone compression comparison tool. As it turns out, that tool exists. We created it as part of our Golf Ball Compression FAQ page. At some point, we may merge the two charts but, for now, the plan is to include this chart in future Ball Labs.
Diameter and Weight
All of the Srixon XV balls in our sample conformed to the USGA’s weight requirements.
None of the balls in the sample fell under the USGA’s minimum diameter standard and all met our standard for roundness. The latter has sometimes been an issue with Srixon balls.
Srixon Z-Star XV – Inspection
Centeredness and Concentricity
No notable concentricity defects/off-center layers were detected.
Core Consistency
The core colors of the Srixon Z-Star balls in our sample were largely consistent. Some balls had a bit more regrind than others and we did observe a small chunk of what appeared to be non-standard material in one of the balls.
It was small and not significant enough to warrant flagging the ball as bad.
Cover
No cover defects were identified in our sample.
Srixon Z-Star XV – Consistency
In this section, we detail the consistency of the Srixon Z-Star XV. Our consistency metrics measure how similar the balls in our sample were to one another relative to all of the models we’ve tested to date.
Weight Consistency
Weight consistency falls in the Average range. Box 3 was ever-so-slightly heavier but weight consistency is well within a tolerable range.Diameter Consistency
The diameter consistency of the Srixon XV falls within the average range. We did note a single ball that was noticeably larger (Box 3, ball 5). This is also the ball that was significantly softer than the others in the sample.Compression Consistency
Despite a single significant outlier, compression falls within the average range. The compression delta across the sample was 14 points. Excluding the single bad ball, the compression delta was only seven points.True Price
True Price is how we quantify the quality of a golf ball. It's a projection of what you'd have to spend to ensure you get 12 good balls.
The True Price will always be equal to or greater than the retail price. The greater the difference between the retail price and the True Price, the more you should be concerned about the quality of the ball.
Srixon Z-Star XV – Golf Ball Quality Summary
To learn more about our test process, how we define “Bad” balls and our True Price metric, check out our About MyGolfSpy Ball Lab page.
While not a Ball Lab quality standard, the Srixon Z-Star XV offers average quality, which should be acceptable for most golfers.
The Good
Average for every metric we measure No issues with roundness which has sometimes been an issue with our Srixon samplesThe Bad
A single ball that was appreciably softer than the rest.The Score
The True Price for the Srixon Z-Star XV is $49.36. That’s a three-percent increase over the retail price of $47.99..
At the time of testing, the Z-Star XV received a Ball Lab score of 76. That’s two points above the current database average.
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