Srixon Z-STAR vs Z-STAR XV: What's theDifference?

Srixon's Z-STAR range has become a serious alternative to premium balls from Titleist, TaylorMade and Callaway.

Two of the most popular models are the Srixon Z-STAR and Z-STAR XV.

They look similar, sit within the same premium family and both use urethane covers - but they're designed with different priorities.

Here's how to choose between them. Shop our Srixon products here.

Srixon Z-STAR vs Z-STAR XV: The Quick Answer

Z-STAR - softer feel, maximum greenside spin and a mid flight.

Z-STAR XV - firmer, faster and designed to maximise driver and iron distance with a mid-high flight.

In simple terms, think control and feel with Z-STAR versus speed and distance with Z-STAR XV.

	Z-STAR	Z-STAR XV
Construction	3-piece urethane	3-piece urethane
Compression	88	102
Feel	Softer	Slightly firmer
Flight	Mid	Mid-high
Primary strength	Maximum greenside spin	Maximum distance

What Is the Srixon Z-STAR?

The Z-STAR is Srixon's maximum greenside spin option.

The current ball uses a three-piece urethane construction and has a compression rating of 88.

It produces a softer feel and mid flight while being designed to maximise control and stopping power around the greens.

For golfers who judge a ball primarily by how it performs from 100 yards and in, the standard Z-STAR is likely to be the more appealing option. Shop Z-STAR here.

What Is the Srixon Z-STAR XV?

The Z-STAR XV takes the performance in a slightly different direction.

It is also a three-piece urethane golf ball but has a considerably higher compression rating of 102.

Srixon positions the XV as the maximum distance model in the Z-STAR family, designed to produce maximum ball speed and strong driver and iron distance.

It also produces a slightly higher, mid-high flight.

You aren't giving up your short game completely, though. The XV still uses a premium urethane cover and Spin Skin+ technology to provide high levels of greenside control. Shop Z-STAR XV here.

Which Feels Softer?

The standard Z-STAR is softer.

Srixon rates the Z-STAR as having a 'softer' feel compared with the 'soft' feel of the XV, and the compression difference of 88 versus 102 helps explain why.

If you particularly like a soft sensation with wedges and putts, we'd start with the Z-STAR.

If you prefer a slightly firmer response and prioritise speed, try the XV.

Which Spins More Around the Green?

The Z-STAR is specifically designed to maximise greenside spin.

That makes it a great choice for players who rely heavily on spin and stopping power with pitches and chips.

The XV still offers high greenside spin, but its main performance advantage is maximum speed and distance.

Which Goes Further?

This is where the Z-STAR XV has the advantage on paper.

It's specifically engineered to maximise driver and iron distance, particularly for golfers capable of generating plenty of clubhead speed.

However, don't choose a golf ball purely because the box promises more distance.

The best golf ball is the one that gives your swing the right combination of launch, spin and ball speed.

Srixon Z-STAR or Srixon Z-STAR XV: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Srixon Z-STAR if you:

● Prefer a softer golf ball

● Prioritise greenside spin

● Want maximum control with wedges

● Prefer a mid ball flight

Choose the Srixon Z-STAR XV if you:

● Prioritise ball speed and distance

● Prefer a slightly firmer feel

● Want a mid-high flight

● Want Tour-level greenside performance alongside maximum distance

Both are excellent premium golf balls.

If you're torn between them, we'd recommend buying a dozen of each and testing them on the course.

Pay particular attention to driver flight, approach shots and how the ball reacts on short pitches around the green. You'll usually discover pretty quickly which characteristics suit your game better. Still unsure? Read our golf ball selector here.