Shane Lowry is one of Srixon's most well-known Tour players. He plays with Srixon Z-Star XV and has found Tour and Major success with these golf balls.

three-layer Srixon's Z-STAR XV, the high compression, lowest spinning member of the Z-STAR firm, has traditionally been a dual-core, four-layer ball. But, as of the day after Valentine's Day, it'll be a three-layer ball. If you do the math, that's one less layer.

Compression. On our gauge, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star measures 85 compression, making it the softest Z-Star we've measured to date (the prior version clocked in at 87). While we'd classify that as “firm” overall, it's relatively soft by tour ball standards.

338 Speed Dimples THIN, PREMIUM COVER: Every Z-STAR Series golf ball features an extra thin, thermoplastic urethane cover to provide tour-level stopping power around the greens. SPEED DIMPLE™ PATTERN: With their deep dimensions, the 338 Speed Dimples on each Z-STAR Series golf ball punch through the air for a penetrating launch.

The standard Z-Star has a lower compression and a 20-percent thicker cover (0.6 millimeters vs. 0.5 millimeters on the XV). It might be the best choice for players who demand the most spin around the greens, and by comparison to the XV it should offer a little more than 10 percent more spin on the shortest of chips.

Srixon said the standard Z-Star has the softest mid-layer and lowest overall compression, providing the softest feel at impact. In contrast, the Z-Star XV ball has a soft core that is drastically firmer around its outer area for more distance and long-iron spin.

The softer Z-Star is designed for approach shot and maximum greenside spin, the firmer Z-Star ♦ (Diamond) aims at iron spin control and distance and the Z-Star XV mixes a softer central core with a very firm outer region to maximize ball speed for the most aggressive swing speeds.

The softer Z-Star is designed for approach shot and maximum greenside spin, the firmer Z-Star ♦ (Diamond) aims at iron spin control and distance and the Z-Star XV mixes a softer central core with a very firm outer region to maximize ball speed for the most aggressive swing speeds.

Whilst both are extremely good options, The Titleist Pro V1 remains the benchmark that all other premium balls will be judged against. The Z Star will be a good choice for those who like softer feel golf balls and a bit more spin than the Pro V1.

Titleist Pro V1 - Compression On our gauges, the Titleist Pro V1 has a compression of 87. While that's three points softer than we measured the previous version, across the market as a whole, it's still solidly within the firm category (though it is a bit on the softer side for a ball played on Tour).

Luckily for golfers, Srixon's Z-Star line has three distinct models - Z-Star, Z-Star XV and Z-Star Diamond - to help golfers find the perfect fit for their games. The Z-Star has the softest feel, the Z-Star XV is the firmest of the three options and the Z-Star Diamond lies somewhere in between.

Srixon focuses on golf, with its balls holding the largest number of patents worldwide, and having previously supplied other leading manufacturers such as Dunlop Slazenger. They also produce a full range of golf clubs and accessories. In October 2007, SRI Sports acquired Cleveland Golf.