About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf balls, which I purchased with my own money in May of 2022.

My take

The Srixon Z Star XV golf ball is geared towards single-digit handicaps with swing speeds over 105+ mph who want to maximize distance and maintain excellent spin around the green. This ball absolutely delivers, and it’s my new favorite ball, given its price point.

About the golf ball I own

• Model: Srixon Z Star XV Golf Balls 2021
• Color: White

About me

• Average score: 79-85
• Handicap: 8.1 index
• Experience: 25 years playing golf
• Right/Left-handed: Right-Handed
• Typical shot shape: Fade
• Typical trajectory: High
• Club swing speed: 105-108 mph

Test conditions

• When I bought this: July 2022
• Days tested: About a month
• Where I’ve used it: On the course, most recently at Black Creek Club in Chattanooga, TN.
• Weather and wind conditions: Hot and sunny with calm winds.
• Turf conditions: Soft and wet
• Green speeds: Moderate

How they perform

What I was looking for

I normally play Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls, but they cost $50/dozen, the same as Titleist ProV1s and TaylorMade TP5s. I wanted a ball that costs less but still delivers excellent distance and exceptional spin on the greens.

Why I chose this golf ball

I have never played Srixon golf balls, but I decided to try the Z Star XV because of the excellent reviews. From what I read, it’s basically supposed to perform like a Titleist ProV1x. I like the ProV1x but don’t like spending $50/dozen for balls. So I picked the Srixon because I could save $7 per dozen.

What I love about it

• Distance: The Srixon Z Star XV golf ball has a compression score of 102. This is a relatively high score (meaning it’s a hard ball), but for swings like mine (over 105 mph), I need a hard ball to maximize my compression and thus get the most distance out of the ball. I feel like I get the most distance out of this ball, and the spin-off of the driver is low, so when I miss, the ball doesn’t sail away too far out of the fairway.
• Green Spin: I love the spin with this ball. Whether taking a full 9-iron or chipping with a wedge by the green, I can generate a lot of spin on the ball. This makes it possible to get aggressive towards the pin, knowing that the ball will check and stop after a hop or two.
• Durability: After playing 18 holes (and avoiding trees and cart paths), my ball was ready for more action. There were no major scuffs. It just needed to be wiped down to get the grass and dirt off.
• Color: This is a standard white ball. Easy to track in the air and on the ground.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Feel: This is a hard ball, so like a ProV1x, it makes a clicking sound at contact, especially with the irons. I usually play the softer Chrome Soft ball, which feels more like a marshmallow at impact. I’ve had to adjust to hearing the “click” and realizing I’ve actually hit the club’s sweet spot.
• Aesthic Appeal: Visually, I’m not a huge fan of the Srixon logo and the number stamping on the ball. I think the Srixon logo is too bold, and the font for the number looks very plain. It looks like a Pinnacle golf ball, which is not great since I know the Srixon Z Star XV is far superior.

Best shot with this golf ball

The 8th hole at Black Creek Club in Chattanooga is a short par four. I took three shots on this hole - a 290-yard drive, a 90-yard 56-degree wedge, and a 10-foot putt for a birdie. From tee to green, the Srixon Z Star XV worked perfectly. It gave me excellent distance off the tee (with good control, too), a nice spin with my wedge from 90 yards, and a consistent feel with my putter.

Value for the money vs. other options

I’ve played similar high-end balls (Titleist ProV1x, TaylorMade TP5x, and Callaway Chrome Soft x), and I feel like the Srixon Z Star XV ball performs just as well. The best part is that the Z Star XV is cheaper - only $43/dozen instead of $50/dozen like all those other balls.

Final verdict

The Srixon Z Star XV unlocks distance, control, spin, and consistency. At $43/dozen, this is my new favorite ball. I absolutely love playing this ball and will get over the fact that I’m not fond of the look of the Srixon stamping on the ball.