Z-Star
81 compression · 3-piece urethane
- You prefer softer tour feel
- Greenside spin matters more than maximum carry
- You want a controlled mid flight
2026 ROBOT-TEST COMPARISON
Comparisons / Srixon
Z-Star vs Z-Star XV
Z-Star is the softer control choice. Z-Star XV is the firmer speed-and-flight option, especially when a few more yards and a higher driver window matter.
THE QUICK DECISION
Choose by the flight you need.
Model names do not decide fit. Start with the differences that solve a problem in your game.
Z-Star XV
96 compression · 3-piece urethane
- You want the longer result from this pair
- A firmer feel suits your strike
- You need more driver apex
SIDE-BY-SIDE TEST DATA
What changed at 100 mph.
These averages come from the same independent robot-test conditions. They build a shortlist; they do not predict your exact numbers.
MetricZ-StarZ-Star XV
Driver ball speed148.81 mph149.61 mph
Driver carry254.09 yd259.06 yd
Driver spin2,804 rpm2,908 rpm
Driver apex84.6 ft88.4 ft
Driver dispersion area790.4 sq yd447.0 sq yd
7-iron spin6,263 rpm6,362 rpm
7-iron descent44.2 °42.9 °
35-yard wedge spin5,871 rpm5,596 rpm
Test price$49.99$49.99
Dispersion area is better when smaller; spin and height are fitting variables, not automatic wins. Source: 2026 MyGolfSpy Golf Ball Test.
Speed and flight
At 100 mph, Z-Star XV carried 5.0 yards farther and peaked 3.8 feet higher. It added only 104 rpm of driver spin, making the XV a credible distance-and-height test for this pairing.
Spin and stopping
The XV produced 99 rpm more 7-iron spin, but standard Z-Star descended 1.3 degrees more steeply. That split is why stopping power should be judged from the whole flight, not spin alone.
Wedge and feel
Standard Z-Star led the 35-yard wedge result by 275 rpm and delivers the softer feel. XV remains a tour-urethane ball, but its main advantage in this test appeared at the top of the bag.
READY TO TEST THEM?
Buy one dozen of each.
Use the same course, clubs and shot sequence. A fair head-to-head tells you more than switching balls randomly.
Srixon
Check price at Amazon ↗Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. DetailsZ-Star
$49.99 test price / dozen
Srixon
Check price at Amazon ↗Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. DetailsZ-Star XV
$49.99 test price / dozen
COMMON FITTING QUESTIONS
Before you choose.
Which is longer, Z-Star or Z-Star XV?
At the 100-mph robot speed, Z-Star XV carried 259.1 yards. The gap was 5.0 yards, so launch and dispersion should still influence the decision.
Which ball produced more 7-iron spin?
Z-Star XV produced 6,362 rpm of 7-iron spin, 99 rpm more than the other model in this test.
Should swing speed decide between them?
No. Swing speed selects the closest test bracket, but your launch, spin, apex, descent angle, dispersion and feel preference determine which profile is more useful.
What is the best way to test the two balls?
Play both from the green backward: chips and putts first, then a repeatable wedge and mid-iron shot, and finally the driver. Choose the ball that improves your most important shot without creating a new problem elsewhere.