Srixon Z-Star XV Review

The XV is the Z-Star for golfers whose swing speed compresses the standard ball too easily. The dual core design is firmer, which for a swing above 105 miles an hour translates into more ball speed and a lower, more penetrating flight that carries further and runs out more on landing. In independent testing it is among the longest tour balls made, and that is the reason to choose it over its sibling.

The urethane cover is the same, so greenside spin is close to the Z-Star's, marginally lower because the firmer core resists the wedge slightly more. Feel is the other difference: it is firm off the putter and the irons in a way that some players call responsive and others call hard. Slower swingers should ignore it, because a ball they cannot compress will cost them yards rather than gain them. For its intended player it is a legitimate alternative to the Pro V1x at a small saving, and the flight in wind is a real advantage.