Srixon has continued its theme of two-yearly updates of its most premium golf balls with the introduction of the sixth generation Z-Star for 2019. Z-Star balls have established themselves as one of the leading options for players on Tour with hundreds of victories across the world. Not to mention the Z-Star's success in amateur markets at club level as well.
Whilst retaining a number of features from the previous Z-Star series, the main new talking point this year is the SeRM macromolecule material which has been used in a golf ball for the very first time.
SeRM, which stands for Slide-Ring Material, is blended into the coating of the ball and uses ‘moveable cross-linking’ said to optimise damage resistance, impact resistance, and vibration absorption.
This all sounds like a lot of complicated science, but in reality, Srixon say that essentially it adds up to ‘dramatically’ increase distance whilst also achieving ‘exceptional’ spin and a soft feel at impact.
Remaining from the 2017 Z-Star line is their Spin-Skin technology, which is also in use across the hugely AD333 range. This cover, now joined by the SeRM coating, is just 0.5mm thick and created from a super soft urethane. Resulting in a flexible surface which is able to grip both to the club face and the green for extra spin and control on shorter shots.
In fact, Srixon say that this coating is 70% softer than usual ball coatings, and can produce 14% more friction as it digs into club grooves. Impressive sounding stuff, if stopping power is what you're after.
Srixon, (like all golf ball manufacturers) has again tried to address the issue of durability seen in earlier versions of the ball. With the SeRM material, Srixon claim the Z-Stars should be resistant to scuffs and scratches out on the course caused by sand or stones.
So this all sounds good so far. Don’t just take our word for it though, past US Open winner Graeme McDowell had no hesitations in singing the new balls praises:
I switched immediately into the new XV ball because it gave me 1.5 extra mph off the tee.
Fellow major winner and PGA Tour player Keegan Bradley could also see the benefits straight away:
The new Z-Star XV is hotter off the driver. It’s definitely longer with my irons as well. So it’s a ball that’s going to help you throughout the entire bag.
The Z-Star is a 3-piece ball featuring a urethane cover, thin ionomer mid-layer and super-soft Fast Layer core. This construction, along with the now firmer mid-layer, is designed to make the ball more resilient and results in higher launch angles and lower driver spin for extra distance.
This combines with the softer feel and more spin at the other end of the bag thanks to the SeRM coating, so that all bases are covered and all you have to do is focus on your scores.
The Z-Star XV is a 4-piece ball, thanks to the 2-layer core which combines with the Spin Skin SeRM cover and ionomer mid-layer for a slighter firmer feel and more distance for the faster swingers amongst us.
Available from 2nd February, the Z-Star line is priced slightly lower than some of its rival premium balls at £44.99 per dozen, and are bound to attract the interests of some people who are looking for the benefits of a top level ball without hurting the pocket too much.