The 2013 Srixon Z-Star golf ball is a worthy successor to the previous 2011 Srixon Z-Star. First glances reveal a new dimple pattern which has more coverage and less spaces so that will help the stability of the ball in the wind a little.
Srixon say that this ball will spin more and we certainly found that to be the case. We got much more spin from iron shots into greens, maybe a little too much in some cases for us, but that will depend on how much spin you generate in the first place.
If you need a ball with a little more grip then the new Srixon Z-Star would be a good choice. Distance with the driver was similar to the previous model despite the extra spin, although again that will vary player to player.
We were half expecting this ball to be softer too as a result of this but actually it sounds and feels about the same as the previous version. This means that we feel it is pitched about right for better players who want that control around the green but also want a ball that is firm to putt with without being too clicky. It was lovely to stroke on the green and for us that is the key measure of a golf ball.
Cosmetically the 2013 Z-Star has a different side stamp with a dot and a dash replacing the arrow and dot of the 2011 version. Srixon has also continued with the yellow versions of both Z-Star golf balls and this is very welcome and one of the few performance balls to offer this option. It possibily feels a little firmer than the white one, but not much and otherwise is a very good ball in its own right.