Srixon Z Star-X
Written: Oct 22 '09 (Updated Oct 30 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Long, Straight, Piercing Trajectory, Spinny, Durable, Great Feel
Cons: A little firm feeling on the cover, takes a solid swing for optimal performance.
The Bottom Line: For those who miss the feel of the original Pro V1, and like the distance of The Bridgestone B330, this ball is an excellent option.
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| berniez40's Full Review: Srixon Z-Star X Golf Ball |
This ball is really quite good when my shoulder turn isn't feeling the slings and arrows of Arthritis, Bursitis, and all the other "Itises" that come with middle age. Though the company doesn't recommend this ball for swing speeds of less than 105MPH, I found that at roughly 95 MPH you could get this thing to hit it's optimal performance as far as trajectory, spin, etc. Between 95-105 MPH it was merely a matter of straight line yardage difference based on the extra 10MPH. At that point, this does become one of the longest balls out there, and even gives the rather highly regarded Bridgestone B330 Tour a real run for the money. Personally speaking, I think this ball has it all over the Pro V1X, but that's been a long time in coming for Srixon. They' ve had a slew of also rans for years now, that could match the Titleist. But if all a ball does is match the one everybody else likes--where's the motivation to switch? --This ball provides both the spin and the distance to make that switch well worth the effort. The fact that Titlesist has also watered down both the Pro V1 and Pro V1X as of late doesn't hurt any either.
Driver--5 Stars
This thing is a monster off the war club. There were a few days I played it in the hot Texas 100 Degree + summer, when there wasn't even a hint of a hitch in my shoulder turn. This allowed me to top out at 110 MPH in early July. The sun baked fairways also provided for some serious roll out. Between my shoulder turn and the concrete like fairways at a few of the goat pastures I like to play at I was actually getting one or two 300 yard drives per round. (Provided I had the proper tail wind of course.) The ball is firm, without feeling rock-like in any way shape or form. It flies at a bit more of a middle trajectory as compared to the Z-Star, despite the same 324 Dimple Pattern. A lot of this can be attributed to the slightly higher compression rating (90 vs 85), and the firmer core. Prepare for a firm feeling, though not rock like in any way, rocket ship with this one.
Fairway Metals, Hybrids, Long Irons--5 Stars
This ball has everything that the competition offers and then some. My fairway metals really loved this ball's slightly livlier feel, and piercing trajectory. Just keep in mind, it does take every bit of 95 MPH to make it perform at these levels, thus making the Z-Star the better option for those who can't swing at 95 MPH in their sleep. My hybrids liked the fact that the ball was easy to work, and never so much as hinted at a balloon shot. My lone long iron--the 2--was so happy with this ball's ability to perform the stinger at tour level. Put it back in your stance--pop her clean and watch her run like a scalded cat for the green. She has enough spin to stop without cheating you of any distance, and she plays long distance bump and run very well too.
Mid Irons---4 Stars
A good green seeking missile from long distance. Plenty of spin for a one hop stop, but here's where things get a little iffy. Yes the company warns you up front that in their opinion it takes a 105 MPH Swing Speed to do the trick as far as pin seeking from this distance goes. With the mid irons--they are correct. You must hit down on it at these speeds to get her to land next to the pin and stop. Otherwise, at speeds of 95MPH and under, she is going to release just a bit much vs. the plop drop and stop tendencies of her corporate sibling Z-Star ball. I realize that taking a star away from this ball in this category, even after the corporate line warns you to pack a higher swing speed seems almost unfair, but the Bridgestone and TaylorMade, (despite similar swing speed claims) actually do stop at these lower speeds.
Short Irons/Wedges--5 Stars
Now admittedly, it may take some getting used to the somewhat flatter trajectory this ball sports in this category, but it can be worth it. If you really love to hit down on the ball, this one will spin better than the others in this category, and it will hold up to your onion peeling wedges even better than the best of the competition. This ball was built to be hit down upon, and that translates well into great greenside manners. Low flying spinners will stop as well as the high flying lobbers with the caveat that you hit down on it . The best part is that even when you are forced to hit a "Chop Shot" (ball ensconced against tree root etc...) this thing will not sprout a strawberry rash. Just make sure to avoid cartpaths, and real bashers into the mid trunk of a mighty oak, and you'll be fine.
Flat Stick--4 Stars
This ball rolls very true. It has a pronounced click at impact, though nothing cheap and "Clacky" sounding. The feel is a touch firm for my taste---giving minimal cling off of the putter's face. Even so, it holds the line so well, and doesn't pop off the face despite it's livelier feel. It putts very similar to the original Pro V1X--not that newer thing. Very nice ball.
I'd like to thank my CL Abraham for providing me the link to make this review possible.
Recommended:
Yes
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