Srixon Soft Feel Vs. Srixon Z Star Golf Balls Comparison Overview
Srixon is a brand known for uncompromising design. Their golf balls may not be use don tour as much as Titleist and Bridgetsone, but Srixon balls have an undeniable place in the bags of many amateur and casual players.
That’s not to say that they don’t make balls that can improve your game either. In fact, today we are going to be taking a look at 2 Srixon balls that may be what you need to take your game to the next level.
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls Overview
The Srixon Soft Feel balls don’t disappear into the driver face. While they are undeniably soft, they still give you a bit of resistance to let you know where you made contact.
That’s one thing that we really liked about these balls: they are soft without being too soft. They sport a compression rating of 71 and off the tee, they give you a nice little cushion before exploding off the face.
These are solid distance balls that slower swing speed players will easily be able to get about 240 yards out of off the tee.
Off the deck, the Srixon Soft Feel balls yield high-arcing shots. While this may not be the best thing if you are working on a long approach on a par 5, it is helpful if you find yourself in the rough – and if you are even shopping distance/recreation balls, chances are you spend some time in the rough.
You aren’t going to get much short-game spin from these balls as Srixon prioritized low spin in all scenarios; but that’s not really what they’re built for anyway.
Srixon Z Star Golf Balls Overview
Srixon seems to like making balls that launch really high.
That’s evident in the Z Star balls which are tour-grade balls that launch very high – not a common trait in tour-grade balls.
This was a bit difficult to work with from the tee and the deck – especially when winds were high.
The Z Stars had trouble keeping their line in windy conditions but they were made to perform around the green.
They stop dead on fast greens and work great with short irons and wedges. Off the face, they have a firmer feel than the Srixon Soft Feel balls but still on the soft side.
The Z Stars aren’t the best tour-grade balls out there so we actually liked the more practical value of the Srixon Soft Feel in this comparison.
Srixon Soft Feel Quick Facts
Compression: 60
Cover Material: Ionomer
How Many Pieces: 2
Core Material: Gradational core
Dimple Type: 338 Speed Dimple Pattern
Spin Level: Low long-game spin
Best Suited for: High handicappers looking for more distance off the tee
Srixon Z Star Quick Facts
Compression: 90
Cover Material: Urethane
How Many Pieces: 3
Core Material: Gradient Energy Type
Dimple Type: 344
Spin Level: Low long-game spin, very high short-game spin
Best Suited for: Low handicappers looking for more control around the green
Performance Off the Tee
The Srixon Soft Feel balls performed very well off the tee, yielding our testers an average drive length of about 250 yards.
Performance from the Rough
This is where we were pleasantly surprised with the Srixon Soft Feel balls.
They have an impressive launch angle even if you aren’t really that great at being angle to work the ball.
This helps not only in the rough; but when you need to maximize carry distance and get over hazards and trees.
Performance from the Fairway
Again, the easy launch of these balls will be a great asset with your mid-irons off the deck.
Don’t expect a lot of spin from your shorter irons though.
Performance Off the Tee
The faster swing speed testers in our party were able to get an average of 270 yards with these balls while the slower swing speed testers were relegated to an average of 245.
Performance from the Rough
The Z Stars launch very high for a tour grade ball which made them good for getting out of the rough.
Performance from the Fairway
This is where things got a bit tricky. The high launch caught too much wind sometimes even though these balls play pretty long on the fairway overall.
Our faster swing speed testers were also noticing that they were producing too much side spin with their long irons.
Srixon Soft Feel Selling Points
- Substantial feel
- Still pretty soft
- Great for high handicappers
- Good launch angles
- Very affordable
- Good ball speed
Srixon Soft Feel Cons
- Low short game spin
- Not great for faster swing speed players
- Not very durable
- Lacking help with roll
Srixon Z Star Selling Points
- Tour-grade balls
- Great for low handicappers
- HIgh launch angles
- Great on pitches
- Satisfying sound on putts
- Keeps its line
Srixon Z Star Cons
- Not so great for slow swing speeds
- Sometimes launch is too high
- Lots of side spin on long iron shots
- A bit expensive
Who are the Srixon Soft Feel Balls for?
These balls will work great for any high handicapper who wants to balance out the softness of their balls but still prioritize driver distance.
We really liked the fact that the Srixon Soft Feel balls were soft without feeling insubstantial. There is some concern about their durability; but that’s to be expected from a distance ball at this price point.
How are they with Short Irons?
While they are certainly lacking side spin and overall short-game control, the high launch will definitely be an advantage with your short irons and your wedges.
It’s easy to pop ‘em high and hang on to fast greens.
On the Green
You kind of have to strike them harder than you normally would with other balls to get the roll you need on longer putts.
Overall Rating: 93/100
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Who are the Srixon Z Star Balls for?
Any player with a swing speed approaching 100 MPH and above should feel right at home with these balls.
They really shine around the green though. The spin gets picked up with the short irons and wedges and the urethane cover allows for optimal feel and control.
How are they with Short Irons?
In a word: superb. It seems that the Z Stars were built for short irons in fact. They do a really great job of checking bounce even with the exceptional launch angles.
This will make the Z Stars a dream for anyone who can consistently set themselves up for eagle.
On the Green
The Z Stars do an exceptional job of keeping true to their line on the green as well.
Overall Rating: 95/100
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