Summary
Editor's rating
Design and Visuals
Material and Build Quality
Performance on the Course
Pros
- Good control in windy conditions
- Durable polyurethane cover
- Visible color scheme
Cons
- Not the softest feel
- Performance is solid but not groundbreaking
Specifications
View full product page →| Brand | Srixon |
| Age range | Adult |
| Color | White/Yellow |
| Style | Classic |
| League | PGA |
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Material type | Polyurethane (PU) |
| Number of items | 12 |
Introduction to the Z-Star Divide Golf Balls
I recently got my hands on the Srixon Z-Star Divide Visual Performance 23 Golf Balls, which are designed to offer less drag and more lift, even in tough wind conditions. As someone who enjoys golfing in various weather, these balls piqued my interest.
The standout feature for me was their 338 Speed Dimple Pattern. I was curious to see if these balls could deliver the straighter flight and longer distance they promised, especially when the wind picks up.
Over a couple of weeks, I took these balls out for a spin, literally, to see how they held up on the course. I wanted to test everything from their spin to the feel they offered during use.
Here's my take on these golf balls after a few rounds.
Design and Visuals
The design of the Z-Star Divide balls is pretty straightforward but functional. The dual color scheme of white and yellow helps with visibility. I found this particularly useful when the ball ended up in rough or amidst fallen leaves.
The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern is a prominent feature that contributes to the overall performance. The dimples are supposed to provide less drag and more lift, and visually, they give the ball a classic yet efficient look.
I've used other balls with similar dimple patterns, but the design on these seemed to make a noticeable difference in windy conditions. The balls maintained a straighter flight path more consistently, which I appreciated during my rounds.
Overall, while the design doesn't break any new ground aesthetically, it's functional and aligns well with what you’d expect from a ball designed for performance.
Material and Build Quality
The Srixon Z-Star Divide golf balls feature a 3-piece construction with a polyurethane (PU) cover. The materials seem well-chosen for durability and performance. The PU cover felt robust, and after several rounds, the wear and tear were minimal, which is a big plus for longevity.
The balls are available in a white/yellow color combination, which makes them easier to spot, especially in different lighting conditions. That's a small but useful feature, particularly for someone like me who tends to lose track of the white ball against brighter skies.
Regarding the FastLayer DG Core, the idea is that it provides a soft feel but becomes firmer towards the edges. During play, this design seemed to balance distance and control reasonably well. It’s not groundbreaking but offers a decent feel.
In summary, the materials used in these golf balls appear to support their performance claims well. They're constructed to endure and maintain their playability even after multiple games.
Performance on the Course
The first thing I noticed about the Z-Star Divide balls was their performance in windy conditions. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern is supposed to reduce drag and increase lift, and I found that to be quite true. During a particularly breezy round, my shots felt more controlled, and the ball flight was noticeably straighter.
The new Spin Skin+ coating was another feature I kept an eye on. It claims to maximize spin for better control and stopping power. In practice, my short game did feel a bit more controlled. When using my irons and wedges, the balls seemed to dig into the grooves nicely, which helped with stopping the ball on the greens.
Comparing these to other balls I've used, the Z-Star Divide offered a pretty solid feel upon impact. The FastLayer DG Core, which starts soft and firms up towards the edge, gives a nice combination of distance and control. It's not the softest ball out there, but it definitely gets the job done.
Overall, the performance was reliable. I'd say these balls are a good option if you're looking to maintain control in less-than-perfect weather conditions.
Pros
- Good control in windy conditions
- Durable polyurethane cover
- Visible color scheme
Cons
- Not the softest feel
- Performance is solid but not groundbreaking
Conclusion
Editor's rating
After testing the Srixon Z-Star Divide Visual Performance 23 Golf Balls, I can say they're a solid choice, especially if you frequently play in windy conditions. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern and Spin Skin+ coating do seem to offer the performance benefits they advertise.
These balls are suitable for golfers who are looking for good control and distance in variable weather. If you prefer a softer feel, these might not be the best fit, but they offer a reliable balance of features for the price.
On the downside, while they perform well, they don't stand out as revolutionary. But if you're simply looking for a ball that performs well overall without any gimmicks, this could be a good match for your game.