Compression. On our gauge, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star measures 85 compression, making it the softest Z-Star we've measured to date (the prior version clocked in at 87). While we'd classify that as “firm” overall, it's relatively soft by tour ball standards.

The softer Z-Star is designed for approach shot and maximum greenside spin, the firmer Z-Star ♦ (Diamond) aims at iron spin control and distance and the Z-Star XV mixes a softer central core with a very firm outer region to maximize ball speed for the most aggressive swing speeds.

Do any pros play Srixon Z-Star? In any given week you will find a few Srixon Z-Star golf balls in play on Tour. The most notable Srixon golf ball players are Brooks Koepka and Hideki Matsuyama.

The Z-Star Diamond was made to fit between the standard Z-Star and the XV ball, and it has a firmer feel and higher compression than the Z-Star but will feel softer than the Z-Star XV.

Titleist Pro V1 - Compression On our gauges, the Titleist Pro V1 has a compression of 87. While that's three points softer than we measured the previous version, across the market as a whole, it's still solidly within the firm category (though it is a bit on the softer side for a ball played on Tour).

Z-STAR SPECS

Whilst both are extremely good options, The Titleist Pro V1 remains the benchmark that all other premium balls will be judged against. The Z Star will be a good choice for those who like softer feel golf balls and a bit more spin than the Pro V1.

The Pro V1 is still a mid-flight, mid spin ball while the Pro V1x remains Titleist's highest-launching and -spinning option. Compression ratings haven't changed, either. The Pro V1 is still a high-80s compression ball while the firmer Pro V1x runs in the high 90s.

The golf ball compression rating describes how hard or soft the ball is. In general, brands rate golf ball compression between 30 and 120. The softest is 30, while 120 is the hardest. To be more understood: the lower the compression, the softer the ball, and the higher the compression rating, the harder the ball.

three-layer Srixon's Z-STAR XV, the high compression, lowest spinning member of the Z-STAR firm, has traditionally been a dual-core, four-layer ball. But, as of the day after Valentine's Day, it'll be a three-layer ball. If you do the math, that's one less layer.

Z-STAR SPECS

three-layer Srixon's Z-STAR XV, the high compression, lowest spinning member of the Z-STAR firm, has traditionally been a dual-core, four-layer ball. But, as of the day after Valentine's Day, it'll be a three-layer ball. If you do the math, that's one less layer.