Titleist Pro V1 vs Srixon Z-STAR

How they differ

On the makers’ own words, these two balls sit in similar places. Titleist and Srixon both describe a “Mid” flight and a “Softer” feel, each within its own lineup. The difference is mostly in what each maker publishes: Srixon gives a piece count and a compression number for the Z-STAR, and Titleist gives neither for the Pro V1.

• Construction. Srixon lists the Z-STAR as a 3-piece ball with a “premium urethane cover” and a compression of 88. Titleist lists a cast urethane elastomer cover and names a core, a casing layer and a cover for the Pro V1, but publishes no compression number or piece count.
• Spin. Titleist describes the Pro V1’s long-game spin as “Very low” and its short-game spin as “High”. Srixon describes “Less Driver spin” and “maximum greenside spin” for the Z-STAR, and shows its greenside spin at the top of its own six-bar scale.
• Feel and flight. Both makers use the same words, “Softer” and “Mid”. Each places its ball within its own range, so the matching words do not mean the two balls feel or fly alike.

Pack size. Titleist lists the Pro V1’s price per dozen. Check the pack size of each listing before comparing prices.

Who each one suits

• The Pro V1, if you want the ball Titleist places at a mid flight with very low long-game spin and a softer feel. Titleist recommends it for players who “may benefit from mid-trajectory flight, very low long game spin and high short game spin, and softer feel.”
• The Z-STAR, if you want a published compression number to fit against, or the ball its maker rates at the top of its range for greenside spin. Srixon’s main Z-STAR page describes “maximum greenside spin” and “Less Driver spin.”

If the descriptions do not separate them for you, play a sleeve of each before buying a dozen. Golf ball compression explains what a number like 88 tells you, and How to choose a golf ball covers cover and price per dozen. For other balls, see our golf ball research or try the Golf Ball Finder.