Srixon Z-Star Vs Callaway Chrome Soft

Golfers everywhere are always looking for ways to lower their scores. Changing their ball could help them improve so let’s answer the question: Srixon Z-Star vs Callaway Chrome Soft – which one is better?

This article will help you decide which ball is best for you.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, finding the right ball can make a huge difference in your game.

The Srixon Z-Star and the Callaway Chrome Soft both promise superior performance and distance, but which one should you choose?

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Srixon Z Star Vs Callaway Chrome Soft
Photo Geoffrey Baker – Z-Star vs Chrome Soft

Overview Of Srixon Z-Star And Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls

Are you looking for the perfect golf ball? Do you want one that offers premium performance, distance, speed, feel and control? Look no further than the Z-Star and Chrome Soft golf balls! The tour golf ball category is one of the most highly contested segments of the market with manufacturers having several balls that will fit different types of swing.

Both of these premium balls provide a soft feel for maximum control although if you absolutely must have a soft-feeling ball then the Chrome Soft should feel the softest due to its lower compression. The Z-Star has an extra thin urethane cover for tour-level stopping power around the greens and spin on approach shots. The Chrome Soft models have their all new hyper elastic fastcore technology for great feeling and speed.

The Callaway family of premium balls features hexagonal Tour Aero dimples while the Srixon balls have 338 Speed Dimples to help the ball punch through the air.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range golf ball to help you improve your game, look no further!

Top Pick

Amazon Product Image Srixon Z-Starir?t=cleekandjigge 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B08R6HWPZG

Srixon Z-Star Golf Balls

The Srixon Z-Star Golf Balls are a high-performance option for golfers looking for a combination of distance and control. They feature a 3-piece construction with a soft, low-compression inner core and a firmer outer core that work together to deliver a low spin off the driver while still providing maximum distance. The outer layer is made of a soft, spin skin coating that provides excellent feel and control around the greens. Additionally, the balls have a 338 Speed Dimple pattern that helps to reduce drag and increase lift for longer, straighter shots. Overall, the Srixon Z-Star Golf Balls are designed for golfers who want a balance of distance and control, and a soft feel on the greens.

ALSO GREAT

Amazon Product Image Callaway Chrome Softir?t=cleekandjigge 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B09KNWW38P

Chrome Soft Golf Balls

  • Precision Technology – delivers tightest dispersion, fast ball speeds and total performance
  • Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core – Tour level speed, spin, and control
  • Tour Aero Design – Consistent ball flight at every condition
  • Signature Chrome Soft feel – Outstanding feel, excellent distance, and incredible forgiveness
  • More distance off the tee – Low spinning iron shots and high level of greenside control

Comparison Of Srixon Z-Star And Callaway Chrome Soft

Chrome SoftZ-Star
Price$50$48
Construction3 piece3 piece
CoverUrethaneUrethane
Dimple Count332338
Dimple ShapeHexagonalCircular
Compression (MyGolfSpy))7292
FeelSofterSoft
Ball FlightHighMid
Driver SpinLowLow
Iron SpinLow-MidHigh
DurabilityHighHigh
Chrome Soft and Z-Star features

Price wise the balls are pretty similar although I do see the Z-Stars have pretty decent offers on the old model when a new version is released if you are looking at getting the best value for money. With typically 2-year product cycles you will regularly get the chance to stock up without breaking the bank.

The Callaway ball is likely to produce a higher trajectory so if you tend to hit the ball a little lower than you’d like then testing the Chrome Soft could be a good call.

There’s quite a big difference in the compression ratings of the two balls although I think the difference in play is not quite so easy to spot. If you are looking for a ball that will give you low spin with your driver then you might want to look at the X or X LS balls from Callaway.

The Srixon ball offers a medium flight so players looking for help increasing their height might be better opting for the Z-Star XV or Diamond.

Both balls are pretty durable. I’ve certainly never put a Z-Star in play and been disappointed with its performance or how long they last. My testing with the different Chrome Soft models would suggest they also will last several rounds as long as you aren’t bouncing them off cart paths, trees or playing loads of bunker shots.

So when it comes to choosing between the Z-Star and Chrome Soft, it all depends on your individual preference as both offer great features that can benefit your game. Try to pick the one that best suits your requirements in terms of flight and spin.

A Dozen Callaway Chrome Soft
Photo Geoffrey Baker – A Dozen Callaway Chrome Soft

Who Should Play Srixon Z-Star And Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls?

Golfers who are looking for the perfect tour-performance ball to give them that competitive edge should try out the Z-Star while the Chrome Soft ball offers tour-level spin in a softer feeling package. This might make it a more appealing choice for players with slower swing speeds.

Both of these top-of-the-line options offer a great blend of feel, distance, and control that is sure to improve your game. If you want performance more than feel then the Srixon will be the better choice. If you prefer a soft feel more than anything else then out of these two you would probably go with the Callaway.

The Z-Star and Chrome Soft offer similar performance to the Pro V1 (although the Chrome Soft is the softest of the three).

So if you’re looking for the perfect golf ball to take your game up a notch, then either one of these two options could be just what you need.

Mark Crossfield looks at the Chrome Soft family

Performance Off The Tee

When it comes to performance off the tee, the Z-Star and Chrome Soft are two solid performers. In my own testing, the Z-Star was a little longer most likely because it is the firmer ball of the two.

Generally speaking, firmer balls will travel further than soft ones so if distance is important to you then the Z-Star will be the one you should be using.

The Chrome Soft is the highest flying of the premium Callaway balls so those of you looking to increase your launch might want to test out the Chrome Soft.

Sleeves Of Chrome Soft And Chrome Soft X
Photo Geoffrey Baker – Sleeves Of Chrome Soft And Chrome Soft X

Performance With Irons

Again the slightly softer Callaway ball will tend to lose out in terms of distance but for normal club golfers, the differences will be minimal. Better players would be more likely to select the Chrome Soft X or Chrome Soft X LS anyway.

Performance On And Around The Green

I was quite happy with the Chrome Soft on the green and found it did feel like a slightly softer ball than the Srixon when pitching and chipping. I couldn’t detect too much difference in the flight and spin by eye although the spin on the launch monitor was reasonably well separated at least when using a wedge.

Note that these balls aren’t especially spinny with the driver, my swing generates too much spin!

Driver SpinIron Spin (7-iron)Wedge Spin (90-yard)
Srixon Z-Star385062007000
Callaway Chrome Soft395058006600
Z-Star and Chrome Soft Spin Rates

What Is The Best Golf Ball Right Now?

Golf balls are a key part of any golfer’s bag, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your game. While the Pro V1 is probably considered the gold standard there are many options available. Two of the most popular golf balls on the market today are the Z-Stars from Srixon and Chrome Soft from Callaway.

Both offer great performance, but which is the best? 

  • Z-Star golf balls provide excellent distance and accuracy off the tee and have excellent spin control around the green. They are ideal for typical club golfers with moderate swings in excess of 90 mph.
  • Chrome Soft golf balls are designed to offer soft feel off your clubs without compromising on distance and accuracy.

No matter what kind of ball you choose, it’s important to find one that works well for your game. 

Swing Speed Is Important

Knowing your swing speed can make all the difference when it comes to choosing the right golf ball for you. Certainly, Bridgestone largely bases their ball fitting on your swing speed.

As an example let’s say you are a mid-handicapper who wants to improve his short game and find more greenside spin. It’s worth trying out a tour ball like the Z-Star or Chrome Soft.

By testing out different balls on the driving range and measuring your ball speed and spin, you can figure out which one suits you best.

Balls like the Z-Star will give you more control around the greens and an extra bit of spin when hitting from greenside bunkers.

The Z-Star is designed for golfers with swings of 90+ mph. While Callaway doesn’t recommend a swing speed for the members of the Chrome Soft family the standard model is probably ideal for players with slower swings as it won’t feel quite so firm due to its lower compression.

The X and X LS models are the ones used by tour pros as they offer better spin and launch profiles for players with their sort of swing speeds.

One Dozen Srixon Z Star Xv
Photo Geoffrey Baker – One Dozen Srixon Z Star XV

Best Srixon And Callaway Golf Balls For Different Handicappers

Now that you know your swing speed, it’s time to decide which golf ball to use. Two of the most popular balls on the market are the Z-Star and Chrome Soft. Both have advantages for different types of golfers, from aspiring tour players to beginners.

Here’s a look at what makes these two balls special:

  • The Srixon Z-Star is designed to produce good distance off the tee, making it ideal for low-handicap players who need extra yards in their game. All the while the ball still gives ample spin but will the firmer of these two balls.
  • The Chrome Soft is known for its soft feel around the green, making it perfect for players who want more accuracy and control when approaching the flagstick. The downside is a little drop-off in distance due to the lower compression.

The Srixon Z-Star golf ball family also includes the Z-Star XV and Diamond models. While the standard Z-Star is a good fit for many club players the XV is designed for golfers with fast ball speeds. It will produce a higher trajectory and more distance. The Diamond is more of a niche offering and is played by Koepka. It is designed for players looking for a bit more spin in their irons and driver.

If these balls are a little pricy for you then both companies offer budget-friendly options.

The Srixon Soft Feel is one of the best-selling balls in golf. Particularly popular with senior golfers it is a solid choice for players looking for a “soft” ball for around the $25 mark.

Another really popular ball with the public is the Callaway Supersoft. As you can probably guess this is another low-compression ball trying to appeal to players looking for a “soft” ball. Again this is much cheaper than the premium quality golf balls at around $25/dozen.

Best Premium Golf Balls 2023

The market leader is undoubtedly the Titleist Pro V1/Pro V1x. These balls have plenty of PGA Tour validation as they top the ball counts week after week by a significant margin.

Aside from the Pro V1 family, there are a number of 3/4/5 piece urethane balls that could give you an edge on the course.

BallFeatures
Z-StarSpin skin coating for super short game spin
Chrome SoftA tour-level ball for players who want a soft feel
TP55-layer construction which is gaining a foothold on tour
B XSBridgestone recommends this ball for players with fast swings
Premium tour ball features

Aside from the major golf ball manufacturers, there has been an explosion of small direct-to-consumer brands in recent years selling urethane-covered balls for a fraction of the price.

Just some of the companies selling balls include Snell, Piper, Cut, Uther, Seed, Sugar and Vice Golf. If you like the idea of playing with a premium urethane ball but don’t want to spend $50 per dozen then it might be worth checking out some of the alternative options to the Titleist Pro V1.

If you need a higher flight and more spin then the Titleist Pro V1x will suit your swing more and you will need to look at the ‘x’ versions of the premium balls.

Alternatives To The Chrome Soft

The most obvious alternatives would be the other members of the Chrome Soft family. The Callaway Chrome Soft X has a slightly higher spin rate but lower launch with the driver and still provides soft feel around the green although not as soft as the standard chrome soft. Jon Rahm, Sam Burns and Si Woo Kim currently use this ball.

If you like the Chrome Soft but need a little spin reduction then the final ball in the line-up is the Callaway Chrome Soft X LS. This offers a medium trajectory while still maintaining good spin control through the bag. Former Masters Champion Danny Willett is among the professionals that use this model.

Alternatives To The Z-Star

Similarly, the Z-Star has two immediate siblings. The Z-Star XV and the Z-Star Diamond which is played by Brooks Koepka. The Srixon Z-Star XV has a higher compression for maximum distance. It used to be a 4-piece ball but since 2023 is now a 3-piece. The Diamond offers a bit more spin throughout compared to the XV model.

A Guide To Picking The Right Golf Ball For Your Game

While it is tempting to select a ball based on how it feels on the clubface this will not necessarily produce the best results in your golf game. Titleist ball fitters will generally try to find a ball that works best with your pitching, chipping and iron game and then tweak your long game setup to optimize them for that ball rather than trying to find the ball that goes farthest with the driver!

If you tend to balloon the ball too high with your irons then you would benefit from a lower flying and probably lower spinning ball (Pro V1). If you have fairly flat ball flight then a ball with more spin and a higher flight would probably benefit you (Pro V1x).

If you play somewhere that is often windy then a ball that doesn’t fly quite so high might make a bit more sense. You will have a more penetrating ball flight and more control.

Ultimately the best thing to do is try a few different balls to find one that best suits your typical launch conditions and the type of shots you lick to play from around the green.

Srixon Z-Star Vs Callaway Chrome Soft: Conclusion

In conclusion, picking Callaway or Srixon golf balls is unlikely to be a terrible choice.  Both balls are among the best on the market. Whether you want to pay as much as $50 (£50) for a dozen balls is of course another matter!

The Z-Star will probably suit players looking for a good all-around ball that is comparable to the Pro V1. The Chrome Soft is designed to be a bit softer for those looking for a bit more feel but will ultimately cost you a bit of distance.

If you are looking for the best deals I would say the Z-Star will be more likely to be sold well below its retail price compared with the Chrome Soft.

The best thing to do is buy some of each to test out on a launch monitor or during practice on the golf course.

I suppose I am slightly biased as I tend to play the Z-Star more often than not (at least when I’m not testing balls anyway!) so for most golfers, I would suggest the Z-Star unless they have decent club head speed (105+ mph)

Give the Z-Star or Chrome Soft a try by clicking the links below.

Top Pick

Amazon Product Image Srixon Z-Starir?t=cleekandjigge 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B08R6HWPZG

Srixon Z-Star Golf Balls

The Srixon Z-Star Golf Balls are a high-performance option for golfers looking for a combination of distance and control. They feature a 3-piece construction with a soft, low-compression inner core and a firmer outer core that work together to deliver a low spin off the driver while still providing maximum distance. The outer layer is made of a soft, spin skin coating that provides excellent feel and control around the greens. Additionally, the balls have a 338 Speed Dimple pattern that helps to reduce drag and increase lift for longer, straighter shots. Overall, the Srixon Z-Star Golf Balls are designed for golfers who want a balance of distance and control, and a soft feel on the greens.

ALSO GREAT

Amazon Product Imageir?t=cleekandjigge 20&language=en US&l=li2&o=1&a=B09KNWW38P

Chrome Soft Golf Balls

  • Precision Technology – delivers tightest dispersion, fast ball speeds and total performance
  • Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core – Tour level speed, spin, and control
  • Tour Aero Design – Consistent ball flight at every condition
  • Signature Chrome Soft feel – Outstanding feel, excellent distance, and incredible forgiveness
  • More distance off the tee – Low spinning iron shots and high level of greenside control

Here are some other golf ball comparisons you might be interested in:

Pro V1 vs Z-Star

Pro V1 vs Chrome Soft

Pro V1 vs Vice Pro

Z-Star vs TP5

Look here for a comparison of the Srixon range.

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