Srixon Q-Star Golf Ball Review

 

Srixon Q-Star Golf Ball Review

Srixon Q-Star Golf Ball
Grade: B
Teacher’s Comments: Long and straight, and should appeal to mid to high handicappers. Probably not for better players.

Srixon’s new 2017 Q-Star golf ball is a two-piece ball that should have a strong appeal to the weekender who carries a mid- to high-handicap. Long and straight, the Q-Star is affordably priced at $24.99 MSRP. If you fall into the target demographic (as I do), the 2017 Q-Star is worth a try.

The new technology on the 2017 Srixon Q Star is second generation “Spinskin.” This ionomer cover, Srixon says, is designed to increase frictional forces for more greenside spin and control. But, while improving grab on short shots, it is formulated to not add spin to drives or longer irons.

There is in fact something noticeably different about the cover of the Q-Star. To the touch, the Q Star feels a little slick compared to other balls I play. I had a fleeting thought that the Q Star’s Spinskin would somehow be slippery enough to cause a ball to spin away in random directions. That turns out not to be the case at all. With driver and irons, the Q Star seems to me to have a very tight dispersion.

Reduction of slices and hooks has been a Srixon Q-Star raison d’être through its several iterations. The 2017 model doesn’t disappoint on that front.

Around the greens, the Q Star performs admirably. I have never been able to spin a ball backward, but do expect balls to check up in relatively short order. Few things in golf are more frustrating than watching an approach shot roll off the back of the green, leaving yet another chip or pitch and the necessity to one-putt for a par. The 2017 Q-Star isn’t likely to pirouette on the greens for you, but it’s not going to be a runner, either.

The Spinskin is molded with a 338 dimple pattern designed to reduce drag while providing better control in the wind.

Under the Spinskin is a “Energetic Gradient Growth Core.” This, Srixon says, is a lower compression core that uses “variable stiffness to deliver better feel and exceptional distance on every shot.”

The 2017 Srixon Q-Star does indeed have a nice feel. While not coming off the club as softly as the Wilson Duo (one of my benchmark balls), it feels as though I get slightly more compression than with the Volvik Vibe (another of my benchmark balls).

For what it is worth, I have long thought that most weekenders should play a lower compression ball. The fact of the matter is that few of us are swinging with the same speed as the pros and therefore can’t compress a tour level ball the way they do. It makes no sense for me to play the ball Dustin Johnson uses. For amateurs, lower compression should yield less spin (a good thing) and a higher launch angle (another good thing) for more distance.

In terms of distance, the Q-Star performs well. Playing several rounds with the Q star at my home course, I found my ball in the usual spots off the tee and used the same clubs on the approach. What I do think, however, is that the 2017 Srixon Q-Star has less carry and more roll. I was struck by watching the ball bounce down the fairway — something I do not normally see. I can usually leave a crater on a drive on any moderately soft fairway. The same seemed to hold true for me with irons. Depending upon the course, that could be a negative. My home course has just two forced carries off the tee, and every green is open at the front, so that is not an issue.  If the courses you frequent have lots of forced carries or greens fronted by bunkers, you will want to pay attention to how the Srixon Q-Star behaves for you during a trial run.

Durability for the Srixon Q-Star has been outstanding. With the balls in my bag for several weeks, I have yet to retire one due to scruffs or dings. I haven’t sent one down the cartpath, but playing in Northern Michigan, hitting trees is unavoidable.

In spite of what certain advertising campaigns will tell you, there is no one ball for every game. I like the 2017 Srixon Q-Star well enough to suggest that mid to high handicap weekenders give it a try. Get a sleeve. It just might be the ball you’ve been looking for.

The Srixon Q-Star Gofl Ball Review was published August 16, 2017.

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