I’ll have to preface this post by disclaiming that the Q-Star isn’t exactly the best ball for my game, a lower single digit handicap player (2). The Srixon Q-Star is primarily meant for higher handicap players, above a 10 to be precise. That being said, I could easily put this ball in my bag permanently and score well.
STAR Performance
The technology behind the Srixon Q-Star is geared toward helping higher handicap players increase their accuracy, and keep them out of the rough, hazards, lakes, parking lots, windows… So what does it take to improve accuracy for a higher handicap player? A proper “STAR performance” golf ball…
Srixon Q-Star Golf Balls - click to zoom
Srixon rates their golf balls with a STAR Performance measurement. That measurement factors in spin, trajectory, acceleration and responsiveness. Players of varying levels will have different STAR ratings. One of my favorite new players Keegan Bradley for instance, would be a Z-Star rating. Your 22 handicap buddy with the 87mph driver club head speed however, would NOT be a Z-Star rating. He would be a Q-Star.
Tour model golf balls have more spin. But higher ‘cappers are actually hurt by those types of golf balls. Amateurs tend to be less accurate with higher spin balls because they slice or hook the ball off the tee. Then the player is in trouble. Higher spin around the greens doesn’t necessarily help higher handicap players either. Most of those players come up short on their approaches. A high spin tour ball will not release and those short approaches will not improve, and in fact may get worse as they spin the ball back.
The Q-Star’s two piece construction (core and cover) and its dimple pattern optimize the ball for longer distance, less driver spin and a little less approach spin. These qualities combine to help the higher handicapper’s game, and help him or her enjoy the game more. That’s what it is all about.
On The Course
As expected, I’m darn accurate with this ball. My fairways hit this season has been between 70-80% with “tour” balls like the Z-Star. That percentage is even a few points higher with the Q-Star. The ball flies straight! I didn’t try to work the ball much, but on occasion when I needed to hit a baby fade, I was still able to do so.
The ball itself feels a bit harder than a tour ball as it should. It is essentially a durable distance ball, but not super hard like distance balls of the past. Optimum swing speed is somewhere around 90mph.
As expected around the greens, I needed to play more running and releasing style shots with the Q-Star, rather than the quick zip two bounce and stop types of short game shots. Once I had the feel though, it was not a problem. In fact, I prefer running shots as opposed to trying to clip the ball perfectly anyway. I’m not a tour player.
The ball itself is quite durable. I doubt any average player would wear one out before he lost it, unless his primary fairway of choice is the cart path.
Conclusion
Increased driving accuracy and distance can really help players enjoy the game of golf. And that’s what it is all about really. So if you are a higher handicap player, or you simply want to hit your drives straighter, check out the Srixon Q-Star.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
Tony,
I’ve been playing the Q Star for about two months. I’m about a 20 handicap. I consistently score better with the ball and I have some serious distance on my drives.
You are right, I don’t visit the woods as much. I also agree with you about using it near the greens. My short game is very much a bump-and-run. I have no problems with this ball doing that. I don’t swing fast enough to get the zip-pop my buddy gets.
This ball stays in my bag.
Thanks for the comments Patrick. Just goes to show that matching up the right equipment (even the ball) really helps.
Did not realize there was a Q-Star ball. The Z-Star says over 81 mph swing speed is appropriate. Is the rabalon cover a little harder than urethane? How does it compare with surlyn?
Really like the yellow color. The cover on this ball is about as durable as you can find. I play titleist wedges, they will eat up about a ball a hole otherwise. Not the longest ball, but a solid performer . Can still put plenty of spin on these balls, and they will check up nicely. Pretty good feel, and the price is right. I’m a low handicapper, and when you consider the price of a “tour” ball, I like em even more. After all , it’s suppose to be fun.
Denny, this cover is noticeably hard.