2025 Srixon?

[ago33]

On 1/12/2025 at 8:13 AM, bomberman said:

They generally go on sale a couple times a year. In Canada I can get them for about 30- 35$ a box (~25USD). This makes them the best value on a tour ball IMO.

 

that said I’ll take the cosmetic changes ( yellow 💎 yes please). I expect only the smallest changes in performance.

This! I got like 20 dozen of the 2023 ball for next year. Maybe a bit of an over spend but with way pro v1s keep going up I’ll keep adding a few dozen every time. Typically it happens around Christmas and Fathers Day.

[tgrogers]

2025 XV: First Impressions

Played in Scottsdale on Saturday and grabbed a box of the 2025 XV and 25 Diamond to test over 9 holes each. Spoiler: The Diamond never made it out of the bag.

Long and straight, as you'd expect, but with a noticeably softer feel. Not once did I think it felt “clicky,” and it held every elevated green I hit into. I’m curious to see how it stacks up numbers-wise against the Diamond and the 2023 XV, but this ball just feels right.

Durability:
Something about the cover—it feels softer and thicker, maybe due to the extra paint? My buddies were cracking up as I unwrapped 3 new SM10 wedges on the first tee, and while I got the usual small wedge cover rips, none were bad enough to bench the ball. No worse than what you’d see on a Pro V1. Solid performance for a fun round.

Control:
The confidence this ball gives you is unreal. I felt completely in command of every shot. For me it feels like extra spin on the wedges. The diamond is fun, but for me, the extra spin means an extra margin for error. The XV stayed on-line all day.

If I feel the same after another round, there would be no reason not to roll with this for 2025 other than making sure the durability stays where I would expect.

[Highlander 24]

2 hours ago, tgrogers said:

2025 XV: First Impressions

Played in Scottsdale on Saturday and grabbed a box of the 2025 XV and 25 Diamond to test over 9 holes each. Spoiler: The Diamond never made it out of the bag.

Long and straight, as you'd expect, but with a noticeably softer feel. Not once did I think it felt “clicky,” and it held every elevated green I hit into. I’m curious to see how it stacks up numbers-wise against the Diamond and the 2023 XV, but this ball just feels right.

Durability:
Something about the cover—it feels softer and thicker, maybe due to the extra paint? My buddies were cracking up as I unwrapped 3 new SM10 wedges on the first tee, and while I got the usual small wedge cover rips, none were bad enough to bench the ball. No worse than what you’d see on a Pro V1. Solid performance for a fun round.

Control:
The confidence this ball gives you is unreal. I felt completely in command of every shot. For me it feels like extra spin on the wedges. The diamond is fun, but for me, the extra spin means an extra margin for error. The XV stayed on-line all day.

If I feel the same after another round, there would be no reason not to roll with this for 2025 other than making sure the durability stays where I would expect.

What ball do you normally play?

[tgrogers]

15 minutes ago, Highlander 24 said:

What ball do you normally play?

 

Last year I would bounce between the V1x, Diamond and V1. I learned that I liked the control (mostly driver and long irons) of the V1, but I didn't like the lower driver flight.

[CDM]

2 hours ago, tgrogers said:

2025 XV: First Impressions

Played in Scottsdale on Saturday and grabbed a box of the 2025 XV and 25 Diamond to test over 9 holes each. Spoiler: The Diamond never made it out of the bag.

Long and straight, as you'd expect, but with a noticeably softer feel. Not once did I think it felt “clicky,” and it held every elevated green I hit into. I’m curious to see how it stacks up numbers-wise against the Diamond and the 2023 XV, but this ball just feels right.

Durability:
Something about the cover—it feels softer and thicker, maybe due to the extra paint? My buddies were cracking up as I unwrapped 3 new SM10 wedges on the first tee, and while I got the usual small wedge cover rips, none were bad enough to bench the ball. No worse than what you’d see on a Pro V1. Solid performance for a fun round.

Control:
The confidence this ball gives you is unreal. I felt completely in command of every shot. For me it feels like extra spin on the wedges. The diamond is fun, but for me, the extra spin means an extra margin for error. The XV stayed on-line all day.

If I feel the same after another round, there would be no reason not to roll with this for 2025 other than making sure the durability stays where I would expect.

 

Ugghhh your killing me smalls 🤣  JK  Great write up.   

 

Need a solid write up like this VS the Diamond.  Been gaming the current Diamond since it came out. Really love the current Diamond but every review I find on the new XV model they just keep playing the XV and dont switch hahahaha.   Sounding like this might be the ball this year.....

 

Edited January 27 by CDM

[Highlander 24]

3 hours ago, tgrogers said:

 

Last year I would bounce between the V1x, Diamond and V1. I learned that I liked the control (mostly driver and long irons) of the V1, but I didn't like the lower driver flight.

How did you find short game and green side spin compared to V1?

[tgrogers]

17 hours ago, CDM said:

 

Ugghhh your killing me smalls 🤣  JK  Great write up.   

 

Need a solid write up like this VS the Diamond.  Been gaming the current Diamond since it came out. Really love the current Diamond but every review I find on the new XV model they just keep playing the XV and dont switch hahahaha.   Sounding like this might be the ball this year.....

 

 

I often struggle hitting up on the driver, even after being fit numerous times - it's a swing thing i'm working on. With 110SS, it's enough to generate hot spinners too often, and this is where the Diamond can be too difficult to control. 145 in: I love it. This year they made it softer to reduce driver spin so we will see. 

 

14 hours ago, Highlander 24 said:

How did you find short game and green side spin compared to V1?

 

Had a ton of approaches with my 50/54 wedges, and it felt great overall. A lot of the greens were elevated, so for those 30-50yard pitches, I was expecting some rollout, which made it tough to compare.

On 18 I was in the rough, elevated above the hole on the left, about 15 yards out (bad miss). I caught it low on the face, and as soon as I looked up, I thought, “Crap, that’s going to run right off the green.” Instead, it held its spin, checked once, and then released perfectly... right into the hole for a birdie!

Edited January 28 by tgrogers

[CDM]

5 hours ago, tgrogers said:

 

I often struggle hitting up on the driver, even after being fit numerous times - it's a swing thing i'm working on. With 110SS, it's enough to generate hot spinners too often, and this is where the Diamond can be too difficult to control. 145 in: I love it. This year they made it softer to reduce driver spin so we will see. 

 

 

Had a ton of approaches with my 50/54 wedges, and it felt great overall. A lot of the greens were elevated, so for those 30-50yard pitches, I was expecting some rollout, which made it tough to compare.

On 18 I was in the rough, elevated above the hole on the left, about 15 yards out (bad miss). I caught it low on the face, and as soon as I looked up, I thought, “Crap, that’s going to run right off the green.” Instead, it held its spin, checked once, and then released perfectly... right into the hole for a birdie!

 

We are in the same boat. I have a negative AoA and spin depending on ball and strike is my issue with driver. 

 

SS is just less them yours and pretty solid with a driver so hoping the XV works. Diamond did with current gamer but prior the diamond was not a good fit.

[CDM]

New Z Star Diamond vs Last years model : Driver  / Putter  only

*PGA Superstore to test tonight. New Diamond was on the shelf today so had to test.

** Ping G430 LST / Chome 2.0 Black  and TR Red (both stiff) and tested it with both shafts.

*** Swing speed iis right at 100

 

Feel:  Pertty much the same.  I would speculate the new model is a smidge softer Maybe 10%

Spin:  Old model spin 2000-2300  -  New model 2200-1900.  Able to hit them side by side for 10-15 mins on and off.  Granted depeding on strike I did get a few in the 1700-1900  range but I was in  the  1800-1900 on the old model.  

 

300 rpm less on average

  

Launch:  Pretty much the same overall. Would say the new Diamond might be a "tad" lower based on the numbers I was seeing but not much.   The old diamond fits my "window" so appears the new one will too.  * TBD of course

 

Putting: SC Special Select Newport 

Feels a bit softer and less click.  1 would say maybe 10% softer too.  

 

Bottom line it seems to match eactly what Srixon notes.  The new model feels a bit softer and spins a bit less.

 

Its as good as the prior model for sure but seems like they  just "fine tuned" it is all. 

 

If the weather holds up this weekend will see how it plays even though will be pretty chilly / firm conditions. 

 

Edited January 30 by CDM

[MattM97]

On 1/27/2025 at 12:57 PM, tgrogers said:

2025 XV: First Impressions

Played in Scottsdale on Saturday and grabbed a box of the 2025 XV and 25 Diamond to test over 9 holes each. Spoiler: The Diamond never made it out of the bag.

Long and straight, as you'd expect, but with a noticeably softer feel. Not once did I think it felt “clicky,” and it held every elevated green I hit into. I’m curious to see how it stacks up numbers-wise against the Diamond and the 2023 XV, but this ball just feels right.

Durability:
Something about the cover—it feels softer and thicker, maybe due to the extra paint? My buddies were cracking up as I unwrapped 3 new SM10 wedges on the first tee, and while I got the usual small wedge cover rips, none were bad enough to bench the ball. No worse than what you’d see on a Pro V1. Solid performance for a fun round.

Control:
The confidence this ball gives you is unreal. I felt completely in command of every shot. For me it feels like extra spin on the wedges. The diamond is fun, but for me, the extra spin means an extra margin for error. The XV stayed on-line all day.

If I feel the same after another round, there would be no reason not to roll with this for 2025 other than making sure the durability stays where I would expect.

 

I'm liking what I'm reading here especially that extra wedge spin they have now, the softer/thicker cover is more interesting as well. This could be the fix to the seam issue as the previous Z-Star balls had a less than paper thin cover on them. Still waiting for them to be in stock here. 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

1 hour ago, MattM97 said:

 

I'm liking what I'm reading here especially that extra wedge spin they have now, the softer/thicker cover is more interesting as well. This could be the fix to the seam issue as the previous Z-Star balls had a less than paper thin cover on them. Still waiting for them to be in stock here. 

Locked and loaded!  Now just need the snow to go away.  Going to be 56 today, maybe i can a spot on the putting green to roll a few. 
 

 

[MattM97]

7 minutes ago, Carolina Golfer 2 said:

Locked and loaded!  Now just need the snow to go away.  Going to be 56 today, maybe i can a spot on the putting green to roll a few. 
 

 

 

Jeeze that's a stash for sure, I looked at the specs on the new Diamond and they seem interesting as well with some reduced spin. I'll have to buy a box of both and test. 

[Choclab]

Are you guys seeing these much in stores yet?  For those who are, is it only very recently that you're seeing them?

 

I got three dozen Srixon (Z star and Diamond) for Christmas, but not the XV that I like.  Wanted to trade them in at the Academy Sports where my dad bought them, and the store rep gave me the go-ahead, but they've been completely out of stock of any of the three proline balls since then.  Only have three more weeks or so before my return window expires.

 

I'm guessing the delay is because this new model is out and they just haven't reached the shelves yet... or I hope that's it, anyway.

 

Only other thing... I hope they do the red, white, and blue Diamond again.  Not only are the colors cool, I love the double number on that one.  Same for the Divide, for that matter.

[Jdudley13]

1 hour ago, Choclab said:

Are you guys seeing these much in stores yet?  For those who are, is it only very recently that you're seeing them?

 

I got three dozen Srixon (Z star and Diamond) for Christmas, but not the XV that I like.  Wanted to trade them in at the Academy Sports where my dad bought them, and the store rep gave me the go-ahead, but they've been completely out of stock of any of the three proline balls since then.  Only have three more weeks or so before my return window expires.

 

I'm guessing the delay is because this new model is out and they just haven't reached the shelves yet... or I hope that's it, anyway.

 

Only other thing... I hope they do the red, white, and blue Diamond again.  Not only are the colors cool, I love the double number on that one.  Same for the Divide, for that matter.

I have been looking for them but dont see yellow in stock anywhere yet. I’ll keep playing the ‘23 until i can find the ‘25 yellow in stock somewhere. They are listed at $65 online right now so I’m definitely waiting…..

[BigtimeHC]

Local Dick's Sporting Goods had 20+ boxes on the shelves on release day (1/24 I think). Played 18 with one ball on Sunday and was very impressed!

[belh22]

I read a few posts above about less spin on the diamond than previous model but in same chat about the increase in spin.  which one is it?  lol

[drvrwdge]

13 minutes ago, belh22 said:

I read a few posts above about less spin on the diamond than previous model but in same chat about the increase in spin.  which one is it?  lol

Less driver spin, more irons and wedges. 

[tgrogers]

I picked mine up last week at my local DSG. If you guys aren't against getting them online, they are everywhere. DSG online also has quick shipping to your door.

[CDM]

10 hours ago, Choclab said:

I hope they do the red, white, and blue Diamond again.  Not only are the colors cool, I love the double number on that one. 

 

Agree, when that is released I will stock up.

[CDM]

On 1/28/2025 at 9:29 PM, CDM said:

New Z Star Diamond vs Last years model : Driver  / Putter  only

*PGA Superstore to test tonight. New Diamond was on the shelf today so had to test.

** Ping G430 LST / Chome 2.0 Black  and TR Red (both stiff) and tested it with both shafts.

*** Swing speed iis right at 100

 

Feel:  Pertty much the same.  I would speculate the new model is a smidge softer Maybe 10%

Spin:  Old model spin 2000-2300  -  New model 2200-1900.  Able to hit them side by side for 10-15 mins on and off.  Granted depeding on strike I did get a few in the 1700-1900  range but I was in  the  1800-1900 on the old model.  

 

300 rpm less on average

  

Launch:  Pretty much the same overall. Would say the new Diamond might be a "tad" lower based on the numbers I was seeing but not much.   The old diamond fits my "window" so appears the new one will too.  * TBD of course

 

Putting: SC Special Select Newport 

Feels a bit softer and less click.  1 would say maybe 10% softer too.  

 

Bottom line it seems to match eactly what Srixon notes.  The new model feels a bit softer and spins a bit less.

 

Its as good as the prior model for sure but seems like they  just "fine tuned" it is all. 

 

If the weather holds up this weekend will see how it plays even though will be pretty chilly / firm conditions. 

 

 Update to Orignal Post - Weeked play:   

Early season and strike always play a key and course conditions. 

 

Short iron spin:  It has more spin as seen indoors.  Roughly 400-500 rpm more? Standard full swings spin is more and you can tell a bit bit softer. For me feel is my hands and I feel the difference in the RTX wedges I use. 

 

Long - Mid irons: Pretty much the same as '23.  Long Irons / Hybrids the ball spin does drop smidge but only around 200-300 rpm and Mid Irons it does not look to be any different. Glad to see this is the same on long irons as for my game I need the extra long iron spin into greens.   Mid irons and if you are doing a 80% shot you can feel a bit of difference in the compression but its not much.  (Mizuno pro irons for note) 

 

Driver: Splitting hairs. They were both within a few yards of each, either way.  Strike and conditions being the factors for sure in my mind.   Still prefect spin for me as indoor I between the '23 and '25 model my spin numbers ranged from 1900-2300 so in the right range.  The '25 being the lower side 2/3rds of the numbers and '23 upper 2/3rds of the numbers. 

 

Chipping (finesse shots): Circling back on this. 

Doing 7-8 side by side chips the '25 feels softer/ better honestly but the '23 the ball intial check was more for me.

 

What I noticed is hte '25 chipped a lot closer to a Pro V1.  So much so I dropped a '24 V1 and pretty much the same result and feels very close to a Pro V1.   Where I would say the '23 model is closer to the V1x or between the two.   

 

The results made sense as the '23 has a firmer core so it grips the cover more like the V1x does.  Note we are not talking a  HUGE difference between the '23 and '25 so the '25 is great but there was 3-4 times I did notice a bit harder check on the finesse chips with the '23.   

 

Feel: '25 is a bit softer which should appeal to many.   I always felt the '23 was between a V1 and V1x on feel. I would say the '25 Diamond is closer to the V1 then the V1x now.   

 

I noticed no difference on the driver for note. (Ping 430 LST).  Long / Mid Irons also did not notice much difference on full swings but 80% swings you can tell a bit as noted.    Short iron swings and finesse shots the '25 does have a softer feel which was nice. 

 

Putting:  '25 is softer / less clicky.  Note I did not find the '23 to be the overly firm with SC on solid putts. 

 

'25 feels good off my SC for sure but also I think this will 100% come come down to which putter you use.   

 

Face inserts like an Odyssey AI has that softer feel which I have never been able to get used too. Only putters in 23 years and both are SC Newports. (test many though)

 

For my game if the ball feels to "soft" off the face I have a very hard with distance control / speed. The feel is to muted for mre.   Different for everyone but IMHO the '25 Diamond is getting closer to the V1 then the '23.  For many the '25 Diamond could be a great fit. 

 

The '25 Diamond I would speculate might be the best "all around ball" of the year.   Is it the best at one thing, not sure it is..? Maybe?  I would for sure say it is top 2 or 3 in every aspect.  

 

100% a ball that should be tried. Overall fantastic ball.

 

Edited February 3 by CDM

[iutodd]

Picked up some Z-stars last week.  I won't get on the course for a while but I'll try some simulator stuff maybe.  I've been in the Maxfli Tour so it's an obvious comparison.  I like a bit softer ball on the putter - I know I'm giving up a bit of distance but I'll sacrifice a few yards off the tee for better feels with the putter given that I take 30-36 putts a round and only hit driver 10-12 times.

[drvrwdge]

Got a chance to take the ‘25 Diamond on the course yesterday. It was 50 with sustained 20-25 mph winds so go to really see what this ball could do in tougher conditions. On course I’m seeing what I saw on Trackman. Spin seems to be down a bit, looks to be right on par with the LD I had been playing. But it feels tons better. Much better feel off of the putter face and short game spin, chips and pitches was markedly better than the LD. Full iron shot seemed to be about the same but where I did see an improvement were the one I didn’t catch flush still seemed to maintain a decent amount of spin. 
 

I’ve had an issue with the LD, especially in windy days, where into a head wind if I don’t catch one solid (primarily toe side) it just flat knuckles which makes it difficult to control distance. 
 

Below are a couple drives from indoors the other day. 

[TNwanabe]

Any idea when the Diamond Yellows are coming out?

[Wardonation]

4 hours ago, drvrwdge said:

Got a chance to take the ‘25 Diamond on the course yesterday. It was 50 with sustained 20-25 mph winds so go to really see what this ball could do in tougher conditions. On course I’m seeing what I saw on Trackman. Spin seems to be down a bit, looks to be right on par with the LD I had been playing. But it feels tons better. Much better feel off of the putter face and short game spin, chips and pitches was markedly better than the LD. Full iron shot seemed to be about the same but where I did see an improvement were the one I didn’t catch flush still seemed to maintain a decent amount of spin. 
 

I’ve had an issue with the LD, especially in windy days, where into a head wind if I don’t catch one solid (primarily toe side) it just flat knuckles which makes it difficult to control distance. 
 

Below are a couple drives from indoors the other day. 

how does it perform compared to LD on full wedge shots

[drvrwdge]

1 hour ago, Wardonation said:

how does it perform compared to LD on full wedge shots

More spin for sure. 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

I've had my full set ZXi Woods/Irons and RTZ wedges since last week.   Only got out on Thursday for limited on course action with them as we still had snow on 70% of the course, but I found a hole that I could actually get out on and hit shots.

 

The conditions weren't great-except for the soft turf to test the V Sole-43 degrees, a brik wind and damp grass.  

 

ZXi Core Driver  and TPT shaft.  Hit some really nice drives with this.   No lunch numbers on it, but it was generally landing about where my GT2 with Autoflex lands on that hole.   But had a slightly more right to left flight. 

 

ZXI4 7 iron  Considering the turf was very wet with the melted snow on it, the V sole did it's job getting through very nicely without getting stuck, except for one shot which I definitely hit a good inch or two behind the ball.   I was hitting the 7 iron from about 130 yards, my normal distance is 135 with it.   Flight was higher than my current I530 or T350 irons. Might have been 5 yards shorter based on the temps and conditions.

But the feel of this 4 model was fantastic, you'd never guess it was the GI style, with the looks and the feel.  Really not much of a difference in top line from the  5 and only slightly larger than the  7 and slightly more offset but not much at all.

 

ZXI5  8 and P  Felt even better than the 4 model.  Was hitting the P from 100 and 8 from 120 ish.  And getting great turf interaction and flight with them as well.  

 

RTZ Tour Rack Wedges  For these I was pretty much restricted to pitch and chip shots around our putting green as the hole I was on was still covered in snow.   Both these wedges felt phenomenal with the new Z Alloy material that Srixon has created.  And man were they checking up. 

I compared some 30 yard pitch shots with the Z Star  Diamond and the new 2025 ProV1 and the Pro V performed as usual, checking up and rolling to a stop shortly afterwards.  The Diamond was literally hope and stop on a couple shots. 

 

The feel of the putter and wedge are the biggest thing for me in a ball, and this is where the Diamond shines.  It has the Spin of a Prov1 X but feels as soft as a Pro V.   It's like the perfect tweener ball of those two.

We might get some conditions this week, where I can get on course again and play an actual hole or two as we had all the snow pretty much melt since Friday.   But definitely looking forward to getting these new sticks out in warmer weather.

[Wardonation]

On 2/2/2025 at 4:53 PM, drvrwdge said:

More spin for sure. 

Sorry to keep bugging more or less spin with full wedges than V1X? Thank you...

[CDM]

On 2/4/2025 at 4:29 PM, Wardonation said:

Sorry to keep bugging more or less spin with full wedges than V1X? Thank you...

 

As it relates to the '25 Diamond, I would say its the same if not a bit less then the '24 V1x but have not tried or compared the '25 V1x.   

 

The new diamond cover / ball is softer.  Not a V1 but closer to a V1 now then V1x now in my opinion.   

Edited February 14 by CDM

[Highlander 24]

Has anyone played enough with the new version to say if they have improved their durability?

[drvrwdge]

18 hours ago, Wardonation said:

Sorry to keep bugging more or less spin with full wedges than V1X? Thank you...

Honestly I haven't played the V1x in a while so cant really say. I think the V1x probably spins a bit more with wedges honestly.