Two Premium Tour Golf Balls Built for Elite Performance
If you’re looking for a premium urethane golf ball capable of delivering exceptional distance, Tour-level greenside spin and outstanding consistency, the Srixon Z-Star and TaylorMade TP5 should both be high on your shortlist.
Both balls are played by Tour professionals around the world and are designed for golfers who demand maximum performance from tee to green. While they share many similarities, their performance characteristics are noticeably different.
The Srixon Z-Star is engineered for golfers who prioritise precision, feel and exceptional short-game spin, while the TaylorMade TP5 focuses on delivering a combination of high launch, excellent ball speed and Tour-level all-round performance through its unique five-layer construction.
For more detailed equipment comparisons, visit our golf ball reviews section.
In this comprehensive comparison we’ll cover:
- Construction
- Driver performance
- Distance
- Launch characteristics
- Spin rates
- Iron performance
- Greenside control
- Feel
- Putting performance
- Wind performance
- Handicap recommendations
- Swing speed recommendations
- Pros and cons
- Which golfers should choose each ball
Quick Comparison
| Category | Srixon Z-Star | TaylorMade TP5 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 3-piece | 5-piece |
| Cover | Urethane | Cast Urethane |
| Feel | Soft | Soft |
| Driver Spin | Low | Low |
| Driver Launch | Mid | Mid-High |
| Iron Spin | High | High |
| Wedge Spin | Very High | Very High |
| Greenside Control | Outstanding | Outstanding |
| Wind Performance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Best For | Golfers seeking precision and feel | Golfers wanting balanced Tour performance |
Quick Verdict
Choose the Srixon Z-Star if you:
- Prioritise short-game control
- Prefer a slightly softer feel
- Play regularly in windy conditions
- Like a penetrating ball flight
- Value consistency over outright speed
Choose the TaylorMade TP5 if you:
- Want slightly higher launch
- Like explosive ball speed
- Prefer a lively feel
- Need strong all-round performance
- Want excellent distance throughout the bag
Construction
Srixon Z-Star
The Z-Star features:
- Three-piece construction
- Premium FastLayer DG Core
- Thin urethane cover
- Spin Skin+ coating
- Advanced aerodynamic dimple pattern
The FastLayer core gradually transitions from a soft centre to a firmer outer region, helping produce excellent feel while maintaining high ball speeds.
The Spin Skin+ coating enhances friction between the ball and wedge grooves to maximise greenside spin.
TaylorMade TP5
TaylorMade’s TP5 is unique because it uses:
- Five-piece construction
- Progressive Speed Layer technology
- High-flex material (HFM)
- Cast urethane cover
- Tour Flight dimple pattern
The additional mantle layers allow TaylorMade engineers to fine-tune performance for different clubs throughout the bag.
This multi-layer construction is one of TP5’s defining characteristics.
Driver Performance
Srixon Z-Star
Off the driver, the Z-Star delivers:
- Low spin
- Excellent ball speed
- Mid trajectory
- Strong carry
- Consistent dispersion
It is designed to reduce excess driver spin without sacrificing short-game control.
Golfers with repeatable swings often appreciate the predictable ball flight.
TaylorMade TP5
The TP5 produces:
- Fast ball speed
- Mid-to-high launch
- Low driver spin
- Excellent carry distance
- Stable trajectory
The higher launch profile can benefit golfers who struggle generating sufficient carry.
Distance Comparison
Both balls rank among the longest premium Tour golf balls available.
Srixon Z-Star
Excels through:
- Efficient energy transfer
- Stable trajectory
- Excellent wind penetration
- Consistent carry
TaylorMade TP5
Excels through:
- High launch
- Fast initial ball speed
- Efficient aerodynamics
- Strong carry distance
For many golfers, any distance difference is likely to be only a few yards.
Launch Characteristics
Srixon Z-Star
Launch profile:
- Mid trajectory
- Penetrating flight
- Stable in crosswinds
- Predictable apex
This makes it particularly attractive for golfers who frequently play links golf or exposed courses.
TaylorMade TP5
Launch profile:
- Mid-high trajectory
- Easy launch
- Long carry
- Excellent peak height
Golfers seeking additional carry often prefer TP5.
Driver Spin
Both balls are designed to minimise driver spin.
Srixon Z-Star
Produces:
- Low driver spin
- Excellent control
- Reduced ballooning
TaylorMade TP5
Produces:
- Low driver spin
- Slightly higher launch
- Outstanding carry
Neither ball is specifically designed as an ultra-low-spin model like the Titleist AVX or Bridgestone Tour B X.
Iron Performance
Srixon Z-Star
Iron performance includes:
- Excellent stopping power
- Predictable distances
- High consistency
- Soft impact feel
Approach shots land with confidence on firm greens.
TaylorMade TP5
TP5 offers:
- Strong ball speed
- High launch
- Excellent carry
- Reliable stopping power
The additional launch can help golfers attack tucked pins with confidence.
Wedge Performance
This is an area where both golf balls truly shine.
Srixon Z-Star
The Spin Skin+ coating helps create:
- Exceptional greenside spin
- High friction
- Controlled pitches
- Reliable bunker performance
Golfers who enjoy manipulating spin around the greens often favour the Z-Star.
TaylorMade TP5
The cast urethane cover provides:
- Tour-level wedge spin
- Excellent check
- Soft feel
- Predictable rollout
Both balls offer superb short-game control, with only subtle differences in feel.
Feel
Srixon Z-Star
The Z-Star is widely regarded as one of the softest Tour golf balls available.
Golfers describe it as:
- Soft
- Cushioned
- Muted
- Responsive
Many players appreciate the feedback without excessive firmness.
TaylorMade TP5
TP5 also offers:
- Soft feel
- Slightly livelier response
- Crisp impact sensation
- Excellent feedback
Golfers moving from firmer Tour balls often find TP5 extremely comfortable.
Putting Performance
Srixon Z-Star
Produces:
- Quiet sound
- Soft roll
- Excellent distance control
- Consistent feedback
TaylorMade TP5
Offers:
- Slightly firmer sound
- Responsive feel
- Excellent speed control
- Confident feedback
Putting preference often comes down to personal taste.
Wind Performance
Srixon Z-Star
One of its greatest strengths.
Benefits include:
- Stable flight
- Excellent wind penetration
- Predictable trajectory
- Minimal ballooning
TaylorMade TP5
Also performs very well.
The slightly higher launch may occasionally be more affected by strong headwinds, although the difference is modest.
Swing Speed Recommendations
Under 75 mph
Srixon Z-Star
Good, although golfers may gain more distance from softer compression models.
TaylorMade TP5
Also suitable, but slower swingers may benefit from balls specifically designed for lower swing speeds.
75–85 mph
Both balls perform well.
Golfers prioritising feel may lean towards the Z-Star.
Golfers wanting additional launch may prefer TP5.
85–95 mph
An excellent swing-speed range for both balls.
This is where many club golfers begin to enjoy the full benefits of premium urethane construction.
95–105 mph
Outstanding suitability.
Both balls deliver:
- Excellent carry
- Tour-level spin
- Premium control
Above 105 mph
Both balls perform exceptionally well.
Launch monitor testing should determine which model optimises:
- Ball speed
- Spin
- Peak height
- Landing angle
Handicap Recommendations
Beginners (25+)
Premium golf balls may not always provide the best value for golfers who lose multiple balls each round.
However, golfers committed to improving may appreciate the enhanced feel.
High Handicappers (18–24)
Both balls provide excellent performance, although many golfers in this range may also consider slightly lower-priced premium alternatives.
Mid Handicappers (10–17)
An ideal handicap range.
Golfers begin to take full advantage of:
- Greenside spin
- Distance control
- Consistency
Low Handicappers (0–9)
These balls are built with this golfer in mind.
Both offer:
- Tour-level control
- Shot-shaping capability
- Reliable wedge spin
- Consistent distance
Which Ball Should You Choose?
Choose the Srixon Z-Star if:
- You prioritise precision over raw speed.
- You enjoy shaping shots.
- You frequently play in windy conditions.
- You value exceptional greenside spin.
- You prefer an especially soft feel.
- You want predictable performance throughout the bag.
Choose the TaylorMade TP5 if:
- You want a slightly higher launch.
- You prioritise maximum carry.
- You enjoy a lively yet soft feel.
- You prefer a balanced all-round Tour ball.
- You want outstanding driver and iron performance.
Pros and Cons
Srixon Z-Star
Pros
- Outstanding greenside spin
- Extremely soft feel
- Excellent wind performance
- Predictable flight
- Superb wedge control
- Consistent distance
- Excellent value compared to some premium competitors
Cons
- Slightly lower launch than TP5
- May not maximise carry for every golfer
- Premium price
TaylorMade TP5
Pros
- Excellent ball speed
- High launch
- Outstanding all-round performance
- Superb wedge spin
- Soft feel
- Five-layer construction
- Excellent carry distance
Cons
- Slightly higher flight in strong winds
- Premium price
- Some golfers prefer the softer feel of Z-Star
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ball is softer?
Both are soft, but many golfers perceive the Srixon Z-Star as having the slightly softer feel.
Which ball spins more?
Both generate exceptional wedge spin.
The Z-Star may offer marginally more greenside bite thanks to its Spin Skin+ coating, while TP5 provides excellent spin with a slightly higher overall launch.
Which ball is longer?
For most golfers, distance differences are extremely small.
TP5 may produce slightly more carry for golfers needing additional launch, while Z-Star can perform exceptionally well in windy conditions.
Which is better for slower swing speeds?
Both can work well, but golfers below approximately 75 mph may benefit from softer, lower-compression alternatives.
Which is better in the wind?
The Srixon Z-Star generally has a slight advantage due to its penetrating flight.
Which ball is better for low handicappers?
Both are outstanding choices.
The decision comes down to personal preference regarding feel, launch and trajectory.
Final Verdict
The Srixon Z-Star and TaylorMade TP5 are among the finest premium golf balls available today, and both are capable of delivering Tour-level performance from tee to green.
The Srixon Z-Star is the ideal choice for golfers who prioritise precision, consistency and short-game control. Its exceptionally soft feel, penetrating flight and excellent wind performance make it particularly appealing to accomplished players who value predictability over outright speed. Golfers with swing speeds between 85 and 110 mph and handicaps ranging from single figures to around 15 will often appreciate its balanced performance.
The TaylorMade TP5, meanwhile, offers one of the most complete performance packages in golf. Its unique five-layer construction produces impressive ball speed, slightly higher launch and outstanding distance while still delivering excellent greenside spin. Golfers seeking a premium Tour ball that combines carry distance with soft feel will find TP5 difficult to beat.
Ultimately, neither golf ball is objectively better than the other.
Choose the Srixon Z-Star if you value precision, a penetrating trajectory and exceptional feel.
Choose the TaylorMade TP5 if you prefer higher launch, explosive ball speed and outstanding all-round performance.
The most reliable way to decide is through a launch monitor fitting using the golf ball you intend to play. Compare ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, peak height and dispersion, then spend time around the practice green evaluating feel and short-game control. The ball that consistently helps you shoot lower scores—not simply hit the occasional longer drive—is the right golf ball for your game.
And for even more information the right golf ball for your game then make sure and try out our golf ball selector app which will help you narrow down the best golf ball for you.
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