Well I've played 2 premium balls this season on and off

znile · July 18, 2009

TaylorMade LDP TP Red and Srixon Z-Star X

I actually ordered the Black's but was sent the wrong balls. I was glad in the end as apparently I had the Blacks and Reds confused (like everyone else in the world, why does TaylorMade try so hard to confuse everyone with their marketing here...)

Anyway, I started with the Red and after many rounds got two dozen Z-Star Xs.

I hadn't or probably never would have noticed the differences if I didn't play them like I had. I played consistantly with the Reds, then switched and played consistantly with the Z-Star X.

After I'd played both, I alternated. Now none of this was on purpose, but I saw a very apparent diversity between the two, even though they are both top notch.

The Red is a soft, wind piercing rocket. I typically drive 300+ and it's always hit or miss with balls because they react differently with differing swing speeds.

The Red was one of the longest balls I've ever hit. On top of that, I actually missed several greens trying to account for wind that never moved the ball. This ball is unaffected by the wind more than any other ball I've played. In regard and relation with that, driver spin was also low as hooks and slices were reduced. The only downfall there is that the ball doesn't spin much on approach shots.

The X spins very nicely. It's a firmer ball and checks quite thoroughly. However the spin also seems increased on drives as slices and hooks aren't helped any. The ball is more wind sensitive as well. I've felt that my distances are further spread out too. The dispersion is larger.

All in all, for both being premium balls they are quite different... but that's not a bad thing. The Z-Star X's look brand new after 18 hard played holes whereas the Red's get scuffed with a wedge. That is the Red's main downfall (other than spin if you count that). The X is a very sturdy dependable ball that spins well. The Red is well longer than the X (to me) but this may not be the case with everyone.

Very different, both very nice