For those of you who hold distance as the top priority, Srixon has rolled out what it’s calling the longest golf ball it’s ever developed.
Now, I’m not typically one to use exclamation points, but in this case, it feels warranted.
Introducing ULTISPEED, the longest golf ball Srixon has crafted to date!
Replacing the well-liked Q-STAR, the Q-STAR ULTISPEED isn’t just another minor upgrade. This marks a real shift in Srixon’s “non-Tour” golf ball category, redefining what we can expect from a distance-focused golf ball.
The genesis of the UltiSpeed occurred with a Japanese model known as the Xmax. This original Xmax was far from ordinary. Featuring a 115-compression, it was strictly a non-conforming beast designed for distance without any attention to feel or spin control around the greens.
Long? You bet.
Playable? Not really.
Even though I’m not a fan of soft golf balls, the lack of feel or spin doesn’t sound very attractive to me.
However, Srixon saw potential in the concept. After several iterations, the company believes it has struck a balance, maintaining much of that initial distance but creating something golfers will enjoy playing.
It just required an overhaul, from the cover to the core.
Creating the ULTISPEED involved a significant rethinking of materials integral to the ball’s three-layer design.
This brings us to the major evolution from Q-STAR to Q-STAR ULTISPEED. The newcomer sports three layers, compared to the more straightforward two-piece ionomer nature of the Q-STAR.
These layers incorporate what Srixon designates as proprietary materials born from a decade of meticulous research. According to Srixon’s Jake Donahue, they ventured beyond conventional boundaries, testing materials not typically associated with golf balls.
As expected, Srixon keeps the specifics under wraps, but these materials are unique to ULTISPEED—even though such innovations often make their way into other models eventually.
What’s striking about ULTISPEED is how its core diverges from other balls using graduated core technology. Generally, three-piece “Tour” balls aim for a notable gradient, with the core shifting from a soft center to a firm outer layer. ULTISPEED flips the script a bit.
Donahue explains, “It’s soft at the core’s center and gets firmer closer to the edge, which holds true across all our golf balls. But this new material allowed us to tweak hardness distribution, reducing the soft-to-firm transition. As a result, there’s less energy loss, which was crucial in maximizing ball speed.”
What this means is that while most graduated core designs fine-tune spin throughout the set, Srixon employs similar technologies in ULTISPEED to achieve a softer feel without compromising speed.
The introduction of Q-STAR ULTISPEED signals a strategic reorientation within Srixon’s non-Tour range.
As a smaller player, Srixon can’t pump out as many models as its larger rivals, so diversifying its non-Tour offerings is key. With the Q-STAR ULTISPEED here’s how things stand:
Soft Feel caters to those who really favor a gentle touch.
Q-STAR Tour targets golfers aspiring for more spin without the full demands and cost of Tour-level performance.
ULTISPEED, on the other hand, is distinctly positioned for players pursuing ultimate distance off the tee.
With an 85-compression rating, Q-STAR ULTISPEED is significantly softer than its 115-compression predecessor, yet firmer than the 72-compression Q-STAR it replaces.
It’s a replacement, sure, but it’s not just a simple swap.
Performance-wise, Donahue makes it clear: ULTISPEED stands as Srixon’s longest golf ball ever crafted.
That includes the entire Z-Star lineup.
Also, in tests against other distance balls, even premium “Tour” options, ULTISPEED has been a standout.
“We pitted it against all those distance-spec golf balls for testing. The results were amazing. We noticed increased ball speed, lower spin off the tee, and added distance.”
Interestingly, even when compared to premium tour balls, ULTISPEED impressed. It held its speed against Left Dash and added yards due to a lower spin rate.
While tee distance might not be the primary criterion for choosing a golf ball (unless you’re the designated bomber in your scramble), ULTISPEED was created to minimize side spin and keep your shots straighter—a true help for players trying to stay on the fairway or at least close to it.
“The essence of this golf ball is simply long and straight,” says Donahue. “There’s minimal side spin, so you’re not dealing with extreme left or right drift.”
So, who should reach for the Q-STAR ULTISPEED?
Interestingly, the UMax—or ULTISPEED—was initially envisioned for players with high swing speeds in search of incredible distance. But the market has shifted.
Donahue elaborates, “We found most players drawn to this ball were those with moderate to average swing speeds, including older players who’ve lost some power.”
Currently, ULTISPEED caters to mid- to high-handicappers focused more on distance and straight flight than greenside finesse.
“This golf ball is aimed more at mid- to high-handicappers or the casual golfer keen on fun, without taking things too seriously,” says Donahue. “But it also serves those aiming for improvement without blowing a hole in their wallet over Tour balls.”
For fast swingers, at 85 compression, ULTISPEED maintains durability better than others in its category.
If you desire a soft golf ball feel, ULTISPEED likely won’t meet that need. It’s decidedly firm (far firmer than Q-STAR), though Srixon insists the feel is soft relative to its compression and comparable to competitors like Titleist Velocity.
ULTISPEED’s shining feature is its price. This three-piece ball boasts Srixon’s 338 Speed Dimple design and FastLayer Core.
Priced at $29.99, it’s hard to find a comparable three-piece distance ball offering at this range, says Donahue, highlighting its durably attractive value.
Beyond raw stats, Donahue stresses ULTISPEED isn’t solely about “extreme distance” or outpacing buddies. It’s about the meaningful impact that range can have on one’s overall game.
“When I consider this golf ball, I view it as delivering meaningful distance. The aim isn’t solely crushing drives to outstrip your companions. Certainly, that’s possible, but it’s about enhancing your game and increasing fun for the average player.”
In conclusion, Srixon is betting on the Q-STAR ULTISPEED’s combination of straight tracking, unrivaled distance, and competitive pricing to capture golfers eyeing genuine distance gains.
From its beginnings as an unplayable oddity in the Japanese market to today’s sharply defined distance marvel, the Q-STAR ULTISPEED underscores Srixon’s quest to push limits while valuing playability.
Perhaps the marketing tagline sums it up best: “Play a round and find out.”
The Srixon Q-STAR ULTISPEED is now available in both classic white and vibrant yellow.
