We have a brand new golf ball model in front of us! How exciting is that? I certainly get excited when that happens. The ball in question is the Srixon Q-Star Ultispeed. In a way, this ball is replacing the Q-Star, which had 6 editions and was a popular model. However, it is around 10 points firmer compared to it.

Ok, let’s discuss the engineering behind it for a moment. Srixon points out blistering ball speeds and extreme distance on every swing. Very promising. The core has been redesigned, and it completes the ball with a 338 Speed Dimple pattern and a soft, thin cover. I will admit it, all sounds great. Now, let me tell you how it performed in real life.

My Verdict

Was I impressed with this ball? Not really. Do I think it is a good ball? It is a good ball for players who want to hit it farther and straighter. There is one thing that I found great, and that is durability. Sure, there might be more durable balls on the market, but this one is up there.

One of the reasons I would not consider this ball is the lack of spin. I prefer balls that give me more control, especially for the short game. But, it did make my putting look like I knew what I was doing, so a big positive there.

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On the Green

Since I read on the Srixon website that the cover is soft and thin, I was expecting a mellower sound when putting. Don’t get me wrong, it was not overly loud, but it was clickier than expected. Not a big deal unless you are used to a softer feel off the putter face.

Performance-wise, the ball delivered big. I do not remember the last time I made so many putts from 10 to 20 feet range. Why was I putting from such a long distance, you ask? We will come to that in the next section. Even the putts that did not fall in stopped within 2 feet of the hole. It was holding the line well on every putt, and I did not have to adjust to its pace whatsoever.

Around the Green

I saw two completely different sides of this ball. By the way, I chipped a lot, and I mean a lot. Not that I wanted, but my aim and distance control were a bit off. So, I got to experience almost every kind of chip possible.

Let’s start with my favorite, the bump-and-run. Here is where I saw most of the two sides of the ball. A lot of my bump-and-runs were ending too far past the hole. Hence, my long putts. Maybe on a couple of occasions, I have managed to tune it in.

Some other chips, like the delicate higher ones, were landing softly, but again, the roll was too long after. I couldn’t find any consistency and adjust to the ball. There is not enough greenside spin, which is expected, since the ball is designed primarily for distance.

Approach Shots

As you may know, if you read any of my previous reviews, I test golf balls on a par 3 course. Therefore, every shot is an approach shot. This time I played in windy conditions, which is not common. So, I got to experience whether the ball can adjust to it.

Because of the wind, I kept most of the shots on a low to medium flight trajectory. I also hit it on a high trajectory, since that is intended for this ball.

There were no issues with keeping the shots lower, but that brought something else into play. Upon landing, there was simply not enough spin to keep the ball on firm greens. Therefore, several times I overshot the green, and a couple of other times it rolled off to the side. And that is why I had a chipping overload today, besides a few times when I came up short.

The feedback on shots was ok, but not as good as I had with some other balls. Also, the feel upon striking it was not too soft, while the sound was clicky. Distance-wise, it was going a fairly long way off the tee. I was reaching all my distances with no extra effort.

Durability

I have never tested a Srixon tour premium ball, but all others I did seem to be quite durable. This one was no exception. For a soft and thin ionomer cover, there was no overly visible damage on it after a full round. There were only a few spots with some small scuffs and marks that give away the fact that this ball was used.

Appearance and Price

I would like to point out a few things regarding appearance. First, the putting alignment is pretty much the same as that of the old Q-Star model. Second, there is an interesting touch I have not seen on other balls. The number is a double digit, so instead of 1, you have 11, instead of 2, there is 22, and so on. Certainly, this gives it a unique look compared to other balls. Plus, the ball model name is incorporated into the logo on the ball itself, also unusual.

All in all, this different look gives it some charm and makes it stand out. I do like it, maybe because it does not look like every other ball.

At the price of $29.99 for a dozen, this ball is an attractive option. Interestingly, it is $5 cheaper than the Bridgestone e12 lineup, one of its competitors. I mean, it could be a good purchase for a decent-performing golf ball. It is available in pure white and tour yellow colors.