If you are comparing Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response, you are probably looking for a golf ball that gives you soft feel, good distance, better greenside control, and more value than full premium tour balls.
The Srixon Q-Star Tour and TaylorMade Tour Response are both excellent golf balls for average golfers, mid swing speed players, mid handicappers, and golfers upgrading from basic distance balls.
Both balls are designed to give recreational golfers more feel and short-game control than cheap distance balls, without requiring tour-level swing speed.
But they are not identical. The main difference is simple: TaylorMade Tour Response is better for softer feel and greenside spin, while Srixon Q-Star Tour is better for value, forgiveness, and stable flight.
This comparison breaks down Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response for distance, feel, spin, forgiveness, compression, value, player type, pros and cons, and which golf ball you should buy.
👉 If you are choosing by swing speed, read our best golf balls for mid swing speed guide. If you want to understand compression first, read our golf ball compression guide.
Quick Verdict: Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response
Choose TaylorMade Tour Response if you want softer feel, better greenside spin, and stronger short-game control.
Choose Srixon Q-Star Tour if you want better value, more forgiveness, and a slightly more stable ball flight.
Both are excellent for mid swing speed golfers, but Tour Response is better for feel and spin, while Q-Star Tour is better for value and forgiveness.
The simple answer is this: Tour Response is the better short-game ball. Q-Star Tour is the better value and forgiveness ball.
Buy Q-Star Tour if: you want stable performance, forgiveness, soft feel, and strong value.
Buy Tour Response if: you want softer feel, urethane spin, better greenside control, and more premium short-game feedback.
Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response: Quick Comparison
Use this table if you want the fastest answer before reading the full comparison.
| Category | Srixon Q-Star Tour | TaylorMade Tour Response | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Value and forgiveness | Feel and greenside control | Depends |
| Feel | Soft and stable | Softer and more responsive | Tour Response |
| Distance | Very good | Very good | Tie |
| Driver forgiveness | Excellent | Very good | Q-Star Tour |
| Greenside spin | Good to very good | Excellent for the price | Tour Response |
| Short-game control | Very good | Better | Tour Response |
| Flight | Stable and controlled | Slightly higher / more responsive | Depends |
| Value | Excellent | Very good | Q-Star Tour |
| Best for mid swing speed | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Which Ball Should You Buy?
The right choice depends on what you want your golf ball to help with most.
| Golfer Type | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mid swing speed golfer | Both | Both compress well for average golfers |
| Mid handicapper | Both | Both offer distance, feel, and control |
| Value shopper | Q-Star Tour | Usually stronger value |
| Forgiveness-focused player | Q-Star Tour | More stable and forgiving |
| Short-game focused player | Tour Response | Better greenside spin and feel |
| Soft-feel player | Tour Response | Softer and more responsive |
| Beginner upgrading from distance balls | Q-Star Tour | Forgiving and stable |
| Improving golfer | Tour Response | Better wedge spin and short-game feedback |
| Faster swing speed player | Maybe neither | Firmer tour balls may fit better |
Best Pick by Category
Here is the simplest way to choose between Q-Star Tour and Tour Response by performance category.
| Category Winner | Best Ball |
|---|---|
| Best overall feel | TaylorMade Tour Response |
| Best greenside spin | TaylorMade Tour Response |
| Best value | Srixon Q-Star Tour |
| Best forgiveness | Srixon Q-Star Tour |
| Best short-game control | TaylorMade Tour Response |
| Best for stable flight | Srixon Q-Star Tour |
| Best for mid swing speed | Tie |
| Best for average golfers | Tie |
| Best for upgrading from distance balls | Tie |
Srixon Q-Star Tour Overview
The Srixon Q-Star Tour is a value-focused urethane golf ball designed for moderate swing speeds, average golfers, mid handicappers, and players who want soft feel with reliable performance.
Its biggest strengths are forgiveness, value, stable flight, and balanced performance. It gives golfers a premium-style feel without being as expensive or demanding as firmer tour balls.
Q-Star Tour is a good choice if you want a soft golf ball that stays stable, handles mishits well, and gives you useful short-game performance without premium pricing.
Buy Q-Star Tour if: you want value, forgiveness, stable flight, soft compression, and balanced performance.
Avoid Q-Star Tour if: you want the softest feel possible or maximum greenside spin from this comparison.
The product box below can help you compare current Q-Star Tour listings, but always check the exact model, quantity, color, and seller before buying.
Srixon Q Star Tour 5 Golf Balls, White
Q-Star Tour Strengths
- Excellent value
- Soft compression
- Very good forgiveness
- Stable ball flight
- Good short-game performance for the price
- Strong fit for mid swing speed golfers
TaylorMade Tour Response Overview
The TaylorMade Tour Response is a soft urethane-covered golf ball built for recreational golfers who want better greenside spin, strong distance, and tour-style feel without paying full premium tour-ball prices.
Its biggest strengths are soft feel, wedge spin, short-game control, and responsive feedback around the greens.
Tour Response is a good choice if you are upgrading from basic distance balls and want a ball that gives you more control on chips, pitches, wedges, and approach shots.
Buy Tour Response if: you want soft feel, greenside spin, urethane control, and better short-game feedback.
Avoid Tour Response if: you prioritize forgiveness and value more than short-game spin.
👉 Read the full TaylorMade Tour Response review.
The product box below can help you compare current Tour Response listings, but always check the exact model, quantity, color, and seller before buying.
TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Balls, Enhanced 360° ClearPath Alignment, Speed Wrapped Core for Distance and Feel, Pack of 12
Tour Response Strengths
- Softer, more responsive feel
- Excellent greenside spin for the price
- Strong wedge control
- Good carry distance
- Real urethane short-game performance
- Strong upgrade from distance balls
Distance and Driver Performance
Distance is very close between the Srixon Q-Star Tour and TaylorMade Tour Response.
Both golf balls are designed for average golfers and mid swing speed players who want efficient compression without needing tour-level speed.
The Q-Star Tour feels slightly more stable and forgiving on mishits. Tour Response can feel slightly more lively and responsive at impact.
For most golfers, the distance difference will not be large enough to choose one ball based on driver yardage alone.
| Distance Area | Q-Star Tour | Tour Response |
|---|---|---|
| Driver distance | Very good | Very good |
| Carry distance | Consistent | Strong and lively |
| Mishit distance | Slightly better | Good |
| Launch | Stable | Slightly more responsive |
| Winner | Tie for most golfers | |
👉 If distance is your main priority, compare the best golf balls for distance.
Iron and Approach Performance
With irons, both balls offer better performance than basic distance balls.
The Q-Star Tour is stable and predictable, which helps average golfers who want consistency. Tour Response gives a little more short-game feel and can feel more responsive on approach shots.
If your main goal is hitting more consistent approach shots, Q-Star Tour has a slight forgiveness edge. If your main goal is more stopping power and feel, Tour Response has the edge.
| Approach Area | Q-Star Tour | Tour Response |
|---|---|---|
| Long irons | Stable and forgiving | Good distance and feel |
| Mid irons | Predictable performance | Responsive feel |
| Short irons | Good control | Better stopping power |
| Wedges | Good spin | Stronger spin |
| Best for consistency | Q-Star Tour | Tour Response is close |
| Best for short-game control | Good | Tour Response |
Greenside Spin and Control
Greenside spin is where TaylorMade Tour Response gets its clearest advantage.
The Tour Response feels softer and more responsive on chips, pitches, wedges, and putting. It gives more short-game bite and a more premium feel around the greens.
Q-Star Tour still performs well around the green, especially for the price, but Tour Response is the better choice if short-game control is your biggest priority.
- Tour Response advantage: more wedge spin
- Tour Response advantage: softer short-game feel
- Tour Response advantage: better stopping power
- Q-Star Tour advantage: still very good for the price
- Q-Star Tour advantage: more stable and forgiving overall
👉 If greenside control matters most, compare the best golf balls for control and the best golf balls for spin.
Feel and Putting Feedback
Both balls feel soft, but the TaylorMade Tour Response usually feels softer and more responsive around the greens.
The Q-Star Tour feels soft, stable, and balanced. It does not feel harsh, but it is not quite as soft or responsive as Tour Response on short shots.
On putts, Tour Response may feel smoother and more premium to golfers who like a soft face response. Q-Star Tour may feel more controlled and stable to golfers who prefer a balanced feel.
Feel winner: TaylorMade Tour Response.
👉 If soft feel matters most, compare the best soft feel golf balls.
Compression and Swing Speed Comparison
Both Q-Star Tour and Tour Response are strong choices for mid swing speed golfers.
They are easier to compress than many firmer tour balls, which makes them attractive for average golfers who want urethane-style performance without needing elite driver speed.
Q-Star Tour is often listed around the low-to-mid 70s compression range, while Tour Response is usually positioned as a soft-to-mid compression urethane option.
| Golf Ball | Compression Style | Best Swing Speed Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Srixon Q-Star Tour | Soft / moderate | Mid swing speed golfers |
| TaylorMade Tour Response | Soft / mid compression | Mid swing speed golfers |
Very fast swing speed players may prefer firmer tour balls. Beginners with very slow swing speeds may prefer softer, easier balls like Callaway Supersoft, Bridgestone e6, or Titleist TruFeel.
👉 Learn more in our golf ball compression guide.
Forgiveness and Consistency
Forgiveness is where the Srixon Q-Star Tour has an advantage.
Q-Star Tour produces a stable flight and handles mishits very well for a urethane-style performance ball. That makes it attractive for mid handicappers, average golfers, and players who want consistency more than maximum spin.
Tour Response is still forgiving, but it is more focused on feel and short-game control. If you are inconsistent off the tee or want the more stable option, Q-Star Tour is the safer pick.
Forgiveness winner: Srixon Q-Star Tour.
👉 If forgiveness matters most, compare the best golf balls for high handicap.
Value and Price
Value is another area where Q-Star Tour is very strong.
It often gives golfers a strong mix of soft feel, urethane-style short-game performance, forgiveness, and price. That makes it one of the best choices if you want premium-style performance without overspending.
Tour Response is also a good value, especially because it gives excellent greenside spin and soft feel. But if your main goal is getting the most performance per dollar, Q-Star Tour usually has the edge.
Value winner: Srixon Q-Star Tour.
Current prices can change by seller, pack size, color, and availability, so compare prices before buying.
Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response: Pros and Cons
| Golf Ball | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Srixon Q-Star Tour | Excellent value, stable flight, strong forgiveness, soft feel, good short-game performance | Not quite as soft or spin-focused as Tour Response around the greens |
| TaylorMade Tour Response | Softer feel, better greenside spin, stronger wedge control, responsive short-game feedback | Usually not as strong for forgiveness and value as Q-Star Tour |
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between These Balls
- Buying based only on brand: Both Srixon and TaylorMade make strong balls in this category. Choose based on performance fit.
- Choosing Tour Response when forgiveness matters more: Q-Star Tour may be better if you want more stable performance.
- Choosing Q-Star Tour when greenside spin matters most: Tour Response is better if short-game control is your top priority.
- Expecting Pro V1-level performance: These are value performance balls, not full premium tour-ball replacements.
- Ignoring compression and swing speed: Both fit mid swing speed golfers well, but very fast swing speeds may need firmer balls.
- Choosing only by price: Value matters, but feel, spin, and forgiveness matter too.
- Switching balls too often: Use one model for several rounds so you can learn distance, spin, feel, and rollout.
👉 For the full ball-fitting process, read how to choose the best golf ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Q-Star Tour better than Tour Response?
Q-Star Tour is better than Tour Response if you want more forgiveness, better value, and a more stable ball flight. It is a strong choice for average golfers who want consistent performance.
Is Tour Response better than Q-Star Tour?
Tour Response is better than Q-Star Tour if you want softer feel, more greenside spin, and stronger short-game control. It is the better choice for golfers who care most about wedges, chips, and putting feel.
Which ball is softer?
TaylorMade Tour Response generally feels softer and more responsive around the greens. Q-Star Tour still feels soft, but it has a more stable and balanced feel.
Which ball spins more?
TaylorMade Tour Response usually produces more greenside spin and better short-game control than Srixon Q-Star Tour.
Which ball is better for mid swing speed?
Both Q-Star Tour and Tour Response are excellent for mid swing speed golfers. Choose Q-Star Tour for forgiveness and value. Choose Tour Response for softer feel and greenside spin.
Which ball is better for beginners?
Q-Star Tour is usually the better choice for beginners upgrading from distance balls because it is stable, forgiving, and value-friendly. Complete beginners may still prefer cheaper balls like Supersoft, e6, or TruFeel.
Which ball is better for mid handicappers?
Both balls are good for mid handicappers. Q-Star Tour is better for forgiveness and value, while Tour Response is better for short-game control and softer feel.
Which ball is better for greenside control?
TaylorMade Tour Response is better for greenside control because it offers softer feel, more wedge spin, and better short-game feedback.
Which ball is more forgiving?
Srixon Q-Star Tour is more forgiving overall. It gives a stable flight and handles mishits slightly better than Tour Response.
Which ball is better value?
Srixon Q-Star Tour is usually the better value because it offers forgiveness, soft feel, stable flight, and urethane-style performance at a strong price.
Should I buy Q-Star Tour or Tour Response?
Buy Q-Star Tour if you want forgiveness, value, and stable performance. Buy Tour Response if you want softer feel, more greenside spin, and better short-game control.
Are both balls urethane?
Yes, both Q-Star Tour and TaylorMade Tour Response are designed to give golfers urethane-style short-game benefits compared with basic distance balls.
Where can I buy Q-Star Tour and Tour Response?
You can buy both golf balls on Amazon, from golf retailers, sporting goods stores, local pro shops, and brand websites. Always compare price, pack size, color, seller, and condition before buying.
Related Golf Ball Guides
If you are comparing Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response, these guides can help you choose the right ball for your swing speed, feel preference, and short-game needs:
- TaylorMade Tour Response Review
- Best Golf Balls for Mid Swing Speed
- Golf Ball Compression Guide
- Best Golf Balls for Control
- Best Golf Balls
- Callaway Chrome Soft Review
- Bridgestone e6 Review
- Callaway Supersoft Review
- Titleist Tour Soft Review
- Titleist Pro V1 Review
- How to Choose the Best Golf Ball
Final Verdict: Q-Star Tour vs Tour Response
The Srixon Q-Star Tour and TaylorMade Tour Response are both excellent golf balls for average golfers, mid swing speed players, mid handicappers, and players upgrading from basic distance balls.
Choose Srixon Q-Star Tour if you want more forgiveness, better value, stable flight, and consistent performance.
Choose TaylorMade Tour Response if you want softer feel, better greenside spin, stronger wedge control, and a more responsive short-game experience.
For most golfers, the decision comes down to this: Q-Star Tour is the value and forgiveness pick. Tour Response is the feel and short-game control pick.
Check current prices below if you want to compare pack sizes, colors, sellers, and availability before buying.