Full Answer
How is the compression rating of a golf ball calculated?
Wilson Golf's Frank Simonutti explains the golf ball compression rating is based on an equation, calculating to deformation of a golf ball under an applied, state load of 200 lbs. For each 0.001-inch increase in deformation, the golf ball's compression rating increases by one point.
What makes a golf ball compress more or less?
Swing Speed – higher the swing speed, more force at impact, more a golf ball will compress. Golf ball core – harder golf ball core will compress less vs softer golf ball core will compress more.
Why don't golf ball manufacturers advertise compression ratings?
Years ago, manufacturers actually printed the golf ball compression rating on the covers and/or denoted different compression ratings with the red/black numbers. Today, golf ball manufacturers stopped advertising compression levels of their balls because there was a negative stigma associated with a lower compression golf ball.
Do low-compression golf balls cause control issues?
If you swing between 85 – 104 mph: On the higher end of this range (95 – 104 mph), a low-compression ball could create control issues. Your best bet likely lies among the mid-compression models. On the lower end (85 – 94 mph), control should be less of an issue if you pick a low-compression ball.
How much does a golf ball compress when hit?
Typically, golf balls you'll find compress 0.10-0.12 inches. Golf ball compression ratings are quoted for the whole golf ball.
What is the average compression of a golf ball?
The golf ball compression rating describes how hard or soft the ball is, and usually ranges between a score of 30 and 120. The softest is 30, while 120 is the hardest. In other words, the lower the compression, the softer the ball, and the higher the compression rating, the harder the ball.
How is golf ball compression measured?
Compression is measured when a static load is applied to the ball and how much the ball is deformed under that standard load is the rating. Not every manufacturer applies the same static load to their golf balls. Not every manufacturer assigns the same value to one compression point as the ball deforms.
What is the compression rating of Titleist golf balls?
Examples of these balls are Callaway Supersoft and Wilson DUO Soft+. These are normally 2 or 3 piece golf balls. Mid compression: These golf balls have a compression rating between 70-90 and are ideal for swing speeds between 85-100 MPH (moderate). Examples of these balls are Titleist Velocity, Srixon Q-Star.
What is the compression of a Titleist Pro V1?
The three-piece Pro V1 still has a compression around 90 and its 352-dimple cover pattern helps to produce lower-spinning, lower-flying shots off the tee and with long irons. It will feel softer than the dual-core Pro V1x, which has a compression of about 100 and a 328-dimple cover pattern.
What compression is Titleist Tour soft?
While not among the lowest-compression balls in its space, at around 78 compression, it's soft by Titleist urethane standards.
What compression is a Callaway supersoft golf ball?
around 38As is implied in the name, the Callaway 2021 Supersoft golf balls have a very low compression rating of around 38. This allows golfers with slow swing speeds to compress the ball sufficiently for optimal energy transfer.
What is the compression of the Callaway chrome soft?
752020 Callaway Chrome Soft – Compression On our gauge, the average compression of the 2020 Callaway Chrome Soft is 75. Across the ball market as a whole, the Chrome Soft can be considered a mid-compression ball.
What is a 60 compression golf ball?
Definition. The compression of a golf ball refers to how tightly wound its core threads are. The tighter they are wound, the harder or more compressed the core is. Golf balls come in a variety of compression rates, with the lower number representing lower compression.
What is the compression of a Callaway Diablo golf ball?
What Compression Does The Callaway Diablo Tour Golf Ball Have? The compression of the Callaway Diablo Tour Ball is 60. This is a low compression that allows for extra distance and feel.
Is Titleist Velocity a low compression ball?
The Titleist Velocity is a highly performing low compression ball off the tee, but it isn't the best all around. The Callaway Chrome Soft offers great spin for a low compression ball, while the Vice Pro Soft and Srixon Q-Star Tour as two of the cheapest.
What is the easiest golf ball to compress?
Here are the best low compression golf balls:Titleist Velocity.Wilson Duo Soft+Srixon Q-Star Tour.Titleist Tour Soft.Bridgestone Tour B RXS.
What happens if a golf ball compresses less at impact?
If a golf ball compresses less at impact then you will have much less energy transfer from the club head will be lost in that additional compression. A big misconception exists around golf ball compression and golf ball cover hardness.
What is compression in golf?
Compression measures how much force is required to squeeze (compress) a golf ball. Golf ball compression happens at clubface/ball impact. Swing speed and core are the 2 biggest factors that affect golf ball compression results. Matching up your swing speed to the correct ball can maximize distance.
What is the difference between compression and cover hardness?
Often times they are referred to interchangeably BUT the truth is they are very different. Compression refers to the inner core whereas cover hardness refers to how hard the golf ball cover actually is. Hard Cover – creates less spin, less feel, and stop ability around the green.
Why did golf balls stop being advertised?
Today, golf ball manufacturers stopped advertising compression levels of their balls because there was a negative stigma associated with a lower compression golf ball. To me that is a bunch of garbage, if a lower compression golf ball helps your ball go farther then how awesome is that!
What is compression in computer terms?
Compression is “the action of compressing or being compressed.”. Alright good, that’s pretty straightforward. Think of it as compression is the act of squeezing something. Squeezing an orange, a baby squeezing a toy, a dog chewing on a tennis ball, squeezing a stress ball, compressing data on your computer to free up space ...
What is the best swing speed for a golf ball?
Medium swing speed (85 - 104 mph) - Most golfers will fall into this categoy. Pick mid compression ball, however, if you are toward the higher end of the spectrum you may want look at a higher compression ball and vice versa. High swing speed (>105 mph) - Pick a high compression ball.
Does weather affect compression?
Weather will affect the compression rating . There you have it - everything you need to know about golf ball compression. Hopefully, this will help you in that never-ending quest to pick the correct golf ball for YOUR game. Remember that each and every one of you has a unique swing, style, and approach to this amazing game.
What Is Compression?
The first thing to do before choosing the proper compression is to understand exactly what compression means. This word gets thrown around a lot, but most golfers don’t understand its purpose.
How To Choose Compression?
To choose the correct compression, you must evaluate your game honestly first. Knowing how you swing the club and your strengths and weaknesses will determine the best compression for you.
Which Companies Focus On Compression?
Just like golf clubs, some companies place more importance on compression than others. Everyone researches differently and sees the game from a different view. This is the beauty (and the frustrating) part of the game.
So Which Compression Is Best For You?
Just like choosing clubs, the best way to find the right ball for you will be to test a few of them out. Use a high compression ball for a whole round, then use a low compression ball for the next. Taking a ball on the course is an accurate measure to see if it suits you or not.
Other Factors To Consider When Choosing a Ball
Compression is not the only thing to consider when choosing a ball. There is a lot of science that goes into making a ball so that you can find one that compliments your playing style over your entire game.
Conclusion
Some companies choose not to acknowledge compression, but we think it should at least be considered, especially if you are a more skilled player looking to get your ball flight as optimized as possible.
Do golf balls have compression?
There are plenty of distance golf balls that could serve your needs well. To be sure, compression isn’t the only factor affecting a golf ball’s length. Its core, cover and mantle materials have an impact, as do dimple shapes and patterns.
Is compression important in golf?
The world’s No. 1 golf ball manufacturer insists compression isn’t important when fitting golfer to golf ball. Titleist argues that there’s little discernible difference in how much a tour pro and a rank amateur compress the ball, regardless of the ball’s compression rating.
Is compression the end all of golf ball fitting?
In other words, compression isn’t the be-all, end-all of golf ball fitting.
What is the difference between compression and density?
Many people confuse compression with ball density, which because ball diameters is fixed above 1.68” and weight at 1.62 ounces, is always the same. Compression is the force on a golf ball to deform it a given amount, so the higher the number the more force required to achieve a given deflection. The industry standard for golf ball compression has been the Atti scale.
What is ProCheck golf ball?
ProCheck® is a patented and uses solid state circuitry to quantify how compressible a golf ball is. The ball hardness is displayed from very soft with 1 bar to 8 bars for very firm.
What does compression mean on a golf ball?
At a fundamental level, the compression rating on a golf ball is a number that tells you how much a golf ball will deform at impact. You see, when you hit a golf ball, the energy you impart on it with your swing and the club you're using temporarily deforms the ball from a sphere to a more oval-like shape. If you have a lower-compression ball, then ...
What determines the spin of a golf ball?
The compression is a small factor in that, but spin is determined by the broader characteristics of the ball -- dimple pattern, cover, compression, layers -- and the quality of the golf swing imparted on the ball. As the swing speed increases through the bag, the core becomes more important to golf ball performance.
What does softer core mean in golf?
A softer core can help create less spin while being compressed more, allowing for increased distance. With the scoring clubs, lower swing speeds mean the core of the ball means less toward the performance compared to the other layers of the ball. Tags golf ball compression rating golf ball compression rating calculation what golf ball compression ...
Why do golf balls have core?
These days, golf-ball makers use the core of their three-, four- and five-piece golf balls to have the feel they want. Each subsequent outer layer typically gets firmer and helps build up speed at impact, as they deform less.
Why is the cover of a golf ball important?
The cover of the golf ball can be used to stiffen up the total product of the ball and help with driver performance.
Does a golf ball's compression rating tell you how far the ball goes?
Does a golf ball's compression rating tell you how far the golf ball goes? No, not necessarily . With the USGA imposing very clear limits on how far a golf ball can travel per second, golf ball makers are using compression rating to help deliver feel and control, not dictate how far the ball can fly. However, softer golf balls can allow players ...
High Compression
Typically, a swing speed above 105 mph would be classified a high compression. I am around 108 mph so I stick to golf balls with a compression of 90 or higher. The impact in a swing with a high speed like this will make it extremely important to use a ball that is dense enough to give some control vs focusing on just distance.
Mid Compression
If your swing speed is between 85 and 105 it would be good to use a ball that has a compression of 80-90. These balls will offer both control and distance for the majority of players. View mid compression balls here.
Low Compression
For slower swing speeds the low compression ball is the best choice. Typically beginners, juniors, ladies and seniors would fit in this category and will find benefits in a ball with compression under 80. View low compression balls here.