Golf-FAQ.com

how to rate golf balls

by Dr. Curt Barton DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A ball’s compression rating is the measurement of how much a ball will compress against a clubface on impact. Compression ratings of more than 100 are appropriate for golfers with high swing speeds who can carry drives more than 140 feet in the air. Golfers with slower swing speeds should consider a ball with a compression rating below 90.

Full Answer

What are the best quality golf balls?

The best golf balls, in order of preference

  1. TaylorMade Tour Response. This is a great choice for mid-level golfers. ...
  2. Titleist Pro V1. Titleist likes to remind us that that the Pro V1 is the No 1 ball used by professionals on worldwide golf tours, but that it's a ...
  3. Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls. ...
  4. Wilson Staff Model R. ...
  5. TaylorMade TP5x. ...
  6. OnCore Vero X1. ...
  7. Titleist AVX. ...
  8. Vice Pro Soft. ...

More items...

What are the top 10 golf balls?

10. Volvik S4 Golf Balls. Best Golf Balls for a Faster Swing Speed. Yes, Volvik makes white balls, too. While the company gets a lot of attention for its bright, fluorescent offerings that you more or less have to put in a water hazard to lose, the S4 appeals on quality alone. The S4 is designed for players armed with a faster swing speed ...

What golf ball has the lowest spin rate?

Well, the balls that go straight are the lowest spin golf balls. These balls are hard; they don’t feel as great at impact. Some might say they kind of feel like hitting a rock! However, the harder the golf ball, the less likely it is to curve. The softer the golf ball is, the more expensive they are.

What is the best golf ball for an average player?

Reviews of The Best Golf Balls For The Average Golfer

  1. Srixon Q-Star. The Srixon Q-Star is a 3-piece, high spin golf ball with a compression rating of 75 aimed at intermediate to advanced golfers.
  2. Srixon Soft Feel. This is one of the most popular balls for average players providing exceptional feel, distance, and control.
  3. Callaway Supersoft. ...
  4. Snell MTB Black. ...
  5. Wilson Staff Fifty Elite. ...
  6. Titleist Tour Soft. ...

More items...

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What does AAAA mean for golf balls?

These balls have the appearance of a new golf ball with absolutely minimal marks if any at all and will be shiny in appearance. Please note that some balls may have a small logo or minor ink spot. This grade is ideal for the serious golfer. This grade is also known as "Mint", "Perfect" "Pearl" or "AAAAA".

What does 4A and 5A mean for golf balls?

Based on the golf ball's overall condition, we determine whether the ball will be graded as Prime/5A (Mint) or Near Prime/4A (Near Mint). We only source the highest grade golf balls & maintain rigorous standards.

What is the best grade for golf balls?

MINT. Mint quality is the best available grade. ... GRADE A. Near mint recycled golf ball will have slightly noticeable imperfections, generally how a new ball would look after 1-3 holes of golf and will include scuff marks. ... GRADE B. ... GRADE C. ... GRADE D.

What's the difference between a grade and B grade golf balls?

Grade A: These are of excellent quality, having only missed out on Pearl grade due to a pen mark or tiny blemish. Likely only ever to have been used for one or two holes. Grade B: Superb value balls which will show signs of play, ideal for high handicappers.

Are AAAA golf balls good?

The AAAA golf balls are budget-friendly because they balance a great price per ball with great quality. At the end of the scale, but still in the top category in terms of quality, is the AAA/3rd quality.

Which Pro V1 should I play?

If you hit it higher, usually as a result of faster swing speeds and higher spin rates, then the ProV1 would probably be the better ball for you. If you typically hit the ball lower, due to slower swing speeds or lower spin rates, then the ProV1x will be better for you out on the course.

What should I look for when buying a golf ball?

A key consideration when choosing a golf ball is the number of pieces in its construction. There are two main options: two-piece golf balls and multi-layer golf balls. Two-piece golf balls are simply made up of the core and cover. These balls are a great choice for beginners and golfers with a high handicap.

What is the number one golf ball on tour?

Pro V1Titleist likes to remind us that that the Pro V1 is the No 1 ball used by professionals on worldwide golf tours, but that it's a great ball for non-superstars as well. The ball is manufactured to perfectly balance short game control without sacrificing good yardage from the tee.

What is a practice grade golf ball?

These balls are unbeatable value and are appropriate for range and green practice only. Balls marked "Refurbished", "Refinished", "Practice" or "X-Out" go in this grade, no matter their condition. All balls will be heavily worn but there are no split or out of round balls in the pack.

What are the grades in golf?

A Grade: +5 - 12.4.B Grade: 12.5 – 20.4.C Grade: 20.5 – 27.4.D Grade: 27.5 and greater.

How much do used golf balls sell for?

Generally you'll be paid between 6 and 12 cents per ball selling them wholesale. If you're good at collecting, that can add up to hundreds of dollars daily. If you're not a diver, or you don't find more than a few hundred balls at a time, you might consider retailing the used golf balls yourself.

What do golfers mean when they refer to the “feel” of the golf ball?

Advanced golfers prefer to feel like they can control the ball flight off the clubface and will look for golf balls with that quality. This usually...

What does “compression” mean with reference to a golf ball?

If you’ve ever seen a slow-motion film of a baseball or golf ball being struck, you’ve seen the way the ball squashed against the bat or club. Beca...

Why do golf balls have dimples?

The small indentations, or dimples, on the surface of the golf ball play a big role in its performance. The dimples cause turbulence in the air aro...

Should I worry about playing with a nicked or scuffed golf ball?

For golfers, a nick that penetrates the cover is different from a scuff (or abrasion) on the surface of the golf ball. A nicked ball won’t fly as f...

How Do I Choose the Right Golf Ball?

Finding the right golf ball for you will depend on how much you are willing to spend, as well as how many balls you lose during a round of golf. If...

What Is The Best Golf Ball For A Beginner?

For beginners, it’s best that you find a ball that is equal across all different factors. Think of it like a video game where you select your chara...

What Is The Difference Between Soft And Hard Golf Balls?

Aside from the names, the differences between soft golf balls and hard golf balls go back around 20 years, where the hardness of the ball cover aff...

Are More Expensive Golf Balls Better?

A question that many new golfers ponder when first getting into the sport. Surely the more expensive the golf ball, the better the quality, right?...

How Do I Take Care Of My Golf Balls?

Golf balls are incredibly easy to clean, maintain, and take care of. During play, there might ball washing stations every hole or every other hole,...

What is the best golf ball for a low handicap?

In terms of design, build quality and materials, the closest an amateur can get to playing a pro’s golf ball is the Titleist Pro V1. It’s the best choice for the low handicapper looking to shoot in the 70s. The 2020 versions are still on the market, often a tick below the cost of their younger siblings. Titleist.

How many layers are in a golf ball?

Overall construction and materials vary from ball to ball in golf. Simpler balls use a two-layer construction, while more expensive offerings go as high as five layers of various materials. In general terms, a golf ball has a rubber or plastic core wrapped in urethane.

What is vice golf?

Vice Golf doesn’t have the longstanding reputation of Callaway or the high-tech reputation of Mizuno, but this newcomer to the golf scene is already making some of our favorite balls. Available with varying core designs and coverings, Vice Golf wants to appeal to every player, from high to low handicappers, whether he or she is looking for distance, spin or soft landings. The Pro Soft compress more on impact and offer more length off the tee. Like most soft golf balls, they can be more difficult to control around the greens. So, high handicap players get more distance, but low handicap players might have more trouble with shot-making.

What is the rating of the Titleist Pro V1?

Since their debut in January 2021, Amazon customers have given the 2021 Titleist Pro V1 a 4.9-star rating, which is an elite rating rarely seen on golf equipment (or any product, for that matter). Titleist. Buy: Buy 2021 Titleist Pro V1. buy it.

Golf ball specifications

To fit within the rules of the game, a golf ball must conform to certain specifications set up by the sport’s two main governing organizations: the United States Golf Association (USGA) and a group of companies known as the R&A.

Golf ball types

Nearly every golf ball looks the same on the outside, but there are significant differences among golf balls on the inside. The design and materials used for the interior of the golf ball play a huge role in determining the flight characteristics of each different type of ball.

Golf ball prices

You can spend anywhere from less than $1 to about $5 per golf ball. Used or X-Out golf balls fall at the lowest end of that range, while four- and five-layer golf balls are the priciest. Most recreational golfers may spend around $1 to $2 each for new golf balls.

What is a golf ball?

A type of golf ball for anyone who desires better spin and control from their shots. They’re excellent for using around the green, which gives the player better autonomy over where the ball will end up, but they won’t be as useful on the fairway as they have a tendency to veer off course if you’re not careful. Of course, if ending up in the rough is something you’d like to change, then the high spin golf ball can help keep your shots level, as long as you aim for the opposite side.

Why is golf ball construction important?

Golf ball construction is very important if you want to optimize your game the best way you possibly can and it’s best to look out for the different kind of constructions.

Why do golf balls have dimples?

As soon as the golf ball is struck from the tee or from the ground, it is losing its speed thanks to air resistance. The dimples reduce the surface area of the ball so that it disrupts air molecules around and in turn flies further.

What is a 3 piece golf ball?

Comprised of either a liquid or solid rubber core, a second layer and then covered with suryn or similar material, three-piece golf balls are soft, provide greater spin, and allow for greater control. The more layers ensure better spin separation, which gives more customization from drives.

How to find a ball for beginners?

Think of it like a video game where you select your character or accessories based on stats and imagine the ball you start with has an equal distribution across speed, distance, spin, and weight. This will give you a chance to discover what parts of your game you need to focus on. If you can hit it far, but not straight, you’ll need to find a ball that helps avoid spin.

What is the outer cover of a ball?

With each layer having a specific purpose, the four-piece ball flies like a well-oiled machine. The inner core allows for explosive distance, while the next layer transfers energy to help in its flight. The middle layer gives excellent driver distance while the outer cover, with as many as 400 dimples, provides the feel. Its soft yet durable and is typically made from urethane.

Is every golf ball created equal?

Handicap and Choosing the Best Golf Ball. All golf balls are created equal but some are created more equal than others, and not all of them will suit your game. When you’re first learning to play golf, it feels like every ball is the same, and that it doesn’t matter which one you pick from the bucket.

How to choose the best golf ball?

To choose the best golf ball, think about the areas of your game where a slight improvement could lead to lower scores. Skilled golfers may want to focus on finesse shots around the green. Better pitches and chips could be the key to consistently breaking 80.

How do dimples help golf balls fly?

Dimples help the golf ball fly. They create a thin layer of air that clings to the surface and travels back to increase lift and decrease aerodynamic drag. Varying shapes, sizes and patterns affect distance, stability and spin rate.

What is a low spin golf ball?

Low-spin, distance golf balls are designed to reduce the sidespin that exaggerates slices and hooks, and they can help produce longer, straighter drives. Because you’re still learning control around the green, a low-spin ball will serve you just fine.

What does low compression mean on golf clubs?

Feel is often synonymous with low compression. Low compression allows for more deformation of the ball at impact for players with a lower swing speed, reducing spin and translating to straighter, longer flight on low-lofted clubs. The prolonged contact on short irons and wedges results in a softer feel.

Why are premium balls better than urethane balls?

Premium balls are superior and have significant performance benefits. Because of their Urethane covers, they produce more distance and spin. Less expensive Surlyn Covers can provide durability, but when you are looking to take your game to the next level, you should prefer premium balls.

Why is a golf ball flat?

A flat golf ball would be more affected by the air compared to a ball having dimples. The dimples decrease the area on a golf ball for air to create drag. When the ball is hit in the air, the air molecules bounce off the dimples, and so the ball can travel far and straighter.

What is the outer layer of golf balls made of?

The four-piece golf balls give more distance and feel on shots. The outer layer is thin and almost always made of urethane. The inner layer made of rubber helps to produce that explosive distance. When you hit with drivers, you will get to know how it feels. Dimple counts are also more in these balls.

Why is golf played in the summer?

Golf is best when it is played in the summer or in warmer conditions. This is because winter affects both your visibility and the performance of the balls. For every 10 degrees decrement of temperature, Golf balls lose quite some distance. And the speed is also affected.

Is it better to stick with a golf ball?

It’s best to stick with a golf ball that you have tried and tested. There are hundreds of balls from different brands out in the market. It’s easy to get attracted by the functionality of these balls. Some might offer more spin and some more distance. You should experiment and find a golf ball that matches your budget.

Does compression matter in golf?

Tip 3- Compression doesn’t matter. Compression matters for tour players who have a fast swing speed of more than 110 mph. If you are starting out, you might not have developed such speed yet. Higher compression balls have more energy transfer during shots.

Is a mid spin golf ball good?

The spin is also minimized for accurate hitting. If you are starting out your journey in golf, a mid spin golf ball should be good enough for you.

Mint

Mint condition grade golf balls have the appearance and feel of a ball that has been hit once. Mint condition golf balls have a consistent color, glossy shine, and perform as they would out of the box. Imperfections are very minor, if not unnoticeable. Corporate, team, personal, or tournament logos may be included in the mix, unless noted.

Practice

Practice golf balls are clean and playable with signs of use. They are great for practice or that difficult shot over the water hazard. Practice balls may have color variations, moderate sized play pen marks, and small to moderate scuffs or scratches. X-Outs are included. There are no cuts in our Practice balls.

1. Stick with what works

We’re not saying you shouldn’t experiment with different golf ball models from time to time—it’s fun to try new gear and see how it affects your game—but if you’re really interested in shooting your best scores, it’s best to find a model that fits your budget and swing and stick with it.

2. Fit to irons, wedges and putter

A lot of folks understandably think selecting the right golf ball means finding the one that goes the longest off the tee, but in reality you’d be a lot better offer fitting to your scoring clubs. “How well is this working in my short game? How does it feel off the putter? How about my 7-iron?” Those are the questions you need to ask.

4. Compress to impress

While there can be advantages for a very fast swinger (see “Tour player”) to use a slightly higher-compression design in terms of energy transfer and ball speed, most modern golf balls will produce relatively similar driving distances for the vast majority of players.

What does compression rate mean in golf?

Simply put the compression of a golf ball describes its ability to compress during impact with the golf club. Lower compression rates means a softer golf ball, and higher compression rates means a firmer golf ball.

Why are distance balls engineered?

Sometimes they are even engineered to give a higher launch trajectory, to further improve distance. Make sure you fully understand the characteristics of a distance ball, before you choose. Because a lot of the time you will sacrifice spin and control on the shorter shots.

What does lower compression mean in golf?

Lower compression rates means a softer golf ball, and higher compression rates means a firmer golf ball. The low compression ball will more easily compress and is therefore suited for golfers with slower swing speeds. I think you get the concept.

Do golf balls have compression?

So now they tend to provide a compression category more than a number. Or even describe which players the ball is created for.

Is hitting a golf ball sensational?

The feeling of striking a golf ball purely is sensational. The feeling of a mishit is not! Virtually every golfer likes a good feel to the ball. But far from every ball is comfortable to play with. Feel is something that isn’t really measurable, so this trait speaks to your senses.

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