Full Answer
What is a low compression golf ball?
As a low compression ball squeezes more at impact than other styles of golf ball, it gives a softer feel and this is perfect for more control when playing chip shots and putting. With that in mind, which players should be using low compression golf balls?
What does mid-level compression mean on a golf ball?
It means scoring some extra yards with a low compression golf ball is not such a bad idea. But then you start to worry about producing too much spin at the same time, which jeopardizes control. And that is why these types of golfers demand mid-level compression.
Do golf balls compress 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.
Why Use Low Compression Golf Balls?
Having highlighted the types of low compression golf balls available, what compression means for golf balls and the pros and cons of low compression golf balls, it is time to look at the reasons why you would use low compression golf balls.
How does low compression golf ball affect distance?
If the ball is generating too much spin, it will travel up in the air and while that is great for some additional loft when required, too much spin will lead to a loss of distance.If you choose to play with a low compression golf ball, the overriding factor is likely to be the added distance so to lose this would make using the ball pointless. You must also take the weather conditions into account and a ball which is spinning a lot is not going to be of any use on a windy day. We will talk more about the impact of the weather on a low compression golf ball later.
What is Golf Ball Compression?
Golf ball compression is basically the density in the golf ball and this density has an impact on the flight and loft of the ball. The density is measured by the tightness of the threads inside the golf ball and the more loosely the threads are wound, the lower the compression of the golf ball.
What is the best golf ball for a slow swing?
Urethane Low Compression Golf Ball. If you want more control over your shots but have a slow swing speed, a low compression golf ball with a urethane cover is a good choice. However, keep in mind these are more expensive than the basic two-piece low compression golf ball and have a shorter shelf life.
What is a three piece golf ball?
A three-piece golf ball does not offer the same amount of distance off the tee as a two-piece ball but does offer more control around the green. These are aimed at the improving golfer, who wants more spin on iron shots but is happy with their distance with the driver.
Why is a soft golf ball good?
Having a golf ball with a soft feel means you can control the ball easier and this opens an array of shots which may not be available with a firmer ball.The best advice here, is to try a few different low compression golf balls and see which one offers the best balance of distance, spin and feel for your style of play.
What happens if you have a slow swing speed?
A player with a slow swing speed will find it more difficult to hit the ball a long way and that’s where the low compression golf ball comes into play. Regardless of your playing ability and golf handicap, if you have a slow swing speed you need a different way of generating distance on your shots.
When does Golf ball Compression happen?
If you grab any golf ball and try to squeeze it I’d be willing to bet that you will not be able to, not even a little bit. Even if you stepped on it you will not be able to. Even if you put your golfing buddy on your shoulders and stepped on it you wouldn’t be able to. (If you can, send us videos and I will retract this statement...I’m still waiting...)
How does weather affect golf ball compression?
When you golf in extreme heat (90+ degrees) the higher compression balls will have a lower compression rating vs the lower compression balls will have a higher compression rating
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.
How to get maximum distance from a golf ball?
This is the key to achieving maximum distance from a golf ball. If you pick a golf ball that matches perfectly to your swing speed then you will get maximum distance. The problem is we amateurs don’t have the time or money to spend on figuring this out.
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 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.
Who Are Low Compression Golf Balls Good For?
Low compression golf balls work best for senior golfers, women, and slower swing speed beginners and amateurs. Although faster swinging better players can use a low compression golf ball, they will not get the maximum amount of distance that they could.
What is compression in golf?
What Is Compression In A Golf Ball? Very simply stated, compression is just a way to measure the hardness of a golf ball. The harder the golf ball, the higher the compression rating. The lower the compression rating, the softer the golf ball. When a golf ball is struck, it compresses a certain amount.
What golf ball is best for slow swing speeds?
A lower compression golf ball will be the best for moderate swing speeds. The low compression ball will help the ball get the most spring effect and maximize distance even at a slower speed. Look for a golf ball like the Srixon Soft Feel or the Callaway Supersoft to get you the right amount of compression for a slower swing speed.
How do I choose the right golf ball for my swing speed?
Part of choosing the correct golf ball comes down to analytics and number, and part of it comes down to feel. If you are a low handicap high swing speed player, you likely need a premium, multilayer golf ball with a higher compression rating.
What Are Low And High Spin Golf Balls? Which Should I Go For As A Beginner?
If you are a beginner who is hitting the ball very straight, then you would be fine to go with a higher spin ball. The majority of beginners should stick with the low spin golf balls, which are generally the low compression golf balls that they need.
What Are The Best Golf Balls For Cold Weather?
Choosing a softer compression golf ball can help you get some extra distance when the cold tries to take it away. An excellent option for the cold weather is the e6 by Bridgestone. Bridgestone does a great job of manufacturing a variety of golf balls for all player types. The e6 has a soft cover and softcore with anti-spin technology to help keep the ball straighter as well.
How Does Compression Affect How We Play The Game?
Slower swinging players can struggle with having enough swing speed to compress a golf ball at all.
How many levels of compression are there in golf balls?
Golf ball compression is split into three levels to make it easier to pick the proper compression for your swing speed and overall needs.
Why is compression important in golf?
Compression allows for the golf ball to absorb the force of the impact and transfer the energy into distance. The ball compresses based on how dense it is.
Why do golfers use low compression golf balls?
Simply because they want golfers to use equipment best suited for their swing speed, handicap, and other such skills . The whole idea here is to allow golfers with a slower swing speed to also gain extra distance, which is something that becomes not only possible but also effortless with low-compression golf balls.
What does compression mean in golf?
But that’s only when you don’t know what compression really means. In simple language, it’s the level of compression the ball undergoes when in contact with the clubface during impact.
What if your swing speed is between 85 and 105 mph?
Now, what if your swing speed is between 85 mph and 105 mph? It means scoring some extra yards with a low compression golf ball is not such a bad idea. But then you start to worry about producing too much spin at the same time, which jeopardizes control. And that is why these types of golfers demand mid-level compression.
Do golfers understand weather?
Not many golfers understand that weather conditions also play a part. Here’s how.
Do golf balls compress?
Faster swing speeds demand high-compression golf balls. Because, that way, the ball compresses less, thus giving you greater control for greater accuracy.
Why is it important to get a low compression ball?
If you play in colder weather , getting a low compression ball will help the most. At colder temperatures, the ball firms up and makes it hard. The harder it is, the more difficult a time you have trying to get it to flex.
What does compression mean in golf?
Compression refers to how much the ball flexes or “smushes” against the club face at impact. When you see a slow-motion shot of a driver hitting a golf ball, it actually bends the ball. When it expands again, it’s launched off the club face.
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.
What does high compression mean?
The measurement of compression is how much the ball flexes. High compression means it does not flex as much , and low compression means it flexes a lot.
How to find the right golf ball 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.
How does weather affect your ball?
Weather plays a huge role in how your ball reacts. Not just for compression but for other factors as well that could be a whole other article on its own. Weather affects your compression choice on a broader scale. It all depends on where you play the most.
Why does a golf ball not travel as far?
Dimples are the main factor contributing to speed. A basic explanation is that a smooth golf ball will not travel as far because it creates more drag. A low compression ball will have its dimples closer together to try and max out the amount of distance you can get.
