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what makes some golf balls better than others

by Dimitri Stehr Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Depending on the expert you ask, the best golf balls can cut any number of strokes off a golf score. To that end, some balls are designed to travel farther. Others are built to spin more or stop more accurately on a green.

The top-tier golf balls are made to spin less off the tee, optimize distance on longer shots, provide control on shorter shots, and spin more around the greens for greater control. They have high-compression cores, multi-layer constructions, and they have urethane covers.Aug 5, 2020

Full Answer

What makes a good golf ball?

A well-made golf ball is expected to travel long distances in a straight line, to land soft and roll smoothly on the greens. It usually comes together in layers, starting with a soft rubber core and finishing with a tacky, dimpled coating. Still, that’s where the similarities end, as we’ll see in this list of our favorite options.

Does which golf ball you use make a difference?

If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly. But as your game improves, the ball you use can make a difference in a number of ways.

Why is it so hard to choose a golf ball?

Part of the problem is that there are just so many options available to players that it gets overwhelming. There are three main things you should think about when choosing a golf ball.

What are the pros and cons of a two piece golf ball?

These balls have a hard and solid core covered with a durable cover. This ball provides less spin and travels a longer distance than others. The tendency of the ball to spin helps it minimize the slice severity. These two piece balls are cheap so it does not make any difference if the amateurs lose a few during training.

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Do different golf balls really make a difference?

They can, but when we tested both types of balls at average-golfer swing speeds, the difference was almost negligible: six yards, usually less. The real advantage of urethane-cover balls is the extra spin, feel and control they offer on shots near the green.

What makes some golf balls better?

Lower compression balls tend to be softer and compress more to create more distance. Higher compression balls offer more control and are used by better players who can produce faster swing speeds to compress the ball.

Is there really a difference between cheap and expensive golf balls?

The cheap golf balls have fewer materials and they are designed to offer a single benefit to a golfer (ie. distance, high ball flight, low spin). An expensive golf ball is typically made of several more pieces and it can offer multiple levels of performance and functionality for a player.

Are expensive golf balls better?

The average golfer won't get enough benefit to justify paying the higher price and would be better off using that money to work on their swing. The only benefit to an expensive golf ball would be the increased spin around the green and the nice soft feel at impact.

Do softer golf balls go further?

Although softer golf balls go further from the tee for lower swing speed players, the gap across the whole range of ball types is only around 5 yards, so it is more important to fit the ball to your irons and then fit your driver to your preferred ball to maximise distance.

Is a Pro V1 hard or soft?

The Titleist Pro V1 is a three-piece solid-core golf ball provides total performance from tee to green with penetrating flight and very soft feel. The Pro V1x is a four-piece solid core golf ball provides total performance from tee to green with high trajectory and soft feel.

Does Pro V1 make a difference?

On average, most golf coaches recommend that a beginner golfer avoid Pro V1 balls. The higher price and compression rating make the Pro V1 suited to better players. Most beginners will get better performance with lower compression and lower spinning balls.

Why are Titleist Pro V1 so expensive?

12:4115:00Why Are PRO V1 Golf Balls So EXPENSIVE!? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you prefer a firmer golf ball if you can track some 392s down then then fantastic go for it. But.MoreIf you prefer a firmer golf ball if you can track some 392s down then then fantastic go for it. But. There's really not too much difference here and you really do get what you pay for with a pro v1.

Are expensive balls worth it?

Certainly, players will see no difference between a cheap ball and an expensive ball. If you can't see or feel the difference, there is no reason to spend the extra money. Generally speaking, the better a golfer is, the more it makes sense to use a higher quality golf ball.

What is the best golf ball for an average player?

Here are the 7 best golf balls for average golfers:Srixon Soft Feel.Callaway Supersoft.Taylormade Noodle.Wilson Staff Fifty Elite.Bridgestone e12 Contact.Titleist TruFeel.Taylormade Soft Response.

What golf ball goes the farthest?

Analyzing the individual ball statistics we can see that the Titleist Pro V1x averaged the farthest distance as well at 266.7 yards. Meanwhile, the Callaway Chrome Soft X averaged the shortest distance at only 259.3 yards.

What is the best cheapest golf ball?

13 Best Cheap Golf Balls You'll Actually LoveTaylorMade Rocketballz Speed Golf Balls. ... TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls. ... Cut Blue Golf Balls, 4 Piece Urethane. ... Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls. ... MIZUNO RB 566 and 566V GOLF BALL. ... Vice Golf Tour White 2020. ... Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls. ... SAPLIZE Distance Golf Balls.More items...

What is the best golf ball?

It largely depends on the quality and needs of an individual player’s game. One golfer might need more distance and higher ball flight. Another mig...

What is the best golf ball for the average golfer?

The Mizuno RB 566V employs 566 micro-dimples around its surface to reduce aerodynamic drag and optimize spin rate. That means this low-compression...

What is the best golf ball for high handicappers?

The Callaway Supersoft offers good distance because of its “soft” construction. A golf club strikes the ball for only 1/300th of a second. The ball...

What is the best golf ball for distance?

Which golf balls go the farthest? While there’s constant competition between golf ball manufacturers to claim the longest golf balls, the serious c...

What are the best golf balls made of currently?

Overall construction and materials vary from ball to ball in golf. Simpler balls use a two-layer construction, while more expensive offerings go as...

Why do golf balls have dimples?

It’s all about aerodynamics. Regardless of size or amount, the dimples on any golf ball stir a swirling pocket of air that stays close to the ureth...

Is an expensive golf ball worth it?

It all depends on a player’s ability. If you’re a weekend hack and slash, just something round and white with dimples will get you there. There’s n...

Which golf balls do professional golfers use?

Looking for the golf balls used on the PGA tour? Then we've got bad news for you. Professional players on the PGA Tour use golf balls that the aver...

Why are golf balls called everyman's balls?

The third type, one made in multiple layers, can be classified as an “everyman's” golfball because it allows a golfer to hit his drive long, while allowing him reasonable feel and spin capability.

What is a soft golf ball?

By Bill Herrfeldt. Softer golf balls are ideal for shots around the green. If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly. But as your game improves, the ball you use can make a difference in ...

How far can a golf ball travel?

Golf balls generally have an 80, 90 or 100 compression, or degree of hardness. For a long time, compression equated to how far a player could hit the golf ball. But recently, it's been established that an 80 compression ball will travel as far as one that's rated 100.

Do golf balls fly longer?

Some golf balls fly a longer distance and some allow the player to have more “feel” of the shot, while others make it easier to impart more backspin. It all depends on the importance you place on each.

Do golf balls make a difference?

Overview. If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly. But as your game improves, the ball you use can make a difference in a number of ways. Some golf balls fly a longer distance ...

Do dimples affect golf balls?

Dimples. Contrary to popular belief, dimples do not affect the amount of backspin you can impart on a golf ball. However, dimples do affect how long a golf ball stays in flight and, therefore, how long you can hit the ball.

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.

Why are two piece golf balls so cheap?

The tendency of the ball to spin helps it minimize the slice severity. These two piece balls are cheap so it does not make any difference if the amateurs lose a few during training. If you are a recreational golfer or novice golfer, this type of ball would suit you.

What is the performance of golf balls?

b) The performance of the golf balls is a tradeoff between its ability to score long distance and its performance, after it lands on the greens. Choose a ball that provides the performance you are looking for or a ball that give optimal results, both in the skies and on the greens.

What is the mantle layer of a golf ball?

The mantle layer is covered by urethane rubber or plastic. These balls have the durability of a two piece ball and spin control and performance of a three piece ball. The performance of the game can be altered by adjusting the core and the mantle layer, to suit different golfers.

What is a four piece golf ball?

The four piece ball has a two piece core covered by a thin mantle. The urethane dimpled cover provides the drop and stop performance that you may see on TV. If you are a skilled golfer with an excellent swing and consistency in shots, then a three piece or four piece performance golf ball would suit you.

What type of golf ball do you need for a rare birdie?

If you are an intermediate player with a rare birdie or bogey, then you require a three piece hybrid ball. The choice of golfing ball depends upon the type of your shot. If your shot is significantly straight then the right ball is the three piece hybrid or a medium spin 2 piece ball.

Can a hard ball bounce?

A hard ball can bounce more and cover more distance after it has hit the ground. Here is a great video on choosing the right ball: If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

What is the best thing about Bridgestone golf balls?

Potentially the best thing about the Bridgestone golf ball technology is the time taken on the fitting process. Bridgestone does everything in their power to make sure that you are playing with a golf ball that works for your game. Before Bridgestone, there was no such thing as a ball fitting.

What is a soft feel golf ball?

Each year Srixon is able to provide more feel and distance on a soft golf ball. This ball has a lower compression core and amazing feel from tee to green. If you are looking for spin around the greens the Srixon Soft Feel can provide it.

What is the E12 golf ball?

The e12 is a perfect golf ball for a mid handicapper with average swing speed. If you are playing regular or even stiff shafts in your golf clubs, you will do well with the e12 golf ball.

What is a Callaway soft ball?

The Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls are a soft ball that also produces a great deal of distance. This is again a low compression golf ball perfect for the mid to low handicap player.

What is the number one ball in golf?

Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls. There is no debating the fact that Titleist is the number one ball in golf. They have a variety of options that work for almost any golfer. Many average players think that the Titleist golf balls will just be too expensive for them.

What color is a Trusoft golf ball?

This is a golf ball that performs quite consistently and gives players plenty of control around the green. You can purchase the TruSoft in red or yellow color.

Can you lose spin without compressing the ball?

Without compressing the golf ball properly, you will lose the distance and spin that you need. Preferences: Many golf balls will be good for feel, spin, and distance, but some will stand out in their category. If you are looking for a distance golf ball, you may have to compromise on a soft feel. Make sure you know what matters to you most in ...

How many good shots did each golfer hit with their own driver and sand wedge?

Each golfer used their own driver and sand wedge to hit five good shots with a value-priced ball, a mid-market ball, and a tour ball from the same manufacturer. All data was recorded by Trackman. All testing was done at, and with the help of, Club Champion.

Where is Matt from Plugged In Golf?

He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

Can you test a wedge in the future?

Yes, and that’s something we may test in the future. Additionally, as was mentioned earlier, we would like to do more wedge testing to see if there is a measurable difference in wedge performance between golf balls and where it lies – full swings, pitches, etc.

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.

Soft vs Hard Golf Balls Comparison

The terms “soft” and “hard” indicate how the golf ball feels when it hits the ground.

How To Find the Right Golf Ball?

Beginners may ask why they should invest in greater softballs when all they want to do is learn how to play. Nevertheless, even for novices, the case for utilizing high-quality equipment appears to be true.

When to Use Each Type of Golf Ball?

Different situations require a certain type of golf ball. Here are some recommendations:

Conclusion

Soft and hard balls share some factors in common. However, thanks to flexibility, a soft choice is more common among golfers.

How to be a better golfer?

Rather than being upset, better players often just go and get the ball and make the best of that situation. Learn the lesson from better players and do the best you can. Take a good practice swing. Understand your game as well as you can. Enjoy your good shots.

Why do you put alignment sticks on the outside of your golf ball?

Taking an extra moment to add an alignment stick on the outside of your ball to avoid interfering with the proper swing path can pay dividends on the course. If you know where you’re aiming when you’re on the range, then you will know how to adjust when you go to the course.

What does it mean when you hit it better on the range?

Even if you hit it better on the range than you do on the course, it is showing you potential and hope.

What skills can you work on when you are on the range?

One of the best skills you can work on when you are on the range is to have a consistent set up and set up routine that you practice on the range and take to the course.

Is it better to swing on the range or to be more relaxed?

You are more relaxed on the range. There is certainly something to be said about the value of being more relaxed. Free swinging on the range and letting it go will allow you to stay more relaxed in your hands and arms and even your entire body, helping with better contact and distance.

Can you practice distance control in short game?

You don’t practice short game distance control. It’s a great idea to practice both your pitches and chips. When you have time, you should commit time to practicing and understanding distance control for your high shots and low shots, too. With many of my students, we actually calibrate each of these shots.

Do you address your golf ball before you play?

Obviously, it is better to do this before you start to address your golf ball. High level golfers may even try to play a round on the range, where in their head they go through their course and try to change clubs the way they would from hole to hole, even replicating teeing up on the par 3’s.

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