Golf-FAQ.com

why you want a urethane golf ball

by Dr. Morton Wisozk PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Urethane is softer than Surlyn and delivers higher spin rates on iron and wedge shots. Skilled golfers prefer this control and, because they generate high clubhead speeds, lose little if any distance compared to Surlyn balls.

Urethane golf balls are made for better golfers because they produce more spin and better control with faster swing speeds. One of the biggest differences is how the ball feels when you hit it. Also, golf balls can be different in a lot of ways and not just the cover material (core, layers, dimples).

Full Answer

What are the benefits of urethane golf balls?

Consequently, Urethane can be crafted for a softer feel, and so is normally found in more expensive, premium golf balls. As a result of its softness, Urethane covers should provide more strike feedback off chips and putts, which will help you hone your distance control more easily.

What is the difference between Balata and urethane golf balls?

Urethane is technically softer than balata – the cover material of high-performance balls of the past — but is actually more durable and less prone to cuts and scrapes.

What is the difference between Surlyn and urethane golf balls?

The primary drawback to Surlyn balls is that they don’t provide the backspin or feel demanded by professionals and many low-handicap amateurs. And that’s where urethane comes in. Urethane is softer than Surlyn and delivers higher spin rates on iron and wedge shots.

How much do urethane balls cost?

While it does vary, you can prepare yourself to spend around $50 for a dozen urethane balls, which is more than double the cost of a box of ionomers. While urethane is a durable material, it is susceptible to scuffs and cuts if it contains a hard inner core.

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Are matte finish golf balls better?

Matte finish golf balls are better for staying on the tee more long-term than regular golf balls. They have a lower glide and are easier to hit out of bounds with. Regular golf balls have a higher flight path and will fly further than matte golf balls.

How long do urethane golf balls last?

If unused golf balls are stored at room temperature which is around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, they can last for 10 years.

Why do some golf balls have a matte finish?

Matte golf balls carry a matte finish. These golf balls are built to produce less glare at address and are easier to identify during flight and on the ground. Most matte golf balls carry colors that are easy to spot. Today, you can find red, green, pink, and yellow matte golf balls.

Do premium golf balls make a difference?

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 new golf balls go further than old ones?

Lab tests, including our own, show little or no loss in yardage compared to new balls, and most golfers report no appreciable difference in play. But most of this research is based on tests of mint-quality used golf balls pulled from water hazards with no understanding of how much time each ball spent underwater.

Are 20 year old golf balls still good?

The golf ball researchers at Titleist state, "Today's Titleist golf balls can be safely stored for five years or even more, as long as they are kept away from excessive heat. ... Normal indoor conditions should be fine for storage."

Does matte finish affect golf ball performance?

Some golfers believe that matte finish golf balls spin fast in dry conditions but decrease their spinning capacity in wet conditions. However, the correct answer to whether matte golf balls spin more is that they do not.

What is the easiest golf ball to see?

Simply put, yellow golf balls are a lot easier to see. This is especially true with the fluorescent or neon yellow hue found on many balls, including the Srixon Q-Star and Q-Star Tour.

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.

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.

Do cheap golf balls go further?

Do Softer Golf Balls Go Further? If you are a slower swinging golfer that has trouble getting distance, a soft golf ball can help you with distance off the tee. However, if you have a good amount of swing speed, the softer golf ball can actually cause you to lose some distance.

Do hard or soft golf balls go further?

soft golf ball? The harder the ball, the further it tends to go with less spin. Harder golf balls tend to be much cheaper than softer golf balls. If you lose balls regularly then harder golf balls could be ideal for you.

Urethane Vs Non-Urethane Golf Balls – What Is Best & For Who?

Why do some golf balls cost under $20 while others can fetch $50 a box?

Intro To Golf Ball Covers In Your Experience

When I started playing golf, I used to rummage through the bargain bin at the pro shop and find as many non-scuffed balls as I could.

What Are Urethane Golf Ball Covers

Golf Monthly’s Sam Tremlett explains that urethane is a polymer renowned for its durability when exposed to high heat.

What Are The Benefits Of Urethane Covers?

One of the reasons superior golfers prefer to use urethane-covered balls is due to their soft feel.

Who Should Use Urethane Balls?

In terms of value for money, only lower handicappers or professionals should play with ionomer balls.

What Are The Other Options For Ball Covers Overview?

Besides urethane covers, there are two other options. The most common alternative is ionomer covers, while Surlyn is gaining in popularity.

What Are The Benefits Of Ionomer Covers?

In his article, Tremlett points out that the harder cover ionomer balls spin less and promote straighter, longer shots for optimal distance.

What is the difference between Surlyn and urethane?

And that’s where urethane comes in. Urethane is softer than Surlyn and delivers higher spin rates on iron and wedge shots.

What is Surlyn ball?

When choosing a ball that’s right for your game, it’s important to know the difference. Surlyn is an ionomer resin introduced by DuPont in the 1960s. It’s been the material of choice for the covers of so-called “distance balls” – like Top-Flite and Pinnacle products – for decades.

Does urethane affect golf ball performance?

The other major factor that affects performance is a golf ball’s core composition.

Is Surlyn a good golf ball?

In a nutshell, Surlyn-covered golf balls are generally less expensive, slightly more durable and may provide a little more distance than urethane models, but don’t provide the spin needed to stop shots quickly around the greens.

Why use low compression golf balls?

Probably the biggest reason why golfers seek out low compression golf balls is because of the advertised added distance that you get. Especially for players with slow swing speeds, a low compression golf ball might give you the extra pop to reach greens in fewer shots.

Can you stand soft golf balls?

While some golfers love the feel of these balls, there are of course golfers that can’t stand the soft feeling. Especially with their long game, some golfers might think that the ball is just too soft.

Can you spin a golf ball?

Ability to Spin. For some circumstances, spinning the ball is exactly what you want. The high spin rate that low compression golf balls give players is awesome if you are skilled and can make a ball stop on a dime or spin your iron shots back on the green just like you see on television. Certain golfers might dislike the amount ...

Is too much spin bad for golf?

Too Much Spin. While spin is great in some cases, it is also bad in others. If you have a habit of slicing or hooking, a high spin rate is exactly what you do not want. You would actually want a golf ball that spins less so your hook or slice is not as dramatic.

Do amateur golfers pay attention to the features and aspects of golf clubs?

You use your golf ball on every stroke, so why not pay more attention to what you are playing ?

Can a low compression golf ball hurt you?

Especially for golfers that do not like to carry their shots and have the ball check by the pin. For golfers that like to bump and run and not spin, a low compression golf ball might be not for you.

How did we test the balls?

To prove to ourselves that a new product performs well enough to offer it to you, we rely on our testing facility. At the heart of our facility is the Iron Byron swing robot. This machine imitates the golf swing of the late golfing great Byron Nelson, who arguably had the best golf swing of any man ever.

Return Policy for Personalized Products and Other Important Guidelines for Creative Design Choices

Due to their custom nature, return credit for personalized golf balls is decided on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, personalized product returns (which include cancelled orders past the printing stage) will receive a full refund minus a restocking fee. (Restocking fees are waived in the rare instance of an actual printing defect.)

C4 robot tests vs. Pro V1 (prior-gen) confirmed: Tour C4 delivered MORE carry, MORE total distance, and similar wedge spin!

C4 robot tests vs. Pro V1 (prior-gen) confirmed: Tour C4 delivered MORE carry, MORE total distance, and similar wedge spin!

The difference between carry and total distance and why it matters

As said before, the Tour C4 beat the Pro V1 both in carry and total distance. But what is the difference between the two?

How we built the Tour C4 to beat the Pro V1

We started by reformulating the chemistry of the core to produce a much higher velocity than ever before. This was really a key element.

Game Improving Performance Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

I really want you to try the Tour C4 balls because I know you will shoot lower scores. So I'll make you this unbeatable deal:

Hazza

Really loved the recent MGS ball test, it's certainly been an eye opener, having played Taylormade Burner balls (soft compression) it certainly made me re-think my ball choice.

PlaidJacket

As I was reading your comment I was thinking about the MG Tour C4. $19.95/dz. However, I doubt shipping to the UK makes sense. Another one I might suggest is the TaylorMade Project A which is probably available worldwide. I think any moderately priced ball with a urethane cover will suit your game and you'd enjoy the performance.

Kanoito

Are you able to get Vice Pro? I'm also in Europe so a lot of the US deals and prices don't apply to us (Snell for example).

Hazza

Are you able to get Vice Pro? I'm also in Europe so a lot of the US deals and prices don't apply to us (Snell for example).

Wedgie

I’ve shot in the 70’s 16 times in my life. All but one of those rounds I was using 2 piece non urethane balls. Mostly with Top Flite D2 Feel or Wilson Duo golf balls. My best round ever was with the Srixon Z Star.

Hazza

Seems pretty consistent that people think a urethane would be better even if I've not got the best technique. I'm not going to pay more than £20 a dozen though due to the loss rate. Could try out the inesis balls.

00sportsman

I would agree that a urethane ball would be better and I hope you can find one that works for you, both in price and performance. Just yesterday I got the chance to play a Kirkland and an MG, neither of which I had played before. Both were surprisingly good considering their inexpensive price points.

Do golf balls feel soft?

The first is that lower-compression balls feel softer. That should be obvious. If you want soft feel, you want a low-compression golf ball. The other one is perhaps a little weird. It turns out there’s a strong correlation between legitimately soft feel and price.

Can you credit a soft ball?

Depending on your affinity for soft golf balls, you can credit or blame preference-driven golfers whose penchant for whacking marshmallows inadvertently created the fresh hell that is the nebulous world of soft balls. (Middle-finger emoji.)

Twism86

Some of the low compression balls like Supersoft or Duo are designed to fly as high as it's possible to make a ball fly. The dimples are configured so for a given amount of spin they go much, much hig

North Butte

I guess after a while I have to concede that millions of golfers apparently hit shots with so much sidespin that a Surlyn ball will end up between the tree lines more often than a urethane one would. I've read that on every Internet golf forum I've ever seen and it's just accepted as something obvious by a lot of people.

Z1ggy16

IMHO, playing a urethane ball isn't hurting you. A few hundred rpm isn't going to turn that 40 yard banana slice into a straight ball ;) It's also not going to turn that 220 yard high spinner you hit low on the face and in the heel into a 250 yard low spin bomb.

lambo428

I'm a high capper also and every time I play a tour Callaway ball my game enters the twilight zone. The Kirkland ball is no good either. For players like us with this type of issue (slice,fade etc), the wrong spin is very debilitating.

zebra2955

The thing I noticed about using a urethane ball vs. a non-urethane ball is with approach shots. Lets use a gap wedge for example. With the non ball it hits and usually rolls out a bit. With the urethane it stops and sometimes backs up. This could become a difference of up to 10 yards.

North Butte

A lot depends on whether you play Bermuda grass or Bent grass greens. During the summer most places I've played on Bent greens (in USA) water the heck out of them to keep them alive. I don't think anyone is going to see their full-swing wedge shot release no matter what ball they use when every shot to the green creates a wet crater of a ball mark.

RainShadow

Until I felt I could somewhat control the ball, I played the softest feeling cheap ball I could find.

What golf ball should a high handicapper use?

Beginner and high handicappers should use golf balls that are two-piece, low-spinning and low-compression as they will generate the greatest distance but least curvature through the air. As the player improves, only then should they consider moving to a three-piece, higher spin ball.

Best golf balls for high handicappers

Now that you know what ball characteristics to look for as a high handicapper, it’s time to list the best options available to buy.

Final message

As a high handicap golfer, the message is clear – you want a golf ball that is a two-piece construction, low spin, low compression and affordable to begin with.

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