Choosing the right golf ball can significantly impact your performance on the course. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ball suits your game best. This comprehensive golf ball comparison chart breaks down the key features of popular golf balls, allowing you to easily compare and find the perfect match for your swing speed, handicap, and playing style.
Golf Ball | Layers | Cover | Short Game Spin | Compression | Feel | Swing Speed (MPH) | Handicap |
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Bridgestone Tour B X | 3 | Urethane | High | High (98) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Bridgestone Tour B XS | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 105 | Low |
Bridgestone Tour B RX | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (75) | Mid | 105+ | Low |
Bridgestone Tour B RXS | 3 | Urethane | High | Low (65) | Soft | Under 105 | Low |
Bridgestone e12 Contact | 3 | Ionomer | Mid | Low (60) | Soft | Under 105 | Mid-High |
Bridgestone e6 | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (45) | Soft | Under 105 | High |
Bridgestone e9 | 2 | Surlyn | Low | Mid (75) | Mid | Under 110 | High |
Bridgestone Lady Precept | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (50) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Bridgestone Laddie Extreme | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Callaway Chrome Tour | 4 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 105 | Low |
Callaway Chrome Tour X | 4 | Urethane | High | High (100) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Callaway Chrome Soft | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (75) | Soft | Under 105 | Low-Mid |
Callaway Chrome Soft X | 4 | Urethane | High | High (95) | Mid | 105+ | Low |
Callaway Chrome Soft X LS | 4 | Urethane | High | High (100) | Mid | 105+ | Low |
Callaway ERC Soft | 3 | Urethane | Mid | Low (60) | Soft | Under 95 | Mid |
Callaway Supersoft | 2 | Hybrid | Low | Low (45) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Callaway Superfast | 2 | Hybrid | Low | Low | Mid | Under 95 | High |
Callaway Warbird | 2 | Ionomer | Low | High (90) | Firm | Under 105 | High |
Callaway Reva | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (30) | Soft | Under 80 | High |
Cut DC | 4 | Urethane | High | High (105) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Cut Blue | 4 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 105 | Low |
Cut Grey | 3 | Urethane | Mid | Mid (80) | Mid | Under 105 | Mid |
Cut Red | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (60) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Kirkland Signature | 3 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 105 | Mid |
Mizuno RB Tour | 4 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 105 | Low |
Mizuno RB Tour X | 4 | Urethane | High | High (110) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Mizuno RB 566 | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (60) | Soft | Under 95 | High |
Mizuno RB 566 V | 3 | Ionomer | Mid | Low | Soft | Under 95 | Mid-High |
Snell MTB-X | 3 | Urethane | High | High (95) | Firm | 105+ | Low-Mid |
Snell MTB-Black | 3 | Urethane | Mid | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 105 | Low-Mid |
Snell Get Sum | 2 | Surlyn | Low | Low | Soft | Under 90 | High |
PXG Xtreme | 3 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 105 | Low-Mid |
Srixon Z-Star | 3 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 105 | Low |
Srixon Z-Star XV | 4 | Urethane | High | High (95) | Firm | Under 110 | Low |
Srixon Z-Star Diamond | 3 | Urethane | High | High (100) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Srixon Q-Star | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Mid (70) | Mid | Under 105 | Mid-High |
Srixon Q-Star Tour | 3 | Urethane | Mid | Mid (70) | Soft | Under 105 | Mid |
Srixon Soft Feel | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (60) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Taylormade TP5 | 5 | Urethane | High | Mid (87) | Mid | 100+ | Low |
Taylormade TP5X | 5 | Urethane | High | High (98) | Firm | 100+ | Low |
Taylormade Tour Response | 3 | Urethane | Mid | Mid (70) | Soft | Under 105 | Mid |
Taylormade Speedsoft | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (45) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Taylormade Distance+ | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Mid (77) | Mid | Under 95 | High |
Taylormade Kalea | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Low (60) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Noodle Long And Soft | 2 | Surlyn | Low | Mid (70) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Titleist Pro V1 | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (87) | Mid | Under 110 | Low |
Titleist Pro V1X | 4 | Urethane | High | High (97) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Titleist Pro V1X Left Dash | 4 | Urethane | High | High (102) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot | 3 | Urethane | High | High (90) | Mid | Under 110 | Low |
Titleist AVX | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (80) | Soft | Under 105 | Low-Mid |
Titleist Tour Soft | 2 | Ionomer | Mid | Low (65) | Soft | Under 95 | Mid-High |
Titleist Velocity | 2 | Surlyn | Low | Mid (80) | Mid | Under 95 | High |
Top Flite Gamer | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Mid (70) | Soft | Under 95 | High |
Top Flite XL Control | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Mid | Mid | Under 105 | High |
Top Flite XL Distance | 2 | Ionomer | Low | High | Firm | Under 105 | High |
Titleist TruFeel | 2 | Hybrid | Low | Low (65) | Soft | Under 95 | High |
Vice Pro | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 110 | Low-Mid |
Vice Pro Soft | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (70) | Soft | Under 95 | Low-Mid |
Vice Pro Air | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (75) | Soft | Under 95 | Low-Mid |
Vice Pro Plus | 4 | Urethane | High | High (93) | Firm | 110+ | Low-Mid |
Vice Pro Zero | 3 | Urethane | High | High (95) | Firm | Under 110 | Low-Mid |
Vice Tour | 3 | Surlyn | Mid | Mid (80) | Firm | Under 105 | Mid |
Vice Drive | 2 | Surlyn | Low | Low (50) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Volvik Condor | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 105 | Low-Mid |
Volvik Condor X | 4 | Urethane | High | High (95) | Firm | 105+ | Low |
Volvik XT Soft | 3 | Urethane | Mid | Low (70) | Soft | Under 90 | Mid |
Volvik Vivid | 3 | Ionomer | Mid | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 100 | Mid-High |
Volvik Vivid Combi | 3 | Ionomer | Mid | High (90) | Firm | Under 105 | Mid-High |
Volvik Vimax Soft | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 100 | High |
Volvik Crystal | 3 | Surlyn | Mid | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 100 | Mid-High |
Volvik Magma | 3 | Ionomer | Mid | High (90) | Firm | Under 100 | Mid-High |
Volvik Power Soft | 2 | Ionomer | Low | Mid (75) | Mid | Under 95 | High |
Wilson Staff Model | 4 | Urethane | High | High (94) | Firm | 100+ | Low |
Wilson Staff Model X | 4 | Urethane | High | High (104) | Firm | 110+ | Low |
Wilson Triad | 3 | Urethane | High | Mid (85) | Mid | Under 105 | Low-Mid |
Wilson Duo Soft | 2 | Surlyn | Low | Low (38) | Soft | Under 90 | High |
Decoding the Golf Ball Comparison Chart: Key Features Explained
To make the most of this Compare Golf Balls Chart, understanding each column is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the features we’ve compared:
Layers: Construction Complexity for Performance
The number of layers in a golf ball signifies its construction complexity and intended performance characteristics. Generally, golf balls are categorized into 2-piece, 3-piece, 4-piece, and even 5-piece constructions.
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2-Piece Golf Balls: These are typically designed for beginners and high-handicap golfers. They feature a large core and a durable outer cover, prioritizing distance and durability. They often produce lower spin, which can be beneficial for players who struggle with slices or hooks.
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3-Piece and Multi-Layer Golf Balls: These balls offer a more sophisticated design, incorporating multiple layers to optimize spin, control, and feel. They often feature a softer inner layer for feel and spin around the greens and firmer outer layers for distance off the tee. 3-piece, 4-piece, and even 5-piece golf balls are favored by mid to low handicap players seeking enhanced performance in all aspects of the game.
Cover Material: Urethane, Ionomer, and Surlyn
The cover material significantly impacts a golf ball’s spin, feel, and durability. The most common cover materials are urethane, ionomer, and Surlyn.
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Urethane Covers: Typically found on premium golf balls, urethane covers are known for their soft feel and exceptional spin control, especially on shorter shots around the green. This allows skilled players to execute precise shots and control ball trajectory effectively. However, urethane covers can be less durable and more expensive.
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Ionomer Covers: Ionomer covers offer a balance of durability, distance, and spin. They are firmer than urethane, providing good distance and resistance to scuffing. Ionomer covers are commonly used in mid-range golf balls and offer a good compromise for golfers seeking a mix of performance and longevity.
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Surlyn Covers: Surlyn is a highly durable and firm material primarily focused on maximizing distance and durability. Golf balls with Surlyn covers are often the most affordable and are designed for players who prioritize distance and ball longevity over premium spin and feel.
Short Game Spin: Control Around the Greens
Short game spin refers to the amount of backspin a golf ball generates on shorter shots, particularly around the greens. High spin golf balls allow skilled players to have more control over their shots, enabling them to stop the ball quickly on the green and execute various spin-based shots like check shots and flop shots. Lower spin balls roll out more and are generally more forgiving for higher handicap players.
Compression: Matching Ball to Swing Speed
Golf ball compression is a measure of how much a golf ball deforms upon impact. It’s often presented as a number, with higher numbers indicating higher compression.
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High Compression Golf Balls: These balls require a faster swing speed to compress effectively and unleash their maximum distance potential. They are generally suited for golfers with swing speeds of 105+ mph.
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Mid Compression Golf Balls: Designed for a wider range of swing speeds, mid-compression balls offer a good balance of distance and feel for players with swing speeds around 90-105 mph.
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Low Compression Golf Balls: Low compression balls are easier to compress, making them ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds (under 90 mph). They can help these players maximize distance and achieve a softer feel at impact.
Feel: Preference and Confidence
Feel refers to the sensation of the golf ball at impact, often described as soft, medium, or firm. Feel is subjective and largely based on personal preference. Some players prefer a softer feel for enhanced feedback and control around the greens, while others prefer a firmer feel for a sense of power off the tee. Experimenting with different feels can help you find what you are most comfortable and confident with.
Swing Speed (MPH): Optimizing for Distance
Swing speed is a critical factor in choosing the right golf ball. Matching your swing speed to the ball’s design is essential for optimizing distance and performance. The chart provides swing speed recommendations to guide your selection. Using a ball designed for swing speeds significantly different from yours can lead to distance loss and inconsistent performance.
Handicap: Ball Recommendation Based on Skill Level
Handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer’s skill level. The chart provides general handicap recommendations to further narrow down your golf ball choices.
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Low Handicap (0-9): Low handicap golfers typically benefit from premium, multi-layer urethane cover balls that offer maximum spin control and feel.
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Mid Handicap (10-18): Mid-handicap players can choose from a wider range of balls, often opting for balls that balance distance, spin, and feel, such as ionomer or softer urethane cover balls.
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High Handicap (18+): High handicap golfers often benefit from 2-piece or low-compression balls that prioritize distance, durability, and forgiveness.
Choosing the Right Golf Ball from the Chart
This compare golf balls chart serves as a valuable tool to narrow down your options. Consider these steps when using the chart:
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Determine Your Swing Speed: Knowing your average driver swing speed is the first step. If you don’t know it precisely, estimate based on your average driving distance (refer to the swing speed chart provided earlier in this article for general guidance).
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Assess Your Handicap: Understand your handicap range to align with the general skill level recommendations.
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Identify Desired Ball Characteristics: Decide what’s most important for your game. Are you seeking maximum distance, enhanced short game spin, a softer feel, or a combination?
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Filter the Chart: Use the sortable table to filter by swing speed, handicap, spin, compression, or any other factor that is important to you.
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Compare Top Options: Once filtered, compare the top golf balls that match your criteria. Consider the layers, cover material, and feel to make your final selection.
By using this comprehensive compare golf balls chart and understanding the key features, you can make a more informed decision and choose the best golf ball to elevate your game.