http://www.golf.com/equipment/roll-players-two-dozen-new-golf-balls-2016
These are exciting times for ball technology. The top brands keep finding new, innovative ways to enhance feel, improve spin and boost power. Here's the skinny on two dozen new models, ranging from premium Tour to value options. Our advice? Test two or three models, hitting a full range of shots -- putts, chips, half wedges, full irons and driver swings. You'll soon know which ball is right for you.
Bridgestone Tour B330 and Tour B330S
Bridgestone Tour B330 and Tour B330S Golf Balls
PRICE: $44/dozen
IT'S FOR: 105+ mph swingers who want max short-game control.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Increasing the core size by 6 percent compared with last year's models boosts distance, as does exaggerating the gradient of the core. (The center is up to 7 percent softer, while the firmer outer region is unchanged.) Paired with a new cover, the center reduces driver spin by 3 percent, while the outer area makes the ball faster. The softest urethane cover yet has a tacky coating to increase friction for more spin on scoring shots.
FINAL WORD: The B330S feels slightly softer and spins more around the green than the B330.
Bridgestone Tour B330RX and Tour B330RXS
Bridgestone Tour B330RX and Tour B330RXS Golf Balls
PRICE: $39/dozen
IT'S FOR: 105 mph (or less) swingers who want total short-game control.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The new core in the RX family is 28 percent softer than the Tour B330, so its target audience can compress it. Plus, the center of the core is 20 percent softer than in previous RXs, while the firmer area along the outer edges is harder. Company testing shows players get more ball speed and launch shots higher, with 3 percent less driver spin than before. Combining Bridgestone's softest urethane cover ever with a tacky coating adds short-game spin.
FINAL WORD: Like the B330s, the RXS spins more than the RX does around the green.
Callaway Chrome Soft
Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls
PRICE: $40/dozen
IT'S FOR: Those looking for ultimate greenside control with soft feel.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: This four-piece ball features a new dual-core construction with a soft inner and firmer outer layer, which helps generate more ball speed off the long clubs than last year's three-piece Chrome Soft. The new model has a similar compression, but it produces more spin on mid- and short-iron shots. The same soft urethane cover provides ample spin and feel on greenside shots, while a HEX dimple pattern helps stabilize flight. The visible truvis pattern (above) is a new option as well.
FINAL WORD: Low driver spin, soft feel and Tour-quality short-game performance, plus a cool new look.
Callaway Superhot 55
Callaway Superhot 55 Golf Balls
PRICE: $28/dozen
IT'S FOR: Players looking for a power-packed distance ball.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The three-piece construction utilizes a low, 55-compression core with a soft mantle layer and Surlyn cover. This combo decreases spin on full shots and limits hooks and slices, all while heightening feel around the greens.
FINAL WORD: A distance ball that feels soft and provides adequate spin on scoring shots for players who aren't desperate for Tour-level short-game performance.
Nike RZN Tour Platinum and RZN Tour Black
Nike RZN Tour Platinum and RZN Tour Black Golf Balls
PRICE: $48/dozen
IT'S FOR: Better players who prioritize the short game.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Both four-piece models have a new RZN core -- 10 percent larger than in last year's RZN Black and RZN Platinum -- to generate faster ball speeds. A new iteration of the RZN core material contributes to a softer feel. The urethane cover has 344 dimples plus 13,558 "micro dimples" to reduce drag, producing a longer, more consistent flight.
FINAL WORD: The most advanced Nike models to date, the Tour Black targets players who prefer to limit spin on full shots, while the Tour Platinum is for guys who want a bit more.
Nike RZN Speed Red and RZN Speed White
Nike RZN Speed Red and RZN Speed White Golf Balls
PRICE: $30/dozen
IT'S FOR: Aspirational golfers with moderate to slow clubhead speeds.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: A new RZN core delivers a softer feel than last year's RZN Red and RZN White. The core and mantle layer are bound using the same technology as in the Tour balls, which optimizes energy transfer at impact. Both ionomer-covered three-piece models have a lower compression core than their big brothers, the RZN Tour Black and RZN Tour Platinum.
FINAL WORD: Expect the RZN Speed Red to carry farther than its compadre, while the White version should feel softer.
Pinnacle Rush and Soft
Pinnacle Rush and Soft Golf Balls
PRICE: $16/dozen
IT'S FOR: Value shoppers seeking big-time distance and soft feel.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: These two-piece balls are longer and softer than the previous generation thanks to a lively, low-compression core and a durable ionomer cover that boost initial ball speed and minimize spin. The Rush has a higher-compression core and firmer cover than the Soft but a slightly lower compression than other distance balls. Considered the softest Pinnacle ever, the Soft has the brand's lowest compression core (mid 40s) and one of its softest ionomer covers. Both models have an icosahedral dimple pattern for a penetrating flight.
FINAL WORD: Those craving more distance at a friendly price can pick the feel that suits them best.
Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV
Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV Golf Balls
PRICE: $45/dozen
IT'S FOR: Players who want max short-game control.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: An updated core gradient -- softest in the center, hardest on the edges -- produces soft feel and low spin on full shots. The cover is 21 percent softer than before, with an upgraded coating to increase friction for greater spin on short shots and a new dimple pattern that provides more surface coverage to stabilize flight.
FINAL WORD: The Z-Star (for 90- to 105-mph swingers) feels softer and spins more on full shots than the four-piece Z-Star XV (for anyone over 100 mph).
Titleist NXT Tour and NXT Tour S
Titleist NXT Tour and NXT Tour S Golf Balls
PRICE: $35/dozen
IT'S FOR: Players who want performance at a more affordable price than a premium ball.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The NXT Tour has a soft inner core that's 66 percent larger by volume than previous models. Combined with a firm outer core, the ball generates less spin on full shots for more distance. The same soft Fusablend cover as before provides similar spin and feel in the short game. NXT Tour S has a softer, lower-compression core and a softer Fusablend cover than its predecessor. A lower flight with less spin leads to added length with the driver, hybrids and irons.
FINAL WORD: NXT Tour travels farther off the tee and flies higher than the softer-feeling NXT Tour S.
Titleist Velocity
Titleist Velocity Golf Balls
PRICE: $27/dozen
IT'S FOR: Players seeking ultimate distance and a higher trajectory.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Its largest, fastest core yet boosts ball speed. The core -- softer than in the previous model -- combines with a thinner cover to produce a more refined sound and feel. Plus, approach shots will launch high and land with a steep angle of descent for added stopping power.
FINAL WORD: Expect big-time distance with Titleist's top-notch consistency.
Titleist DT TruSoft
Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Balls
PRICE: $22/dozen
IT'S FOR: Those who crave extreme softness.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Pairing a larger, lower-compression core (than the DT SoLo it replaces) with Titleist's softest ionomer cover blend ever creates a soft feel and sound from the driver to the putter. It also means less spin off the driver, hybrids and long irons for consistently big distance. Company testing shows that the DT TruSoft has similar spin to the DT SoLo on full and partial wedge shots.
FINAL WORD: A very soft, distance-oriented ball that improves on the excellent DT SoLo.
REIGNING CHAMPS
Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x
Titleist Pro V1x and Pro V1 Golf Balls
According to Golf Datatech, the Pro V1 and Pro V1x have been the top-selling balls on the market for 180 consecutive months (through February 2016). That's every month for 15 straight years! In addition, the Pro V1 franchise has accounted for more than 400 wins on the PGA Tour since its 2000 debut. Expect Titleist to unveil new versions of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in the first quarter of 2017, which should raise the bar even higher.
TaylorMade Tour Preferred, Tour Preferred X
TaylorMade Tour Preferred and Tour Preferred X Golf Balls
PRICE: $48/dozen
IT'S FOR: Those who want extreme control on short-game shots.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Both versions have a reengineered cast urethane cover for added spin on scoring shots, while their "low drag" dimples provide a stable flight. The four-piece Tour Preferred ball has an inner mantle that's 65 percent softer than the previous TP model. The new ball has a lower compression (80 vs. 87) and a softer feel than the new five-piece Tour Preferred X. The X ball flies on a more boring trajectory than the Tour Preferred.
FINAL WORD: These models go similar distances off the tee, but expect the Tour Preferred to launch higher and spin less on greenside shots than the X ball.
TaylorMade Project (a)
TaylorMade Project (a) Golf Balls
PRICE: $35/dozen
IT'S FOR: Recreational swingers who are all about scoring shots.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The newest Project (a) ball has a lower compression core (70) than the previous model (88), which softens up feel throughout the bag. The softer core also helps to lower spin on full shots. A cast urethane cover (the same one found in the new Tour Preferred models) enhances spin around the green and adds to the ball's soft feel.
FINAL WORD: Average Joes can get short-game spin and control that's similar to what the pros experience with their premium balls.
Volvik Vivid
Volvik Vivid Golf Balls
PRICE: $30/dozen
IT'S FOR: Swing speeds of 70 to 90 mph.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The new matte finish is easy to see in the air or on the ground. A 332-dimple pattern promotes a higher flight on full shots than last year's Crystal ball. The three-piece, 80-compression model utilizes a soft Surlyn cover. Comes in green, pink, orange and red.
FINAL WORD: It's the same ball as the new Crystal, but with a matte finish.
Volvik Vibe
Volvik Vibe Golf Balls
PRICE: $36/dozen
IT'S FOR: Players who want a soft feel with strong short-game performance
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The three-piece, 65-compression ball produces a mid-high trajectory. The urethane cover offers a lot of control and variety around the greens.
FINAL WORD: D Targets 75 to 95 mph swing speeds. Choice of white or yellow
Wilson Staff Duo Urethane
Wilson Staff Duo Urethane Golf Balls
PRICE: $38/dozen
IT'S FOR: Players who want soft feel and plenty of spin around the green.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: A three-piece ball with cast urethane cover and a 55-compression core leads to soft-feeling shots with every club. The newest Duo model is also engineered to take some spin off the longer clubs.
FINAL WORD: Low-compression, premium performance balls are trending up, and this one fits the bill. It should appeal to better players.
Just what golfers need more choices to add to the confusion. I don't think there are many golfers that can tell the difference bwtween the top Tour balls to make a difference. I've played most of the tour balls on the market and I sure can't see or feel much if any difference in proformance. For the last half dozen years or so I go more by how well the ball holds up to wear and tear, not on how it plays. If I can get more holes with one tour ball over the rest, that's the one I perfer to use as it saves me money over time.
Don
Putting is easy if you have the Right Putter.
Agree Don. Way too many choices. I like a golf ball that is durable, gives me some spin with my irons/wedges so I can control them on the green. And I tend to like them softer than harder, like say a Slazenger.
It'd be curious to do a blind test on golfers playing over say 8-10 rounds of golf. Mix in some Tour quality balls, some distance balls and some mid-grade and have golfers play 2-3 rounds with each. And see what patterns emerge from their scores.
Wonder what percentage of high handicappers use Tour level balls?
Golf is a game that can only be played...
GolfGearReview.com Administrator
Going by the number of Pro V1 golf balls that i've found over the years in the rough, I'd have to say a lot MORE golfers are playing a tour ball then they should. And since most golfers tend to hit a Slice, it would NOT be a good idea for this large number of golfer to be playing a Tour ball that tends to make a slice worse.
Don
Putting is easy if you have the Right Putter.
I like the opportunity to try new golf balls when I find one in the woods or rough! I'm picky, I won't use a ball that's really scuffed up (throw it in the practice bag) but I've gotten to play quite a few "high priced" golf balls this way. And since I don't lose balls very often, they last for a while. I did play Callaway Super Soft for a round and liked it very much. Haven't seen any of those other models yet. I do have a ProVX in my bag and I played it one round when it was windy because I lose a little distance with that one due to my swing speed. Since I would lose distance in the wind it didn't matter. But there is no question that ball really performs off the wedges, I can't put a wedge at a dead stop on the green with any other ball.
It's not how...it's how many
So was talking to some buds of mine about golf balls and they asked what I would recommend. To that I said, well it depends. If you lose more than one ball a round due to mishits, you don't need anything expensive. <$24 range. If you're losing less than 1 ball a round, something in that $18-$25 range but that most of them, unless they really hit solid iron shot, didn't want added spin so distance balls would be the best option.
I may play 9 holes with a tour ball this week and 9 holes with a Pinnacle and just see if anything jumps out at me results wise.
Golf is a game that can only be played...
GolfGearReview.com Administrator
aside from perceived performance...I like the balls which are marketed as "soft feel" because I'm really getting good with my wedges and I just like the sound they make off the club. The "distance" balls just feel like clicky rocks.
It's not how...it's how many
I cracked open a double dozen of Wilson Staff Elite 50's today for my round and managed the hole round without losing my ball. For me, that is a rarity and despite a few war wounds from trees and a cart path that ball lives on!
The WS Elite 50 is a ball I've been using for quite some time now as I find it works particularly well with vintage clubs and wood woods. Funny that i've only played two nine hole outings with vintage going back to March/April and have been exclusively modern since then, so I hadn't bothered to open the box preferring to play found balls instead.
Sure couldn't blame the ball for anything that happned today and the very fact that it survived the round is a bit of a tribute to the quality of it in the hands of a inconsistent ball striker.
There are so many low compression ball options now..like the Wilson 50, now the Pinnacle Soft, the Maxfli SoftFli. I love the feel of those balls off the clubhead. And if I do lose one, it's $1...not $4.50
Golf is a game that can only be played...
GolfGearReview.com Administrator
They do feel really nice off the putter face. I was doing a bit of practice this morning on the family room carpet and was getting a very nice roll from the 50's using a Never Compromise Anser type blade with a face insert. I haven't used a blade putter all year and figured that I should give it a bit of a try as my putting has been very inconsistent. I always felt I had a bit better feel for lagging the ball with that type of putter, but have opted for the alignment and stability of a mallet instead. Hopefully, more consistent lags will lead to less three putts.