If you are a golfer who is fond of long drives, then doing a golf ball distance comparison is a must. Even though there are other factors that can affect your shot distance, the golf ball makes the most impact out of all of them.
There are three main types of golf balls namely distance, tour performance, and spin control. But for today, we will focus on golf balls distance comparison.
With the vast options of golf balls in the market, it is important to compare and determine the best golf ball for reaching greater shots.
Golf Ball Distance Comparison
First, let us define what distance golf balls are. This type of golf ball is built for straighter and longer flights.
Distance golf balls have a bigger core and a thinner cover that gives more protection during wayward shots. As a result, the sidespin is reduced and the slices are more emphasized.
Doing a comparison not only allows you to choose a distance golf ball wisely but also increases your knowledge of the different factors that can affect the distance of your shot.
By having a golf balls distance comparison, you can weigh each of the pros and cons and make an informed decision before buying one.
To give you an idea, here are the top performers based on golf balls distance comparison.
Titleist Velocity
Titleist, one of the top brands in the world, has designed a specific golf ball for players who want to achieve long-distance shots.
If you want to fly your ball as far as it can possibly go, then the Velocity is a perfect choice.
Even though it is only focused on distance, the impact between the club and the ball is not compromised. No wonder it is on top of our golf balls distance comparison list.
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PROS
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- High resiliency to the wind
- Two-piece design
- Achieves great distance
- Made of hardcover
- High resiliency to the wind
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CONS
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- Low spin rate
- Not experimental for other techniques
- Low spin rate
Srixon Soft Feel
Next in our golf ball distance comparison is Srixon Soft Feel. This is a classic ball from the brand’s collection of two-piece golf balls, making it suitable for those aiming for both durability and distance.
It gives a huge distance at off-tee and it is soft on the impact as well. The Srixon Feel is made up of a thin cover which avoids unnecessary weight and makes carrying a lot more convenient.
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PROS
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- Lightweight
- Two-piece design
- Soft on the impact
- Can be used by any handicap level
- Lightweight
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CONS
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- High price point
Volvik Crystal
Despite being heavy and bulk, the Volvik Crystal still passed the golf ball golf balls distance comparison.
One of its unique characteristics is that it can be easily seen fly through the air and when it lands on the grass.
It is made up of three layers, making it a good match for players with moderate and even slow swings.
Take note that it can go further for several yards and can be difficult to stop it from rolling as it lands on the golf course.
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PROS
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- Top choice by the World Long Drive Association
- Inclusive and suitable for slower swings
- Can achieve long shots
- Top choice by the World Long Drive Association
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CONS
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- Hard surface
- Heavier compared to other distance golf balls
- Hard surface
Bridgestone Lady Precept
In this golf balls distance comparison, we have also included a top golf ball for female players.
The Lad Precept by Bridgestone is a high-quality golf ball that is made with lower compression, which is uncommon for many distance golf balls in the market.
Due to their swing speed, female players often need low compression, except for those who have a tour-level handicap.
These ones from Bridgestone have the longest reach yet low compression in the market.
Yes, faster swing speed results in long shots but this golf ball is an exception. You do not need extremely fast swings to produce distance with this one.
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PROS
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- Has two lakers
- Distinct dimple patterns for less backspin
- Perfect for slower swings
- Suitable for distance-focused players
- Has two lakers
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CONS
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- Rough surface
- For moderate-level handicap only
- Rough surface
Ways to Perform a Golf Ball Distance Test
So, how do we know if a ball is capable of reaching the distance we want? A golf ball distance test how you can properly determine it.
Here are the ways you can perform a golf ball distance test.
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Drop Test
The first way to do a golf ball distance test is by dropping the golf balls at the same height and at the same time. Observe which ball is able to bounce the highest.
Typically, golf balls that are harder can bounce longer which adds more distance.
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Launch Monitor
Using a launch monitor for a golf ball distance test is a tried and tested approach.
It measures the speed and velocity of a ball after impact, which means it also measures the distance traveled by the golf ball over time.
Golf Ball Distance Comparison Chart
When doing a golf ball distance test, it is crucial to take note of the following factors and include them in making your own golf ball distance comparison chart:
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Compression
Perhaps the most crucial criteria in making a golf ball distance comparison chart is compression. Golf balls with high compression are more suited for faster swings.
Upon impact, a golf ball becomes deformed which is why the core needs to be hit with great speed. Faster swings then result in longer shots.
In your golf ball distance comparison chart, note that compression must be 70 to 100 mph to produce a longer distance.
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Number of Pieces
The pieces number of layers present in the golf ball’s surface is also included in the golf ball distance comparison chart.
Most distance golf balls are made up of 2 pieces, the core and golf ball cover. This already gives enough firmness to the ball since softer ones are not difficult to hit with added distance.
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Surface and Coating
The distance capability of a golf ball can also be determined by its surface, which is why it is an important factor in a golf ball distance comparison chart.
The surface of the ball can be coated by either surlyn and urethane. Surlyn coated ones, even though cheaper, can spin faster and can give more distance compared with urethane-coated golf balls.
Golf Ball Speed vs Distance
Apart from the factors mentioned above, other important criteria are golf ball speed vs distance.
Ball speed is the primary driving force of distance, along with the impact and the quality of your golf club. It measures how fast the ball departs from the club head after its impact.
It is important to look at the golf ball speed vs distance when comparing golf balls because it determines how far the reach of the ball will be on the course.
Studying your golf ball speed vs distance can significantly improve the overall quality of your shots.
A strong relationship between golf ball speed vs distance can be achieved by a proper swing that can maximize the strength of your core, allowing you to hit the right spot of the clubface.
Did you know that an extra speed every mile per hour can bring the ball for two additional yards? That’s how much golf ball speed vs distance affect one another.
Golf Ball Distance vs Temperature
For golf ball distance comparison, it is also helpful to study golf ball distance vs temperature. If you are out playing on the golf course, the weather can affect the performance of the golf ball.
Golf ball distance vs temperature can either improve or deteriorate the spin and resiliency of the ball once it is up in the air.
Golf ball distance vs temperature can be examined in two aspects: air temperature and ball temperature
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Air Temperature
The quality of the air changes depending on the temperature. Playing during colder days requires a higher velocity in the swing to achieve longer shots.
This is because of air density increases in cooler temperatures. A good synergy of golf ball distance vs temperature is harder to produce under cold weather.
On the contrary, air density is lower during warm temperatures. Thus, the ball becomes lighter in the air allowing it to travel at a greater distance.
The golf ball can move with more resiliency to the wind under hot weather.
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Ball Temperature
Similar to golf ball distance vs temperature in the air, golf balls that are warmer can achieve long-distance easily compared to cooler ones.
The rubber composition of the golf balls reacts more efficiently to hotter air, giving it a powerful spin and higher velocity.
Moreover, higher temperature causes the ball to be more elastic which can improve its bouncing ability.
Choose Your Golf Balls Wisely
Golf players with high handicaps are known for their ability to produce strong swings that can make the golf ball fly at greater distances.
One of the reasons why they are able to execute well is by having a golf ball distance comparison.
The golf ball affects the distance of your shot much more than you think.
Now that you know how to perform a golf ball distance comparison and test, you will be able to achieve greater shots in no time!
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Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by Paul Roger Steinberg