🥇 Best Golf Ball 2019 – Reviews & Tests

What is a Golf Ball?

It’s a special ball designed for use when playing golf. Golf rules require manufacturers to produce golf balls with a diameter not less than 1.68 inches and weighing 45.93 grams to perform within the best distance, velocity and symmetry limits. As such, the balls are subject to tests and reviews by R&A of golf throughout the world, which disqualifies golf balls that have not met the specified conditions from use in competitions.

How does the Best Golf Ball Work?

Three things determine how the best golf ball works, and these include its construction, impact and the type of golf ball. For this review section, we look at impact and construction as there is a different review section for the types of golf balls.

Impact

The impact of between the golf club and the ball determines how far it launches. While the impact lasts less than a millisecond, it determines the spin rate, the ball’s velocity and launch angle. After this brief impact, the ball’s trajectory is controlled by aerodynamics and gravity. When a ball or other object is moving through the air, it experiences two aerodynamic forces that are drag and lift. The best illustration of this phenomenon is when we hold out our arms out of a moving vehicle. This lift causes an upward lift while the drag opposes motion. Thus, when rotating our hands in the air, we vary the direction and amount of the lift and drag forces acting on the hands.

Moving objects have high-pressure areas on the front part and as the air flows over the contours of the sides, it separates from the item toward the back section. It explains why dimpled balls fly longer distances than smooth balls. Dimpled balls create a boundary layer on their upper side to enable them to change from laminar to turbulent.

They allow the smooth flowing air to follow the surface of the ball and reduce its size as it flies. As such, a dimpled ball creates half the drag compared to a smooth ball.

Construction

The best golf ball has three parts, which are the core, cover and dimples.

The core: It influences the initial velocity, spin rate and compression. The compression rate shows how much a ball compresses upon impact with the club. As such, ratings greater than 100 are ideal for professional golfers that have high swing speeds and can make hit balls at a height of 140 feet or more. Golfers who have low swing speeds should buy balls with compression ratings that are lower than 90.

The cover: There are two types: urethane and surlyn. The latter was introduced in the 1960s and is made of an ionomer resin that lasts longer than urethane. Note that the only downside to golf balls made of surlyn is that the material does not generate as much back spin, making them best for beginners. Balls made of urethane covers are softer hence, allow great control and higher spin. It explains why skilled golfers prefer them to surlyn-covered golf balls.

Dimples: They determine the lift of the ball. Smooth balls warp the airflow to create a lift, making them function like aeroplane wings. The spinning action causes the pressure at the bottom of the ball to increase more than the pressure at the bottom part of the ball. An upward force is generated by this imbalance, causing the spin rate to create half of the ball’s lift while the other half is generated by dimples.

The dimple pattern can be dodecahedral, icosahedral or octahedral. A dodecahedral design is based on a polyhedron shape, which consists of a three-dimensional solid with a collection of polygons. As such, it has 12 identical faces that mimic the shape of pentagons.

An icosahedral pattern also has a polyhedral shape only that it consists of 20 identical triangular faces to resemble a twenty-sided die. Similarly, golf balls with octahedral patterns have eight-sided polyhedral that have triangular faces with some having up to 500 dimples. The rule of thumb is that the more the dimples a ball has, the better a ball flies as long as the dimples have a diameter of 0.15 inches.

Advantages & Applications

We have already talked about the drag and the lift forces used to propel the ball into the air. Our team carried a review and found out there is another force involved, the Magnus force, which develops as the ball spins. Initially, review experts claimed that smooth and sphere-like balls experienced less drag but it is not true. On the contrary, the ball spins immediately the club hits it hence, fighting against the drag.

Magnus force develops as a result of relative drag in the air at the top and the bottom of the ball. The top section of the ball experiences a lower velocity compared to moving air, creating less drag over the ball. The bottom part of the ball, however, moves faster compared to the nearby air thus, experiencing minimal drag on the air passing by. As a result, a turbulent layer develops, creating the Magnus effect.

What Types of Golf Balls are there?

There are three types of golf balls; two or three parts golf balls and the multi-layer golf balls.

Two-piece golf balls

They are best for casual golfers and consist of plastic and rubber hence, very durable. Generally, two-piece golf balls have a low side compression and a reduced spin rate hence, designed for low swing speeds, usually 130 km/h, which compromises on the much-needed accuracy when playing. They are made of 70% of production and are cheaper than three-piece golf balls. Besides, they have a large core, which enables them to fly a relatively long distance, but players should be cautious when launching a few yards of a gold course.

Pros:

They firm polymer layer slides upwards on impact, causing it to launch higher
They are cheap
The hard layer is less likely to develop abrasion
Easy to compress

Cons:

The soft feel does not generate adequate spins
They spin less hence, preventing slow swingers from generating adequate lift

Three-piece Golf Balls

They have the core, plastic cover and windings of rubber thread and are usually used by professional golfers. Three-piece golf balls retain the best of two-piece golf balls and add a mantle layer to create a softer feel that allows enhanced control. As a result, they have a swing speed only professional players can handle to reduce impact and can give any mid-handicapper the much sought-after short game advantage without compromising on the distance. After various revie findings, experts recommend that the compression of the ball should match the golfer’s swing speed.

If not, an over/under-compression leads to the loss of distance. Initially, the core was made of liquid but modern balls have synthetic rubber, which may be produced using bits of metal like titanium or tungsten. What’s more, balls in the new genre have large spring-like cores with thin covers, making it easy to compress when the ball meets the club.

Pros:

Travel long distances
Great for mid-handicappers

Cons:

May not offer similar spin advantages as the multi-layer golf balls

Multi-layer Golf Balls

Advanced golf balls have more than three layers as they are designed to generate greater impact than two-piece and three-piece golf balls. They have 4-5 layers and are best for mid-to-low pros who have extremely fast swing speeds. They have an extremely thin outer layer made of urethane, which enhances the spin rate while the core layer elevates the feel, control and shot sculpting. It has a soft material that provides adequate short-game spin by letting the club’s face grab the golf ball. Multi-layer golf balls are extremely expensive, according to reviews hence, ideal for intermediate players.

Pros:

Allow more control and spin
Have different mantle and core variations, giving players a range of options
Players don’t have to sacrifice distance

Cons:

Are expensive
Are best used by professional players only

Guide for Buying the Best Golf Ball

Which Typical Defects Must Consumers Take Note of?

With the vast selection of golf balls in the market, it is essential to identify specific defects that can make or break your golfing experience. For example, some golf balls are designed to enable players to launch long distances off course while others with soft covers thus, designed help professional golfers achieve a higher degree of accuracy over their shots. As such, golfers need to acquaint themselves with possible product faults and test the product before purchase. Players are also advised to use online reviews for guidance. Here are essential features to look at so as to pick the best.

Distance: Players are tempted to purchase golf balls that promise the best distance when launched. While it is a critical factor, these balls make it difficult to control on the course or when the player is required to make a finesse shot. During our review, we found that golf balls that launch long distances tend to react fast when struck using a golf club.

Control: Does the ball allow the golfer adequate control or does it spin off as soon as it is struck? The best golf ball should provide adequate control over each shot by minimising the extent to which it spins when struck. As such, the ball should help the golfer combat slices and hooks.

Spin: The best ball should spin within a range that is not too far and not too close. Professional golfers select balls with a high trajectory and harness the spinning attributes of the ball to cause it to go in the direction they want or stop on a particular spot on the green.

Player’s swing speed: Players who have high swing speeds usually experience difficulties when controlling the ball on the course.

As such, they should use soft golf balls as they are best. Those with low swing speeds, on the other hand, use hard distance balls.

Handicaps during the game: handicap differences are used to identify the number of strokes the low handicapper should give the high handicap player. Generally, players with low handicaps are better players than those with high handicaps. As such, high handicapped players should buy cheap balls as they are best.

How to Test Before Purchasing the Best Golf Ball

Players need to test several parameters when buying the best golf balls. According to most players’ online reviews, they tested two critical factors as highlighted next.

Feel

This aspect depends on the player’s/buyer’s preference. The bottom line is to purchase a ball that gives the player confidence when hitting. Feel narrows down to features that include putting and short game. Respondents on most online reviews said that putting is similar to pitching and chipping the ball. Feel plays an integral role during short games. Most review respondents preferred using balls with a softer feel on the green than those with a hard feel as they considered them best.

Review experts also recommend testing different balls on the green when evaluating the right golf ball. Then, the player can do away with those he does not like and consider the best:

Hit several distance balls and determine the sum of the first ten distances
Calculate the average distance by dividing the total by 10
Divide the average by 1.7 to estimate the speed of the ball and divide the result by 1.5
The result is equal to the swing speed of the player

The Swing Speed

Buyers who don’t know their swing speeds have two options, which are purchasing a swing speed monitor or visiting the nearest golf retail shop and asking the retailer to check the speed as he swings. Most online reviews also suggested the use of a certain equation to determine the swing speed. It requires:

Results and Experiences from other Consumer Tests

Golf ball testing or review has become a popular phenomenon among manufacturers. The tests help them identify essential features that golfers look for and differentiate their products. However, some reviews do not include an independent comparison of their products with other manufacturers. This approach is limited and it leaves golfers to make their purchasing decisions based on trial and error or marketing campaigns. It is this need that drove us to make this simple review.

The Test

In 2017, major golf ball manufacturers launched new tour balls. We used these models for our research on the diverse features that users liked and those that they thought needed improvement. Naturally, when it comes to choosing the best tour ball, too much attention is given to one feature and the others are ignored. Aware of this fact, we requested renowned golf ball manufacturers to send the new models for testing indoors. To ensure the test results were best, we asked one of our professional golfers to hit the shots so that we could verify if indeed, the manufacturer’s claims were true.

What was Taken into Account in these Tests?

The first golf ball for our test review was the TaylorMade TP5X, which came in five layers and had a three-piece for optimal transfer of energy and two-piece cover for adequate spin and feel. Compared to this manufacturer’s previous model, the TP5, the TP5X provided a lower launch but had the same greenside spin and wedge as the TP5X. However, TP5 has a compression of 83, making it softer than the TP5X.

We also tested Titleist’s Pro V1X, which came in a four-piece construction, improved dimple aerodynamics and a new dual core. When compared to Pro V1, the V1X has certainly outdone its predecessor, making it rank among the best. Our pro tester managed to launch 276 yards of flight, which is three yards further from Pro V1.

We then reviewed Srixon Z-Star XV, which featured four layers and was designed for high swing performance. The manufacturer included a compression of 105, which makes it firmer than other tour balls. The Z-Star XV also came with a new skin coating to improve dimple aerodynamics and enhance friction between the club head and the ball. Compared to Srixon’s previous product, the Z-Star, XV certainly performs better, according to our review. However, Z-Star has a larger compression than the XV making it feel softer.

Findings

Choosing the best golf ball is not difficult: The vast selection of golf balls only means that golfers have a difficult time choosing a suitable one. However, with manufacturers like TaylorMade narrowing down the options to firm and soft golf balls, (TP5 and TP5X), players now have an easier time buying the best golf ball.

Testing the golf ball on the golf course makes all the difference: Evidently, all the balls performed differently during our test. Even a three-yard difference between Titleist’s Pro V1X and V1 can make the difference between buying one over the other.

Regarding Which Properties are there Large Differences between the Products?

Players need to decide whether they want more spin or distance

Most golfers are in a dilemma when it comes to these two features. Naturally, players will pick a ball that launches furthest. However, distance should not override other aspects like feel, swing and control.

Always check the price

For casual players, the price is the bottom line. Professionals, however, may opt for premium golf balls as they are believed to provide the best performance.

During our test, we noted that consumers would buy a golf ball £2 cheaper as long as it had good value for money.

Regarding Which Properties are the Products on the Same Level?

Spin and accuracy

These features go hand in hand. Golf balls with low spin increase accuracy; the opposite is true.

Feel, spin and distance

Modern manufacturing technologies have made it possible to manufacture golf balls with all these features together; this was not possible a while ago. Today, golfers can pick a golf ball with the desired feel with the confidence that it will perform well. Similarly, players can buy long soft golf balls without compromising on distance.

The 10 Best manufacturers of Golf Balls

There is a range of brands to select from but only a small number makes it to the best list. Most of these brands have gone through extensive evaluation and tests and are used by professional players. Here’s a lineup of the best brand, according to our comprehensive review:

It is the best and the most popular brand among professionals and high-level amateurs golf players. The company was established in 1932 by Philip Young and it is known for using marketing slogans like ‘serious clubs for serious golfers’ and ‘The #1 ball in golf.’ Celebrity golfers like Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy and Steve Stricker have used Titleist golf balls. Though some of the players eventually switch to other brands, they still insist on using Titleist’s ProV1 and the Pro V1x golf balls. Both balls are praised for their incredibly soft feel, ability to hold greens well and exceptional spin control. The V1 and the V1x are made of urethane. VI has 352 dimples, featuring five different types while V1x has 328 dimples with seven dimple designs, causing it to have more spin on turf.

The company started off as a boutique manufacturer of high-quality putters and wedges before venturing into the production of golf accessories and equipment. Today, Callaway licenses its name, service marks and trademarks for golf lifestyle products, including golf shoes, golf apparel, headwear and travel gear. Its Speed Regime (SR) series is the most memorable as it was the company’s first golf balls produced based on swing speed. The SR3 golf ball is best for players with swing speeds over 105 mph while the HEX Black Tour golf ball is the company’s best balls with the lowest spinning speed.

The company announced its first tour golf ball in 2010 before it was acquired by KPS Capital Partners in 2017. Taylor’s initial success was occasioned by its ability to innovate metal drivers, which have dominated the golf market. TaylorMade’s TP5 and TP5x stand out among other golf balls that the company has ever produced. According to the company’s engineers, these balls were largely designed on compromises. The goal of the team was to develop a ball that was longer, more responsive on the green, straighter and better in the wind than its predecessors. They also feature the breakthrough technology of a five-layer construction to enable them to generate the best speed while reducing the spin on tee shots.

The company began as a golf shoe company as it first launched its first golf shoes in 1984. Nike only began producing golf balls in 1998 when it launched its first line of golf balls: the Nike Precision Tour Control, Distance and Precision Control and Distance Control. The most recent series from Nike is the RZN series, which comes in black, white, red and platinum colours. It was Nike’s best golf ball thanks to its interlocking core design that was made of a resin moulded into patterns that resemble a waffle iron. Its outer layer provides a firm grip thus, reducing the amount of air in the ball and increasing energy upon impact. The balls had a speed of 105 mph with the black ball emphasising on less spin and distance, making them some of the best available.

Golfers looking for the best golf balls opt for the Srixon brand. They are the best qualitative golf balls and are designed to help players achieve long distances on the green. Srixon golf balls have a cover made of urethane and are fitted with a gradient core that increases the launch characteristics of the balls. The most remarkable feature about these balls is the unique dimple pattern designed to control the shots and reduce drag to generate a consistent trajectory. Our team noted that most reviewers experienced a notable difference after switching to Srixon golf balls. Additionally, these balls are great for players who like using different balls and clubs. They have low compression and flat drag design that enhances the ball flight significantly.

They make the best elite golf balls. Players who have a profound knowledge of golf equipment pick golf balls from this brand at first sight. This is because they are designed to grow with the golfers’ level of skill. Wilson balls have low compression and consistent performance, which improves the golfers’ shots distance significantly. Also, the core is made of rubber, which increases the softness of the balls hence, improving impact. Wilson introduced a 302 Ph.D. aerodynamics feature that enables balls to fly long distance at the slightest impact. Its balls have relatively shallow dimples compared to those from other brands.

They are the best for golfers looking to make long-distance shots. Nitro Maximum Distance golf balls feature a two-piece build that initiates the explosive distance and have a reactive core made of titanium which enhances the transfer of energy from the club head to the ball. What’s more, they have a symmetrical, aerodynamic dimple design that increases the consistency of the shots.

The manufacturer produces three-piece ionomer-covered golf balls, making them the best balls for launching long and straight distances. Bridgestone golf balls also come with an anti-side spin inner layer that generates a higher and longer shot than alternatives. As such, golfers practising to develop moderate swing speed should consider buying golf balls from this brand. They also boast a low compression and a high trajectory, making them perfect during use. Female golfers stated they were pretty comfortable when using these balls in the reviews. The manufacturer is committed to providing exceptional durability and excellent spin, making them the choice golf balls for the average player. What’s more, they have a soft gradational core, which is visible to the golfer.

It is a famous German company praised for producing the best performance golf balls. Vice golf balls not only offer value for money but also help beginners develop great golfing skills. The balls have lower compression and a responsive feel that ensures straighter and longer drives. Additionally, they have a 336 dimple design that prolongs the life of the balls. According to most online reviews for this brand’s golf balls, their exceptional visibility and long flight fulfilled most golfers’ needs. However, high handicappers may struggle to use them.

This is the best brand if you are looking for golf balls that provide a long distance flight while maintaining accuracy. They offer slow to medium swing speeds, which enables golfers to control the game. Our analysts noted that most reviews loved the distinct matte finish on the balls, which makes Volvik Vivid golf balls stand out from other brands. The beauty of these balls is that they are not designed for any specific skill level hence, beginners, intermediate and professional players can use them. The Vivid Soft and Vivid Lite are great for golfers looking for greater spin and feel. They have a speed of 50-80 mph and improved visibility that results in straight and accurate dispersion off the green.

Interesting Facts & Guide

The Development of the Golf Balls over time

The game dates back to 80 BC when the Roman Emperors played paganica, which was a game that involved the use of a feather-stuffed ball and a bent stick. The ball was seven inches in diameter. By the middle ages, the game had evolved into bandy ball game that used a smaller ball (four inches in diameter) and wooden clubs. Later, the Scottish golfe game was introduced, which spread across European countries, though in different variations. Golfe is the immediate ancestor of the modern golf sport. The feathery ball was delicate and easily damaged hence, only a few could afford to buy it.

The ball was used until the late 1840s when a new type of ball was developed by handcrafting a cow’s hide skin with goose feathers. The manufacturing process was pretty tedious as the feathers were stuffed while the leather was still wet, causing the resulting golf ball to be extremely pricey. The ball was used for three centuries before it was replaced by Gutty golf balls in 1848.

These balls were made of dried sap of the Sapodilla tree and had a rubber-like feel. Gutty golf balls were used until the late 1890s when rubber core golf balls were introduced.

6 Safety Instructions When Dealing with Golf Balls

Golf is one of the safest sports as long as the players abide by the safety rules established by the respective golf course. Keep in mind that it involves swinging of metallic clubs that launch golf balls at high speeds. Here are some safety rules that were noticed on the majority of online reviews:

Warn those around you when preparing to swing: Ensure the other players are a distance away when preparing to swing. Also, look ahead, to the right and to the left where you are aiming the shot.
Shout a warning: If the ball flies towards another player upon launching, shout a warning to give him a chance to take cover.
Always stay behind the balls’ direction of flight: Be sure to keep track of the ball’s flight from the time it comes into contact with the club to the moment it lands.

Other Safety Rules:

Drive the cart along the course’s paths
Keep hydrated before, during and after the competition
Apply sunscreen

7 Tips for Care & Maintenance

Just as other sports equipment, golf balls are prone to dirt after prolonged use hence, the need to clean them. A clean golf ball is not only pleasing to the eyes but also helps the player make accurate shots. Here are some top cleaning tips:

Tip 1: Use bleach

The method is ideal for golf balls that have developed yellow stains as it makes it appear whiter.

Tip 2: Using hydrogen peroxide

Many golfers use hydrogen peroxide when cleaning many golf balls. It also acts as a bleaching agent making the balls appear cleaner and whiter.

Tip 3: Rub the balls with alcohol when removing markings

Our analysts noted that the majority of online reviews cited rubbing the ball using alcohol when asked how they cleaned them. This method is suitable when removing pen or other markings. It should not be used to clean the ball as it has a drying effect that dissolves certain polymers.

Tip 4: Use a dishwasher

Be sure to remover dirty cutlery and dishes when cleaning the balls in a dishwasher.

Tip 5: Use a washing machine

Golfers who used this method said it was the same as cleaning clothes. However, it is important to throw in a towel to reduce the impact between the balls.

Tip 6: Don’t soak for to long

Don’t soak the balls in water for more than one day.

Tip 7: Separate balls by colour

Don’t clean coloured and white balls together.

Useful Accessories

Golf accessories create convenience when playing the game. An analysis of online reviews found most players find these accessories helpful:

Golf ball markers

They help the golfer align his shot when playing. They come in different colours and designs.

Golf ball retrievers

It comes in handy when the golfers’ ball is lost or misplaced. The retrievers also help rescue the balls from water hazards.

Golf ball marking systems

They enable the player to improve his stroke and aim accurately. The marking also comes in different styles.

Golf tee

The instrument raises the ball from the ground. It ensures the ball is stable when swinging the club.

Divot tools

The accessory enables the player to repair pitch marks created when the golf ball plops, leaving a depression of the surface of the field.

FAQ

How are the Best Golf Balls Refurbished?

Refurbishing is different from recycling golf balls. Refurbishing involves a sandblasting process that ensures part of the cover is removed to eliminate exterior scratches. They are then painted using a glossy finish and restamped using the desired model and brand.

What Golf Balls Spin the Most?

Spin rate shows how much backspin a player can impact on a golf ball. Golf balls with high spin rates have 3-4 layers and have a large inner core. Examples include Nike One Tour, Titleist Pro V1, and Callaway Tour.

Which Golf Balls should Beginners Buy?

Beginners tend to lose a lot of balls when training. As such, they should consider investing in two-layer golf balls. They are affordable and do not spin as much.

Examples include the Callaway SuperSoft Golf Balls, Pinnacle Gold Golf ball, the Wilson Golf staff Fifty Elite Golf Balls. Most online reviews also recommended TaylorMade Burner Golf Balls for beginners.

When should We Buy Low Compression Golf Balls?

Compression rate is a parameter that measures the density of an object. It ranges from 0-200 and most golf ball compressions range from 40-120. Players with slow swing speeds should consider buying low compression golf balls because they are soft and easy to compress upon impact.

Which are Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers?

High handicappers are new golfers with a handicap above 20. Our review concluded that Titleist Velocity was rated best by high handicappers who craved long flights. Other reviews recommended the Srixon Soft feel for slow swingers and Srixon Z-Star XV for those looking for a tour feel.

How does the Clubhead Affect a Ball’s Backspin?

Backspin is a shot that causes an upward force on the ball, causing it to rotate backwards. Three factors determine the extent of a backspin of a golf ball, and these include the speed of the club head, friction and the spin loft. The higher the club head speed the higher the spin rate.

How does the Weather Affect Playing Conditions When Testing the Long Distance Golf Balls?

Golf balls are designed to deliver the best performance when it is hot. Thus, during cold weather, low compression golf balls are considered the best performers as they are highly responsive.

Which Golf Balls fly Straightest?

Some golf balls are designed to fly straighter than others and tend to have a low spin too.

They include the Nitro Maximum Distance, the Titleist Velocity and the BridgeStone e6.

Which Golf Balls are Best for Seniors?

According to most online reviews, buyers preferred the Srixon AD333 Tour and Callaway Chrome Soft for seniors.

What does the Number Printed on the Golf Ball Signify?

The numbers vary from one brand to another. Single-digit numbers, for example, are used to identify the ball. However, numbers that have three digits, e.g., 300s or 400s indicate the number of dimples on the ball.

Best Golf Ball 2020 • 7 Golf Balls Reviews

Golf Ball Leaderboard 2020

What is a Golf Ball?

How does the Best Golf Ball Work?

Impact

Construction

Advantages & Applications

What Types of Golf Balls are there?

Two-piece golf balls

Three-piece Golf Balls

Multi-layer Golf Balls

Guide for Buying the Best Golf Ball

Which Typical Defects Must Consumers Take Note of?

How to Test Before Purchasing the Best Golf Ball

Feel

The Swing Speed

Results and Experiences from other Consumer Tests

The Test

What was Taken into Account in these Tests?

Findings

Regarding Which Properties are there Large Differences between the Products?

Players need to decide whether they want more spin or distance

Always check the price

Regarding Which Properties are the Products on the Same Level?

Spin and accuracy

Feel, spin and distance

The 10 Best manufacturers of Golf Balls

Interesting Facts & Guide

The Development of the Golf Balls over time

6 Safety Instructions When Dealing with Golf Balls