Advice re: Ball Choice

[Glenfish]

Hi all
1stly my apologies if you have been asked this recently, although I have searched.
As I have recently returned to the game after a long lay off I have been amazed at the changes to eqt etc
So now I have been thinking about ball choice.
I am a 24 handicapper hoping to get to below 20 this year and to progress from there,
With this in mind what balls would you guys suggest I try, My main priorities would be bad shot forgiveness and distance. Rather than spin and feel etc at this stage.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

AD 333 or Titleist NXT will give you distance, durability and sufficient spin

 

[TonyN]

do you have a budget in mind?

 

[Glenfish]

No Budget really unless it gets silly,

 

[TonyN]

then agree with homer ad333's i use them for the same reason you want too

 

[haplesshacker]

I'm after the same targets myself this year, was using AD333, found some Pro V1's and loved them, but pricy. Have settled on Callaway Warbirds at the moment as they seem to have less side spin off the driver than the AD333's, though I prefer their feel around the green and for pitch shots.

As with everything else, it's not the same for everyone.

 

[GB72]

For distance I would try Callaway Wardbirds or Topfite freaks.

For distance with a bit more control I would try Titleist NXT Extreme, Wilson Staff DX2 Soft or Taylormade Burner.

All of these are worth a try.

 

[RGuk]

I use (when I'm playing well enough to care) Titleist NXT, Warbirds, AD333, Nike power/distance(?). Considering the new Taylor Made balls when I run out....which could take a long time!

 

[Boabski]

anything goes when practising for me but in a medal match it's usually the Pro v

 

[brendy]

I firmly believe that distance balls are a false economy for higher handicappers, would you expect a footballer to play well with stilettos on?
Premium balls are called that for a reason, they are head and shoulders above the run of the mill distance balls. I have tried playing rounds of golf with harder balls and to be honest my greenside and putting control diminished dramatically. I couldnt judge roll out, pace nor how they would react off a sand wedge, would they spin a little, would they turn over and overspin past the flag etc.
Learning the game properly with the likes of pro v1's or hx tours means you get the best out of your putter, wedges pitches and chips. You spend more time round and on the greens so why not give yourself every chance of getting the ball closer to the cup? Also, if and when higher handicaps do manage to get down to single figures, do they then change to softer balls and risk losing whatever amount of touch around the greens they had amassed getting to a 9 HC etc?

 

[Glenfish]

Thanks guys, seems all the big names advertised really do offer quality balls,
OK please forgive my ignorance here but how about the 'second chance' balls, as they are half price would someone at my level notice the defects????

 

[brendy]

Thanks guys, seems all the big names advertised really do offer quality balls,
OK please forgive my ignorance here but how about the 'second chance' balls, as they are half price would someone at my level notice the defects????

I use slightly used grade A titleist prov1's during the winter, they are half the price of the new item and are easier to take if you lose one plugged in the rough.

 

[MVP]

Titleist DT, Carry or DT roll

 

[Basher]

Thanks guys, seems all the big names advertised really do offer quality balls,
OK please forgive my ignorance here but how about the 'second chance' balls, as they are half price would someone at my level notice the defects????

I really don't think so.
I've tried Titleist Pro V1's and various other well known expensive balls. To be honest I've seen no improvement.
I generally play social rounds with Top Flites. Cheap balls but fit my game at the present time.

Playing off 25 I'll play with any ball!!!

 

[RGuk]

Also, if and when higher handicaps do manage to get down to single figures, do they then change to softer balls and risk losing whatever amount of touch around the greens they had amassed getting to a 9 HC etc?

You've lost me......surely if a player switches to a soft quality ball because they don't feel distance is an issue any more, then the "new" feel should simply help them around the greens even more???

 

[brendy]

Rguk, having played with all sorts of balls, I use a mixed bag on the practice range, Ive found the softer balls go just as far and just as straight as the pinnacles and top flites of this world. I find they do not go any further noticeably than my normal choice balls.

Im not being elitist or patronising, playing with the best equipment you can get your hands on can only help, its like any sport or job out there, if you use run of the mill gear you get a run of the mill result.

 

[RGuk]

I've tried Titleist Pro V1's and various other well known expensive balls. To be honest I've seen no improvement.

No surprise, if anything those of us that struggle to hit it really straight (everyone over 0-9?) are going to be less accurate with a high spin ball. BUT mid h'cap ers play with these balls becuase they are much nicer to putt with.

 

[brendy]

I've tried Titleist Pro V1's and various other well known expensive balls. To be honest I've seen no improvement.

No surprise, if anything those of us that struggle to hit it really straight (everyone over 0-9?) are going to be less accurate with a high spin ball. BUT mid h'cap ers play with these balls becuase they are much nicer to putt with.

I tend to draw everything matey, so a little spin is evident in my game and it doesnt harm it. My game gets hurt when Im off my swing.

 

[RGuk]

Rguk, having played with all sorts of balls, I use a mixed bag on the practice range, Ive found the softer balls go just as far and just as straight as the pinnacles and top flites of this world.

Your trying to convince someone that tried Balata Balls once upon a time . A higher spin ball is going to be less accurate...surely?...as for distance, I totally agree with you.

b.t.w. I shot back-to-back 75s with bay hill distance titanium (£9.99 for 15 in 1996).....not exactly run of the mill for a then 10 h'cap???

 

[RGuk]

I tend to draw everything matey, so a little spin is evident in my game and it doesnt harm it. My game gets hurt when Im off my swing.

Now we get the truth of it.......if you are pretty decent (which you are) and hit a consistent shot (which you do) then spin-away......go for it.....I just don't think you or I should be necessarily advising mid-high players that it's safe to play with a higher spin ball. I'm not deliberatley arguing with you (I respect your opinion, you know that) but there'd be nothing worse than stepping onto the tee with a high spin ball and ending up 5 yards further off target and in the trees!!!