Balls

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Interestingly, I was just idly around in ChatGPT last night and asked it which golf balls are most similar to the ProV1 but cost a lot less. The number one answer it came back with was the Seed SD-01. Was very interesting and I'd be giving that a go if I didn't already have three boxes of Triads for this year, ha. I'll be keeping the Seed in mind for next year though I think.

Of course, your SD-02 is meant to be closer to the ProV1x. They also have an SD-X1, no idea what that's supposed to be

comparison page is quite funny to me. Apparently all of them go 317 yards, so that'll be nice. Under 'trajectory' we've got flat, higher, penetrating, and 'tour'. Am I supposed to know what 'tour' means in relation to the others?? Launch angle, again, we've got low in a few columns and 'tour' for the SD-01. Is that higher or lower than low?? The most useless ball comparison page I've ever seen.

Yeah I’d take their comparison page for descriptions with a pinch of salt. But all the reviews I’ve seen suggest the ball direct comparisons are pretty close.

SD1-X I believe is a lot lower spinning so won’t launch as high and is better in windy conditions. But I am enjoying the 4 piece ball and going to give it another twirl this weekend

 

[Kennysarmy]

After having a bit of a tidy out I have decided I had better start using the sleeves of brand new balls I have - or put them on Ebay.

I have balls I probably won 20+ years ago still gathering dust!

WHAT?

You want me to actually consider using brand new balls that look perfectly nice sat in their neat little rows at the back of my locker? Outrageous. I'll keep playing "finders" for a while longer

 

[Crazyface]

My new club lose a better quality of ball. Found 11 yesterday. All Callaways and srixons. Oooo and one Wilson which I like before someone disses them

 

[Voyager EMH]

Found my first Triad today in great condition. Gave it a go for last 4 holes.
Verdict - good.
Hope I find some more.

 

[nickjdavis]

Found my first Triad today in great condition. Gave it a go for last 4 holes.
Verdict - good.
Hope I find some more.

I can sell you some.

 

[Voyager EMH]

I can sell you some.

...but I won't buy any.

 

[louise_a]

I have been thinking about balls recently, I have played with Prov1s for the last several years, however, I have had a change in circumstances and have to watch what I spend and I cant really justify the cost. I am currently using Srixon Qstar, mainly because the guy I play mixed golf with uses them so if we are playing foursome or greensome that's the ball we use.
I have lost quite a bit of distance over the last couple of years, most likely down to my age, so I am keen to look at balls that give me distance but I also want one that when I hit a green it is going not got to bounce much.

I have read an article posted on the first page of this thread but honestly most of it goes over my head, with all the talk of spin rates and high flights and which you prefer, I am at a loss.
Can anyone explain to me simply what I should be looking for in a ball. Thanks.

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

I have been thinking about balls recently, I have played with Prov1s for the last several years, however, I have had a change in circumstances and have to watch what I spend and I cant really justify the cost. I am currently using Srixon Qstar, mainly because the guy I play mixed golf with uses them so if we are playing foursome or greensome that's the ball we use.
I have lost quite a bit of distance over the last couple of years, most likely down to my age, so I am keen to look at balls that give me distance but I also want one that when I hit a green it is going not got to bounce much.

I have read an article posted on the first page of this thread but honestly most of it goes over my head, with all the talk of spin rates and high flights and which you prefer, I am at a loss.
Can anyone explain to me simply what I should be looking for in a ball. Thanks.

I think the first question you have to ask yourself is what’s the realistic budget and how often am I willing to spend that?

Then comes the question of what do you like in a ball?

Taking all science and data out of ultimately you probably want a ball that gives good distance off the tee and one that gives most control round the greens. Those are probably the 2 most base level
Criteria without being over technical.

I’m a massive fan of the PXG balls, great distance and superb stopping power for me. Also well priced but still towards the upper end. Recently though I’ve been playing the Seed SD-02, unreal results for the cost in the 2 areas you’re likely to look at however it’s a 4 piece ball so you need to be able to fully compress it for the benefits. What I will say as well they’re not scuffing up either so I’m really impressed with them and would consider a full time switch to them.

May well be worth looking at their SD-01 ball same 3 piece style as a Pro V1, urethane cover so designed to stop really well and hold the greens. Also claimed to be their most direct comparison to a ProV1. Plus at £30 a dozen on subscription (you can choose how often or cancel whenever you like) they come it at really good value.

Guy I play with uses Kirkland performance+ having switched from ProV1 due to budget requirements think he gets them £25 for 2 dozen, distance wise he says he lost about 5 yards but he hasn’t noticed any loss of control around the greens.

Ultimately comes down to what you want but there is stuff out there and bargains to be had.

 

[Oops!]

Additional thought :

Unfortunately, what I *want* to do isn't what I'm *capable* of !

That said, I'll stick with the Callaway Supersoft until further notice…!

 

[louise_a]

I think the first question you have to ask yourself is what’s the realistic budget and how often am I willing to spend that?

Then comes the question of what do you like in a ball?

Taking all science and data out of ultimately you probably want a ball that gives good distance off the tee and one that gives most control round the greens. Those are probably the 2 most base level
Criteria without being over technical.

I’m a massive fan of the PXG balls, great distance and superb stopping power for me. Also well priced but still towards the upper end. Recently though I’ve been playing the Seed SD-02, unreal results for the cost in the 2 areas you’re likely to look at however it’s a 4 piece ball so you need to be able to fully compress it for the benefits. What I will say as well they’re not scuffing up either so I’m really impressed with them and would consider a full time switch to them.

May well be worth looking at their SD-01 ball same 3 piece style as a Pro V1, urethane cover so designed to stop really well and hold the greens. Also claimed to be their most direct comparison to a ProV1. Plus at £30 a dozen on subscription (you can choose how often or cancel whenever you like) they come it at really good value.

Guy I play with uses Kirkland performance+ having switched from ProV1 due to budget requirements think he gets them £25 for 2 dozen, distance wise he says he lost about 5 yards but he hasn’t noticed any loss of control around the greens.

Ultimately comes down to what you want but there is stuff out there and bargains to be had.

Thanks for that, the other issue which I forgot to mention is I have a slow swing speed and don't really understand how that affects ball choice.

 

[Oops!]

Thanks for that, the other issue which I forgot to mention is I have a slow swing speed and don't really understand how that affects ball choice.

Welcome to the club !

Ask Google AI - the explanation there is quite good and easy to understand - even for me !

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Thanks for that, the other issue which I forgot to mention is I have a slow swing speed and don't really understand how that affects ball choice.

Slow swing would usually suggest moving away from a firmer compression ball such as a ProV1. So balls such as Seed SD-05, Callaway Supersoft or Titleist TruFeel. But then MyGolfSpy did a study where sometimes a firmer ball can work at slower speeds. It really is a minefield!

If it were me I’d go for something like the SD-05 it won’t break the bank to try it and the reviews look good.

 

[Imurg]

To be honest, the QSTour is as good as anything else out there in the non-premium sector.
It's a ball I use in the winter
Soft, long enough, good spin from the urethane cover....and about 25 quid a box.
The only thing I'd say against it, and this goes for all Srixon balls, is the durability...I find a "seam" appears after a while
Apparently it's not the seam but it does look like it and detracts from your confidence a bit
Others in the same vein are Chromesoft and Tour Response..all 3 are as similar as you can get.
These balls tend to launch a bit higher - useful if you're losing a bit of speed- and don't spin as much as Tour balls - hence a bit more distance.
Not as much spin around the green but probably sufficient for most of us..

 

[irip]

I don’t think for me with a swing like an octopus falling out of a tree the actual ball matters that much.

I can understand using the same ball as you get consistency but think that’s all that matters.

I sound great saying Prov1x on the first tee not so great on the 3rd hole while we are all digging in the trees for the 5th time that day looking for it again

 

[Klimski]

I don’t think for me with a swing like an octopus falling out of a tree the actual ball matters that much.

I can understand using the same ball as you get consistency but think that’s all that matters.

I sound great saying Prov1x on the first tee not so great on the 3rd hole while we are all digging in the trees for the 5th time that day looking for it again

Even an octopus has to putt right: so just pick a ball that feels good and performs well for you with the putter.

 

[Oops!]

Tried out the Seed SD-02 balls today that Mrs M got me. A Budget 4 piece Urethane ball so meant to compete with the bigger boys. First impressions are superb, felt so hot off the driver face with a really strong flight and carry. Felt really good off the irons as well with a nice “click” and some serious green side spin.

Will give them another go in the week at a different course but really enjoyed playing with it today and nobody else had them so was easy to identify my ball. Mrs M may have bagged a winner here by just doing something as a treat £30 a dozen is well priced.

Based on your recommendation, I wanted to try the SD-05 and had almost placed the order.
Thank goodness I double-checked everything as usual - and it’s a good thing I did: €24.99 for shipping to Germany !?!
For that price, I could (almost) buy a second box of 12 balls of my usual brand (Callaway Supersoft) !
Sorry, but it’s not worth it to me !
I wrote to Seed about this. They’re very sorry, but apparently they aren’t planning any changes at the moment (or in the foreseeable future), nor do they plan to sell through Amazon Germany or a local distributor.
Too bad !

 

[Klimski]

Based on your recommendation, I wanted to try the SD-05 and had almost placed the order.
Thank goodness I double-checked everything as usual - and it’s a good thing I did: €24.99 for shipping to Germany !?!
For that price, I could (almost) buy a second box of 12 balls of my usual brand (Callaway Supersoft) !
Sorry, but it’s not worth it to me !
I wrote to Seed about this. They’re very sorry, but apparently they aren’t planning any changes at the moment (or in the foreseeable future), nor do they plan to sell through Amazon Germany or a local distributor.
Too bad !

If you're in Germany, go with VICE golf. They are a German brand. Alternately, it looks like All4golf.de has some good offers at the minute. Urethane cover balls: Mizuno Pro, Wilson Triad, Wilson Staff model, Callaway ERC soft, PXG Extreme. Titleist Tour Speed - all on sale, around Eur 35

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Based on your recommendation, I wanted to try the SD-05 and had almost placed the order.
Thank goodness I double-checked everything as usual - and it’s a good thing I did: €24.99 for shipping to Germany !?!
For that price, I could (almost) buy a second box of 12 balls of my usual brand (Callaway Supersoft) !
Sorry, but it’s not worth it to me !
I wrote to Seed about this. They’re very sorry, but apparently they aren’t planning any changes at the moment (or in the foreseeable future), nor do they plan to sell through Amazon Germany or a local distributor.
Too bad !

That’s the issue with anything I guess with ordering online UK delivery was about £4. However, You’re paying a premium for trans European shipping, no different if I order something from Germany or several other EU countries. I was looking at ordering something online from Spain at it was £20 shipping.

As the above poster says VICE is probably better bet for you as they’re German based so something like the Vice Pro Air may work well.

 

[Orikoru]

That’s the issue with anything I guess with ordering online UK delivery was about £4. However, You’re paying a premium for trans European shipping, no different if I order something from Germany or several other EU countries. I was looking at ordering something online from Spain at it was £20 shipping.

As the above poster says VICE is probably better bet for you as they’re German based so something like the Vice Pro Air may work well.

Good ball but they're not cheap and I think this person loses a lot of balls from what I've read. 'Vice Drive' is their cheaper offering.

 

[Slab]

I’ll te’ll ya what ball I bought since this thread started & surprised me (in a good way) Mizuno RB Max 3 piece 19.99 , very pleased with them and at that price actually cheaper than chips (fact checked )