Golf Balls

[MoonPig]

Hi all, was just wondering how much difference you think the type of golf ball makes to a high HC player like myself? I have read plenty of comments on here enthusing about the premium balls that are on the market. I can see the difference that these balls could make to a mid to low HC player interms of shaping their shots and adding spin but to a high HC player who wants to try and simply hit straight how much difference can they make? I have used a mixture of premium balls and very low budget balls (Donnay £5 jobs from Sports soccer) and noticed very little difference. Just wondered what others thought.

 

[RGDave]

a high HC player who wants to try and simply hit straight how much difference can they make? I have used a mixture of premium balls and very low budget balls (Donnay £5 jobs from Sports soccer) and noticed very little difference. Just wondered what others thought.

I rate some of the cheaper balls available. I've used Donnay ti and some Bay Hill ones, not to mention the 3 dozen top-flites I bought in two packs (of 18) for £10 each pack.
Nowt wrong with them and they are good decent distance balls. I also have 7/12 of some Dunlop 65s I bought too.

I putt a little better with soft/premium balls and enjoy chipping/pitching with a higher spin ball. I like to "move" the ball now and again (on purpose) and, yes, it's a bit more predictable with a spin ball, for sure.

A lot depends on the courses you play and the type of shots you hit. In the summer, it's crucial for me to play with a spin ball to "hold" greens with wedges and short irons. Spin balls do stop better and since moving further up-market this season (to Pro V 1s and Wilson Tx4 etc.) I have been more confident really going for flags.

 

[Sam]

The cheap 'pebbles' which some people call them have the real advantage of going further off the tee to allow the 2nd shot to be one iron shorter and, therefore, generally more accurate!

 

[haplesshacker]

As a high h'capper. I'd say it really depends on your pocket (£) and your strengths and weaknesses as a player.

If you're wild off the tee, slicing, hooking etc. I stay away from premium balls as they spin loads. Sideways as well. However you're pretty straight off the tee, but lack any sort of feel on the short game, then you could probably use a softer higher spin ball.

If price is an issue, try the Bridgestone E5+. At £20 a dozon they're a good compromise between cost and relatively high spin. If that's the road you want to go down.

Lower spin wise. Srixon AD333 is always a favourite, and more recently I've liked the Bridgestone E6+. Both at around £15 to £20 respectively.

Hope it helps.

Just don't fall into the trap of buying a higher spinning ball ie ZStars, Pro Vs etc just to 'feel the part'. I had become a bit of a ball tart and it cost me alot!

 

[MoonPig]

Its falling into the trap of being a ball tart (Love the term!) that i am weary of. My usual playing partners fall into this category and we always have a bit of banter regarding my budget choice of balls mainly Donnay Titanium. Whilst i can afford the more expensive premium balls i am resisting out of mainly principle and not wanting to follow the crowd. Its the same really with my clubs. My playing partners spend hundreds on individual clubs and gear whilst i tend to be more budget conscious through choice not need.

 

[brendy]

Srixon ad333 balls would be for you, I have a few in my bag thar I practice chipping and putting, they arnt just as spinny as pro v's and bs330s but very cheap at just over a quid a ball in dozen packs.

 

[MoonPig]

I must admit i have heard good things about the srixon range of balls. I quite liked the Nike range when i have played with them but interms of distance i have noticed no difference with the donnay balls. I do however have a slice on my drives and i wonder how much difference the "anti slice" balls (Wilson as an example) advertised actually make?

 

[brendy]

I do however have a slice on my drives and i wonder how much difference the "anti slice" balls (Wilson as an example) advertised actually make?

Better learning an anti slice swing than investing continually in gadgets matey.
A couple of lessons will cost you the same as a couple of dozen balls, in the long run it'll be worth it.

 

[haplesshacker]

I can't believe there's such a thing as 'anti slice' balls in reality. Just very low spinning rocks, with no feel at all.

After all, it's us that puts the spin on the balls. The more spin we create by how we hit the ball, the further it will go sideways. Premium balls just go further sideways, than low spinning balls.

If I believed all the sales 'spin' (no pun intended), I'd be hitting balls dead straight every time!

 

[MoonPig]

Ha ha i know your right, guess what i am getting at in this thread is the whole image/promo hype regarding golf balls. Don`t get me wrong as i have said earlier for the low HC players amongst us i am sure they make a difference but for hackers like me i simply beg to differ. Im sure i am a laughing stock amongst the players that play with regarding my choice of golf ball but until i find a ball that makes an obvious difference to my play i am staying put with my budget choice.

 

[haplesshacker]

I think the important thing is regardless of ball choice. Stick with one make and type of ball if you like it. That way you'll get better at the short game stuff especially, as you'll know how the ball will react.

 

[User 105]

I used to use the AD333's, really good ball for a high handicapper.

I swapped to V1x's about 6-8 weeks ago. I wanted to try some premium balls but waited until I could go a few rounds without loosing one.

When I hit my bad tee shot, big slice, the ball does definitely go way further off target. But that's not happening as often now, thank the golf gods.

I did notice a big difference in feel with the putter. I really like the way the V1x comes of the putter. Gives me real confidence, which I think is vital to putting.

I didn't notice the difference round the green too much until I'd had a short game lesson with my pro. I think if you are going to invest in some premium balls, and possibly stick with them, get a short game lesson to get the best from them.

 

[RGDave]

The cheap 'pebbles' which some people call them have the real advantage of going further off the tee to allow the 2nd shot to be one iron shorter and, therefore, generally more accurate!

Are you sure?

The longest balls (off a driver) I've played with have all been premium balls. 60p top flites and donnays etc. do not go as far as a Nike Vapour or Z-star, no way.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My vote would definitely go to the AD333 followed by the Titleist NXT. I think what you will find with these is that you'll get a tad more control over chips and wedge shots and maybe even off the putter than some of these more "robust" two piece balls. These would be my choice although I am a premium ball user personally. Either way they should help your game without breaking the bank

 

[drawboy]

I would agree with going for the srixon balls, try the srixon soft feel, they putt and chip well, have good distance and not a lot of side spin, they are also pretty cheap for a good ball.

 

[viscount17]

Srixon for me, just like the feel of them better. AD333 for preference, Soft Feel otherwise.

Nike Karma aren't bad (and currently 13.50/dozen in AG)
For a cheapie, Pinnacle Gold FX Soft (£10/18 in our proshop)
Callaways all feel hard to me, as do NXT

A soft ball feels much better off the putter, I think I have more control so more confident.

I have 15 unused Pro-V's sitting in a drawer waiting for my game to catch up. I find lots of these so get plenty of practice with them.

 

[Smiffy]

I would agree with going for the srixon balls, try the srixon soft feel, they putt and chip well, have good distance and not a lot of side spin, they are also pretty cheap for a good ball.

Another thumbs up for the Srixon "Soft Feel" here. I have used them for a while now and despite some people saying they are a bit short off the tee, I haven't really found that an issue to be honest. I am happy to try out other balls, I have just bought some Wilson DX2 softs based on recommendations from here, and will give them a try tomorrow. Have used Srixon Z-Stars and Bridgestone B330.S but will always revert back to a "Soft Feel" if my original decides it wants to leave the game half way through and don't seem to suffer as a consequence.
Another reasonably decent ball to try is the "Noodle". Bit of a weird name, but they come off the driver at a decent lick and feel nice around the greens for chipping and putting.

http://www.golfballs.gg/shop/product/Maxfli-Noodle.aspx

£10.95 a dozen and are well worth a punt.

 

[PayandPlay]

Agree, Agree, Agree - AD333 is safe & reliable option. High Handicappers (like me) do not want the added frustration of worrying about the financial cost of bad shots / lost balls - we have enough to worry about.
Got turned on the the Srixon when 'some magazine' offered them as subscription bribery - but was really impressed and am sticking with it.

 

[GB72]

For some reason I have never got on with the AD333. Now the Wilson Staff DX2, that is a great ball. Soft put with plenty of distance and no excessive spin.

 

[RGDave]

Noodles are quite good. I haven't bought any, but I've found loads (something tells me there is someone at mine who likes to lose a sleeve a game!).
I can't concur with the Srixon Soft feel thing at all.

These are quite good and well priced a.t.m.

http://www.americangolf.co.uk/golf-balls/golf-balls/nike-juice-312-golf-balls/

http://www.americangolf.co.uk/golf-balls/golf-balls/nike-power-distance-soft-golf-balls/

I'm not a big Nike fan but often pick up a dozen of the cheaper stuff for fun games and knockabouts. As much as it pains me to say, I've always liked their balls aimed at the regular player.