TOP 10 golf balls on the US market

Although it may seem that golf balls are the least demanding type of golf equipment, the opposite is true. Golf balls have come a long way in their existence and a special area of development is dedicated to ensuring maximum quality, often with added value.

Today's modern types used by professionals can be equipped with various functional integrated electronics that both help in their retrieval and serve to generate game statistics and its subsequent analysis. Thus, it is not entirely easy to select a golf ball. It is necessary to take into account a number of parameters that define its playing characteristics.

History and breakdown of golf balls

Golf has been played for more than 6 centuries and all its equipment can thus reach high quality in the present day, especially in the field of professional sport.

Historic golf balls

Golf balls were primarily developed with regard to the materials used for their manufacture, and subsequently also the manufacturing technology oriented towards achieving the ideal shape. The first balls were made of wood of different hardness, cut into a round shape.

These were gradually replaced by composite balls, a filled leather material with top-coating. It was not until the late nineteenth century that balls underwent a revolution and began to be cast from polymeric materials.

The first of these was natural rubber, which was gradually replaced by more modern polymers and more complex construction, which made it possible to achieve the desired (and subsequently standardized) weight and optimal flight characteristics.

Nowadays, balls consisting of several inner filler layers with a special cured surface on which textures can be created by profiling and design prints are common.

Golf Ball Specifications

Today's modern golf balls are manufactured to ensure that their specifications meet the normative requirements. According to the rules of golf, the ball must have a maximum weight of 45.93 g and a minimum diameter of 42.67 mm, while the shape must be close to the ideal ball.

Such a ball can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h at impact. In terms of surface texture and profiling, the golf ball must refer to the original feather-filled leather balls. It has regularly spaced dimples on the surface which influence its flight characteristics.

Types of golf balls

Golf balls are classified according to two aspects – the material structure, which determines the purpose of the ball, and the quality resulting from wear. The material breakdown of ball types includes:

  • Single ply (onepiece) – balls made of one piece – of one-piece material. These are primarily intended for training, but their use is gradually being displaced by other types,
  • Two-layer (twopiece) – are composite balls whose structure consists of two materials, an inner spherical core made of very durable material (usually with titanium admixture) and an outer cover (a wrapping layer with coating),
  • Three-layer (threepiece) – i.e., three-layer composite balls have a smaller core encased in a polymer (flexible) layer, on which a cover with a coating is applied,
  • Four-piece – are composite balls with the smallest heavy core, on which are applied additional layers of different (mostly polymer) materials that give the ball different characteristics, especially in terms of in-flight behaviour,
  • Five-layer (fivepiece) – the core in this case envelops multiple layers of different materials that improve the aerodynamic properties of the ball. They are designed primarily for professional play.

Play balls and lake balls

Used balls are referred to as played balls. These are usually balls from tournaments or other golf events that have been recycled and are considerably cheaper than new balls.

When buying used golf balls, you can choose top of the line from leading manufacturers and brands. Used golf balls are usually in very good condition and their performance is on par with new balls. They are especially suitable for beginners and amateurs, while professionals use them mainly for training.

In addition to used balls, it is possible to buy quality brands of so-called lake balls. These are balls that have been collected on the course from various hard-to-reach obstacles. In addition to the water obstacles from which their name derives, the balls also come from bushes, tall grass, etc.

Classification of balls – quality classes

Playing balls are usually further classified in terms of quality according to the degree of wear. Balls are usually sold in sets of several pieces, and in packs, balls of two adjacent quality grades are usually mixed. In this way they are distinguished:

  • AAA – represent a class of golf balls of high quality, whose wear reaches a maximum of three holes,
  • AAA – is a quality class of balls that have slightly more wear than the previous level. These balls may have surface stains and markings,
  • AA – in addition to surface stains and markings, balls in this class may also have surface abrasions,
  • A – Balls in this quality class are visibly worn, have faded colour, abrasions or surface irregularities,
  • B – balls in this quality class are also visibly used with a high degree of surface deterioration, but contain no cracks and do not include balls that have been played on for a long time. They are intended primarily for training purposes,
  • C – is a quality class that includes balls that are significantly damaged. These balls are primarily intended for practicing different types of hitting techniques (especially for beginners).

The next quality class is the repaired balls, i.e. those in which the original surface finish of the cover layer has been restored by suitable means. These balls are referred to as refinish or refurbish and carry the designation PR.

You can buy mixes of golf balls in various combined quality classes. These define mainly the price of the pack and then directly the purpose of their use. Play balls or lake balls are usually used for training, but they can also be used in amateur tournaments (if you choose a high quality class). Mixes are usually sold in the following grades:

  • AAAA/AAA – they are designed for amateur play, the price is slightly higher than other classes and mixes of balls played,
  • AAA/AA – are considerably cheaper and very well suited for intensive training. Due to low wear, the aerodynamic properties of these balls are comparable to new or lightly worn,
  • AA/A – they are designed for training less experienced players who do not have a sufficiently established hitting technique.

Mixes can also be created from multiple grades and are used by advanced players for hitting practice and game play. The most common mixes available are AA-AAAA and A-AAA.

Golf ball types by design

Golf balls are also produced in various commercial modifications or for specific groups of players. They can differ mainly in colour, type of printing, special surface design (glowing golf balls are also spectacular), balls designed for female golfers or children, etc. A special group of balls are technologically advanced balls with built-in GPS and other functions.

How to choose the right golf balls

The choice of the type of golf balls depends mainly on the level and experience of the player and the purpose for which they will be used. For players with excellent skills and a lot of experience, and for professionals who are able to play a hole with one ball and avoid all barriers, new balls are suitable, and for training, played balls with minimum wear are suitable.

Beginners, intermediate and advanced players usually use balls played with different grades. The price per pack can range from very low (approximately 400 CZK for 12 balls), to very high, where one ball can be purchased for an average of 1000 CZK or more.

When buying new golf balls, there are a number of products available from various reputable manufacturers. The most well-known and largest golf ball manufacturers are the following companies:

  • Titleist
  • Callaway
  • Wilson
  • Srixon
  • Taylormade
  • Bridgestone

Golf ball parameters tracked

New (and played) balls differ primarily in flight characteristics, hardness, spin, etc. due to layering and material composition. The material composition determines the basic playability of the balls and the overall playing characteristics. These parameters make it possible to choose the right ball for everyone. The parameters monitored are therefore:

  • Required golf swing speed – balls are specially shaped to achieve optimum flight speed,
  • Spin – defines the ball's tendency to spin
  • Aerodynamics – is determined by the number of dimples on the surface, which are shaped differently, their presence affects the accuracy of the swing

Golf Ball Parameter Table

Property Usual Parameters
Consumption new/played/lake balls
Quality grade (for worn) AAAA-A, B, C, mixes
Required swing speed low/medium/high
Spin low/medium/high
Number of dimples 250-450
Core compression low (60) / high (90)
Hardness hard/soft

The most popular types of golf balls according to consumers

The top selling brands and types of golf balls were selected based on consumer reviews. In general, softer balls are preferred as the vast majority of consumers play golf recreationally and do not have sufficient swing speed to cover long distances at higher core and cover hardnesses. Here are their basic characteristics.

Callaway Warbird Plus 12 pcs – review

The Callaway Warbird Plus golf balls are standard two-ply balls with good flight speed due to high core compression and suitable surface aerodynamics for stability in the wind. The surface texture has a hexagonal shape to reduce friction and promote hitting accuracy. The package contains 12 balls at a very reasonable price

Reasons to buy Callaway Warbird Plus 12 golf balls

  • good flight characteristics
  • good stability in the wind
  • optimal swing accuracy
  • favourable price

Reasons not to buy Callaway Warbird Plus 12 golf balls

  • especially suitable for training
  • low durability

Titleist Pro V1 – review

The new generation of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls is designed primarily for professional golfers and players with extensive experience. Thanks to the specific aerodynamics, it is possible to achieve a longer swing distance with the same hitting power with these balls. The balls have a very soft core and cover and feature drop-and-stop technology and high accuracy.

Reasons to buy Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

  • good flight characteristics, long distance range
  • high accuracy
  • drop-and-stop design
  • sensitive soft

Reasons not to buy Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

  • low durability
  • high price

Srixon Ulti Soft – Review

Srixon Ulti Plus golf balls are designed for intermediate golfers with a medium swing speed. It is a soft double-layered ball with 324 dimples for a precise and aerodynamic flight over long distances. The ball is very soft with very low core compression.

Reasons to buy Srixon Ulti Soft golf balls

  • good flight characteristics, long distance range at low and medium swing speeds
  • high accuracy
  • sensitively soft
  • favourable price

Reasons not to buy Srixon Ulti SoftT golf balls

  • low durability

CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT – Review

Callaway Chrome Soft four-ply golf balls with soft core are characterized by accurate, straight and long flight. They are designed for golfers with a medium swing speed. Packages are usually sold in packs of three, price is based on grade. Number of dimples 332.

Reasons to buy Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls

  • good flight characteristics, long distance range at medium swing speed
  • high accuracy
  • sensitively soft
  • favourable price

Reasons not to buy Callaway Chrome soft golf balls

  • low durability

Callaway Supersoft 2019 – Review

Callaway Supersoft 2019 golf balls structurally double layered with special surface treatment with hexagonal dimples. The character of the ball feels very soft due to the low compression of the core and polymer cover, the surface design minimizes friction in flight. Therefore, the swing is also very accurate with minimal spin. The package usually contains 12 balls.

Reasons to buy Callaway Supersoft 2019 golf balls

  • good flight characteristics, long distance range
  • high accuracy and minimal friction due to special surface
  • sensitively soft
  • favourable price

Reasons not to buy Callaway Supersoft 2019 golf balls

  • especially suitable for practice
  • low durability

Srixon AD333 12 pcs – review

Srixon AD333 are a brand of higher performance golf balls. Due to the high core compression and number of dimples, these are very accurate balls with stable flight. Although it is a two-ply type of ball, its quality characteristics are quite good and suitable for more demanding players with better swing speed.

Reasons to buy Srixon AD333 golf balls

  • good flight characteristics
  • good range
  • optimal durability
  • favorable price

Reasons not to buy Srixon AD333 golf balls

  • harder in feel
  • not suitable for beginners

Callaway Chrome Soft X Truvis Golf – Review

Callaway's Truvis Golf Series 4-ply golf balls feature a unique cross-sectional design incorporating a 2-ply core with medium compression. The material composition allows for spin and flight path control. Speed, accuracy and flight length are supported by the hexagonal dimple technology, of which there are 332 on the surface,

Reasons to buy Callaway Chrome Soft X Truvis Golf Balls

  • very good flight characteristics
  • spin and trajectory control
  • optimal durability
  • very good aerodynamics

Reasons not to buy Callaway Chrome Soft X Truvis Golf Balls

  • not suitable for beginners
  • higher price

Callaway Balls Chrome Soft TRUVIS 18 – Review

Callaway's TRUVIS 18 series balls are designed especially for beginner golfers. Their main advantage is the dimply surface measure for low friction. It is a very soft ball with low core compression for longer ranges.

Reasons to buy Callaway Chrome Soft Truvis 18 golf balls

  • good results especially for beginners
  • very soft feel
  • favourable price

Reasons not to buy Callaway Chrome Soft Truvis 18 golf balls

  • low durability

Srixon Tour Special 15 pcs – review

Srixon Tour Special golf balls are designed for beginner and intermediate golfers. The design of the surface and the softness of the balls allows to achieve relatively good distances even at low swing speeds.

Reasons to buy Srixon Tour Special 15 golf balls

  • good results especially for beginners
  • very soft feel
  • favourable price

Reasons not to buy Srixon Tour Special 15 golf balls

  • low durability
  • low accuracy

Bridgestone Tour B XS – Review

Bridgestone Tour B XS golf balls have a multi-layered structure with a composite core and soft cover to allow for more accurate play on the hole. In addition, increased core compression and a suitable surface design promote long and accurate ranges. The surface features 330 dimples with a specific aerodynamic shape. The ball is designed for more advanced players.

Reasons to buy Srixon Tour Special 15 golf balls

  • accurate and long range
  • surface design for better aerodynamics
  • optimal hardness of laminated core

Reasons not to buy Srixon Tour Special 15 golf balls

  • higher price

Why we've included these pieces in the top 10

We searched many web forums, social groups and profiles of professional golfers and compared their tips and advice on choosing the right balls for playing in the Czech Republic.

And this is the result of our efforts, which will of course be regularly updated according to the news and proven balls on our market.

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