"Balls: It's All About Choice"
Manufacturers have flooded the market with an amazing number of balls, all designed to be fine tuned to individual swing characteristics and ball striking ability. The major players, such as Titleist, Callaway, Nike, Bridgestone and TaylorMade, feature an almost exhaustive array of balls that promise better playability and forgiveness…for the high handicapper to the most accomplished golfer.
If there is one constant in golf balls it is change. To wit, the constant tweaking of designs in order to squeeze out every last ounce of performance from the little sphere. Just take a quick glance at the shelves in your local pro shop and you will quickly discover how competitive a marketplace it is. There’s Cleveland/Srixon’s interesting launch of its yellow (or yellow/green depending upon whom you talk to) Srixon Z-Star, Titleist’s consistently hot selling Pro V1 line, Callaway’s wonderful new Solaire and HX Bite balls, Bridgestone’s innovative B330 and “e” lines, and TaylorMade’s ground-breaking five-piece) that’s right, five piece!) Penta. There seems no limit to the choices consumers have when it comes to laying down a few bucks (or more) for a sleeve or a dozen balls.
It is vitally important that golfers take a little time to determine what ball is best for them. Some golf balls are designed to match the launch elements of the club being used, especially the driver. The right ball for your swing speed can add distance and accuracy to your repertoire. If it short-game scoring you’re after, then you’ll want a multi-piece ball that can impart maximum spin and shot shaping to your clubfaces. If you are a mid-handicapper desperate for a bit more distance off the tee and from the fairway, try a new dual-core or three-piece design that produces hot ball flight, while offering more control than the sometimes rock-hard two-piece balls of a decade ago.
Don’t allow golf balls to be an impulse purchase, something you do last minute at the counter before heading out for your round. Do a little homework and find the ball that fits your game. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
Balls |
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$42 |
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$42 |
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$39 TECH TALK: Through second generation Dual Core technology, Callaway engineers claim to have designed a 4-piece Tour ball that delivers even faster ball speeds. The four-piece Tour I (z) has a soft urethane cover that uses a proprietary blend of materials to allow the ball to play softer, last longer and generate Tour-level greenside spin. A high-resiliency Dual Core construction increases ball speed for a wider range of swing speeds, and a Sub-HEX design features six deep hexagon depressions for a penetrating, Tour-type trajectory. The i(z) emphasizes distance with more greenside spin than previous models. |
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$35 |
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$40 TECH TALK: The new Z-STAR is a high-performance multilayer ball with low compression and extremely soft feel, designed for the player looking for a tour proven ball with great feel and distance control. an ultra-thin urethane cover combines with a new dimple configuration maximizes performance. The core is designed to improve spin and launch conditions for every club in the bag. The Z-Star X is a firmer ball for faster swing speeds (105-plus mph). A coating on the cover is intended to increase friction on short-game shots. New to this line are “tour yellow” versions to improve visibility. |
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$46 |
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$46 |
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$38 |
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$27 |
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$25 |
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$30 |
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$25 |
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$25/30 The NXT Tour is designed for the average to highly skilled golfer seeking the combination of soft feel, high performance control and longer distance. An advanced, multilayer construction, with a new Tour-proven, high coverage dimple design and staggered wave parting line provides longer, more consistent distance. |
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$25phite)
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$20e) TECH TALK: Delivering explosively longer, straighter performance for a wide range of swing speeds, Nike Crush is a 2-piece ball that combines a lower compression core and optimized cover design to reduce unwanted side-spin and maximized ball velocity for straighter, longer distance. A Micro-Composite coating is designed to lower spin for driver shots that would normally slice or hook the ball. The 312-dimple design optimizes lift for longer carry and consistent ball flight. |
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$18e) TECH TALK: Designed and engineered for golfers seeking straight ball flight, soft feel and long distance, the Pinnacle Dimension’s new 3D (distance, durability and dispersion) A Soft, thin 3D Ionomer cover formulation provides cut-proof durability. New, large, soft core technology contributes to softer feel, a high initial velocity for longer distance, and exceptional greenside control. A high coverage 332 Icosahedral dimple design provides consistent ball flight and minimizes dispersion. A Pinnacle alignment sidestamp promotes better putting accuracy. |
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$18 TECH TALK: The Pinnacle Gold has been advanced to produce improved accuracy, as well as the superb distance the brand has come to be known for. A soft responsive Ionomer cover and high speed, soft compression core creates more pop off the driver, but also delivers better feel on and around the greens. The Pinnacle Gold is available in 2 models, the Distance and Precision. With its cut proof guarantee, color choice of white or yellow, and a 15 ball pack for the price of a dozen, the Pinnacle Gold has long been the “gold standard” for the value conscious golfer. |
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$16) TECH TALK: The Noodle + Easy Distance ball is designed for players with swing speeds less than 85 miles an hour. Noodle’s two-piece construction includes the new Impact Propulsion Core, which stores energy with greater efficiency and releases it with greater energy. That equals higher ball speed and softer feel. Part of the reason the core is so soft is due to the Iothane cover, which feels and sounds soft, yet its construction gives it first-rate durability and shear-resistance. This low-compression ball is made for golfers who want increased ball speed and soft feel around the greens. |
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$22e) TECH TALK: The new Burner ball is engineered to deliver all of the performance qualities that the Burner name is known for: fast speed, distance and feel. Inside is the V-Core, a large sphere that promotes ultra-fast ball velocity, even though the ball itself measures a super-soft 60 on the compression meter. Outside is an Iothane cover that’s feels soft at impact yet it’s also incredibly durable and shear-resistant. For those that don’t hit like a Tour player but still want the benefits, the TaylorMade Burner is here to save the day. This two-piece ball with its low compression will help nearly anyone get more distance. |
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$22e) TECH TALK: A 392 Icosahedral dimple design with staggered wave parting line helps create consistent ball flight, and a soft and responsive Ionomer cover provides exceptional feel and control for better shot making ability. A soft compression, solid core is designed for greater feel and longer distance, and the A.I.M. (Alignment Integrated Marking) side stamp helps creates better putting. With it’s pedigree coming from the Titleist DT family, this latest iteration is sure to be a solid performer for golfers with slower swing speeds. |
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$20e) TECH TALK: The low compression, two-piece ball delivers low spin off the driver face for greater carry and a soft ionomer cover provides maximum feel for performance on and around the greens. A supersoft core utilizes advancements in rubber chemistry to maintain high initial velocity and provides high lift conditions off the tee and on longer shots into the green. The lower spin will be a real benefit to gofers fighting either hooks or slices. This ball is designed to work with the Wilson Staff Di9 and D-FY irons. |
Player’s Choice Awards |
Best Ball over $35 Best Ball $25-$35 Best Ball under $25 |
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