Golf balls come in three compression types—low, medium, and high. But what are the lowest compression golf balls, and how do they affect your game?
As the name suggests, compression refers to the pressure applied to a golf ball’s core threads—the tighter the winding, the higher the compression. Low compression golf balls are suitable for players searching for a launch advantage, i.e., speed and distance.
Most beginner golfers are confused about the variety and quality of golfing equipment, be it gloves, shoes, clubs, or golf balls. While many will spend several hours exploring and reading up on golf kits before purchasing them, they do very little research when it comes to golf balls.
Advertisements by golfing brands target beginners and senior players, promoting specifically designed clubs that will reduce slice, hook, and other disadvantages. These brands have also researched how to make golf balls more efficient and tailored their products accordingly.
However, golfers don’t always recognize how the quality of golf balls will affect their game. And since golf can be an expensive sport, buying cheap golf balls is a way to reduce expenses.
However, like a putter or driver, a golf ball’s design, composition, and other features can impact your game.
So, if you’ve been struggling with a few things, like your launch, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your golf balls’ make and quality to get that seamless advantage.
The Science of Compression
Compression can also be determined by your golf ball’s hardness or softness—the softer your golf ball, the lower its compression.
Compression is usually denoted by the numbers 80, 90, and 100.
Eighty or below is considered the lowest compression level required to achieve that spring-like effect for better distance. It is recommended for beginners, seniors, and women.
Ninety is average compression and is preferred by recreational golfers. Golf balls that fall in the hundred compression rate are more hardcore and tighter, requiring the high-speed swings of expert golfers.
During the swing, the golf ball gets compressed and flattened due to the force of power. Rule of the thumb, lower compression golf balls mean more distance covered.
With the different compression levels available, golfers can now select golf balls that will compliment their style and reduce the impact of their mistakes.
For instance, if you have a slow swing speed, a golf ball with lower compression can give you more distance, whereas if your swing speed is higher and stronger, it is best to use a higher compression golf ball.
This may not give you a longer distance, but it will offer you better control over where you can land your golf ball.
OUR TOP PICK
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
Wilson Staff Duo Soft
The Wilson Staff Duo is undoubtedly one of the go-to balls for all golf enthusiasts, especially those with extremely slow swing speeds.
With a low compression rating of 29, the Duo has a super soft feel. It gives the players the advantage to maximize the ball’s spring effect once they strike it with the clubhead.
You can’t compare its softness with other balls. This is the marshmallow among all golf accessories, making it an even more popular go-to ball during cold weather.
If you have not tried using the Duo before, you are missing out on what is considered “the world’s softest and longest premium two-piece golf ball.”
You can never mistake the Duo for a tour ball because it will hold its own and be good at it.
For most amateur golfers, this low compression golf ball makes a huge impression during the tee-shot because it provides a longer and straighter drive that will never balloon.
For golfers who typically slice the tee off the tee, the Duo can set your game pace beautifully. With its low launch feature, you can also expect to have an excellent roll in the greens.
Golfers can do iron shots nicely with the Duo Soft Balls because they follow a straight trajectory.
If you can manage to compress your irons hard, these won’t give you the longest ball, but for a slower swing speed, you can really make it pop and add several yards to your game.
Around the Fairlands, you will automatically appreciate how good it feels off the wedge with a reasonable spin.
It will not halt like the urethane covered balls, but at the same time, it won’t roll all the way down on the greens.
The Wilson Duo Soft functions very well, and with its matte cover, you can boast of having the coolest balls in the club.
They come in several color choices, too, so you can match your mood with your golf balls when you start playing. What’s best is that it is relatively budget-friendly.
Their only drawback is their lack of tour-level spin off the wedges.
Overall, it’s a very minimal drawback that can be easily compromised with the stability that only these balls can provide.
It is not considered the longest golf ball created by the brand for nothing—it’s true performance value, and unique feel set it apart from all other low compression golf balls.
EDITORS CHOICE
Titleist Pro V1x Golf Ball
The Titleist Pro V1x golf ball is pegged as the best on the market today.
The brand claims it is the #1 ball in golf as it can support your high swing speed, enabling you to hit the ball straighter and longer with more distance covered off the tee.
The Pro V1x technically doesn’t fall under full-fledged distance balls, but they can give it to you if you want better and longer distance.
Golf players with adequate swing speeds (about 95 mph and higher) can make the most out of these balls.
Designed to provide excellent short-game control while permitting enough driving lengths akin to distance-focused balls, the control that these balls can give you is impressive.
Regardless of whether you plan on doing a bunker shot, chip, or even a touch thin check, the Pro V1x will respond strikingly and enable you to achieve better results.
Thanks to its softer surface, golfers with high wing speeds, slower swing speeds, and those with high handicappers can benefit from its features.
Titleist acted on the feedback provided for the previous version of the Pro V1x by covering it in urethane elastomers.
This not only improved the golf ball’s appearance but also made them noticeably softer. And softer balls mean greater distance. It will also appear brighter and whiter despite its prolonged use.
The brand also understands the value of stopping power for the irons, so they have continuously improved the previous versions to develop this series to provide you with a longer spin.
With any solid shot, your golf ball will have more than enough spin to firmly stop on the green after its long hop.
You will be further impressed by the Pro V1 as it takes off at a higher trajectory and a lower spin rate. This makes it perform better, withstanding and penetrating even on windy days and steadier fairways.
One reason why shoppers and golfers would hesitate in buying the Titleist would be its price. There are cheaper options on the market today that offer almost all of the same benefits.
But golf balls are considered investments in the world of golf, and spending on an expensive set that is durable can be justified with your next win.
BEST VALUE
Callaway Super Soft
With a 38 compression rating, this is one of the best low compression balls from a well-trusted brand.
Thanks to its low compression, you are guaranteed enviable distance even if your swing speed is just below average.
As Callaway Supersoft Golf balls come integrated with the aerodynamics HEX dimple design, they offer golfers this unique advantage.
Most low compression balls on the market today lack a good feel, and the control they offer on the greenside is weak.
The Callaway Supersoft balls are different as aside from their soft, hard-wearing trionomer cover, they give you a better feel and more control on and around the greens.
Ideal for senior players, the Callaway Supersoft comes with various color choices.
Despite their unique features, most skilled players would have second thoughts about buying the Callaway Supersoft golf balls because it doesn’t give them much control, especially if they are using an iron or wedge.
RUNNER UP
Bridgestone e12 Soft
This brand is continuously establishing a name for itself through innovation.
Bryson Dechambeau and Tiger Woods both use this brand, and you will soon understand why.
The e12 Soft boasts a high-quality, low compression golf ball that is highly recommended for golf players with slower than average swing speeds.
It also has an active polymer acceleration mantle level that intensifies your golf ball’s preliminary velocity and helps you achieve ball speeds that are faster and cover greater distance.
With generous forgiveness and a better feel in the greens, this super-soft core reduces the spin rate, giving you enhanced accuracy. Additionally, it also carries Bridgestone’s standard drag reduction delta wing dimple design.
A major issue though would be the price as it is more expensive than its competitors.
RUNNER UP
Srixon Soft Feel
Being an established brand, you know that these low compression golf balls are worth your money.
The Soft Feel series is considered one of the straightest and longest 2-piece golf sets available on the market today.
It also boasts the brand’s exclusive Energetic Gradient Growth center and ionomer cover, which guarantees you excellent ball speeds and a softer feel upon impact.
It is perfect for seniors with average swing speeds who want to gain a few yards off the tee.
These golf balls can also enhance your aerodynamics thanks to their 338 dimple design, making them very efficient in windy weather.
Although tested and approved by golfers of varying skill levels and different environmental conditions, some players remain hesitant as they prefer to work their golf balls.
RUNNER UP
Snell MTB X
Right off the bat, the Snell MTB X balls are not low compression golf balls, but they have almost the same properties as low compression balls.
It MTB X features a smaller core that provides a lower driver spin and faster speeds in higher iron spins.
It is also built with a firmer and slightly thicker mantle for enhanced mid and short iron approach golf shots.
It also comes integrated with refined and better aerodynamics paired with a cover made of urethane to give you that softer feel for those slow swing speeds.
The only disadvantage of these golf balls is their low spin when it comes to long game shots.
Types of Low Compression Golf Balls
There are three different types of low compression balls: two-piece, three-piece, and urethane compression balls. Understanding the difference between these can help you decide which one can up your game further.
Golfers prefer the two-piece low compression golf ball because of the extra distance it brings to the game. Whether you are a beginner trying to cover added distance or a senior searching for an advantage, a two-piece low compression golf ball will do just that for you.
Not only are two-piece low compression golf balls more durable than their counterparts, but they are also more affordable.
If you prioritize feel over distance, then a three-piece low compression golf ball is right for you. Low handicap golf enthusiasts who take pleasure in the soft feel around and about the green would usually go for this type of compression golf ball.
The distance you cover will be reliant on the power that you put into your swing. Obviously, a three-piece low compression golf ball won’t give you the same distance at the starting tee as the two-piece, but you can have more control as you move around the green.
The three-piece is recommended for improving golfers who need more spin and are happy with their achieved distance.
The last type is the urethane low compression balls—the most expensive among the low compression balls available in the market today.
A major perk of a urethane low compression ball is that it provides a golfer more control during the game. It also adds more spin and distance to your shots.
However, a drawback for this type is the ball’s longevity, making it a very costly hobby in the long run.
Benefits of Low Compression Balls
Many golf players, especially beginners, invest in golf clubs as they believe clubs will offer them an advantage in-game.
Seldom look into the perks of using the right kind of compression balls. Considering both clubs and balls can make or break your golfing experience, why not give golf balls due attention when shopping?
Senior players favor low compression balls.
Regardless of your golfing skill level, keep a box of low compression balls in your golf bag as they do offer benefits.
Increased distance
You will notice that, regardless of brand, the added distance is always a highlighted perk in all low compression golf balls. Yardage is a real perk of a low compression golf ball. It is not a marketing gimmick!
Another selling point for low compression golf balls is the extra pop you get into the greens in lesser shots. Golf players who are just beginning and face challenges with long holes would truly benefit from low compression golf balls.
Even seniors who have slower swing speeds due to age and limited physical capability can benefit from the extra distance that low compression balls can provide and their ability to further compress the ball.
Increased spin rate
Under certain circumstances, you’d want your golf ball to spin. However, if you’re unable to attain the perfect spin, try a low compression golf ball. They guarantee a higher spin rate. Being able to have more spin on the ball can make you hit it higher.
A higher golf ball spin rate would also give you more control in terms of the ball coming to a stop once it lands on the green. It can be frustrating for many beginners to see their ball bounce, roll-off, and stop. With low compression golf balls, you can control the ball as it lands on the surface.
Softer Feel
Seasoned golfers can attest that your actual play around the greens is what pulls up the score. The majority of players prefer golf balls with a softer feel around the Fairlands.
The feeling of hitting a ball that is rock hard can be a deterrent. This is another reason why low compression golf balls stand out among other golf ball types.
More Forgiving
Most players don’t hit the ball’s center with every swing, and this can impact their gameplay. Low compression golf balls are forgiving.
They help minimize the amount of ball speed lost on these missed hits and provide better performance by letting you hit the ball higher.
With these advantages, you can be more confident in purchasing and trying low compression golf balls in your next golfing escapade.
Which Players Should Use these Balls?
Low compression golf balls can be used by anyone who plays golf. But certain players can make the most of the advantages offered by low compression golf balls.
Players who fall into the following categories should try using low compression golf balls to enhance their game experience and score.
Slow Swing Players
If you fall into this category, you should use low compression golf balls because they can increase your take-off power. As you build your ball’s momentum during the swing, the energy can help your ball cover the extra distance.
Senior Golfers
Older golf players would eventually have a slower swing than when they were younger. This is primarily due to the physical restrictions they experience with aging. Senior players can swing within their capacity and still increase their shots by a few yards with low compression golf balls.
Beginner Golfers
Beginners will face several difficulties as they learn the game and get comfortable with equipment and swings.
Low compression golf balls provide distance, control, spin, and forgiveness. These offerings will reduce frustration during a game and encourage beginners to persist by enhancing their game experience.
Related
Conclusion
Both professional and beginner golf players can up their game via the benefits offered by low compression golf balls, including consistent performance on windy or cold days. Thankfully, many reliable and trusted brands offer low compression golf balls. This means you won’t have to compromise on quality or variety.
Overall, investing in low compression golf balls is smart and practical because you can use them early on while still learning to play golf, and up until you become skilled, it can add more advantages to your gameplay.
- 5 Best Golf Clubs for the Money - November 25, 2022
- Signs You Need A Stiffer Shaft - November 22, 2022
- Can Golf Clubs Be Stored In Cold Weather? - July 20, 2022
