How to pick the right ball?

[DBake]

How does someone pick the right ball for them?

What questions should someone ask them self before picking a list of balls to try?

How would someone know that is the right ball for them?

[Doctorfro]

From the looks of your handicap, choosing a ball should be relatively simple. I think that balancing distance and feel is the key. The last factor being price. I like playing Titleist NXT Tour. Good distance (probably not the longest ball), good feel (not the softest but definitely softer than most) and at $25 to $30 is not the most expensive. Since I tend to lose one (or more) per round, spending four dollars a ball can add up (PRO VI). I know it's not a cheap sport to play but you can still watch your pennies on this expense. Truly the best way to pick a ball is to try 'em out.

[srjorion]

I usually grab a sleeve of balls I want to try and give them a chance during a round or two. Also, if I find a great deal on a dozen I'll buy them to try too. Not scientific, but I've been able to learn a little about different balls for my game doing this. I used to think different balls didn't have an effect on my game, but I have learned that they do and sometimes they have a very pronounced effect.

I've found the NXTs are good for my game and they are my normal ball of choice. Of course, I'm now looking for a replacement since they are going away. Luckily I had $70 in gift certificates to Edwin Watts so I bought an extra dozen as well as some Extremes and Tours to see how they will do.

I've tried a sleeve of HX Hots and liked the distance but the short game performance didn't fit my game. I also tried a sleeve of TP Reds and absolutely did not like them. My wife, such a sweetheart, bought me a dozen Nike One Platinum’s and I found they didn't fit my game well either. I'm still with the NXTs but every now and then try a sleeve of other types to see if I find something I like better.

[BDE]

At this time of year, before the competitions come up, I usually buy about 50 different balls, and I try to try them all out on the course, then I choose which I like the best, and use it. That's my way of doing it.

Usually it ends up being NXT's, Pro V1's or HX Tour's.

[TourSpoon]

I just picked up the Bridgestone e5+ after reading some info about it in a golf mag and on this forum. At 24.99 it is reasonably priced and came highly recommended for a single digit who wants the best of both worlds (distance, spin). I will give it a shot. I have tried the Pro V-1 (great ball, expensive, I hit it a tad too high, more spin than I needed) and I am looking for a more affordable solution. The e5+ is a two piece ball with a urethane cover so we will see how it goes. I want to find something this season with more control than my standby Maxfli and stick with it.

[xd3vilx]

I somehow managed to try the srixon a333, feel wise isn't bad, putting quite consistent. Got 4 par in a row all through long putt so decided to go with this ball for now.

[Doctorfro]

I somehow managed to try the srixon a333, feel wise isn't bad, putting quite consistent. Got 4 par in a row all through long putt so decided to go with this ball for now.

Actually found some Srixons (the a333 and the trispeed) and played great with them. That's not a bad option.

[AnalogAG]

Played two times already with the e5 from Bridgestone and I am stoked!

Probably like them the best out of several Callaway, Titleist, Nike and D2 Feel from TopFlite!

[mn723]

I usually grab a sleeve of balls I want to try and give them a chance during a round or two. Also, if I find a great deal on a dozen I'll buy them to try too. Not scientific, but I've been able to learn a little about different balls for my game doing this. I used to think different balls didn't have an effect on my game, but I have learned that they do and sometimes they have a very pronounced effect.

Is Titleist discontinuing the NXT balls?????

[allin]

Is Titleist discontinuing the NXT balls?????

No, just a little tweaking here and there, especially the NXT tour.

[Wisco-Kid]

Trial and Error.

I have tried a ton of different golf balls. Some too hard, too soft, etc. I never was looking for distance so I steered clear of the distance balls. I was looking for something that would stick on the green with my swing and my wedges.

The first time I ever noticed a difference in my ball was when I played a Bridgestone. I remember watching the ball check up for me on the green, on an ordinary chip shot. I was never able to get that to happen with any other ball. The more I played it I liked everything about it. Now that is what I try to play. I still will try other balls too but stick with Bridgestones.

I want to try the Callaway HX BITE. I just saw them at Target and was going to buy them but I can't go out and hit them in the snow anyways...

[rangerat]

You can be fitted for a ball much like being fitted for clubs. I know that Golf Galaxy does this type of fitting. I have not been fitted as such but it seems like a good idea.

[cpht]

I've actually considered the ball fitting. Can anyone shed more light on the process? It just seems that the fitter would recommend whatever they were having trouble moving. I know, I'm just a pessimist.

[Shindig]

I've actually considered the ball fitting. Can anyone shed more light on the process? It just seems that the fitter would recommend whatever they were having trouble moving. I know, I'm just a pessimist.

Do you have a pro from whom you take lessons and can (hopefully) trust? Have him (or her) help with this.

Alternately, when different companies demo their equipment, they sometimes offer ball fitting - to their ball. Bridgestone, for instance, will fit you and tell you the statistics for the ball you play and the ball of theirs best fit to you. Repeat for a few more companies and see which of that you like.

[golf_junkie27]

I've actually considered the ball fitting. Can anyone shed more light on the process? It just seems that the fitter would recommend whatever they were having trouble moving. I know, I'm just a pessimist.

The fitter I went to asked me to bring the balls that I normally play with: Hogan Hawk, Titleist DT Solo and Precept Laddie Extreme. The balls produced small amounts of spin and were perfect for my swing speed. I then asked him if I could try hitting the Nike Platinum, One and Calloway HX Tour. Could not compress those enough, had lots of sidespin and lost distance. So I don't play with them.

[srjorion]

Is Titleist discontinuing the NXT balls?????

The NXTs are being replaced by the NXT Extremes. I haven't played the Extremes to see how comparable they are to the straight up NXTs but I have a dozen of the Extremes and Tours I'm going to try out soon.

So, going away might have been a poor choice of words on my part.

[rangerat]

When you are fit for a ball they put you on a launch monitor and look at all the specs. They look at launch angle, spin rate, etc. and try to find a ball that gets you as close as possible to the ideal results for your existing swing. If you do get fit make sure it is at a place with a launch monitor and not just the local pro watching you and making a suggestion.

[dave39]

I currently have 2 dozen Pro V1x's on the way because I have always liked them. But I also have a dozen Srixon ZUR here and a dozen Nike One Platinum and a dozen Bridgestone e5's. I hope that after trying out all these balls I will fall in love with one in particular that I can stick with.
Oh... and I have 2 new Bridgestone B330-S balls. Probably should have just bought a dozen tho eh.