Pinnacle Gold vs. Srixon QStar vs. Titleist DTS Solo

Want a ball that feels good, goes deep and won't break the bank - Wilson Staff DUO - $19.95. Actually bites pretty good around the green, too. I'd play it all day, but they don't make 'em in yellow, which is a must for my old eyes.

Noodle+ ain't bad, either (no yellow). Q Star - too hard, skids. NXT - too expensive. Pinnacle Gold - no grab.

Heard good things about the Gamer V2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjwestner 

I do like the DTS Solo but cannot see spending $40 or more for a dozen golf balls.

Not sure where you are buying your DTS Solo's, but they are $19.99 at Golfsmith (cheaper then the Q Stars which go for $24.99).

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjwestner 

Do you know if they make the DTS Solo in Yellow?

 

They do.

http://www.titleist.com/golf-balls/DT-Solo.aspx

Just to add a slightly more expensive ball to your list for the future, I was playing the Bridgestone E6 which is very similar to the Q-Star and also comes in yellow.  While I loved the ball off the tee, whenever I'd hit an approach or a pitch that actually landed in good position on the green it would fly off in the rough.  I was talking to the Golftec coach I'm working with and he suggested I try the Callaway Hex Chrome rather than the Q-Star because the Q-Star has the same issues as the E6 around the green.  The Hex Chrome is definitely more expensive, I think I paid $35/dozen but it does come in yellow and It's definitely longer off the tea and sits down way better on the green than the E6.  It also has a nice soft feel off the putter face. 

Not trying to have you spend more $ but just wanted to chime in because I just went through this same type of decision.

Titleist DT SoLo*

don't mean to be "that guy" by offering a 4th option, but the Gamer V2s are the best ball under $20 on the market.  Hands down! (imo)

Plus one on the Top Flite Gamer V2s.(+1).

I like the Pinnacle Gold off the Tee but that's where it ends.

I like playing the Noodle.  Good all around ball.  Feels good off the club face and does a good job around the green.  Plus I get usually get everyone saying "The Noodle!" when I tee off.
 

Agreed on the Top Flite Gamer V2.  It's a three piece ball with better-than-average distance and really good spin with a soft feel on the green.  Can't ask for more from a ball under $20 than that.

My home course is sponsored by Srixon/Cleveland, so Q-Stars are everywhere, the range balls are Q-Stars, I like them good feel and inexpensive at the store too.

If I can add my own recommendation, not to be the one who comes in throwing an off-topic brand or "titleist" choir boy... but the new 2012 Titleist DT SOLO is an extremely nice ball in my opinion. I typically play the NXT Tour/NXT Tour S, but the DT SOLO has become very soft. I honestly believe it is the most well designed 2 piece ball and feels very nice off of the putter as well. Retails around $19.99/dozen or $19.99-$24.99 if you purchase them at a reasonable course.

I agree with the DT SoLo, it's an excellent ball. I've played the SoLo most of the summer and it's a great ball off the tee and not bad at all around the greens. I like the Tour S a little better as I get a little better (maybe mental) because I think I do better with it on short approach shots and with the putter but if I had no choice but to play a SoLo for the rest of my life, I wouldn't gripe much at all. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by slodsm 

I agree with the DT SoLo, it's an excellent ball. I've played the SoLo most of the summer and it's a great ball off the tee and not bad at all around the greens. I like the Tour S a little better as I get a little better (maybe mental) because I think I do better with it on short approach shots and with the putter but if I had no choice but to play a SoLo for the rest of my life, I wouldn't gripe much at all. 

I absolutely agree with you. The past DT SoLo was not a bad ball at all, but I could easily tell the difference between the DT SoLo and my NXT Tour. Now, the new 2012 DT SOLO offers a softer core and you can definitely feel this off of your irons. Still not as easy to check on the greens as the NXT Tour and definitely not as nice off of the putter, but it is my go-to ball when I play a new course, or a course with many risk/reward decisions and hazards. (i.e.: It's my secondary ball when I'm having a bad day or am at risk of losing a ball). From now (mid-August) through early November, I will play nothing but the DT SOLO. The NXT Tour and NXT Tour S I reserve for May through mid-August.