High 'cap ball suggestions

**LaPuzza** · February 12, 2009

I know ball choice has as much to do with personal preference as anything, but I'm hoping for some advice to narrow my search.

About me - I'm a hook monster out of the tee box. I'm not very good inside 100 yards. I'm ok with long/mid irons, and I'm a decent putter.

Last season I started using the Nike Ignite ball exclusively. I found that I liked the feel when putting just fine, but I really loved the lower spin off the tee. I changed a lot of things in my game last year, but I credit the ball for much of what's going right in my game. The price was pretty reasonable, too.

Bad news is, it looks like the Ignite ball is going off the market. Before I go buy every ball I can find, I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for simlilar balls. I know I'll need to practice to find what I like on the greens, but the low spin/straight drive issue is my real question.

Any suggestions? Thanks everyone.

**Jay-Bird** · February 12, 2009

Nike PD Soft.

**DavidFehertysBike** · February 12, 2009

Not trying to be offensive, but at your handicap it really doesnt matter what ball you use. Most likley, you dont compress the ball well enough to see an advantage over one ball vs another, etc.. As long as the ball isnt badly damaged, use whatever you find on the course, or in the discount bin at the pro-shop. And you'll save tons of $$$ that way, too. Then as you improve to around 15 handicap begin to think about a good ball for you.

**klaymon** · February 12, 2009

If you like the Ignite, the Nike One Vapor is the Ignite replacement. Maybe check that out.

**scottevans77** · February 12, 2009

Nike PD Soft.

+1

My ball of choice.

**cocky_watchman** · February 12, 2009

Feherty is right in a way. However, if you stick to one ball at least you should have an idea of distances for your averag shot. Go for a Topflite or Srixon Distance-Ive used Srixon Distance over winter. They feel ok to putt with and go miles off the tee. £9 for 12. They will be fine for you. Its not as big a deal as people make out until you get to under 18 handicap in my humble opinion. You could even go Titlesist NXT/NXT tour lake ball-as long as you dont pay more than £1 per ball. Just not worth it at your handicap-unless you have a few quid.

**LaPuzza** · February 12, 2009

Feherty is right in a way. However, if you stick to one ball at least you should have an idea of distances for your averag shot. Go for a Topflite or Srixon Distance-Ive used Srixon Distance over winter. They feel ok to putt with and go miles off the tee. £9 for 12. They will be fine for you. Its not as big a deal as people make out until you get to under 18 handicap in my humble opinion. You could even go Titlesist NXT/NXT tour lake ball-as long as you dont pay more than £1 per ball. Just not worth it at your handicap-unless you have a few quid.

No offense taken, I don't use the full limits of the equipment, that's for sure. The only 2 features I care about are low spin (to keep it straight) and similar feel on the green (although I could get used to anything, I guess).

Thanks for all the advice. Reading here has been a huge help to me.

**kfowler** · February 12, 2009

I disagree about the ball not mattering. If he's hooking the ball then he certainly wants to stay away from high spin ball. That'll only exacerbate the problem.

Try the Bridgestone e6+.

**PiKapp23** · February 12, 2009

I disagree about the ball not mattering. If he's hooking the ball then he certainly wants to stay away from high spin ball. That'll only exacerbate the problem.

Agreed. For every level playing the correct ball is important. For a high handicapper or new golfer I think playing a low compression ball with a firmer cover is a good idea as these sort of ball will be easier to get airborn and will spin less (and thus slicing and hooking less). The Bridgestone e6 is a good choice, but Top Flite, Nike, Titleist, Pinnacle, Slazenger, etc. all make balls that are low compression, low spin and are reasonably priced.

**cocky_watchman** · February 12, 2009

True, but the ball's effect is negligible compared with the swing, grip, stance-the hook is just caused by the closed club face not the ball's cover. In fact a snap hook is a snap hook, is a snap hook. But I agree don't use a high spinning ball. But it's not going to be a case of changing to a low spinning ball and getting a lovely controlled draw all of a sudden instead of a hook. The main thing to consider is probably a snap hook=lost ball-Id rather that be a topflite than pro v1!

**cocky_watchman** · February 12, 2009

basically just find a cheap ball, 2 piece, that feels nice, isn't recommended for low handicappers (i.e. it wont spin much) and you get good distance from. Then stick to it and dont worry about it too much. All the balls are a damn site better than 10 years ago, yet the average hacker hasn't improved that much, which says a lot.

As i said before Id give Srixon Distance a go-Long, Cheap, feels fairly soft and doesnt spin too much.

**svchiefs19** · February 12, 2009

4 words: Top Flite D2 Feel. these are the absolute best balls out there for the money. you can get 15 balls for $15. good like beating that. you get great distance, great forgiveness, and it feels good to putt with. id definately give them a shot.

**ryohazuki222** · February 13, 2009

4 words: Top Flite D2 Feel. these are the absolute best balls out there for the money. you can get 15 balls for $15. good like beating that. you get great distance, great forgiveness, and it feels good to putt with. id definately give them a shot.

If Taylormade Burner TP balls cost the exact same as the D2 Feel, which would you go with?

Also, how does the d2 feel compare to the d2 distance?

**flopdarock** · February 13, 2009

golf galaxy does ball fittings... you could try that...

nike mojo's are nice an cheap
bridgestone e5+ or e6+
titleist dt carry or nxt tour
just to name a few

**LaPuzza** · February 13, 2009

golf galaxy does ball fittings... you could try that...

I had not heard that. I'll have to try them out. Anyone have any experience with their service?

**GaijinGolfer** · February 13, 2009

Id suggest the Bridgestone E6+, Precept Distance iQ 180 and the Top Flite D2 Straight. All of those balls are designed to reduce sidespin, which should help to reduce your hook.

**localhawaii** · February 13, 2009

As a fellow high handicapper I take a different perspective. I can spend 15 bucks on brand new box of warbirds or something like that or I can buy some used pro-v1's on ebay or craigslist for less than a buck each. I get the warm and fuzzy feeling of playing a good ball and dont feel bad if it ends up in the drink. I actually feel better because its not a brand new ball! I wont say I get the full benefits of playing a "better ball" because I probably cant take advantage of the technology but I still get the satisfaction of practicing with a ball that I hope will one day help me improve my game.

**flopdarock** · February 13, 2009

I had not heard that. I'll have to try them out. Anyone have any experience with their service?

basically they get you on a launch monitor with their pro... have you hit a few brands you choose... the pro offers you some suggestions... hit a few more... see which one is best suited for your game... and go from there

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