How to choose a ball?

[elivate]

I have been reading some ball reviews and I was just wondering how should I approach ball choice? Basically, I will just use whatever ball I can get my hands on, but I have found a few different types of balls that I like to play with, and I know some that I really don't like to play with, but I am just going on trial and error. I was reading the review of the Maxfli Black Max and swing speed was mentioned as a necessary component for maximum distance, what else comes into play?

The reason I am asking is that I plan on getting fitted for clubs soon, so once I have all the numbers (swing speed, etc...) can I determine a particular ball, or a few different types of balls, that might match up better to my swing, thus providing some extra playability/control/distance, etc...?

Right now I am using Maxfli A3 solid (I can't seem to find them anymore, but I really like them) and I also used the Maxfli Max Distance, which are not as good...

I have never spent a lot of money on balls because I simply lose too many, I did splurge and buy some Stratas once and they were great, but they did not last long...

Anyway, just wondering what to look for in trying to find the right fit between swing and the type of ball I use...

Thanks!

[ragontona]

  elivate said:

I have been reading some ball reviews and I was just wondering how should I approach ball choice? Basically, I will just use whatever ball I can get my hands on, but I have found a few different types of balls that I like to play with, and I know some that I really don't like to play with, but I am just going on trial and error. I was reading the review of the Maxfli Black Max and swing speed was mentioned as a necessary component for maximum distance, what else comes into play?

As a 30 handicap, I don't think there'd be much benefit for you to go with the premium tour-level balls. I understand your frustration though... there are so many different balls on the market, it's hard to decide.

I can make some recommendations on some good all-around values though. You'd probably be best served with a lower compression ball, so I'd take a look at the Maxfli Noodles or Titleist so/lo's. I personally think the Srixon AD-333 is a solid all-around performer, and can be had for less than $20 a dozen. The Callaway HX Hot and Titleist NXT series are solid buys too, though they're more in the $25 range. Until you get to the point of a reliable, consistent swing, I'd go with one of the balls I recommended above. They're still more ball than the average player could ever need, they're easy on the wallet, and they'll behave a lot better than your bargain basement Top Flite XLs and others.

[elivate]

Thanks, I agree that the ball choice is not a huge issue for me at the moment, but I do want to try and do everything possible to make my game better. I certainly want to find an affordable ball that will give good performance, and I also want to try to use the same ball consistantly, to try and really get some feel/distances down.

As for the 30 handicap, that is just a number I put in there, I have never really gotten a handicap, and if I actually add up my last 10 rounds and use that I would be more like a 25 or so, not that it really matters, but I guess I need to save as many strkes as I possibly can.

[allin]

Someone had a thread about a consumer reports golf ball test a while back that picked the Nike power soft / long and soft, not sure, as best ball for high handicappers.

[ragontona]

  elivate said:

Thanks, I agree that the ball choice is not a huge issue for me at the moment, but I do want to try and do everything possible to make my game better. I certainly want to find an affordable ball that will give good performance, and I also want to try to use the same ball consistantly, to try and really get some feel/distances down.

What you may find with premium balls is that they have a way of actually amplifying any swing flaws you may have, which would be counterproductive to your desire to get better. With their soft urethane covers, you may end up producing more sidespin than you want, which'll in turn produce slices and hooks. Not sure of your swingspeed either, but if you're unable to properly compress the ball, you won't be getting the most out of your ball... you'll essentially be paying an extra 20 bucks for a name on a ball. The lower compression balls (like the NXTs, Noodles, so/lo's, AD333, Power Softs, etc) allow the average (and actually, even above average) golfer to properly compress the ball at impact, resulting in greater ball velocity and more distance...

The lower compression balls have come a long way, technologically, as well. They've got softer covers, advanced three-piece technology, etc. I use the ProV1 and BlackMax, personally. But when price is a consideration, I'm hitting things like the Bridgestone e5's, Titleist NXTs, and Srixon AD333. There is a drop off in performance, sure, but not to the point that it's actually preventing me from scoring well...

[Lefty2380]

The DT So/Lo is a great buy, its one of my favorites for practice...they are true to their flight and have some of thre best feel money can buy. as for the best ball for you, i would probably suggest Callaway HX Red or Blue...they are $19.99 at my pro shop and they are EXCELLENT all-round balls...the HX Hot are great balls too but they cut really easily...maybe not for you but to me the ball will last a few holes at most...