Ball Choice / Compression Question

[erock9174]

I currently have a swing speed in the low 80's (driver) (220-230 yds) and high 70's with my irons (usually hit a 7i about 150-155).  I currently play the e6's and they do seem to fly straight for me.  When I hit them good I get about 230 out of them off the tee.

I know I have more of a "sweeper style" swing.  I tried the Tour Styker the other day at Golf Galaxy and couldn't hit it a lick, so I know I do not strike down at the ball.

A few questions:

1) Am I playing the right ball (e6)?

2) Am I even compressing it with my swing speed?

3) Will a ball like the Noodle Easy Distance (since its designed with players in mind with swings of 85mph or less) benefit me?

4) Is this an easier ball to compress over the e6?

5) I often see articles that claim that everybody could see improvements using a tour level ball.  But if I am not compressing it, will it even matter?

Thanks for any help.

[Double Bogey]

I have been doings some research on this topic as well.  My swing speed is much slower since I have returned from a three year layoff.  I was using Callaway HX Tours when I left.  I still have some Tour i as well.  I don't think I am compressing these balls anymore.  I was thinking of looking for a lower compression ball.  Maybe the Diablo or Hot.  The e6 should work out fine but I am sure that some of the more experienced folks will chime in.  At least I hope so.

[Double Bogey]

Wow... nothing

[Golf'nBiker]

Just an observation...I play in a "SR's League" on Thursdays, and many of these old fatrs walk the course, and several spend much time fishing balls out of the water or hunting the tree line enroute to the greens.  They play ANYTHING they can find, and maintain regularly.  It's just my opinion, but at the level 'we' play, cost dosent mean better ball striking..Tiger NIKE, Phil/Ernie CALLAWAY, Freddie BRIDGESTONE..etc..etc..etc.  Preference or endorsements?

[saevel25]

I can't remember much about matching up golf balls.. For me, i tend to try to limit my spin rate, because i got a fast swing. Right now i am playing the Taylormade TP LPD Black, they were two for 50 at golf galaxy. Its a three piece ball, with a Uerathane cover, so its got some good feel to it.

Why not go to bridgestone website, think they got a ball customize feature there, give you a good idea. Most websites have some information to help you get a general idea of which golf ball fits you.

[LXIX]

I'm not an expert (as you can clearly see by my handicap), but I read far too much about golf because I'm more than a bit of a geek about my hobbies. As far as selecting a good ball for you, it's mainly a matter of personal choice. However, I'll paraphrase the ball selection article from Golf Digest's 2010 golf ball Hot List just for you:

1. Go by the golf balls you're interested in trying. Noodle+ Easy Distance can easily be found for $15 or less for a box of 12, a minor investment to potentially improve your game. If your budget allows, try a few different balls that could potentially benefit you.

2. Try the ball around the green. On shots you hit well (not mis-hits) does the ball behave the way you want it to behave? Don't worry about what the pros look for, does the ball behave the way you are comfortable playing? Does it back up, hop and stop, stop dead, or roll out? Do you like the way the ball feels off the putter? Can you get a good feel for it after practicing?

3. Try the ball(s) off the tee. Are any of the balls you liked around the green significantly (10+ yards) longer than the ball you currently use?

If you can find a ball you can work around the greens and either gain some distance or not significantly lose distance, then you probably have a keeper, at least for the time being.

Personally, I've played with the Noodle+ Easy Distance and I find it to be a fantastic ball. Soft off the putter, decent spin around the greens and neither longer or shorter than most balls I've hit off the tee. If nothing else, for the price, it's hard to beat. If the Noodles perform just as well for you as the Bridgestones, why not switch and save $10+ per dozen?

Now, if only all golf balls came in Srixon optic yellow...

[TAPNPAR]

If your referring to sweeping with your driver, that's not a problem. I swing more around my torso with my driver and 3wood as well.  But I do hit down on my irons....A great ball, maybe the best ball for the buck is the Topflight Gamer V2.  spins on the greens and is long off the tee with a soft feel.  The tour stryke is great for learning how to hit down or trap iron shots, but don't get caught in the trap with your woods-sweeping is good, especially if your under 6ft tall.  taller players can even hit down or swing more vertical with their woods when others (shorter) swing more around themselves.  Look at some video of different pros.

[allin]

I believe a large majority of the balls produced these days are low compression balls.  With the multi layer construction only the innermost layers are firmer.  The soft covers increase spin rates on short shots to a greater extent then drivers.  The deformation of the ball helps keep the spin rate down on longer clubs.  Certainly the least expensive balls have firmer covers which keeps them from spinning much on shorter shots as well as increasing roll.  Some players who sweep actually don't spin the two piece surlyn balls enough and lose distance as a result. Two piece balls may help limit slicing as well. Maybe I am cynical but I suspect the distance differences between balls are less than advertising would have you believe.  Certainly since there are distance rules in place enforced by USGA and R&A.;