Can a golf ball really make this much of a difference?

[Bullitt5339]

For a few months, I was using Bridgestone B330-RX's and really liked them (didn't know how much at the time though).  They were all beat up, and I have been wanting to try the Srixon Q-Star, so I picked up a sleeve at the Pro Shop.

Went out to the course and was really fighting a slice.  I typically had a fade, but this was a big slice.  I brushed it off as a bad day on the course and kept going.  Lost of all them due to the slice a couple rounds later and picked up a sleeve of the cheap Bridgestone xXFixXx balls.  Same thing going on, slice city off the tee.

Just bought a sleeve of B330-RX's and a sleeve of E-6's this week and went back out to play.  My slice was back into a manageable fade again with the B330-RX.  I dinged one up hitting a cart path, so I reached in for another ball, happened to grab one of the xXFixXx's and tee'd off with it.  Big old slice was back and I was in the woods, out of bounds.  Grabbed another ball, one of the E-6's and hit a manageable fade.  So now it was time for an experiment, since this was a blown round already.

Every time I hit the xXFixXx off the tee, the slice would return.  With the RX or E-6, it was a slight fade.  This kept up consistently.

Is there really that much of a difference between the balls, or did I allow it to get into my head?

[MiniBlueDragon]

E6 definitely definitely helps with a straighter flight; I just hate the feeling off the putter face myself.

Haven't hit the B330-RX's but they're on my hit list for the moment I find a sleeve to try. Currently using NXT Tours as a good mid-range ball but they feel hard as stone when I've been playing with a Penta TP or Z-Star. I lose too many balls to warrant a massively high spec ball.

[BigT]

I find there are some balls I can not hit. The DT-solo's for some reason fly straight for 180yrds off my driver then make a hard right in the woods, I put a wicked top spin on the green boxed top flights. Switch balls and it all goes away, dont ask me why.

[Danattherock]

Next time you are hitting it good (or bad) switch balls and see if it stays the same.

That takes the "good days and bad days" golf is known for out of the equation.

I played the Q star today. Decent ball, very straight, but lacks the spin around the greens I would prefer.

I am doubtful that the Bridgestone ball you used is that much straighter than the Q star.

-Dan

[GaijinGolfer]

There is no logical explanation why you would slice with the XFixX but wouldnt with the B330-RX or Q-Star.  Especially considering the XFixX is a lower spin ball than the RX.

[meenman]

Originally Posted by Bullitt5339

Is there really that much of a difference between the balls, or did I allow it to get into my head?

There is definitely a difference, I have never hit a Bridgestone that didnt go swimming immediately.

Whenever I find one on a course, I throw it in the water to save others from this nasty ball.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by meenman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt5339

Is there really that much of a difference between the balls, or did I allow it to get into my head?

There is definitely a difference, I have never hit a Bridgestone that didnt go swimming immediately.

Whenever I find one on a course, I throw it in the water to save others from this nasty ball.

LOL - sounds like me and Wilson Staff FG Tours. Give me a vintage WS ball and we're fast friends, but the pricier current versions will be OB or wet in short order once I put one in play!!

[Bullitt5339]

Like I said, it may just be me getting into my own head.

Since my back surgery, I've been fighting with the driver anyways.  It's either hit it fairly straight and then go take Percoset to deal with the pain, or go painless and hit sweeping slices.  Sometimes you just need an excuse or something to make you more confident I guess.  If it's a golf ball, that's a lot cheaper than buying a new driver to get some confidence back, I guess.

[GaijinGolfer]

Originally Posted by Bullitt5339

Like I said, it may just be me getting into my own head.

Since my back surgery, I've been fighting with the driver anyways.  It's either hit it fairly straight and then go take Percoset to deal with the pain, or go painless and hit sweeping slices.  Sometimes you just need an excuse or something to make you more confident I guess.  If it's a golf ball, that's a lot cheaper than buying a new driver to get some confidence back, I guess.

Hey man, if it works for you, go with it!

[GregZ]

There are certain balls that I simply cant hit straight either; the e6 is one of them.  Feels like a rock, but give me a TF D2 Feel and It goes straight and feels great off the puttter.   Another that works for me is the ci:25.  It just feels great to me.  I think the ball you choose is a personal feel and everyone should have thier own.  I used to love the noodle but hate it now.

[GaijinGolfer]

Originally Posted by GregZ

There are certain balls that I simply cant hit straight either; the e6 is one of them.  Feels like a rock, but give me a TF D2 Feel and It goes straight and feels great off the puttter.   Another that works for me is the ci:25.  It just feels great to me.  I think the ball you choose is a personal feel and everyone should have thier own.  I used to love the noodle but hate it now.

Its interesting that you cant hit the E6 straight considering that its designed to reduce sidespin.  I agree with you 100% on the Noodle though.  The PGA Partners Club sent me a sleeve of them a few years ago and I played a few holes with them before I gave them away.  To me, the Noodle is a horrible ball but people love 'em.  To each their own.

[camper6]

Check the difference in dimples.

That's what determines ball flight.

http://wings.avkids.com/Book/Sports/instructor/golf-01.html

[The Tin Man]

Noodles are designed for slower swing speeds.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by The Tin Man

Noodles are designed for slower swing speeds.

The vast majority of balls now are designed for slower swing speeds. Even the Titleist ProV1.

[caniac6]

I was playing ProV1, and I went to a Bridgestone ball fitting event. My swing speed was between 101&104. They fit me into the B330 RX. I can't remember the exact numbers, but the spin rate on my driver was way less than with the Titleist. I picked up distance with my driver and my irons. Within the last two years, I switched irons and woods, but switching balls had the biggest impact on my game. I must add that I was very skeptical of Bridgestone's claims. I thought balls of similar levels were equal. I had played Titleist a long time( I'm 57), but Bridgestone proved that ball fitting really works.