Range Balls and Ball Flight

[iceman777]

I had been going for years to a grass hitting range ,and noticed alot of inconsistency in ball flight , including some shanks .  They use the generic range balls , with the red stripe around the ball . The last few practices , I've been going to a different range , which uses better balls , probably recycled " B' grade brand balls . I notice my ball flight is much more consistent   there . Coincidence or can the practice ball have that much effect ?

[TJBam]

My drives pull-slice with range balls and I can only laugh it off because they pull-fade with new balls on course.  Other clubs seem consistent.  You'll of course notice DC (distance control) on range balls because they drop quicker.

[geauxforbroke]

Originally Posted by TJBam

My drives pull-slice with range balls and I can only laugh it off because they pull-fade with new balls on course.  Other clubs seem consistent.  You'll of course notice DC (distance control) on range balls because they drop quicker.

That's interesting. I've noticed that typically the reverse is true. Most range balls are low spin balls, and many of them have been used for so long, there isn't much left in the way of dimples. This usually equates to lower spin and less hook or slice. It also equates to less hang time as you mentioned, due to less back spin.

[460CompMark]

i try to stay away from the range

[geauxforbroke]

Originally Posted by 460CompMark

i try to stay away from the range

Solid strategy for improvement.

[TJBam]

Originally Posted by geauxforbroke

That's interesting. I've noticed that typically the reverse is true. Most range balls are low spin balls, and many of them have been used for so long, there isn't much left in the way of dimples. This usually equates to lower spin and less hook or slice. It also equates to less hang time as you mentioned, due to less back spin.

It's a mystery to me.  I would've thought the same thing.  Facts is facts though.

[Dave2512]

Range balls and range turf conditions are usually so bad I only use ranges I know have decent balls. Even then it's more to warm up if I don't have time to stretch before I get to the course. I do most of my practice at home hitting into a net with the balls I use to play. For me the range is more of a distraction than it's worth. Too many young guys repeatedly commenting about how "far" their anemic shots fly to get any serious work done. I spend more time at the chipping greens at my home course. When I finish there I'll take a longer club and take practice swings a few minutes before we tee off.

[dbuck]

I find the range adequate for general exercises, but I don't let specific distance or ball flight concern me other than severe hooks/slices etc. and the general starting direction of my shots. I am also looking for the way the ball feels coming off the club for contact. For those purposes and also considering the limitations of my skills, the range is adequate.

[rkim291968]

Originally Posted by Dave2512

Range balls and range turf conditions are usually so bad I only use ranges I know have decent balls.

Me, too.   One range I know use balls until balls lose all their dimples.   Luckily, my local range updates their balls regularly.   They also throw out any other balls (different brand range balls, used regular balls) that get mixed in.   The problem with this range is their distance marker.   All their markers are incorrect by 5 - 15 yards.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by geauxforbroke

That's interesting. I've noticed that typically the reverse is true. Most range balls are low spin balls, and many of them have been used for so long, there isn't much left in the way of dimples. This usually equates to lower spin and less hook or slice. It also equates to less hang time as you mentioned, due to less back spin.

Originally Posted by TJBam

It's a mystery to me.  I would've thought the same thing.  Facts is facts though.

I like it when facts and science have a little tug-o-war.  Always makes for a good battle.

[MS256]

Originally Posted by iceman777

I had been going for years to a grass hitting range ,and noticed alot of inconsistency in ball flight , including some shanks .  They use the generic range balls , with the red stripe around the ball . The last few practices , I've been going to a different range , which uses better balls , probably recycled " B' grade brand balls . I notice my ball flight is much more consistent   there . Coincidence or can the practice ball have that much effect ?

I doubt if a bad range ball is causing that.

[geauxforbroke]

[QUOTE name="iceman777" url="/t/69035/range-balls-and-ball-flight#post_878786"] I had been going for years to a grass hitting range ,and noticed alot of inconsistency in ball flight , [U] [COLOR=FF0000]including some shanks .[/COLOR] [/U]  They use the generic range balls , with the red stripe around the ball . The last few practices , I've been going to a different range , which uses better balls , probably recycled " B' grade brand balls . I notice my ball flight is much more consistent   there . Coincidence or can the practice ball have that much effect ?   [/QUOTE]

Yeah, I don't think that was caused by the range balls...

[14ledo81]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

I like it when facts and science have a little tug-o-war.  Always makes for a good battle.

LOL....

[RayG]

I'm lucky that my local range cycles new balls regularly, so you don't get those "chalk balls" or smoothies. Out of a normal large bucket of 110 balls, there might be 6 or 8 with a minor cut or dimple from a club, pipe or something. I'll dump in 20-25 at a time into the trough and try to separate them by quality. There's always non-range balls in the lot- from Titlelist's to Pinnacles (today, there were a bunch of Srixons- almost new). They get put to the side to be used once I'm all warmed up. The worst conditioned are used in the beginning to get things started. I NEVER use them for distance control, but for general ball striking and flight path, with the newer balls giving the best feedback for the various shots.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by geauxforbroke

Yeah, I don't think that was caused by the range balls...

C'mon dude.  He hit a shank on a range ball.  Thems just the facts.

[geauxforbroke]

[QUOTE name="geauxforbroke" url="/t/69035/range-balls-and-ball-flight#post_878939"] Yeah, I don't think that was caused by the range balls...[/QUOTE] C'mon dude.  He hit a shank on a range ball.  Thems just the facts.

Can't argue with that.

[Dave2512]

If I hit shank after shank on the range it's because I am distracted by a guy next to me flailing away at balls like he's trying to slay a TRex. All that grunting and heavy breathing is downright weird.

[Infamous 273]

Solid strategy for improvement.

I lold