Launch Monitor and Brand of Ball

[edk]

I spent 1 hour on Dick's launch monitor testing drivers. I surprised myself with my numbers using new technology, but keep in mind I currently swing a 3 year old Walter Hagen driver. Here's my question: Does it matter which brand of ball you hit on the monitor?

I hit the Sasquatch, Cobra LD, TM Burner, TM Superquad, and Cally FT-5. Out of the five drivers, the Superquad was by far the best club for me. Hurry up Santa Claus!!!

[Fried Egg]

The type of ball matters. Your optimum trajectory is determined by launch angle and ball spin. Too much spin, the ball will climb to high and you will not get any roll. Too little spin, the ball won't carry as far you would like it. Remember, just because the club says it has 10 degrees of loft, that doesn't necessarily mean that the launch angle is 10 degrees. GL.

[JaY_B]

I didn't think launch monitors took in to account the characteristics of individual balls? may be wrong though.

[edk]

I didnt either. It all happens at impact.

[907golfer12]

I didn't think launch monitors took in to account the characteristics of individual balls? may be wrong though.

Actually it does, but indirectlly. Because some balls are made to spin, where others are made to reduce spin off the driver. So if you normally hit a low spin ball and then the balls on the simulator are higher spin then when you get the spin optimized for the peticular ball then it will be too low for a low spin ball, and reducing distance like Fried Egg said.

[mtrevors]

The ball has an effect, but you're not going to be PGA tour with one, and duffer with the other. For instance the Titleist Pro V1x and Taylormade TP Black offers less spin (less feel as well) than the Titleist Pro V1 and the Taylormade TP Red. What does that mean.... if you slice the ball it will be slightly less evident with a lower spinning ball. The Sandtrap did a great review of these 4 balls... It's a decent read... Normally, when I go to GolfGalaxy or Dick's to spend some time on the launch monitor the sales associate will ask what brand of balls I play. Those 2 retailers also offer ball fitting services as well.

Here's the link to the sandtrap review