Who makes the better ball? Bridgestone, Srixon, Taylormade

[iacas]

4 minutes ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

Was just wondering if I could get a better quality ball in the $20/dozen range from Srixon, Bridgestone, or Taylormade.

It would behoove you to say something like that in the OP instead of this vague comment:

17 hours ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

In general, not any specific ball.

For ~$27/dozen, you can get premium urethane balls that are top quality from the likes of @SnellGolf.

$20/dozen rules out a LOT of golf balls.

[MrGolfguy67]

Sorry im still not meeting your standards; I've never heard of Snell golf.

[woodzie264]

15 minutes ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

Sorry im still not meeting your standards; I've never heard of Snell golf.

Sounds like you're playing the victim card in response to a straightforward matter-of-fact comment. As we are all golf fans here, many of us here try to acquaint ourselves with new things as they arrive on the scene including Snell golf balls...which are awesome. There's a lot of information on this site about Snell if you're interested. Just go to the search bar and plug it in. I think you'll like what you see.

Edited February 17, 2018 by woodzie264

[onthehunt526]

15 hours ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

Thanks for the replies, i've been playing a Nike ball for the past 2-3 years that I like OK. Was just wondering if I could get a better quality ball in the $20/dozen range from Srixon, Bridgestone, or Taylormade.

The Soft Feel from Srixon is a very good performing 2-piece ball at that price point. I'm a 6.7 and I like it. It doesn't per se spin as well as some more expensive balls, but around the green it does the trick. 

Bridgestone has the older "Fix" model at this price point... Never tried it but I hear good things.

This is where Taylormade is meh... But the Aeroburnee Soft is ok for what you're looking for.  Hope this helps.

[woodzie264]

3 hours ago, onthehunt526 said:

Bridgestone has the older "Fix" model at this price point... Never tried it but I hear good things.

Yes, played this ball and like a lot...for that price range it's a good one (IMHO). I also liked their TreoSoft

Edited February 18, 2018 by woodzie264

[dave s]

Not going to get in the middle of a 'this ball is better than that ball' discussion.  I play different brands and models and the results don't vary from ball to ball.  Looking at my supply just to my right, I have Callaway Chrome Soft, Srixon Q Star Tour, Taylormade Tour Prefered, Bridgestone 330 and 3 dozen Pro V1.

When you hit 'em as badly as I do, it just doesn't matter.  OTOH, I don't LOSE many balls during a round.  Not an OB or drown them in the water kind of player ... I literally wear them out, retire them to the shag bag and play a new one.  I just loaded my bag for a FL trip coming up in 2 weeks.  Went with Chrome Soft and the Srixon Q-Star Tour.  Four sleeves total.  I'll probably bring 10 balls home.  Playing 4 rounds.

Here's a story about golf ball personal preference:  After my wife had been playing golf for only 3 seasons, she could feel the difference hitting a Pinnacle or a Top-Flite compared to a quality ball like a Pro V.  She has her preferences and only plays what feels good to her.

 

[MrGolfguy67]

Don't rag on P'Knuckles, i've played many a round with them. Classic golf ball  - 'Pinnacle' 

[dave s]

7 hours ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

Don't rag on P'Knuckles, i've played many a round with them. Classic golf ball  - 'Pinnacle' 

Yeah, they pretty much all have a soft-cover version anymore.  I know Top-Flite went to a 'soft-feel' cover on a ball I think they called 'the gamer.'  Pinnacle may have as well.  But I'll never know! 

 

[Hackpro]

Played $47 a Dozen Pro V1s and $19 a Dozen Callaway Super Softs and had great games with both.  Most balls today are built well.  The best balls are the "OP" brand...  "Other Peoples" or found balls.  A lot of Pro Vs end up in the ditch and the woods. 

[1badbadger]

Some may feel I am biased regarding this topic since I worked for Bridgestone for almost 10 years, but since I am no longer affiliated with them I don't have a dog in the fight.  But there are some differences in the way each manufacturer designs and produces their balls.  

One quick note that is fairly common knowledge at this point but some people still don't know is that Nike never manufactured their own golf balls.  They designed the various models, but the production was farmed out to other ball companies.  For the first handful of years Bridgestone made all the Nike models.  Eventually they started using several manufacturers to produce their line.

Of the three companies the OP asked about, I will say Srixon makes a good product.  Like Bridgestone, they are a rubber company so that is where their expertise lies.  Bridgestone is a golf ball company.  That is their main focus.  Yes they make great clubs as well (their forgings especially have an outstanding reputation) but as I'm sure many of you know very well their clubs are not easy to find in the U.S. and you don't see any advertising for them.  They are slowly growing that side of their business, but they are all about the ball.  When it comes to TaylorMade, to me their ball line seems like an after-thought.  They offer them because they pretty much have to, but they have always been a driver company.  I believe they currently offer 11 different driver models + 6 ladies versions!  Obviously they are strong in irons too, but the ball isn't their priority.

In terms of the ball plants themselves, many companies are using antiquated machines and/or manufacturing methods.  People email B-Stone every day to inquire about tours of the facility.  It's not offered.  There are several reasons, but the big one is they don't want competitors to get a look at their manufacturing technology.  Hell, I worked for the company for 4 years before I got a tour of the ball plant!  I believe some of their manufacturing patents may have expired, but things like injection molding the cover vs. compression molding, which is the traditional way the cover is applied makes a huge difference.  If you see the term "cast urethane" it's the same thing.  That's what creates the seam in the cover vs a seamless cover.  What's the difference?

Another difference is painting the ball.  Most companies spray paint the cover of the ball before applying the logo, sidestamp and play number.  This can cause paint to fill some of the dimples which affects the trajectory.

There is so much painstaking research done on dimple patterns, depth, size, shape and how it affects the flight, and they must be produced with the utmost accuracy.  Any change in depth due to overspray can cause inconsistency.  Plus the paint can wear off during the course of play.  Bridgestone doesn't paint their balls.  The color is mixed into the cover material before it's injected around the core, so not only are the dimples more consistent, the cover keeps it's color better.

They also developed Gradational Core Technology, which is a core with a soft inner region for lower driver spin and firmer outer region for increased ball speed. Proprietary technology that achieves in one solid core design what competitors attain in multiple layers or in a dual core construction.

All these little things add up to a more consistent product.  One thing that Bridgestone can't advertise or talk too much about is that the USGA uses Bridgestone golf balls when calibrating their test equipment because they are so consistent.  I can play any ball I want now, and I still play B-Stone.  If I couldn't, I would play Srixon.  They make a fine product as well.  This wasn't meant to sound like a promo for any particular company...just some observations from what I've learned over the years. 

[woodzie264]

Thanks @1badbadger, good information!

[Sandhills Golfer]

On 2/17/2018 at 12:05 AM, MrGolfguy67 said:

In general, not any specific ball.

For 20 bucks and under, Bridgestone Extra Soft, Gamersoft  or MG C4 ball.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Sandhills Golfe

[MrGolfguy67]

Thank you very much 1badbadger, that's exactly the type of info I was looking for.

[iacas]

1 hour ago, MrGolfguy67 said:

Thank you very much 1badbadger, that's exactly the type of info I was looking for.

Him talking about urethane balls (i.e. premium/tour level) and you asking about $20/dozen balls aren’t the same thing.

I gave @1badbadger rep for his post, too, but he missed your later $20 clarification.

[1badbadger]

On 2/17/2018 at 4:44 PM, MrGolfguy67 said:

Thanks for the replies, i've been playing a Nike ball for the past 2-3 years that I like OK. Was just wondering if I could get a better quality ball in the $20/dozen range from Srixon, Bridgestone, or Taylormade.

 

6 hours ago, iacas said:

Him talking about urethane balls (i.e. premium/tour level) and you asking about $20/dozen balls aren’t the same thing.

I gave @1badbadger rep for his post, too, but he missed your later $20 clarification.

Yep, you're right...I missed that post.  Sorry about that.  All the information still applies to the premium urethane balls and the less expensive Surlyn covered models.  I mentioned "cast-urethane" because it's one of those marketing terms that companies promote as a selling point, but it's really not.

On 2/18/2018 at 8:21 AM, onthehunt526 said:

Bridgestone has the older "Fix" model at this price point... Never tried it but I hear good things.

 

On 2/18/2018 at 11:34 AM, woodzie264 said:

Yes, played this ball and like a lot...for that price range it's a good one (IMHO). I also liked their TreoSoft

FYI...the xFixx is based off of the TreoSoft, so if you liked the TreoSoft I think you'll enjoy the xFixx.  The Bridgestone Extra Soft is very similar if you can't find the xFixx anymore.

[iacas]

8 minutes ago, 1badbadger said:

Yep, you're right...I missed that post.  Sorry about that.

Not your fault. That info belongs in the OP.

Your post was still informative.

[pulledabill]

I think if you are playing premium Titleist, Callaway, Srixon, Callaway, or even Bridgestone, its about small differences for that fit your game. I personally loved Srixon and found the playable longevity of them unbeatable in my opinion. I happened to find a Chrome Soft and fell in love with it so I switched even though I dont feel its as durable. Trade with your buddies and experiment. 

[Dufferpauly]

Best ball for the money is the K-Sig...period...does everything the 50 buck a dozen balls Titleist amd others sell to the sucker masses, yet the K-Sig performs just as well...