I think the confidence you have in the ball is every bit or more important than the actual characteristics it possesses. I really caution buying extremely cheap balls with the thought process that "they're ok to lose", because that's almost certainly what you'll do. If you're serious enough to have a handicap, I think that promoted you at least to a named ball you trust. ProV1's, not quite, but some of the others mentioned here like e6 or Q-stars are certainly appropriate, even if you can't tell the difference of spin or distance, or even softness around the green. I do recommend personally, if you happen to have a Costco membership, to check out the Callaway Hex Control. Excellent 3-piece that runs $29.99 for 2 dozen