Importance of Ball During a Fitting

[Thatginger96]

As the title states, I believe firmly that whenever you go and test new gear that you should be doing so with your normal gaming ball. For the longest of time I would just use the normal balls that my local Golfsmith had for use, but after examining my spin numbers and distances I was left wondering where all my distance had gone. I left the store confused and angry. Next time I came back I brought a sleeve of my gaming balls (Pro V1x at the time) and went to one of their smaller fitting bays where I would not have to worry about losing my balls. I saw an immediate change in my numbers for the better. Ever since then I always bring my own balls and use one of their fitting bays. They are nice enough to let me use their bays without any fuss so I usually do good by them and get most of my gear there even if the cost is a bit more and I refer my friends to them. Has anyone else had this sort of experience?

[BigtazzGolf]

I do. If I'm demoing something or testing clubs I'll use my regular ball. Usually I'll buy a sleeve just before going to the hitting bay.

 

Tazz

 

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[Mr_Theoo]

In each of the fittings where I've changed gear I've always used a ball that was either my gamer or very close to it. In the one fitting I didn't it was range balls and I wasn't pleased with the data or fitting at all.

 

For me using a gamer ball is more important than seeing ball flight but I'm more of a numbers and data kinda guy.

[Golfspy_CG2]

Yep. I agree. My last fitting a bit over a year ago, the fitter told me to be sure and bring some new balls of the ones I play. He had an indoor hitting bay, so it was not a probelm takimg a dozen in for us to use during the fitting.

 

Due to spin being s result of the ball, shaft, head and swing I think it's important to have as much the same as you'd normally play.

[PMookie]

Good idea. I couldn't have done this on the range the other day when I was getting fit for a driver shaft while using a Trackman. I'm sure the range balls affected numbers.

 

 

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[GolfSpyC]

I think if you're taking the time to get fit, you want the situation to be as close to "on course" as possible.

[PlaidJacket]

I guess I'm lucky. Each time I've done fitting or demo'd some clubs somewhere they always had various "tour" caliper balls to use. Good enough for me. I don't know anyone that would use range balls.

[null]

Here's an article from golf digest a few years ago where they tested 7 irons and drivers hitting range balls vs prov1s.

http://www.golfdigest.com/story/gd-tested-range-balls

 

The article focuses on distance, but the distance variance is likely explained by a combination of ball speed, spin and launch angles

[Kenny B]

Here's an article from golf digest a few years ago where they tested 7 irons and drivers hitting range balls vs prov1s.

http://www.golfdigest.com/story/gd-tested-range-balls

 

The article focuses on distance, but the distance variance is likely explained by a combination of ball speed, spin and launch angles

Yes, the PV1 is much more consistent; that is to be expected, but I am shocked that the longest range balls are reasonably close to the PV1.  Typically, range balls are limited flight... about 80% of standard ball.

[MmmmmmBuddy]

I'll chime in here.  We fit on an outdoor range with range balls. There is absolutely a ball speed difference between our Rangers and a premium ball from any manufacturers line. The strange thing is that the launch angle and spin rates are essentially the same.  We used the Bridgestone Science Eye Launch Monitor to measure these results the last time we were lucky enough to host the Bridgestone Ball Fitting team. The measurable difference between our range balls and a B330s was about 6 mph of ball speed, but the launch angle and spin rates were within the margin of error for the swings we tested with...... We find that the results that we get on our outdoor range translate VERY well to premium golf balls. 

 

I personally have fit several of my co-workers (good players) with range balls, and these guys all pound the crap out of it on the course and have no issues with launch and spin changes... 

[Fireinthehole]

If I am looking at putters, I bring my own and putt all day. The balls they use at the club and local golfsmith are callaway super soft or chrome soft so the feel is going to be night and day, different from the Srixon I am using

 

 

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[PlaidJacket]

I would have argued differently. But now I'm going with MmmmBuddy.

However, what type of range balls are you talking about? I've seen some wide variations in them through the years at different places. At my home course for instance I hate the range balls. They're some kind of yellow Srixon brand. Hard as rocks.

[MmmmmmBuddy]

I would have argued differently. But now I'm going with MmmmBuddy.

However, what type of range balls are you talking about? I've seen some wide variations in them through the years at different places. At my home course for instance I hate the range balls. They're some kind of yellow Srixon brand. Hard as rocks.

 

There are obviously differences from range to range, and even from ball to ball when you are talking about balls that cost less than $4 a dozen.  The vintage of a range ball will even affect the performance.  I would recommend using the newest range balls possible when getting fit.. We have a few cases of brand new Wilson Staff Premium Range balls stashed away for exactly that purpose.  

[jbil8802]

There are obviously differences from range to range, and even from ball to ball when you are talking about balls that cost less than $4 a dozen. The vintage of a range ball will even affect the performance. I would recommend using the newest range balls possible when getting fit.. We have a few cases of brand new Wilson Staff Premium Range balls stashed away for exactly that purpose.

My buddy just bought those for his range this year. I actually really like them.

[Thatginger96]

I would have argued differently. But now I'm going with MmmmBuddy.

However, what type of range balls are you talking about? I've seen some wide variations in them through the years at different places. At my home course for instance I hate the range balls. They're some kind of yellow Srixon brand. Hard as rocks.

I am referring to the rock hard golf balls that you can find at Golfsmith or PGA superstore hitting bays. I know some courses use a similar type of golf ball. My course is nice enough to use NXT Tour S balls for their range so I am not worried about performance there, I am more so worried about indoor fittings and demo days.

[MmmmmmBuddy]

I am referring to the rock hard golf balls that you can find at Golfsmith or PGA superstore hitting bays. I know some courses use a similar type of golf ball. My course is nice enough to use NXT Tour S balls for their range so I am not worried about performance there, I am more so worried about indoor fittings and demo days.

 

If you are fitting indoors, into a net, there is no reason not to use your ball of choice..