Why do you pay/play $4.00 for a golf ball?

[PlaidJacket]

I don't know about the rest of you hacks (including yours truly) but I'm done buying a golf ball that cost $4.00+ (excluding tax). I'm going to use the generic PV1 as the example of an expensive and over-priced ball. Sure, other Big mfg.'s make and sell one too.

 

My discussion is very unscientific but I'd guess that the average handicap of players buying-playing $4 golf balls is 18.. or more. My handicap is 6.5 and I won't get any better just by playing a $4 golf ball and neither will a guy with an 18... or a 12 or a 1. There was a time when there weren't that many choices if you wanted to play a premium ball. In my opinion premium balls long ago had a great feel when most other balls felt like a rock. Titleist has pretty much owned the premium ball market for decades. Anyone remember the old wound balata? (Ehem... Kenny, Foz, Stu, Rev.) I didn't play them much for several reasons. They were easily damaged (cut or wrinkled) and they were hard to control if you weren't a solid consistent ball striker. If you hit a tree or cart path the Balata was finished. In other words... they sucked quite frankly. But they had a great "soft" feel. There used to even be a "ring"  - like a washer; that you could buy to put your balata ball through and rotate the ball around to see if it had any imperfections on the cover. It was a gauge actually. It was not uncommon to play more than one ball during a round. One thin mis-hit and the balata was cut or had a big wrinkle on the cover. I don't think under normal play a ball gets out of round anymore. But here's an example of what I'm talking about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XYxzv3JlU

 

Today and as noted numerous times here in the forum we have a lot of choices in the balls we play. In general we all want to play a ball that performs like a "tour" ball. I know I do. But what is a Tour ball? I contend it's either a two or three piece (sometimes more) ball with a Urethane cover. It's also a ball that the Pros play. Right? Perhaps a Tour ball is just one the pros are paid to endorse? They're also free to the Pro. Could Dustin Johnson win a US Open with a Snell? Without a doubt. What about a Wilson Duo-U or an MG Tour C4? Yep... I'm pretty sure he could. Would DJ have lost the Open or been uncompetitive without TM's $4 ball? No. Will your play suffer if you don't play $4 ball? No. Is your amateur game so precise and sensitive that only a $4 ball makes you the scratch player you are? No. Will you with your 15 hcp suffer if you play a ball that cost $2.66 (Snell) or one for $1.66 (MG Golf)? No. Will your game improve by not playing a Pinnacle Gold rock? Yes.

 

So I ask. Why do you buy-play the most expensive golf balls on the market when you can spend way less for "Tour" performance? Perhaps it's like playing the back tee when you should be playing the white.

[jlew2144]

I don't play a $4 ball as I lose far too many each round to justify it. I lose at least one or two balls a round, sometimes more. So for me playing a $4 ball just doesn't make sense. I typically play what I've found in the forest/creek/long grass as I'm searching for my errant last shot.

 

So I will stick with my $20 a dozen ball that's on sale whatever week I need some new ones. Maybe I'm not good enough to notice the difference but I can't tell you whether I'm hitting a pro v1 or a strata/noodle/nike etc.

[chisag]

... I play a lot so ball expense can add up. I need a tour caliber urethane covered ball for my short game which relies on max spin as I use my 60* for all shots around the green. Tried B330 RXS and they just didn't have enough green side spin. 

... That said, I rarely buy current balls. If last years ball was good enough for guys on tour who depend on performance to make a living, they are certainly good enough for me one year later. Bought 50 Lethals 2 seasons ago and still have about 1/3 of them left. I did up some last seasons Z Star on a buy 2 get a 3rd dozen free at $39 and all had an extra sleeve so basically got 21 extra balls for free. Love ProV1x but won't pay almost twice as much when I think any seamless urethane tour ball works just as well for me. 

[Jmikecpa]

Quite simply I have yet to find a ball that works as well as a Prov1x does for me. I have tried just about every ball on the market and I am most comfortable with the ball I have been playing for the last decade plus. They make different golf balls for a reason and some work better for some than they do for others.

 

 

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[BigtazzGolf]

I love the pro v1x but rarely if ever do I buy new. I get 90% of my balls off eBay. The rest I buy off a buddy who goes and picks them up at local courses.

My max I'll spend on a ball is a buck and usually I can get them for less if buying in bulk. I bought 6 dz pro v1x for $50 in Feb and still have over half.

It pays to be patient when looking for deals on balls imo

 

Tazz

[silver & black]

I suppose I play $4.00 balls, but.......... I refuse to pay the price for new ones. I play Pro V1's. I like them. I buy from Lost Golf Balls or I buy the reclaimed package from WalMart for $20.00 a dozen, or...... I just find find enough during a round.

[fozcycle]

I have a buddy who is a 6 Hcap. His current gamer is the new Pinnacle Rush....about $15/dozen. Prior to that he was gaming the Wilson fifty elite, $13/dozen. His game lets you know that you font have to pay $4/ball to play well. My current gamer us the Snell MTB, purchased in 3 dozen lots. I have three rounds on one ball with only one small cart path blemish.

 

 

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[AH1980MN]

Top flite gamer tour's are usually $35 for two dozen...darn good ball, IMO.

 

Also I did find 330-series AA grade refurbs at target on clearance for $6/doz. Bought out the whole shelf, haven't noticed any difference from new yet.

[PlaidJacket]

Quite simply I have yet to find a ball that works as well as a Prov1x does for me. I have tried just about every ball on the market and I am most comfortable with the ball I have been playing for the last decade plus. They make different golf balls for a reason and some work better for some than they do for others.

 

 

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No doubt Jmike, you're one of the better players we have around here. There's nothing wrong with any ball or equipment a guys uses. All that matters is what works. But... but, I'd be willing to bet on a blind test that you; or me for sure, couldn't discern much measurable differences between some of these balls. For example, if the only ball left available to us on the planet was a Project(a) or an MG Tour you'd still maintain your high level of play and accuracy. Me? I'd become much better and take your wallet on Saturday. 

[deejaid]

The feel of the ball off the putter is the biggest thing for me. I prefer a urethane ball in that regard, feels better off the putter. I don't care for brand names at all, I buy whatever I find on sale. I like the MG ball a lot, bought a box of Project A balls and didn't care for them at all.

 

We live in a time now where there is a great variety of premium performing balls without the premium price. Though if someone feels a Pro V 1 is best for their game, so be it. I think having confidence in your equipment is the most important aspect of equipment choice.

[Maverickping]

I'm starting to gravitate away from the expensive balls as I'm very busy and lately it seems possibly 10-14 rounds a year is what I can pull off and recently tried the Srixon Soft Feel ( bought  4 dozen because I 've been helping my friend a Special Olympics golfer and got them really for him but kept a dozen for myself to try) and not sold on it but it has peaked my interests to find less expensive balls. Now that I can get the Snell ball here in Canada I will try them out. My cap hovers between an 8-10 not playing a lot and if I can get a ball cheaper that is like my favorite ZStar I would be thrilled. If not I will wait till the end of the year and load up on the ZStar.

[Eseay32]

I will only play the ProV1 or X for tournament play. So I only buy a couple dozen of PVs per year. The rest of the time I'm playing a 2015 ball or something on sale on tgw or dicks around $30. RZN, TM TP. I just ordered some Snells and I'm really hoping hey are as advertised bc if so, I'll be buying those consistently. But I won't stop playing PV during tourneys

 

 

Knoxville, TN. 6HDCP, Cally XR16 Driver, G25 3 wood, burner Rescue. Ping I E1 irons, Vokey SM5 52,56,60 & 2ball odyssey putter

[Jmikecpa]

No doubt Jmike, you're one of the better players we have around here. There's nothing wrong with any ball or equipment a guys uses. All that matters is what works. But... but, I'd be willing to bet on a blind test that you; or me for sure, couldn't discern much measurable differences between some of these balls. For example, if the only ball left available to us on the planet was a Project(a) or an MG Tour you'd still maintain your high level of play and accuracy. Me? I'd become much better and take your wallet on Saturday.

If they were the last balls on earth I would still play at the same level and not saying that other balls don't perform. I prefer the ProV1x and will continue to use them for the foreseeable future.

 

I have toyed with other balls and the Chrome Soft is a great ball for the price and for that matter so is the Project a. Both feel great and my main issue with them is they spin a bit much in the wind for me. Same with the Srixon balls I tested for this site. Loved the feel and they performed well until a windy day. I live on an island and there is never no wind on a golf course. Could I adapt...absolutely.

 

As for the blind test I did it a few years back at my club since our pro had the same theory. I picked the ProV1x out with no issues.

 

 

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[Mr_Theoo]

I play a ball that is $4 but I try my best to never pay that. Either buying recycled or when there is a sale. I like the predictability I get from the tour balls. I can expect how they'll react off the driver or around the greens.

[PlaidJacket]

I'm enjoying my own conversation. LOL

Theoo likes the predictability of his $4 ball. Not sure what that means actually. I've personally never played for example a $1.66 MG Tour and said, "wow, look at that weird ball flight." Same with a Snell. If I hit the shot properly they are predictable. If not they are all over the place. Kind of like with a $4 ball.

[GolfinHoosier]

usually play something in the $20/dz range.....doubt my game is good enough to get the real benefit of a 'tour ball', in fact, could be a hinderence

[Mr_Theoo]

I'm enjoying my own conversation. LOL

Theoo likes the predictability of his $4 ball. Not sure what that means actually. I've personally never played for example a $1.66 MG Tour and said, "wow, look at that weird ball flight." Same with a Snell. If I hit the shot properly they are predictable. If not they are all over the place. Kind of like with a $4 ball.

I guess what I mean is the tour ball performs better for me. The cheaper balls I've played in the past haven't. Even the ones that have been labeled tour level.

[Kenny B]

If you can't tell the difference, play whatever ball feels good to you at a price you want to pay.  If you think a certain tour ball helps your game more than other balls, then the confidence in that ball will help to give you the best scores.

[Peterpc2828]

I agree with you, even though I tend not to lose balls as often I'm not a fan of spending a lot on balls, I am also a fan of the Vice and Snell balls, to me they are just as good if not better than any tour premium balls

 

 

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[Fireinthehole]

Nah i'm too cheap to pay the MSRP.

And i don't care what brand it is, I just seem to get better performance from "Tour" level balls, by that I mean flight and greenside spin. Could I play with Noodle's absolutely, but they aren't going to check up like its more expensive brothers. But Price alone as an indicator for performance makes no sense to me.

 

Then there are some balls that I just don't like the feel off of clubs- see Nike RZN Black or Callaway Hex black

[Fireinthehole]

I agree with you, even though I tend not to lose balls as often I'm not a fan of spending a lot on balls, I am also a fan of the Vice and Snell balls, to me they are just as good if not better than any tour premium balls

 

 

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Not jack the thread but have you played the Vice Pro plus?

[fozcycle]

Looks like the My Golf Spy Forum members are pretty frugal with their golfball dollars........as we should be.

[StrokerAce]

If you ever get a chance do a 'ball fitting'.  Golfsmith did a promotion with Bridgestone and they can ensure you get a ball that matches your spin rate and compression for your swing speed.

 

Then get some good AAA used ones or look for balls that compare to what you're fit into.

 

It really does make a difference....

[hckymeyer]

Personally I feel like which ball is less important that playing the same ball.

 

While a lot them perform similarly, you have to know what your ball is going to do before you can be consistent on the course.

 

If you know a ball isn't going to spin you can play that if it's consistent. If you always suck it back 10' on the green you can play that too. Where it gets difficult is when you keep swapping back and forth and don't understand what your ball is going to do.

 

Personally I also play the Snell MTB and I have a few dozen TMaG TP-X left. I like them both but when it comes time to buy it's really hard to beat the MTB six pack for performance and price

 

 

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[Undershooter]

I can't remember the last time I actually paid for golf balls so I guess I'm not much help here. I like Pv1x, tmag tpx, Rzn platinum, WS FGX, MG tour, zstar x and even b330 although less so in its case. All are capable balls in my opinion. Whatever works and to each their own. Personally I usually play PV1x or prov1 when it matters but that's just because they are what my club reps and because Titleist has a strangle hold in my market when it comes to premium balls. 

[Badfish]

I play the project(a).  I like the way they look, feel, and every 5th doz is free per the code under the case top.  I order them direct and get a clover logo, and all of them #7.  Goofy perhaps, but for me consistency is key.  I play with several high handicappers that use a prov1.  With their low club head speed it is unlikely that they compress them fully and would benefit from a low comp ball.  I think they just want one less thing to worry about in regards to equipment holding them back.    

[Maverickping]

I have three sleeves left of my all time favorite ball and am hesitant to use them Srixon Z-URS. Wish they kept making them.

[Peaksy68]

Personally I feel like which ball is less important that playing the same ball.

 

While a lot them perform similarly, you have to know what your ball is going to do before you can be consistent on the course.

 

If you know a ball isn't going to spin you can play that if it's consistent. If you always suck it back 10' on the green you can play that too. Where it gets difficult is when you keep swapping back and forth and don't understand what your ball is going to do.

 

Personally I also play the Snell MTB and I have a few dozen TMaG TP-X left. I like them both but when it comes time to buy it's really hard to beat the MTB six pack for performance and price

 

 

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Absolutely agree with this.  I've been using Srixon Z Stars for years, mainly because I know what it will do if I hit it properly, especially into greens and chipping.  I buy in bulk, and I'm happy to play last years model, which keeps the cost down. I've trialled a few different balls over the years, but I don't have time to play enough practice rounds to get used to a different ball.

 

In Aus, $US4 a ball is bottom end for Pro V's (last years model) We seem to pay a bit extra for balls, especially Titleist.

[McaseyM]

I play a $4 ball because I got lucky and found it. 

[revkev]

The Smell MTB is a premium ball as are the others described in Plaid's original post. Same construction as a Pro VI or Ix only without the advertising the cost is significantly reduced.

 

So if the question is why do I play a your type ball it's because it does make a difference. Spin around the greens is huge for my game. I'd have to totally change the shots that I play if the balls that I uses didn't have urethane covers.

 

Having written that it's very easy to find those balls for under $3 each either by purchasing last year's model or buying the MTB. So I'm currently using last year's iteration of the B330 RX. I picked up 2 dozen for 50.

 

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