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Range balls and temp


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Hey guys,

Earlier this morning I was at a local driving range, and the temp was -1c.

with the combination of battered range balls and low temps, will it make a big difference for ball flight and distance compared to say..a pro v1 on a summers day?

Edited by Zeebedy

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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Absolutely.

In my  :wilson_staff_small:  carry bag:
:mizuno-small: ST-X 10.5* Kai'li Blue R Flex
:mizuno-small: ST-Z 15* Kai/li Blue R Flex
:mizuno-small: ST-Z 4h Linq Blue R Flex
:cleveland-small: Launcher 5h
:cleveland-small: Launcher CBX 6i-PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 54* & 58*
:cleveland-small: Huntington Beach #10
:bridgestone-small: e12 Contact
CURRENTLY TESTING - Mizuno Long Game

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Crazy difference comparing the two. 

DRIVER: Cobra F9 10.5  Tensei AV Blue 65g

3W- Callway XR PRO 16 stiff

5W- Alpha- Mitsubishi Diamana  Redboard w/band

Irons- Mizuno JPX 919 Tours with S KBS Tour shafts

Hyrbid- TM 4h mid-rescue

Vokey- Vokey SM5 51 degrees,  SM7 Wedges 54 and 58 1/2 half 3 degrees upright

Putter- Taylor Made Rossa Monza Mini Spider

Ball-ProV1 and AVX

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2 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

There will always be a difference even at the same temperature.  Range balls are typically 80-85% distance of regular balls.

However, if your swing speed is less than 75mph, then probably not.

I've read various articles on this to include a robot test (cannot recall source) and they seem to average 10-15% less.  Has anyone seen a report comparing mfg./model practice balls?  We've all probably seen the "limited distance" logo balls at one point - I wonder how limited they get?  

:ping-small: G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver 

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w

:srixon-small:  ZX5 Irons 4-AW 

:ping-small: Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW   (removed from double secret probation 😍)

:EVNROLL: ER5v Putter  (Evnroll ER5v Official Review)

:odyssey-small: AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test)

 

 

 

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 I’ve actually seen range balls fly farther than normal because they come out at a high launch (no gear force from compression) with no drag (low spin), basically hitting moon balls like a long drive competition. When it’s that cold though you are probably going to hit low knuckle balls. Either way definitely not good for measuring anything other than strike, path, and clubhead speed. On days like that I work mostly on short game with my game ball, or strike drills trying to hit different areas of the face. 

Edited by zrumble

Stats: 5'4", Male, R-Handed, Moderate Tempo, Driver SS 115mph
 

Driver: Taylormade SiM Max 9*, TM Ventus Blue 6X
3w/5w: Callaway X-Hot, S-flex Fubuki shafts
3h: Tour Edge EXS Pro, Smoke Black 80g 6.0
4i-PW: Mizuno MP-4, DG S300
Wedges: Titleist SM7
56* Wedge: Callaway Jaws w/ 12* of bounce

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41 minutes ago, zrumble said:

 I’ve actually seen range balls fly farther than normal because they come out at a high launch (no gear force from compression) with no drag (low spin), basically hitting moon balls like a long drive competition. When it’s that cold though you are probably going to hit low knuckle balls. Either way definitely not good for measuring anything other than strike, path, and clubhead speed. On days like that I work mostly on short game with my game ball, or strike drills trying to hit different areas of the face. 

I've never experienced range balls fly further but definitely had the knuckleballs.

:ping-small: G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver 

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w

:srixon-small:  ZX5 Irons 4-AW 

:ping-small: Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW   (removed from double secret probation 😍)

:EVNROLL: ER5v Putter  (Evnroll ER5v Official Review)

:odyssey-small: AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test)

 

 

 

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I know I don't swing the same when it's freezing and when it's warm due to the clothes I am wearing and stiffness in the cold. 

The cold range ball will feel harder too

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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It’s strange, I hit my crushed 7-8 iron almost as much as a 5-6 iron? There seems to be a lot of drop off. Can that also be a factor of the balls? Or Should I be looking into my swing more?

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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6 minutes ago, Zeebedy said:

It’s strange, I hit my crushed 7-8 iron almost as much as a 5-6 iron? There seems to be a lot of drop off. Can that also be a factor of the balls? Or Should I be looking into my swing more?

Tough to say for sure, there's certainly a world in which the range balls aren't spinning enough off the long irons and they are dive bombing out of the air and losing distance that you would typically see with a "gamer" ball.

Right Handed

Driver: 9° :cobra-small: Speedzone (HZRDUS Smoke Green 70g X-Stiff shaft)

2 Hybrid: 18° :tour-edge: Exotics EXS Pro (Evenflow Black 6.5) (2020 MGS Official Review here)

3/Driving Iron: 18° :Hogan: UiHi Iron (MMT Utility TX 105g shaft)

Irons: 4-GW :titelist-small: T100 irons (Nippon Modus 120 X-Stiff shafts) (2021 MGS Official Review here)

Wedges: 54° & 58° post-76102-0-38507100-1525284411_thumb.jpg TSW Forged (Dynamic Gold S300)

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2B (2019 MGS Official Review here)

Ball: MAXFLI Tour X

Bag: :ping-small: Hoofer Lite

WITB thread here

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This is something I've actually spent way too much time looking into, and there's not a lot of information out there. Some useful sources:

Practical Golf - HOW DO RANGE BALLS PERFORM VS. PREMIUM GOLF BALLS?
https://practical-golf.com/range-golf-ball-versus-premium-ball/

Comparing a Snell MTB Black to a Pinnacle Practice ball and a Srixon Limited Distance practice ball, ball speed differences of 7-11 miles per hour were observed with the driver, and 4-7 MPH with 7 iron. There were non-negligible differences in launch angle and spin as well.

Today's GolferDriving range ball vs premium golf ball
https://www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/features/equipment-features/2018/may/tested-range-ball-vs-premium-ball/

Their test of a TP5X versus a range ball revealed some of the oddities described by @zrumble. The range ball actually carried farther with a wedge in their test due to the considerably less spin rate. Moving to driver, the range ball was easily beaten by the TP5X, with a 6 MPH faster ball speed.

Golf Digest - Stripe it!
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/gd-tested-range-balls

Their results comparing ProV1s and various range balls confirms that range balls are erratic in speed/distance from ball-to-ball, with some range balls equaling the carry of their premium counterparts while others fell ridiculously short.

Additionally, there used to be a PDF from Srixon floating around on the Internet that compared their range balls to other brands. I have it saved and have copied/pasted Srixon's chart below:

image.png.1d7c76e7707cfb91cb17cc34d87c8a67.png

Assuming the "optimal" launch conditions for their driver and 5 iron tests, you can see that they would fall short of what would be expected distances.

As far as weather goes, a good resource from Trackman: https://blog.trackmangolf.com/learn-weather-affect-ball-flight/

Some cliff notes that pertains to winter golf:

  • Greater air density results in shots that fly higher, land steeper and carry shorter
  • Higher humidity will cause the ball to fly further, as a result of decreased air density, although it is likely a negligible difference 
  • Going from 40* F to 100* F will have the greatest effect on distance due to the change in air density

image.png.970c73db11770e318a1dce5852d1b790.png

Also, the effect of ball temperatures has been looked at by TXG:

From a personal standpoint, my opinion is as follows:

Range balls very incredibly from ball-to-ball, even in new condition (I'm excited to see @Tony Covey MGS get the Pinnacle Practice balls into the MGS Ball Lab for this reason). Add in the wear-and-tear from hundreds, if not thousands of shots, and the variance will increase from ball-to-ball. I've found that well-worn range balls will not only knuckle, but will over-exaggerate ball movement, too.

In cold weather, also do not discredit how cold the balls themselves are after sitting on what is likely bare concrete while you work your way through a bucket.

I recently compared ball speeds from a long range session with crappy, cold balls to my most recent lesson with decent, although well-used, premium balls. During that range session, my 9 iron rarely exceed 114 MPH ball speed. During my lesson, I hit that number easily despite not warming up much. So there is obviously a difference between a range ball/premium ball. 

Of course, as you can see from everything I've researched, trying to pin point an exact number would be pretty tough/foolish.

Unofficial WHS Handicap: 7.5 / Anti-Cap: 13.0 (Last Updated Feb. 19, 2024)

Driver: callaway_logo.png.3dd18aa65544000dd0ea3901697a8261.png Callaway Paradym TD (10.5°, -1/N), 45.75", Fujikura Motore X F1 6X | Fitting Post
3 Wood: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour (14.5°), 43", Fujikura Motore X F1 7X
20° Hybrid: PXG_Logo.png.8401024d1fb8aec46f0e790c1aa5b80c.png PXG 0211 (2020 Model), 40.25", Mitsubishi Tensei AV RAW White 90X
4 Utility: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra KING Utility (2020 Model), 38.5", Aerotech SteelFiber i110cw Stiff
5-PW:
logo-Ben-Hogan-large.png.98d743ae5487285c6406a1e30a0a63b5.png Ben Hogan PTx Pro, 37" 7 Iron, Aerotech SteelFiber i125cw Stiff | Club Champion Fitting
50°, 54°, 58°:
231036130_Edel_Golf_Logo_v2_grandecopy.png.13cc76b963f8dd59f06d04b1e8df2827.png Edel SMS, V Grind, Nippon Modus 125 Wedge| Official Review Thread
Putter:
image.png.49fcc172a1ed0010d930fbe1c5dc8b79.png L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, 36", 68°, Black with Custom Sightlines, BGT Stability Tour, L.A.B. Press II 3° | Unofficial Review
Grips: 
stargrip.png.4285948f41f1409613266e7803f0bbaa.png Star Sidewinder, Undersized with Custom Tape Build-Up
Ball: :Snell:Snell MTB-X Optic Yellow

Tracked By: shotscope.png.4a7089f2bddff325285b1266a61dda03.png  Shot Scope H4
Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: Personalized 2020 Sun Mountain Sync
Riding On: 
image.png.1db52ce91db040317a9ac580f1df8de8.pngBag Boy Nitron | Official Review Thread

WITB? | 2022 Reviewer Edel SMS Wedges | 2021 Reviewer Maxfli Tour and Tour X Balls2020 Participant #CobraConnect Challenge | 2019 Reviewer Callaway Epic Flash Driver

 

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@edingc

so dispersion is also enhanced with poorer / worn range balls. That’s good to know my snap hook isn’t as bad then. 🤣

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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When it comes to distance, I wouldn't pay much attention to what range balls do regardless of weather. There just is no comparison to a quality, non-limited flight, golf ball like you'd use on the course. Unless the ball is traveling severely (and routinely) offline, I wouldn't let a range ball's flight be the determining factor in whether or not I need to work on my swing. If impact and turf interaction are good, the ball starts online, and hits the approximate window you'd like to see, don't worry about the rest.

Driver: :mizuno-small: ST190 9.5* Fujikura Atmos Blue 5S
Fairway Wood: :mizuno-small: ST190 15* Fujikura Atmos Blue 6S
Hybrid: :mizuno-small: CLK 17* Fujikura Speeder EVO HB
Irons: :bridgestone-small: J40 CB (3-PW) Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: :taylormade-small: Milled Grind 2 54* & 58* Dynamic Gold S200
Putter: :odyssey-small: Tri-Hot 5k Two 34"
Bag: :titleist-small: Players 5 Stand Bag
Ball: Maxfli Tour

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2 minutes ago, Zeebedy said:

@edingc

so dispersion is also enhanced with poorer / worn range balls. That’s good to know my snap hook isn’t as bad then. 🤣

Yup. The purpose of the dimples is to stabilize the flight of the ball. If your range is like mine, they have several balls with worn off dimples and/or hairline cracks that can make ball flight erratic.

I'd liken it to a poorly made paper airplane. If one of the wings is bent, it isn't going to fly straight. 🤣

Unofficial WHS Handicap: 7.5 / Anti-Cap: 13.0 (Last Updated Feb. 19, 2024)

Driver: callaway_logo.png.3dd18aa65544000dd0ea3901697a8261.png Callaway Paradym TD (10.5°, -1/N), 45.75", Fujikura Motore X F1 6X | Fitting Post
3 Wood: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour (14.5°), 43", Fujikura Motore X F1 7X
20° Hybrid: PXG_Logo.png.8401024d1fb8aec46f0e790c1aa5b80c.png PXG 0211 (2020 Model), 40.25", Mitsubishi Tensei AV RAW White 90X
4 Utility: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra KING Utility (2020 Model), 38.5", Aerotech SteelFiber i110cw Stiff
5-PW:
logo-Ben-Hogan-large.png.98d743ae5487285c6406a1e30a0a63b5.png Ben Hogan PTx Pro, 37" 7 Iron, Aerotech SteelFiber i125cw Stiff | Club Champion Fitting
50°, 54°, 58°:
231036130_Edel_Golf_Logo_v2_grandecopy.png.13cc76b963f8dd59f06d04b1e8df2827.png Edel SMS, V Grind, Nippon Modus 125 Wedge| Official Review Thread
Putter:
image.png.49fcc172a1ed0010d930fbe1c5dc8b79.png L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, 36", 68°, Black with Custom Sightlines, BGT Stability Tour, L.A.B. Press II 3° | Unofficial Review
Grips: 
stargrip.png.4285948f41f1409613266e7803f0bbaa.png Star Sidewinder, Undersized with Custom Tape Build-Up
Ball: :Snell:Snell MTB-X Optic Yellow

Tracked By: shotscope.png.4a7089f2bddff325285b1266a61dda03.png  Shot Scope H4
Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: Personalized 2020 Sun Mountain Sync
Riding On: 
image.png.1db52ce91db040317a9ac580f1df8de8.pngBag Boy Nitron | Official Review Thread

WITB? | 2022 Reviewer Edel SMS Wedges | 2021 Reviewer Maxfli Tour and Tour X Balls2020 Participant #CobraConnect Challenge | 2019 Reviewer Callaway Epic Flash Driver

 

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Cheers for the replies guys, I will try and ignore the distance aspects..and concentrate on getting the ball straight! 😝

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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4 hours ago, edingc said:

This is something I've actually spent way too much time looking into, and there's not a lot of information out there. Some useful sources:

Practical Golf - HOW DO RANGE BALLS PERFORM VS. PREMIUM GOLF BALLS?
https://practical-golf.com/range-golf-ball-versus-premium-ball/

Comparing a Snell MTB Black to a Pinnacle Practice ball and a Srixon Limited Distance practice ball, ball speed differences of 7-11 miles per hour were observed with the driver, and 4-7 MPH with 7 iron. There were non-negligible differences in launch angle and spin as well.

Today's GolferDriving range ball vs premium golf ball
https://www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/features/equipment-features/2018/may/tested-range-ball-vs-premium-ball/

Their test of a TP5X versus a range ball revealed some of the oddities described by @ZMendle10. The range ball actually carried farther with a wedge in their test due to the considerably less spin rate. Moving to driver, the range ball was easily beaten by the TP5X, with a 6 MPH faster ball speed.

Golf Digest - Stripe it!
https://www.golfdigest.com/story/gd-tested-range-balls

Their results comparing ProV1s and various range balls confirms that range balls are erratic in speed/distance from ball-to-ball, with some range balls equaling the carry of their premium counterparts while others fell ridiculously short.

Additionally, there used to be a PDF from Srixon floating around on the Internet that compared their range balls to other brands. I have it saved and have copied/pasted Srixon's chart below:

image.png.1d7c76e7707cfb91cb17cc34d87c8a67.png

Assuming the "optimal" launch conditions for their driver and 5 iron tests, you can see that they would fall short of what would be expected distances.

As far as weather goes, a good resource from Trackman: https://blog.trackmangolf.com/learn-weather-affect-ball-flight/

Some cliff notes that pertains to winter golf:

  • Greater air density results in shots that fly higher, land steeper and carry shorter
  • Higher humidity will cause the ball to fly further, as a result of decreased air density, although it is likely a negligible difference 
  • Going from 40* F to 100* F will have the greatest effect on distance due to the change in air density

image.png.970c73db11770e318a1dce5852d1b790.png

Also, the effect of ball temperatures has been looked at by TXG:

From a personal standpoint, my opinion is as follows:

Range balls very incredibly from ball-to-ball, even in new condition (I'm excited to see @Tony Covey MGS get the Pinnacle Practice balls into the MGS Ball Lab for this reason). Add in the wear-and-tear from hundreds, if not thousands of shots, and the variance will increase from ball-to-ball. I've found that well-worn range balls will not only knuckle, but will over-exaggerate ball movement, too.

In cold weather, also do not discredit how cold the balls themselves are after sitting on what is likely bare concrete while you work your way through a bucket.

I recently compared ball speeds from a long range session with crappy, cold balls to my most recent lesson with decent, although well-used, premium balls. During that range session, my 9 iron rarely exceed 114 MPH ball speed. During my lesson, I hit that number easily despite not warming up much. So there is obviously a difference between a range ball/premium ball. 

Of course, as you can see from everything I've researched, trying to pin point an exact number would be pretty tough/foolish.

You might have tagged the wrong person. I haven't done an experiment on cold temperatures and the effect of golf ball flight. I also don't play a Taylormade golf ball.

Driver:  :titleist-small: TSR3 8°, set to A1, Graphite Design UB 7X 

3 Wood: :taylormade-small:SIM 3 Wood 15°, Aldila Rouge Silver 7X

3 Hybrid: :mizuno-small: CLK 18°, Ventus Blue 8S

2 Utility: :srixon-small: ZX Utility, LA Golf Tour AXS Blue, (15th club)

4i-AW:  :srixon-small:ZX7, Tour Issue Dynamic Gold 120's S400

56°: :Sub70: TAIII, Dynamic Gold S400

60° :Sub70: TAIII, Dynamic Gold S400

Putter: :L.A.B.: Mezz1 Max

Ball: :bridgestone-small: Tour BX

Forum Reviews: 

 

:Sub70: Official Member Review Sub 70 TAIII Wedges

:Nippon: Official Member Review Zelos 7 Shaft Review

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:srixon-small:Unofficial Srixon 2021 ZX7 Iron Review

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26 minutes ago, ZMendle10 said:

You might have tagged the wrong person. I haven't done an experiment on cold temperatures and the effect of golf ball flight. I also don't play a Taylormade golf ball.

Hah, you are correct. My apologies. Edited my post...

Unofficial WHS Handicap: 7.5 / Anti-Cap: 13.0 (Last Updated Feb. 19, 2024)

Driver: callaway_logo.png.3dd18aa65544000dd0ea3901697a8261.png Callaway Paradym TD (10.5°, -1/N), 45.75", Fujikura Motore X F1 6X | Fitting Post
3 Wood: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour (14.5°), 43", Fujikura Motore X F1 7X
20° Hybrid: PXG_Logo.png.8401024d1fb8aec46f0e790c1aa5b80c.png PXG 0211 (2020 Model), 40.25", Mitsubishi Tensei AV RAW White 90X
4 Utility: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra KING Utility (2020 Model), 38.5", Aerotech SteelFiber i110cw Stiff
5-PW:
logo-Ben-Hogan-large.png.98d743ae5487285c6406a1e30a0a63b5.png Ben Hogan PTx Pro, 37" 7 Iron, Aerotech SteelFiber i125cw Stiff | Club Champion Fitting
50°, 54°, 58°:
231036130_Edel_Golf_Logo_v2_grandecopy.png.13cc76b963f8dd59f06d04b1e8df2827.png Edel SMS, V Grind, Nippon Modus 125 Wedge| Official Review Thread
Putter:
image.png.49fcc172a1ed0010d930fbe1c5dc8b79.png L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, 36", 68°, Black with Custom Sightlines, BGT Stability Tour, L.A.B. Press II 3° | Unofficial Review
Grips: 
stargrip.png.4285948f41f1409613266e7803f0bbaa.png Star Sidewinder, Undersized with Custom Tape Build-Up
Ball: :Snell:Snell MTB-X Optic Yellow

Tracked By: shotscope.png.4a7089f2bddff325285b1266a61dda03.png  Shot Scope H4
Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: Personalized 2020 Sun Mountain Sync
Riding On: 
image.png.1db52ce91db040317a9ac580f1df8de8.pngBag Boy Nitron | Official Review Thread

WITB? | 2022 Reviewer Edel SMS Wedges | 2021 Reviewer Maxfli Tour and Tour X Balls2020 Participant #CobraConnect Challenge | 2019 Reviewer Callaway Epic Flash Driver

 

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6 hours ago, Zeebedy said:

It’s strange, I hit my crushed 7-8 iron almost as much as a 5-6 iron? There seems to be a lot of drop off. Can that also be a factor of the balls? Or Should I be looking into my swing more?

That is a loaded question ❓

My experience is that my gaps from club to club do not drastically change with range balls (in good condition). Range balls may not fly as far, but they usually remain relatively consistent from club to club. 

People who struggle with longer irons not flying much farther than mid irons are usually having a combination of issues from poor impact (off-center), not enough club head speed, poor attack angle (too steep), thin strikes (trying to lift), and fat shots, etc. 

Hybrids help some golfers with those issues by increasing club head speed (lighter graphite shafts that are longer than irons), oversized face compared irons have larger sweet spots, lower center of gravity helps get the ball airborne more easily (all in theory based on getting fit or finding the right club for you). 

I wouldn't blame range balls for not being able to carry your 5-6 irons unless you experience no problem with those clubs and your normal game ball??? 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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You lose 2 yards per 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature difference. And that's with a new ball, at the range, good luck.

Take Dead Aim

Take Dead Aim

Driver: PXG 0211 10.5* 

Fairway: Titleist 917 F3 15*

Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro Boxer Gold 18*

Irons: MacGregor MT-86 Pro

Wedges: Vokey 50/54/58

Putter: SeeMore X2 Costa del Mar

Ball: Srixon Z-Star

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21 hours ago, Buffly said:

That is a loaded question ❓

My experience is that my gaps from club to club do not drastically change with range balls (in good condition). Range balls may not fly as far, but they usually remain relatively consistent from club to club. 

People who struggle with longer irons not flying much farther than mid irons are usually having a combination of issues from poor impact (off-center), not enough club head speed, poor attack angle (too steep), thin strikes (trying to lift), and fat shots, etc. 

Hybrids help some golfers with those issues by increasing club head speed (lighter graphite shafts that are longer than irons), oversized face compared irons have larger sweet spots, lower center of gravity helps get the ball airborne more easily (all in theory based on getting fit or finding the right club for you). 

I wouldn't blame range balls for not being able to carry your 5-6 irons unless you experience no problem with those clubs and your normal game ball??? 

I do tend to catch the ball fattish when I hit a bad one.

im just getting back into golf from a few years back, determined to stick at it for health reasons also, physical and mental..

just can’t wait, (I moved house a few months ago) for my new club to open, get on the course and a few lessons..hopefully, soon.

and I’m fortunate that my club is literally 400 yards up the road, and being a small community, the course, driving range, lessons etc are cheaper than most places..

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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3 hours ago, RobbyT said:

Yes, the range ball will go much shorter, I think below 80 degrees it is 1 yard for every 4 degrees cooler

So, if my math is correct, -1 would be roughly 80/4, so 20 odd yards in those condItions 😱

surely not that much?

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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5 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

No, the temp was -1ºC or 30ºF.  So, about 12-13 yards.

Ahh, ok, thanks. Thought I would be wrong!

still, for me, 12-13 yards is a big chunk of change!

DRIVER: Taylormade RBZ Tour 9 degree

3W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

5W: Taylormade RBZ reg.

4 Hybrid: Taylormade RBZ reg.

Irons: Wilson Staff D7 Forged (5-PW)

Wedges: Vokey SM6 52, 56 and 60

Putter: Cleveland - Huntington Beach #3

Ball: -

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On 1/20/2021 at 11:37 AM, TR1PTIK said:

When it comes to distance, I wouldn't pay much attention to what range balls do regardless of weather. There just is no comparison to a quality, non-limited flight, golf ball like you'd use on the course. Unless the ball is traveling severely (and routinely) offline, I wouldn't let a range ball's flight be the determining factor in whether or not I need to work on my swing. If impact and turf interaction are good, the ball starts online, and hits the approximate window you'd like to see, don't worry about the rest.

+1. I’ve read articles that suggest range balls will give you about 85% of your distance using a decent ball. And range balls vary considerably as well. They’re only good for loosening up to me, and general swing training. They’re not useful for establishing distances for each club, you’ll hit longer on course with a decent ball...

  • Titleist TSR2 11° HZRDUS Red CB 50 6.0 w Lamkin UTx Midsize
  • Titleist TSR2 16.5º HZRDUS Red 60 CB 6.0 & TSR2 21º HZRDUS Black 4G 70 6.0 w Lamkin UTx Midsize
  • Mizuno JPX923 HMP 4-GW, T22 54.12WS, T22 58.04DC w Lamkin ST+2 Hybrid Midsize
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  • Maxfli Tour & ProV1
  • Ping Pioneer - MGI Zip Navigator AT
  • Payntr X 002 LE, Ecco Biom C4, FJ DryJoys
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in my opinion, both have an impact. Normally in the summer months with 85 - 90*F, I am about a club to club and half longer. Most range balls are about 10% shorter than a premium ball. I don't have data to back this up, just my opinion and experience.

Driver: :titelist-small: TSI3 - 10*, Hzrdus Smoke 6.0 Stiff

Driver: :taylormade-small: Stealth Plus - 10.5*, Oban Kiyoshi Purple O4Flex-65 Grams Purred
3 Wood: :taylormade-small: SIM - 15*, Graphite Design Tour AD DJ5 Stiff
Hybrid: :titelist-small: TS3 - 19*, Hzrdus Smoke 6.0 Stiff
Irons: :titelist-small:  5 - PW T150, with Nippon Zelos 7 Reg, 4 iron - U505 with Project X HZRDUS Black Stiff

Wedges: :titelist-small: Vokey SM 8 - 50*, 60* Standard Wedge Shafts

Wedge: :taylormade-small: Milled Grind 3 MG3 56* S200 shaft

Putter:  :scotty-cameron-1: Studio Select Newport 1.5        
Putter:  :scotty-cameron-1: Phantom X 5.5
Ball: :titelist-small: Pro V1x

 

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I'm just happy a couple of the ranges here have invested in new balls and good ball washers.  Some places are absolutely horrid - especially when moist with lots of sand.  Old, rough, balls dusted with sand = no Bueno on club face wear 😬.

:ping-small: G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver 

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w

:srixon-small:  ZX5 Irons 4-AW 

:ping-small: Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW   (removed from double secret probation 😍)

:EVNROLL: ER5v Putter  (Evnroll ER5v Official Review)

:odyssey-small: AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test)

 

 

 

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3 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

I'm just happy a couple of the ranges here have invested in new balls and good ball washers.  Some places are absolutely horrid - especially when moist with lots of sand.  Old, rough, balls dusted with sand = no Bueno on club face wear 😬.

My muni is pretty good about their range balls.  After balls are picked from the range, they are washed in a large ball washer, transferred to plastic garbage cans and transported inside to the pro shop.  Baskets are sanitized, of course, then ball are rented back out to customers.  Even when it's cold outside, at least the balls are given to us at room temperature.  They cull out any older and cut balls and constantly add new balls into the supply.  Very rarely will I find a ball in the basket that is not worth hitting into the range.

We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.”

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10 hours ago, Kenny B said:

My muni is pretty good about their range balls.  After balls are picked from the range, they are washed in a large ball washer, transferred to plastic garbage cans and transported inside to the pro shop.  Baskets are sanitized, of course, then ball are rented back out to customers.  Even when it's cold outside, at least the balls are given to us at room temperature.  They cull out any older and cut balls and constantly add new balls into the supply.  Very rarely will I find a ball in the basket that is not worth hitting into the range.

Your muni is better than my private club. They pick the range, load them into a plastic garbage can that is strapped on the back of a golf cart. This cart is parked next to the pro shop. Then they have a stack of baskets in the basket of the cart. At the end of the day they pull the cart into the non heated cart barn. So the ball temperatures are the same as the outside temperature all the time. Who knows how often the balls are washed. I think the morning dew on the grass does most of the cleaning!

Back to the original question in the post. Balls travel less in colder conditions from several factors. Air is denser as it gets colder. Ball materials used reacts differently in colder conditions, and your club material reacts differently in colder conditions. Range balls have a much harder/ durable cover to hold up to the thousands of hits. This material typically does not grip the club face and spin as much as a premium ball thus reducing lift.

I'm toward the end of testing the Top Flight Gamer ball. If you read this thread you will see that I have experienced distance loss with this ball in cold conditions compared to other balls. These are brand new balls. To add to this I had two lower single digit handicap players hit two balls of two models in the early morning where the air temperature was just under 36 degrees. The Gamer flew shorter than the Pro V1 by some 10 to 15 yards. Same day, same two players, at 56 degrees the Gamer flew the same distance as the Pro V1. So if I happened to test this ball in the summer I would have never found out about the issues experienced in the cold. So if I like the ball I know I would have to switch out in the winter. 

:titleist-small: Driver, TSi 1 S Flex

:cobra-small: 3 wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex

:cobra-small: 5 wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 

:cobra-small: 7 Wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 

:cobra-small: 5 Hybrid King Tec MMT R Flex

:cobra-small: Irons, Tour UST Recoil 95 R Flex (6 - Gap)

:cobra-small: Wedges, Snakebite KBS Hi- Rev2.0 54* & 60*

:cobra-small: Agera 35"

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