3 piece ball recomendations

[drb1956]

Been playing a 2 piece distance ball, and have for quite a few years. The reason is, when I do play a 3 piece, I struggle off the tee. I can't seem to keep it in the fairway, and I end up losing a lot because of spin. Now I know all golf balls spin, and hittng a slice is the worst spin you can have. So, I don't slice but maybe once every couple of rounds, usually when I get a little tired, or just sloppy play. I can keep a 2 piece in the fairway just about the whole round, but when it comes to 3 piece orbs, it's a different story. Seems like every other hole, I'm in the right rough, or launch one off into the trees  never to be found. Most have good distance, but spin off into ball purgatory. Yeah, I hit a fairway a couple of times, but just not consistent to play one regularly. Even for as soft as the TM Tour Response is, lost 9 balls in like 4 rounds. I have played 8+ rounds with my latest 2 piece choice, and have lost only 2 sleeves, mostly to water hazards, and a few bad drives. So, with all that, which 3 piece should I try? Never played the Cally ERC, or even the TopFlite Gamer, or any of the Maxfli Tour offerings. Not playing ProV's. I have tried those, and are like hitting a rock for me. Great around the greens, just no distance for me, as my swing speed is only 80 mph, off of a sim. I am 65, high 20+ capper  been playing 24 years. Any suggestions are much appreciated!!

Edited August 12, 2022 by drb1956
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[cnosil]

I’d start here and look at the low swing speed results as you are right there : https://mygolfspy.com/best-golf-balls-2021/

 

the advantage you have is that softer balls; since you say the prov line is too firm), won’t significantly impact your performance.  I’d look at the charts and results and find something in the price range you want and buy a sleeve and try them.  Then you can adjust from there.   As you indicated more backspin can also translate to more side spin.   
 

nothing wrong with playing a 2 piece ball, there have been several discussions on the benefits some players see playing 2 piece balls.  If it helps keep the ball in play, it Should help scoring, and lower cost.  Playing them consistently let’s you learn how to manage the lower spin around the green.    

[russtopherb]

Can't add to much to what @cnosil said. My personal preference on 3 piece balls would be the e12 Contact or Q Star Tour, both are mid-priced and perform very well. The Maxfli Tour has received excellent reviews here also. 

[GregGarner]

Only jumped in to add that if the ProV1 is a rock to you and still giving too much spin off the tee, I think something in the TM Tour Response (like you mentioned), the Titleist Tour Speed, the Q-Star Tour (mentioned), Vice Pro Soft, or the standard Chrome Soft might be a better fit. They're about as low-spin as you can get and still have a urethane cover. If those are still too much spin, then you're looking at 3-piece ionomer balls like the Q-Star (non-Tour)  but note that your short game spin is going to take a hit, if that matters to you. 

Full disclosure: I'm of the opinion that everyone benefits from a urethane-covered ball and I'm well-aware there are several on the forums that completely disagree with me. It's the internet. You're allowed to do that.  

[drb1956]

4 hours ago, cnosil said:

I’d start here and look at the low swing speed results as you are right there : https://mygolfspy.com/best-golf-balls-2021/

 

the advantage you have is that softer balls; since you say the prov line is too firm), won’t significantly impact your performance.  I’d look at the charts and results and find something in the price range you want and buy a sleeve and try them.  Then you can adjust from there.   As you indicated more backspin can also translate to more side spin.   
 

nothing wrong with playing a 2 piece ball, there have been several discussions on the benefits some players see playing 2 piece balls.  If it helps keep the ball in play, it Should help scoring, and lower cost.  Playing them consistently let’s you learn how to manage the lower spin around the green.    

I pretty much have that with the ball I am playing currently-TopFlite Hammer Control yellow. Good distance, fairway finder for me, have great control with chips and pitches. This ball has nice manners around the green.My CBX2's love this ball! I read these threads, and everyone says, or tells me I should be playing a better ball, for greenside's sake. Got to get down the fairway to get to the green. So far, this is my way down there. Been playing fairly well with this ball. My gamer for now...

[cnosil]

13 minutes ago, drb1956 said:

I pretty much have that with the ball I am playing currently-TopFlite Hammer Control yellow.
 

I read these threads, and everyone says, or tells me I should be playing a better ball, for greenside's sake.

Don’t worry about what anyone else says;  If you have a ball that works for you play it.  If you ask for input, people are going to tell you that you need a ball that spins around the green.  

[russtopherb]

38 minutes ago, drb1956 said:

I pretty much have that with the ball I am playing currently-TopFlite Hammer Control yellow. Good distance, fairway finder for me, have great control with chips and pitches. This ball has nice manners around the green.My CBX2's love this ball! I read these threads, and everyone says, or tells me I should be playing a better ball, for greenside's sake. Got to get down the fairway to get to the green. So far, this is my way down there. Been playing fairly well with this ball. My gamer for now...

I have played a lot of 2 piece balls also, and there's nothing wrong with them for the most part. If you know how the ball is going to perform for you, and you account for that, there's no reason to stop playing what you like & you're used to. 

[Lynyrd]

I switched to the Srixon Q-star Tour. It seems to spin off the driver less than the Maxfli Tour. 

[GregGarner]

7 hours ago, russtopherb said:

there's no reason to stop playing what you like & you're used to. 

On the most recent Hack it Out podcast, Greg Chalmers talked about one time he played The Open and for the final round, it was going to be really windy and he thought he wanted a ball that flew lower. So he went into the pro shop and asked for the lowest-flying ball they had. He didn't test it or anything, just took it straight into play.

He shot 87.

[GaryF]

I really like the Srixon Q-Star tour.  It is a lower compression and fits my swing speed (88-92) well.  It has a urethane cover so more susceptible to wear.  Excellent off the tee and holds greens.  Alternatively, the Bridgestone e12 plays very similar off the tee, has the same feel as the Q, but doesnt hold greens as well.  Is also a 3 piece ball but has a different cover and handles the wear and tear better.  My #1 choice is still the Q but interested in trying the Vice Elixr and TM Tour Response.

Edited August 16, 2022 by GaryF

[drb1956]

19 hours ago, GaryF said:

I really like the Srixon Q-Star tour.  It is a lower compression and fits my swing speed (88-92) well.  It has a urethane cover so more susceptible to wear.  Excellent off the tee and holds greens.  Alternatively, the Bridgestone e12 plays very similar off the tee, has the same feel as the Q, but doesnt hold greens as well.  Is also a 3 piece ball but has a different cover and handles the wear and tear better.  My #1 choice is still the Q but interested in trying the Vice Elixr and TM Tour Response.

I thought about the Q-Star, not tour. Says it spins better around the greens, because of the cover. Not urethane, but better than low price 2 piece offerings. Might have to try it..

[GaryF]

1 hour ago, drb1956 said:

I thought about the Q-Star, not tour. Says it spins better around the greens, because of the cover. Not urethane, but better than low price 2 piece offerings. Might have to try it..

I have been playing Q Star intermingled with others for about 3 years. I’m sure I played the one you are referring to that had a ‘fast-something’ outer layer.  All I can say is every version of Q Star that I have played is a gamer to me.  I like the value.  Was disappointed in reading the review about QC, but I’m going to play them until/unless I find something better in the <=$35. 

Edited August 16, 2022 by GaryF