Talk to me about your go-to premium golf ball!

[Shlax]

Okay folks, this topic will never cease to be moot, but always fun.

Let's hear about your preferred premium golf ball: Why, how, what, who? Have you been fitted for your golf ball?

While I completely agree that the Titleist Pro V1 is the undisputed champion of all golf balls and that its performance is the highest in basically every category, I was stunned at the price of a dozen balls of this year's model (i.e., 83.92$ or 6.99$/ball)). I still make it an absolute requirement for my game to minimally play with a 3-piece urethane golf ball, but I'm officially done buying premium balls at retail price.

Personally, my go-to balls are:

• Srixon Z-Star (6.71$/ball): To me, it's a very similar ball to the Pro V1 only it comes on sale (40-50% off) multiple times during the season so I can stack up as needed for a very resonable price. I don't especially like a clicky higher compression ball so anything around 90 max is perfect for me. Performance with driver is stellar and control around the greens is definitely a strong point.
• Srixon Q-Star Tour (4.31$/ball): This is one of the most underrated ball in my opinion. It has lower compression than the Z-Star (around 70) but still feels responsive and not too squishy off the face. Once again, it comes on sale regularly during the season.
• Kirkland Performance+ V2.0 (2.16$/ball): While it is far from being my preferred ball because its compression is high for my liking and it feels too clicky off the face (and is too spinny, especially with driver, as a result), performance around the green is stunning and the price point is simply impossible to match: 51.73$ for 2 dozens. It's a ball that I can use reliably on difficult par 3s with water and don't care too much if I lose it after a single swing on occasion.
• TaylorMade TP5 & TP5x (6.71$/ball): The TP5 is also a ball that I consider very similar to the Pro V1 and Z-Star from what I have experienced. Last boxing day, is was able to find both models at half price and have been alternating both this season. While the TP5x is a bit clicky to me (high compression), it is miles ahead of the Kirkland Performance+ V2.0 in terms of feel. That being said, the price of a dozen balls being 80.47$ at retail, I always prioritize both Srixon models above (and possibly the Z-Star Diamond and Z-Star XV) when they are on sale.
• TaylorMade Tour Response (5.27$/ball): Similar to the Srixon Q-Star Tour, I think that it is an "entry premium ball" that is worth using. On sale, it is wonderful. At regular price, I would once again prioritize Srixon models.

Being from Canada, I have yet to really test DTC brands like Maxfli, Vice, OnCore, Snell, etc. Most of these brands are based in the US and after conversion rate + customs fees, their agressive prices end up being not so interesting. I am eager to eventually try some of their offerings though.

NOTE: All prices mentioned above are in CANADIAN dollars at retail and include applicable taxes. I know it is much higher than prices in USD, but the ratios between ball prices is the main point to keep in mind here.

Edited August 16, 2023 by Shlax
Forgot to add TM Tour Response

[Blueberry_Squishie]

I'm personally a huge fan of the ZStar. High performing ball, suits my game, multiple major winner, and is amongst the most inexpensive in the premium bracket. I'm looking forward to see how these fare when the ball test results get released.

 

We in Australia have a similar problem with direct to consumer balls. For a dozen Maxfli Tours, the best price is equivalent to $83US.

[Shortknocker]

Z Star One of the best Balls out there, and Srixon being cheaper than the others, it's a no brainier. The ball flat out performs! 

[BallsLeon]

This doesn’t help you much, but I really grew to like the Maxfli Tour in my Sugar ball testing. Would like to try the Tour S as well.

[Shlax]

There is a local company not so far from my place that sells recycled/retrieved golf balls and they supposedly evaluate each ball to make sure that the drop in performance/integrity is minimal.

Personally, I have a phobia of any recycled balls and I’m not even talking about refurbished balls just yet. Nevertheless, I bought 4 dozen recycled Pro V1s graded 5A (highest quality below brand new) at the beginning of the season because they had a buy 1 get 1 free deal and so far, I am very impressed! These balls perform as I would expect a brand new ball to.

What is your experience with used balls?

[Mister G]

          I have tried several golf balls, usually long term (depending on how quickly I lose them I try out at least 36 golf balls per brand or type). The following worked the best for me at the time. I used less expensive balls when I first started (because I lost so many) but I found that Noodle long and soft were inexpensive and did not pile on by adding more spin and spinning off course on my already wayward shots. It was therefore the best for my game at the time. As my game progressed I moved on to Wilson staff as a somewhat more expensive ball (bought on-line for less) and was very happy with the short game feel I got from them.

          Last year I moved up to using Titleist Tru-feel for several months and loved the short game feel but was losing more than a few yards off the tee box. Finally, although I still lose a few golf balls, I have moved up to Titleist V1x (2016 used) bought in bulk on-line and have really seen a remarkable amount of progress wherein the ball goes when it is supposed to go and stops when it is supposed to stop!!! Remarkable--what's the old punch line---it's not you it's your clubs (ball, shoes, lack of practice, etc.) but clearly, for me, the ball you play makes a greater difference in lowering my score than any other piece of equipment. Which is logical because the golf ball is the only piece of equipment that you use on every hole. 

          For example, after establishing the Titleists as my golf ball de-jour I remember once being in a hurry and leaving half of my clubs in my practice bag (a small Sunday bag) at home because my buddy gave me the wrong tee time. I scrambled out of the house with only my main golf bag and played with only the nine remaining clubs (none of my favorite, go-to clubs). I actually shot 3 strokes better!! 

[NC Golfer]

Plus one on the Zstar - in yellow. The prior gen is a great value.

[GolfSpy_APH]

I have tried the Vice Zero so if I was looking for a cheap or winter ball that would be it. Pretty soon leaves are going to start falling and finding golf balls could become a lot more difficult. 

I intend to stick with Vice for the forseesble future. I get great numbers from the pro plus. Enjoy the feel and overall performance along with Price. 

Difference between zero and pro plus really isn't that much either.

[Ding-dong]

I have stopped buying premium balls. I have a couple of boxes of pro v’s lying around due to some side deals. But when you go through the MGS report, the Srixon AD333 is half the price, may be 2-4yards shorter in carry ( roll out is another thing) but it is the wedge spin that is so close (200 rpm) , you cannot help but be persuaded that it’s actually the ball to use. So I do. 

[Hans...not Franz]

I was hitting the PXG ball against PROV/X yesterday on course situations . Off the tee was eh ok . Coming into the green showed the difference . The half wedge was the knockout punch . First short wedge the cover started to shred . Doesn’t matter what Value the PXG ball offers, when you hit a fairway then wedge into the green and now it’s not usable . 

[SeniorGolfer]

I have been waiting for the MGS ball test results to help me find the best Winter substitute for the Pro V1x that I use all Summer. I don’t lose many balls at my home course, but during the 5 Winter months I spend in Myrtle Beach, my losses go way up. I have decided the Vice Pro is a good candidate based on the test results, but like you, I am in Canada and not able to access DTC balls reasonably. I did notice that I could buy a single dozen of the prior gen Vice Pro balls from Amazon, so I am using these to test out until I head south. If they work out well, I’ll be able to order the current gen balls while I’m in Myrtle Beach. 

[JRapp314]

I really like the Vice Pro Plus.  Distance is still there and spin control as well.  I’ve also been trying out the PXG Xtreme golf ball and it is performing very well also.  The PXG ball compression is quite high and you can definitely feel/hear it.  It has a bit of a “clicky” sound in my opinion.  However, the results are really good.  Once you get used to the sound, it’s a phenomenal ball at a really good price. P

[drb1956]

As I lose too many golf balls during the season from wayward drives, I don't play "premium" golf balls. I play a value ball like the Maxfli Softfli. Good distance, helps me to try to stay in the fairway most of the time. Not so bad around the green, when struck well with a wedge. I would like to play a "better" ball, but not for me at this time. Most of them have too much spin off the tee for me. I have tried quite a few premium balls, and come back to a two-piece balls, which have less spin of the tee. I have heard the argument about all balls being equal off the tee! Sorry, not so! And I have heard this from low capper players that gave complained that certain premium balls spin too much for them off the tee. High capper here, and sticking with my value ball at this time...

[darrellthompson]

ProV1

ChromeSoft X

Maxfli Tour X

[Ro.]

It’s the pro v1 for me. It just does everything really well. I’ve tried to switch to cheaper balls but I always end up with the pro v1 in the end

[TitleistMike]

Titleist AVX - lower trajectory

Yes, fitted - I spent hours on simulator hitting batches of ProV1 and AVX and comparing notes.

As long as descent angle is similar, a lower ball flight helps on breezy days.

[MrMashie]

PRO V1 all day and everyday!

bought 4 dz. Used mint from Used golf balls and they play great…tried a bunch of lower compression balls due to my old guy swing speed…but they didn’t impress and were a lot shorter…and really didn’t have that crispy feel to me…so I’m committed to ol’reliable.

[AntPett]

I am pretty sure I have tried them all. After the MGS test I went with Snell MTB. They are not far off the ProV1 at all. Plus they went on sale for $27.99 if you buy the 5 dozen. 

[EugeGall]

I don’t play a “premium” ball or do I. The Seed SD-01 is as good as the Pro-v1 and half the price

[KRW]

Callaway Chrome Soft X

[Sherlock]

Titleist Left Dash ProV1x and I will never buy a different ball ever!!! I try to save a few dollars on dozens by only buying when I have a 20% discount coupon or $10-$20 off per dozen. I havent bought a dozen of premium balls for full price ever. I just buy a dozen with a coupon even if I dont actually need a dozen. Also take advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free specials (in addition to using a coupon on top of that deal) to really discount the price. Used Callaway Chrome Soft and chrome soft X LS for a few years, also used Pro V1, but left dash has by far performed better off the tee and i get spin back on the greens/check ups.

[ronald bay]

Nothing beats or compares to Titliest Pro V1's for me. But when I look to try other balls to be sure I am not missing out on "new" technology, I have found 2 balls that I like and use now when I am not playing in tournaments or money games. They are: Bridgestone B RX and Vice Pro Soft. My swing speed is in the low 90's and these balls work well giving me distance with control. Buy 3 dz packs of Bridgestone for $109 and Vice Pro's for $108 -$3.00/ball vs Titliest at over $5.00/ball. Still go back to my Pro V1's when winning is paramount.

[tdc1]

I have enjoyed both the TaylorMade Tour Response and Srixon Q-Star Tour (love the Divide but not the matte finish so usually opt for yellow).  My Pro V’s are all foundlings.

Edited September 17, 2023 by tdc1
Typo

[Tea Time]

Great thread. I'll say the srixon z star is an excellent ball. The Wilson staff model ball is awesome, it carries a long way. Is a bit firm and clicky but performance is everything a PV1x is. The Wilson Triad is also fantastic, very long, softer than Staff model but a players ball through and through. 

The vice pro and pro plus are both excellent. With the funky colors and drip balls they're very catchy. Besides the cosmetics, both balls are legit player balls. I really play well with the vice balls. 

This summer I played mostly Wilson and Vice. My wife was a 4.2 before our son was born. It's rare but if she hit a second ball off the tee it was out of my pocket because she doesn't use or have  pockets apparently. She really likes the Triad and that's what she says she'd use if not her trusty PV1. 

In reality I think all these manufacturers are making great equipment and it really doesn't matter which bullet you choose. It is the Indian not the arrow. Hope this helps, love these topics. 

 

[Everardo]

I start by looking at tests from MGS and Today's Golfer, then including Ballnamic. I took the top 3-5 balls from each (there were a few overlaps so not like I had to test that many really) and did a few tests of my own with putting, chipping, and full swing with Trackman.

Taking into consideration price discounts since I usually buy several at a time. If one ball is a yard or two shorter on the driver or spins a couple hundred less on the wedge but is several dollars cheaper on the dozen then I'll take that into consideration. Also, I prefer a yellow ball which limits some choices and I'll play white if it's that much better but I can usually find what I want in yellow. 

So my top pick for now is the Wilson Staff. It was top 3 in most tests and categories, available in yellow, and had a buy 2 get 1 deal. 

Others that made the top 5 after all my tests. Chrome Soft X LS, Maxfli Tour X,  Bridgestone B X, Chrome Soft X

[NoRebound]

My go-to ball for the last several seasons has been a yellow Pro V1.  I've found that my short game has improved with the ball and the lower spin has kept the really big misses off of the tee out of my game.

Last fall I bought a dozen Maxfli Tour balls to play through the leaves and was amazed at how well the ball performed.   It feels somehow lighter at contact than the Pro V1 and I did lose a yard or two off of the tee, but the ball was really playable and was $29.99 rather than $50 for the Titleists.  

I have not been fit for either of these balls but plan on adding that to the off-season list when I get fit for a new set of sticks.  

[MadisonGolfbum]

Pro V1x. Consistent high quality, great distance and feel around the green. Flies higher for me than Pro V1.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[dabigkahuna]

What's my favourite ball?  Anything I find, and that can last more than three holes!  Having said that, I've actually paid for Titleist Pro V 1's and Trufeels.  Next would be TM TP 5's, and finally Bridgestone e6's.

[Terry Mclees]

Prov-1 white

[lmatteo]

I’ve been hitting the Maxfli Tour since they came available. They are long, with controlled spin, and durable. Dollar for dollar you can’t go wrong buying a cube for $120.00. I believe that includes the imprint of your choice. Great ball!