Upgrading from Kirkland - recommendations

[Hughesjosh]

Eighteen months ago, I started using Kirkland golf balls to consistently play the same ball without breaking the bank as I was losing many. Recently, realizing the impact ball selection has on my tee shots, I've decided to explore options. While I appreciate the spin on the greens with Kirkland, I'd prefer slightly less spin. Pro V1s are ideal but a bit expensive for my current budget.

What recommendations do you have for balls in a mid-range price point offering good performance with slightly lower spin compared to Kirkland?

 

 

[cnosil]

This is a great place to start:  https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/golf-balls/2023-golf-ball-test/ 
 

start with the Kirkland ball and find balls that spin a little less or look at what is comparable to the ProV1 and the look at the price to find something in your price range.  

[FightingScot82]

The challenge for you is the price jump. The best deal on a 3 piece urethane ball tends to be the Maxfli Tour series. Buying in bulk gets them down to $30/dozen.

If price is your #1 consideration, I would consider looking online at mint or near mint used golf balls from places that promise they're not water balls or refurbished (repainted). Mint (flawless) is often half price.

[dbdors]

If you have a Sam's Club membership, the Vice Pro is a comparable ball with lower spin and more distances.  You can get them 24 balls for $50.

[Hughesjosh]

On 3/4/2024 at 2:04 PM, cnosil said:

This is a great place to start:  https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/golf-balls/2023-golf-ball-test/ 
 

start with the Kirkland ball and find balls that spin a little less or look at what is comparable to the ProV1 and the look at the price to find something in your price range.  

Great, thank you!

21 hours ago, FightingScot82 said:

The challenge for you is the price jump. The best deal on a 3 piece urethane ball tends to be the Maxfli Tour series. Buying in bulk gets them down to $30/dozen.

If price is your #1 consideration, I would consider looking online at mint or near mint used golf balls from places that promise they're not water balls or refurbished (repainted). Mint (flawless) is often half price.

Never heard of Maxfli before, I will look into them.

[FightingScot82]

1 minute ago, Hughesjosh said:

Great, thank you!

Never heard of Maxfli before, I will look into them.

Maxfli has been around for decades but they're currently owned by Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, so that is pretty much the only place you can find them. They're $40/dozen but like I said down to $30/dozen when you buy multiple.

[Hughesjosh]

Just now, FightingScot82 said:

Maxfli has been around for decades but they're currently owned by Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy, so that is pretty much the only place you can find them. They're $40/dozen but like I said down to $30/dozen when you buy multiple.

Ah that would explain it. I am based in the UK and we don't get either of those stores over here.

[GregGarner]

On 3/5/2024 at 10:27 AM, Hughesjosh said:

Ah that would explain it. I am based in the UK and we don't get either of those stores over here.

Yeah, unfortunately Maxfli will be hard for you to source. But you might also take a look at Seed golf balls. And I'll +1 to checking out Vice. The Vice Pro is pretty similar to the ProV1, maybe a little less spin, and the Vice Pro Plus is an all-around great ball, generally geared for faster swing speeds.

If you're wanting to stay a little more "name brand," then the Srixon Z-Star series can usually be had for a reasonable price as they often have buy-2-dozen-get-1-free sales. There's one going on now and there will be another in June. The Z-Star Diamond tested VERY well in the MGS ball test last year.

[berkeleybob]

On 3/4/2024 at 2:47 PM, Hughesjosh said:

Eighteen months ago, I started using Kirkland golf balls to consistently play the same ball without breaking the bank as I was losing many. Recently, realizing the impact ball selection has on my tee shots, I've decided to explore options. While I appreciate the spin on the greens with Kirkland, I'd prefer slightly less spin. Pro V1s are ideal but a bit expensive for my current budget.

What recommendations do you have for balls in a mid-range price point offering good performance with slightly lower spin compared to Kirkland?

For what it’s worth, I’ve seen Wilson Staff Model and Triad balls are on sale in the ~$30 range, probably to make room for their latest or upcoming offerings. I haven’t tried Triad, but I’m a fan of Model. It had good numbers when it was tested in MGS’s big ball test in 2021 or 2022.

[berkeleybob]

@Hughesjosh I just realized you’re in the UK. Definitely check out the Wilson Staff Model. Here in Denmark I was able to get them for $30 a box, which is an incredible price, especially in this country.

Another one to try out is Vice Pro, Pro Plus or Pro Soft when buying in bulk. I bought a variety pack from them to test them out, and afterward they sent me emails with discounts.

I’ve been trying out both brands at the indoor golf range, and the numbers are pretty similar.

Hope that helps.

 

[Kanoito]

+1 for Vice, should be able to get them easily in Europe