Golf Balls....used or new??

HB2002

Due mostly to my slice off the tee and a few shanks with wedges I'm in dire need of buying golf balls....

Has anyone a decent site for getting good quality second hand Pro V's?

Be interested to know what people reckon on buying the second had top of the range balls..... wonder would it be worth while getting brand new but cheapers balls?...

rrpc

HB2002 wrote: »

Due mostly to my slice off the tee and a few shanks with wedges I'm in dire need of buying golf balls....

Has anyone a decent site for getting good quality second hand Pro V's?

Be interested to know what people reckon on buying the second had top of the range balls..... wonder would it be worth while getting brand new but cheapers balls?...

New is usually better. You don't know how many times a used ball has been hit and they do degrade with use.

I'd have a selection depending on what course or how I'm playing. If I lose a few, I step back to cheaper balls (because I know it's gonna be one of those days ). On a course I haven't played before I also use a mid-price ball.

Also have a few 'finders' in my bag.

Check www.sportsdirect.com for balls, they usually have some pretty good ones at a discount. Nike One RZNs at the moment for about €18 and Callaway CXR Power for about €12 among many others.

WacoKid

eBay for golf balls. Second hand 'B Grade' good golf balls are the ones to get (Pro V1's etc.) assuming you are not off 4 handicap or less!

I'm off 9 and B Grade do the job as I'm not fussed about a few scuffs etc. If you put a Pearl Grade into play its likely it will be scuffed after a couple of hits anyway!

dball

i find i dont slice a badly with a good cheap hard ball, I think the softer proV1's tend to exaggerate a slice - Im open to correction here!

WacoKid

Softer balls are geared towards spin, regardless if its back, top or sideways! The golf ball is always a trade off between spin and accuracy. I used soft balls as around the greens they are shot savers due to their bite, drop-and-stop etc!

Dtoffee

Used balls are nearly always bleached to whiten them and that process effects the cover ..... the ball looks great, pearly white and a total dud to play with.

I would recommend new balls or maybe turn your right hand a little more to the right with the V between your thumb and index finger pointing to your right shoulder to stop slicing (next week we will work on your hook )

spacecoyote

Dtoffee wrote: »

Used balls are nearly always bleached to whiten them and that process effects the cover ..... the ball looks great, pearly white and a total dud to play with.

I would recommend new balls or maybe turn your right hand a little more to the right with the V between your thumb and index finger pointing to your right shoulder to stop slicing (next week we will work on your hook )

You can still hit a slice with a strong grip...believe me

dan_ep82

Second hand lake balls for me. Got the odd one that had a weird flight but very very rarely

GreeBo

I'd stay away from the refinished one's, they never last long.
Better off with lake balls or finds.

charlieIRL

I use the bridgestone xfix balls which are not too hard on the pocket, would rather these than refinished balls.

@ the op, if I was shanking balls I'd be leaving the pro v's for another day, they are too expensive to be throwing away

Boskowski

I usually play with A grade Bridgestones B330s and I can get them for around €1 a ball. They are untreated finds and a top class 3-piece ball.

I don't get the hype around the ProVs. Don't get me wrong they are nice and I'd play ProV1x no problem (ProV1 I find a little too spinny, maybe I change my mind when I get better) but I don't think there is much if anything between them and the Bridgestones or the three piece Callaways and I couldn't justify double the price. I think Titleist just have a better (and more costly) marketing tbh.

Rarely if ever I buy brand new balls. Between the comp fee, the 2s club and maybe a bottle of iced tea its expensive enough to play the comps on top of the sub, I don't need to add a fiver (or tenner ) to add to that.

popepaisley1

there are an awful lot of people using pro v's that really shouldn't be using them. for some reason they think they will make them a better player!

but for good seconds just google 'lake balls ireland' or 'lake balls uk'....plenty of good sites. ebay and amazon are both good too

mike12

You are much better off with pick up's than lake Balls. Skoda & Gopher on adverts deal just in pick ups always super quality and good value.

mister gullible

I play off 6, use found or second hand prov1s or failing that nxt tour. If I'm stuck for a ball and pull something else out of the found balls in my bag, I use that. Unless it's a rock (or you're a scratch player)it really makes no difference.

GreeBo

mister gullible wrote: »

I play off 6, use found or second hand prov1s or failing that nxt tour. If I'm stuck for a ball and pull something else out of the found balls in my bag, I use that. Unless it's a rock (or you're a scratch player)it really makes no difference.

Only a scratch player will notice the difference between an ultra and a pro v?

I call shenanigans on that.

I'm a lowly double figure handicap golfer and I can see significant difference, an ultra wont draw or fade as much as I want, it wont stop as quickly as I want, wont check on a chip like I want and lastly wont give me the feel from a putt that I want.

I guess other than that, yeah, no difference!

mister gullible

Obviously different brands have a different feel and one gets comfortable (and therefore more confident) with the brand you prefer but funnily enough I find that the 18 hole score is no different as long as you aren't using a hard budget ball. I think brand preference is largely a confidence thing. Admittedly I would use a Prov1 where possible but wouldn't get hung up on it and definitely wouldn't bother buying them new. I can afford them -just too mean.

Norfolk Enchants_

GreeBo wrote: »

Only a scratch player will notice the difference between an ultra and a pro v?

I call shenanigans on that.

I'm a lowly double figure handicap golfer and I can see significant difference, an ultra wont draw or fade as much as I want, it wont stop as quickly as I want, wont check on a chip like I want and lastly wont give me the feel from a putt that I want.

I guess other than that, yeah, no difference!

There's an oxymoron if I ever heard one, if you stopped trying to shape your shots as much and just concentrated on playing the percentage shots, you wouldn't be off a "lowly double digit" handicap for long, you'd be off high to middle single digit handicap and lets be honest even then you'd benefit more from a low spinning ball, but will never admit that because it's an ego thing that we all have bought into from the manufacturers.

charlieIRL

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

There's an oxymoron if I ever heard one, if you stopped trying to shape your shots as much and just concentrated on playing the percentage shots, you wouldn't be off a "lowly double digit" handicap for long, you'd be off high to middle single digit handicap and lets be honest even then you'd benefit more from a low spinning ball, but will never admit that because it's an ego thing that we all have bought into from the manufacturers.

and how do you know Greebo isn't able to shape the ball with ease?

WacoKid

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

There's an oxymoron if I ever heard one, if you stopped trying to shape your shots as much and just concentrated on playing the percentage shots, you wouldn't be off a "lowly double digit" handicap for long, you'd be off high to middle single digit handicap and lets be honest even then you'd benefit more from a low spinning ball, but will never admit that because it's an ego thing that we all have bought into from the manufacturers.

I agree we have bought into the ego thing for the long game (spinning irons etc.) but around the green everyone should be able to avail of the advantages of premium balls. Its getting it to the green that the hard part!

GreeBo

Norfolk Enchants_ wrote: »

There's an oxymoron if I ever heard one, if you stopped trying to shape your shots as much and just concentrated on playing the percentage shots, you wouldn't be off a "lowly double digit" handicap for long, you'd be off high to middle single digit handicap and lets be honest even then you'd benefit more from a low spinning ball, but will never admit that because it's an ego thing that we all have bought into from the manufacturers.

Aiming down the left and fading it back or aiming down the right and drawing it back is the percentage shot, the fairway width is effectively doubled when compared to attempting to hit it straight.

Also, please show me your algorithm for deciding that a 10 handicap golfer can't shape the ball? When I get back to 8 is it ok then?

Senna

Big factor that seems to missed here is consistently with the short game, using the one type of ball means you have a better idea how it will react on pitches, chips and off the putter face, whither it be premium balls or cheaper balls.

Sirxon distance are 24 for £15 in sports direct, would use them throughout winter and if I'm not playing great. Use PROV1's during comps if I'm playing well enough not to lose one more than every two rounds.

slave1

If it's a casual round then I play whatever find is in my bag, if it's a comp I play pro v 1's on par 3's and short par 4's, velocity on long par 4's and par 5's. Only buy balls new when on offer, e.g. got a dozen Nike PD Soft for €4 in a Nike Outlet in the states last month

FixdePitchmark

slave1 wrote: »

If it's a casual round then I play whatever find is in my bag, if it's a comp I play pro v 1's on par 3's and short par 4's, velocity on long par 4's and par 5's. Only buy balls new when on offer, e.g. got a dozen Nike PD Soft for €4 in a Nike Outlet in the states last month

Would you honestly go to that much effort - that is a lot of thinking and declaring balls.

I tend to play pro vs - once I get them cheap.

I'll go for a bridgstone soft or srixon soft or nike.

Once - I've a ball that will hold a green I'm happy.

I think at times it is a load of balls in a way - played a Ram hard ball in a comp a few weeks ago - was provisional I grabbed

slave1

Ah, it's not that much effort, usually stick 3 blue dots under the number so it's quick to select one ball over another when taking out of pocket.
I always carry two balls anyhow

GreeBo

slave1 wrote: »

Ah, it's not that much effort, usually stick 3 blue dots under the number so it's quick to select one ball over another when taking out of pocket.
I always carry two balls anyhow

I think he meant the effort of declaring your new ball to your playing partners.
Dangerous to carry two balls with you, what if you switch them by accident while putting?

Seve OB

I play with Rorys balls

dball

dball wrote: »

i find i dont slice a badly with a good cheap hard ball, I think the softer proV1's tend to exaggerate a slice - Im open to correction here!

I'd be interested in the opinion of the experts on this one.

I'm an enthusiastic but not great golfer, and I try to play 'low spin' balls on the basis that 99% of the spin I am putting on the ball isn't intended.

Am I right, and if I am any recommendations for a 'good' ball that takes spin off rather than putting it on?

leroythelegend

Deleted User wrote: »

I'd be interested in the opinion of the experts on this one.

I'm an enthusiastic but not great golfer, and I try to play 'low spin' balls on the basis that 99% of the spin I am putting on the ball isn't intended.

Am I right, and if I am any recommendations for a 'good' ball that takes spin off rather than putting it on?

I dont claim to be an "expert" but since I've switched to Bridgestone E6 my scoring has been more consistant & knocked 2.1 off my handicap (now 13.0). They are designed to reduce spin on long shots, I'd highly recommend giving them a go.

Felexicon

GreeBo wrote: »

I think he meant the effort of declaring your new ball to your playing partners.
Dangerous to carry two balls with you, what if you switch them by accident while putting?

I always carry an extra in my pocket and have never switched for a putt. Always put it in my right pocket when I mark it on the green, have done it like this since I started so don't even think about it now

val868594

Try "adverts . ie" for used Pro Vs

Senna

leroythelegend wrote: »

I dont claim to be an "expert" but since I've switched to Bridgestone E6 my scoring has been more consistant & knocked 2.1 off my handicap (now 13.0). They are designed to reduce spin on long shots, I'd highly recommend giving them a go.

Did you notice the e6 is affected more by wind, May not be true, but I played them one day messing about and I noticed that two identical shots, the e6 would be moved by the wind a lot more, maybe due to not spining in the air as much?

GreeBo

How can you judge they were identical though?
More lateral spin will always mean more movement.

Senna

GreeBo wrote: »

How can you judge they were identical though?
More lateral spin will always mean more movement.

As I said, May not be true just asking if he noticed it.

leroythelegend

Senna wrote: »

Did you notice the e6 is affected more by wind, May not be true, but I played them one day messing about and I noticed that two identical shots, the e6 would be moved by the wind a lot more, maybe due to not spining in the air as much?

I've found them fine to play in the wind to be honest but I haven't played them at the same time as another ball to compare. I'm sticking with them as all my best rounds of the year have been with the e6.

dan_ep82

castlegolf.ie are having some reductions at the minute.

I'm still using second hand balls, anything I have at the minute as long as it isn't a rock. I'll switch back to a better ball once I stop losing some many again lol

m r c

HB2002 wrote: »

Due mostly to my slice off the tee and a few shanks with wedges I'm in dire need of buying golf balls....

Has anyone a decent site for getting good quality second hand Pro V's?

Be interested to know what people reckon on buying the second had top of the range balls..... wonder would it be worth while getting brand new but cheapers balls?...

Always buy the best ball you dont mind losing. Bad enough to hit a bad shot without wondering about how much it cost.
Pro v's and similar are really great balls to use and get used to but the first thing u can do is work out your budget, then get the best ones u can afford.

I too like the idea of consistency, play the same ball all the time if possible.

galwaylad14

Play off 5 but I just couldn't justify spending big money on golf balls like pro v's. I always buy whatever is on sale in around the 12 for 20 quid mark. Couldn't honestly say I notice a huge difference between good and "bad" balls to be honest. Also the guy earlier who said he had a handicap in the double numbers but could shape the ball as he wanted is delusional, I play with an awful lot of golfers of different levels and every one of them would be better shaping the ball as little as possible to be honest, in my opinion what you need is a consistent shot that just comes naturally and play for that, no golfer of our ability can shape the ball as they want, we'd all be better off just playing our natural game and allowing for our natural shot, mines a fade and I play for that, left edge of the fairway and let it fly, wouldn't try to hit a draw because I just can't do it consistently and I've no real need to. Martin kaymer reached world number one without being able to hit a draw for god sake and yet guys with handicaps of 10 and over think they should be shaping the ball! Crazy stuff

Norfolk Enchants_

galwaylad14 wrote: »

Play off 5 but I just couldn't justify spending big money on golf balls like pro v's. I always buy whatever is on sale in around the 12 for 20 quid mark. Couldn't honestly say I notice a huge difference between good and "bad" balls to be honest. Also the guy earlier who said he had a handicap in the double numbers but could shape the ball as he wanted is delusional, I play with an awful lot of golfers of different levels and every one of them would be better shaping the ball as little as possible to be honest, in my opinion what you need is a consistent shot that just comes naturally and play for that, no golfer of our ability can shape the ball as they want, we'd all be better off just playing our natural game and allowing for our natural shot, mines a fade and I play for that, left edge of the fairway and let it fly, wouldn't try to hit a draw because I just can't do it consistently and I've no real need to. Martin kaymer reached world number one without being able to hit a draw for god sake and yet guys with handicaps of 10 and over think they should be shaping the ball! Crazy stuff

+1 and just to add that the greatest player in the modern pro game plays a fade, yet almost everyone is trying to play a draw, go figure!?.

Dossy

leroythelegend wrote: »

I dont claim to be an "expert" but since I've switched to Bridgestone E6 my scoring has been more consistant & knocked 2.1 off my handicap (now 13.0). They are designed to reduce spin on long shots, I'd highly recommend giving them a go.

I know the thread is a bit old but the Bridgestone E6 are a great ball, would really recommend them. Now im not putting it down to the ball but i dropped 5 shots this year. I did use ProV1 aswell from time to time but mostly the E6

dan_ep82

Dossy wrote: »

I know the thread is a bit old..

With the weather I think its very valid at the minute as most will play used during these times.

In saying that the greens are quite good at the home club with the Old still being very fast.


I bought a box of AD333 a few months back when I got caught out and left mine at home and ended up playing them for quite a while, mostly grade A second hand.

Over a while I'd find some PRO V1's and I'd just throw them in the bag or give them away but again got caught out one day and they were all I had in the bag.
Played the round and couldn't believe the check I was getting around greens and its not uncommon for an approach shot to spin back a bit.
In comparison I found it very hard to spin the AD333 and had trouble most of the summer getting them to stop on greens.

I'm sure it was all to do with my swing but I can definitely see the difference around the greens and no adverse effects except a slight loss of distance over playing the harder balls I think

The main reason I play second hand golf balls is the same reason I didn't play Pro V1's, money. I lose a good few balls on the New Course, usually 1 a round at least. On the Old I've yet to lose one since early summer.

I'm getting 100 Pro V1's for €25 at the minute with about 60% being grade A and the other 40% a mix of Grade B-C for casual rounds and the range

Keano

100 for €25 ... That's cheap!

dan_ep82

Keano A Legend wrote: »

100 for €25 ... That's cheap!

I know , I waited until I had them home to look at them to make sure they weren't all refurbished or repainted top flites lol

Boskowski

Bridgestone 330s half price at Americangolf at the moment. Got 5 dozen that's my competitions sorted for quite some time.

slave1

Interesting article on Titleist ball manufacturing...

http://www.golfwrx.com/247385/inside-titleists-golf-ball-facilities/

SevesThreeIron

Bought a load of Pro V x-outs there recently off a UK website. They were £21.99 a dozen. They have deals on multiples so I bought three dozen. They've obviously got x-out written on them, as well as an 'e' either side of the alignment arrow. I draw a line around the ball anyway so that goes straight through the x-out. I've used them in three or four rounds so far and don't notice a bit of difference. To me, it's the same as playing with a new pro v.

Now whether a new pro v is actually quantifiably better than the next ball in the market is the other question of course....

Personally, having tested a good few of them against each other over the years, I've never found anything that beats a prov, if I can put it that way. So on that basis, I'm happy to stick with them.

slave1

Picked up some Nike PD soft when in the states last year and have to say very impressed and they are generally at the lower end of prices.

Keano

I bought refinished Pro V1s on ebay last year. One cracked in the half and the rest are just as bad. Never again.

Seve OB

Keano wrote: »

I bought refinished Pro V1s on ebay last year. One cracked in the half and the rest are just as bad. Never again.

i used to get them from someone who unfortunately no longer supplies them.

were always as good as brand new ones

Liamowicklow

Try Golfballs.ie great service and decent prices, dozen PROV1s (2013) Pearl Grade normally around €29.

fearruanua

Keano wrote: »

I bought refinished Pro V1s on ebay last year. One cracked in the half and the rest are just as bad. Never again.

I second this. I bought a box of supposedly pro v 1's once. Never again. Some of the balls I got were definitely not pro V's underneath the nice shiny paint.

slave1

Agree on refurbs, better off with a lower priced brand new ball or finds