What Golf Ball do you use?

dan_ep82

Just thought it would be interesting to see what golf ball members use paired with their playing handicap in good conditions.

As an aside, anyone getting good deals on balls?

I usually get a ridiculous deal on 2nd hand proV's or I wouldn't be able to afford them.


Handicap : 21

Ball : 2nd Hand ProV ,although I've got Callaway Chromesofts new for comps lately.

Reason : I like the feel putting and spin from around the greens and inside 150yds.

Montgolfier

Chromesoft callaway or taylormade

plumber77

Handicap 11
Usually Bridgestone or Srixon. Depends on which is better value at the time.
Just like the all round performance of those brands, outstanding value when you shop around.

ronnie3585

Chromesoft.

Jawgap

Whatever is in good nick when I pull it out of the bag!!

Generally, I'd say I have a preference for the Titleist NXTs or DT Solos as they seem a bit harder than the Pro-V1s.

On an intuitive level I don't like Pro-V1s because of the spin factor - anything that is supposed to spin as much as them I'd regard as a disadvantage as I don't have the game to control (and effectively use) that spin, yet.

Senna

Prov1 9hcp

If I lost more than 1 every two rounds, I'd play something cheaper.

Brand of ball makes very little difference, but playing the same type of ball is important, whether that be a Prov1 or a pinnacle distance, so you'll know how it reacts on chips and putt.

sofireland

Handicap 16,

Taylor Made Tour Preferred X - found a good seller on Ebay that sells two dozen for £50.

Mantis Toboggan

Play my best golf with my trusty Dunlop. Off 11

big_drive

5 handicap

Use the Srixon z-star XV, like its feel for putting and chipping and also use the yellow sometimes which is handy as you'd know your ball as playing partners using white nearly always

CalamariFritti

Not very brand loyal but generally speaking I like to play a good ball but not the softest ball. When I go and buy a dozen its often Bridgestone. Cant feel a difference between the B330rx and ProV1x but you can get a deal on the Bridgestone quite often. In the winter I play something a little harder again, often whatever comes out of the bag.

Having said that unless we're talking top flites or ultras I don't think the difference is huge. When I'm hitting it well I'm hitting it well no matter what. And I if don't I can send a ProV1 out of bounds just as easily.

opti76

hcap-21
i use the callaway truvis. instantly know my ball ... and i thuoght it was a gimmick at first .. but i can focus on the ball easier alright

davo10

I've used those truvis balls as well, I think they are brilliant for chipping and putting. I've got a good friend who used to play on tour so he used to get me ProV's with blue tiles. On their site I think Truvis only used to sell Srixon Z-star unless you wanted to post your own golf balls brand to them.

I use Srixon A333's during winter and casual rounds, ProVs or Z-stars in bigger comps. Hcp 10 but rising as I am playing less and less.

dan_ep82

CalamariFritti wrote: »

Not very brand loyal but generally speaking I like to play a good ball but not the softest ball. When I go and buy a dozen its often Bridgestone. Cant feel a difference between the B330rx and ProV1x but you can get a deal on the Bridgestone quite often. In the winter I play something a little harder again, often whatever comes out of the bag.

Having said that unless we're talking top flites or ultras I don't think the difference is huge. When I'm hitting it well I'm hitting it well no matter what. And I if don't I can send a ProV1 out of bounds just as easily.

I can definitely see the difference between the B330rx and Prov1x around the greens. When I use the bridgestone I see more release where the ProV will check or spin on short shots. From 100-150 out the difference isn't just quite as much.

The only ball I found that works as well for me is the Chrome Soft, I played Ardee a few weeks ago using one and I was seeing spin and check all day, more so than I'm used to.

Those who play a harder ball, would you play the likes of a ProV, Chromesoft,Kirkand if they were cheaper?

Dtoffee

Playing off 18 and my current ball of choice is a Wilson Staff DX3 ..... but I'm not loyal at all and will play whatever comes out of the bag (until I get it in my head its unlucky !!). I think the ball choice becomes important when you are a low handicap player, outside of that its just vanity.

dan_ep82

Dtoffee wrote: »

I think the ball choice becomes important when you are a low handicap player, outside of that its just vanity.

I think thats rubbish for 90% of golfers. I'm sure they are some who think that way, and some who use them thinking they can shoot level par with a ProV etc but I'm sure most just like how the ball works for them. I can't see someone splashing out on a box of ProV's knowing they won't see any benefit but hey, they will impress their mates!

If the higher end balls cost the same as a box of dunlop everyone would play them. Most can't justify the cost, which is completely understandable but to say they only make a difference if you can par 13 out of 18 holes is mental.

Senecio

I buy premium balls when on a good deal so not brand loyal at all. Currently working through a couple of dozen Bridgestone B330 RXS. After that I have few dozen ChromeSofts. I'm always keeping an eye out for specials so my stocks don't get too low. Must still have 3/4 dozen at home.

foremee

I generally use srixon Ad333 as they seem to suit my game and handicap. However, I'll use whatever I find if its decent. Must say that the chromesoft is a lovely ball, but a bit out of my price range considering I probably lose on average one ball a round.

mafc

Use ProV 1 or ProV 1x, just love the feel of them around the greens.
Have tried Taylormade Penta and Srixon Z star too and both are similar but always end up going back to the Pro V.
The harder balls just don't give me the same confidence around the greens.
H/c 9

markthespark77

play off 6.
at the min im playing with prov 1 simply as i found them all. but like the feel of them all the same.
like playing the srixon ad333 tour all too.

TedR

Callaway Chromesoft, and they definitely work better for me than PV1s.

I previously played (mostly secondhand :-)) PV1s on the assumption that they had to be the best because they were the most expensive, and because so many pros play them.
However I dont think your average hacker like myself gets the bonus or the effect that hard hitting and highly controlled pro players get from the ProV balls.
I find the Callaways easier to control on the drive, and noticeably softer and steadier around the greens, for what its worth.
18 Handicapper.

fred funk }{

6 HC and play Pro V1. Just love the feel of them and the control and stop on the green.

CalamariFritti

Dtoffee wrote: »

Playing off 18 and my current ball of choice is a Wilson Staff DX3 ..... but I'm not loyal at all and will play whatever comes out of the bag (until I get it in my head its unlucky !!). I think the ball choice becomes important when you are a low handicap player, outside of that its just vanity.

I'm not a low guy but I certainly feel a difference between an ultra and a prov. The former being a rock and the latter being very soft. The rock will go farther but feels like... a rock. The prov1 feels nice but will cost me distance, scuffs easily and is very expensive. I prefer something in between the two, I'm not imagining that.

Dtoffee

CalamariFritti wrote: »

I'm not a low guy but I certainly feel a difference between an ultra and a prov. The former being a rock and the latter being very soft. The rock will go farther but feels like... a rock. The prov1 feels nice but will cost me distance, scuffs easily and is very expensive. I prefer something in between the two, I'm not imagining that.

I never said there was no difference, my point is that high handicap golfers using ProVs is more a personal choice than game improvement ..... if it was game improving then they would not be high handicap players for very long. Pro V's are popular for their ability to be controlled by better ball strikers, most high handicappers can only dream of perfecting backspin if we are honest (they may do it once or twice, but not controlled).

Golf marketing is very powerful and big business, I know a 24 handicapper who changes his clubs every year and plays nothing but ProVs. When I ask him why ? he laughs and says 'why not'. He wants to use the top equipment and can afford it, but the reality is that his game has not changed in years.... but he looks the part

Jawgap

Dtoffee wrote: »

I never said there was no difference, my point is that high handicap golfers using ProVs is more a personal choice than game improvement ..... if it was game improving then they would not be high handicap players for very long. Pro V's are popular for their ability to be controlled by better ball strikers, most high handicappers can only dream of perfecting backspin if we are honest (they may do it once or twice, but not controlled).

Golf marketing is very powerful and big business, I know a 24 handicapper who changes his clubs every year and plays nothing but ProVs. When I ask him why ? he laughs and says 'why not'. He wants to use the top equipment and can afford it, but the reality is that his game has not changed in years.... but he looks the part

Indeed......as I was saying to herself as she was 'admiring' a recent purchase ("......and how much did that cost?!?!?!?").......

......golf is like sex......you don't have to be good at it to enjoy it, and you can still look good doing it badly :D:D

Speaking of which, my preference is for hardness. You're right, golf marketing is very powerful but data that shows ball 'A' spins more than ball 'B' generally persuades me to buy ball 'B' - I figure anything that is 'spinny' will just accentuate any flaws in my drives in particular......and playing on links courses I'm fonder of the bump and run than the floaty, floppy wedge to get it close to the stick.

Charlie Charolais

HC18, fast swinger...
I think, as with so much in golf, it's down to personal choice;
do you get fitted for a putter or use bargain basket one? it's what works for you, if you feel comfortable over the ball & it takes one less thought out of your head, it works, & adds to your confidence; my ultimate goal is to have no thoughts & just hit it!
I've tried lots of balls & had settled on AD333's, but I got a deal on Ultisoft & soft feel so using the ultisoft for a few weeks, they are more forgiving than the AD333's off the tee
There is alot of difference, think Warbird v Ultisoft... OMG, the Warbird are so hard they would shatter your elbows, the ultisoft are like hugging your favourite pillow

FixdePitchmark

I just can't see how anyone can justify new prov1. Price is crazy.

I use 2nd hand or rewashed.

Trying chrome Soft at present.

Webbs

6 hcp

During winter its whatever I find on the course!

Outside of that its either chromesoft or DX3. I personally dont find any difference between those and ProV apart from price

razorblunt

Dtoffee wrote: »

Playing off 18 and my current ball of choice is a Wilson Staff DX3 ..... but I'm not loyal at all and will play whatever comes out of the bag (until I get it in my head its unlucky !!). I think the ball choice becomes important when you are a low handicap player, outside of that its just vanity.

Agreed, I'm off 17 and I tend to buy Callaway Warbirds or whatever is on sale.
At this stage I don't think the ball will help me that much, if at all.

BraveDonut

Handicap 9

I won't buy new proV1s but I will use them if I can get decent used ones.
I actually prefer a slightly harder ball.

For winter golf I am currently using Titleist Velocity and I really like them.
Also really like Nike RZN red - not sure how much longer I will be able to get them.

Senna

I bought 12 refinished/refurbished Prov1 on ebay a few years back, they were absolutely terrible, didn't reacted like a Prov1 at all, I think they were just any ball they found and just refurbished them with the Prov1 logos.
So be ware of anything that is refurbished, they could be anything underneath.

Senecio

Senecio wrote: »

I buy premium balls when on a good deal so not brand loyal at all. Currently working through a couple of dozen Bridgestone B330 RXS. After that I have few dozen ChromeSofts. I'm always keeping an eye out for specials so my stocks don't get too low. Must still have 3/4 dozen at home.

Just coming back to my post. I have 2 dozen (short 1 or 2 balls) Nike RZN Tour Platinum at home that were a failed experiment. I just didn't get on with them. They're free to anyone who'll collect them from Balgriffin (first to PM).

Mods, apologies if inappropriate.

Senecio

Senna wrote: »

I bought 12 refinished/refurbished Prov1 on ebay a few years back, they were absolutely terrible, didn't reacted like a Prov1 at all, I think they were just any ball they found and just refurbished them with the Prov1 logos.
So be ware of anything that is refurbished, they could be anything underneath.

I have a similar experience with refinished balls. Will never buy them again. I don't mind playing 2nd and balls but i will steer clear of refinished.

WacoKid

I play Pro V1 as my driver is Titleist and I assume when testing the club they used their best ball.

Reading the thread it seems I'm the only one who has considered pairing their clubs and balls from the same manufacturer.

Montgolfier

If I find secondhand balls or find some I balance check them in the old check and go.

Senna

WacoKid wrote: »

I play Pro V1 as my driver is Titleist and I assume when testing the club they used their best ball.

Reading the thread it seems I'm the only one who has considered pairing their clubs and balls from the same manufacturer.

I've a Ping driver, what do I do???
And what about the other 13 clubs that hit the ball? Driver is actually the least important consideration when choose a ball, you want the driver to hit it as long as possible and the least spin, Prov1 isn't the ball that going the farthest. It's probably a ball with either very high or very low compression.

FixdePitchmark

The only players that should have new prov1 are the ones who get them free

Or win them.

WacoKid

Senna wrote: »

I've a Ping driver, what do I do???
And what about the other 13 clubs that hit the ball? Driver is actually the least important consideration when choose a ball, you want the driver to hit it as long as possible and the least spin, Prov1 isn't the ball that going the farthest. It's probably a ball with either very high or very low compression.

I said that i take it into consideration but its not the key differentiator.

In fairness a low handicapper is going to be playing a soft ball anyway for their irons and wedges. Based on this I may as well look at my driver manufacturer's soft ball as opposed to others.

If one is considering not playing a soft ball then my point is not really valid.

As for advice on your ping driver...change it

Jawgap

WacoKid wrote: »

I said that i take it into consideration but its not the key differentiator.

In fairness a low handicapper is going to be playing a soft ball anyway for their irons and wedges. Based on this I may as well look at my driver manufacturer's soft ball as opposed to others.

If one is considering not playing a soft ball then my point is not really valid.

As for advice on your ping driver...change it

I'd imagine the difference must be marginal?

I'm all for marginal gains, but this seems more marginal than marginal

You'd not just have to use the same club they used in the testing to generate the ball, you'd also have to have the same swing as the robot.

red ears

Senna wrote: »

I bought 12 refinished/refurbished Prov1 on ebay a few years back, they were absolutely terrible, didn't reacted like a Prov1 at all, I think they were just any ball they found and just refurbished them with the Prov1 logos.
So be ware of anything that is refurbished, they could be anything underneath.

Often they are chemically stripped and repainted, not great quality generally. I bought them years ago. A few hard swings with a wedge and the grooves are tearing up.

I like the srixon AD333. I tend to avoid anything that is too hard like the ultra or topflight of old. I don't use the pro v's either they spin too much (sideways which means more slices and hooks on bad hits for me). I like something in-between. I got the callaway warbirds recently they are dirt cheap but surprisingly good.

frink

Off 8, generally Pro V1s but got a lot of Nike RZN Platinum before Christmas so will try those out.

Also like the TM Penta

mafc

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

The only players that should have new prov1 are the ones who get them free

Or win them.

I picked up two dozen new before Christmas for €75, will do me for most of the season.
This time of the year I use up all the old Pro V's that are in the bag plus the few that I find.
Srixon Ad333's I've tried but would have to say found them too hard and little or no feel off them, as with a lot of the middle range balls.
Suppose it's down to individuals and how many you lose.

Dbu

ProV1 and staying with them

Tried the chrome soft (nice ball) but found the surface cracked for no good reason (anyone else have similar experience?)

dan_ep82

Dbu wrote: »

ProV1 and staying with them

Tried the chrome soft (nice ball) but found the surface cracked for no good reason (anyone else have similar experience?)

I had the opposite, I found them more durable than the prov or provX. Played a full round with one, a lot of chips, pitches and full irons and you'd swear I never hit it. So me of the spin it was generating some was expecting marks somewhere.

Dbu

dan_ep82 wrote: »

I had the opposite, I found them more durable than the prov or provX. Played a full round with one, a lot of chips, pitches and full irons and you'd swear I never hit it. So me of the spin it was generating some was expecting marks somewhere.

Weird
Had about 4 of them out of a 12 box, literally crack..Took them back to pro and he said there were a few complaints about the same thing. That was well over a year ago, so maybe improved since then or else maybe just a bad batch

Dbu

This sort of thing..

fred funk }{

Dbu wrote: »

This sort of thing..

Jasus....That's incredible.

Jawgap

Dbu wrote: »

This sort of thing..

Meh....'tis but a flesh wound

dan_ep82

Wow never seen anything like that

mighty magpie

Srixon Q-star. not sold in UK or Ireland but I think the ad333 tour is supposed to be the same ball.

step down in price from the Z-star and are aimed at mid handicap level. Supposed to spin less to promote straighter shots on long shots. Still feel soft enough to me.

Dbu

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Wow never seen anything like that

Mind you, I downloaded that pic from the net, but that's exactly what happened to them.

Tom.D.BJJ

mighty magpie wrote: »

Srixon Q-star. not sold in UK or Ireland but I think the ad333 tour is supposed to be the same ball.

step down in price from the Z-star and are aimed at mid handicap level. Supposed to spin less to promote straighter shots on long shots. Still feel soft enough to me.

Yep, AD333 is QStar. AD333 tour is QStar tour.

I dont know if they promote straighter shots though. I can hit anything high and wide