There are a series of mechanical factors that work together when the ball and clubhead meet. Basically, there really is a science behind a successful round on the course. This includes the spin, launch angle, and ball speed.
If your goal is more distance off the tee, or you want to improve your shot control, then you need the use the best cheap golf balls, considering there is some serious technology packed into these balls.
Golf Ball Comparison Chart
| Product | Best For | Cover | Helps With | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Srixon Q-Star Tour 2 | Pros | Urethane | Spin | |
Titleist Pro V1 | Pros | Urethane | Distance | |
Callaway Warbird Golf Balls | High handicappers | Ionomer | Speed | |
Bridgestone E6 Speed | High handicappers | Urethane | Shot Accuracy and distance | |
Nitro Long Distance | High handicappers | Surlyn | Distance | |
TaylorMade Rocketballz | High handicappers | Ionomer | Distance | |
Srixon Z Star XV 5 | Pros | Urethane | Speed | |
Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS | All skill levels | Urethane | Distance and control | |
Wilson Ultra 500 Straight | High handicappers | Urethane | Shot Accuracy | |
Snell MTB Black My Tour | High handicappers | Urethane | Shot Accuracy and distance |
Srixon Q-Star Tour 2 Golf Balls
Our Rating:
The Srixon Q-Star golf balls are designed with the low handicapper in mind. They feature a thin urethane cover which is designed to generate backspin, promoting improved control. The advanced core construction consists of energetic gradient growth technology that helps to transfer energy, promoting optimal ball performance and better distance. The dimple pattern comes in at an impressive three hundred and thirty-eight, which will work to increase lift and reduce drag. This particular ball is perfect for moderate and high swing speeds. The low compression core combined with the spin skin coating works to improve spin and allows for an optimal performance with every shot.
Pros
- High dimple count
- Improves backspin and distance
- Designed for moderate and high swing speeds
- Thin urethane cover
Cons
- Not a good choice for beginners
- Should not be used for low swing speeds
Conclusion
This ball works well for moderate and high swing speeds, allowing you to sculpt your shots, generate more backspin and achieve the type of distance that you’re looking for, instantly and effortlessly. This is one ball that will have a big impact on how you play the game, and it’s available at a price that’s more than reasonable for one dozen of these top-performing balls.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
Our Rating:
Titleist is a major player in the industry, with a reputation for producing some of the best, most affordable balls on the market. The V1 balls are designed to promote consistent flight and improve distance. They offer better control for your short game and long game spin. According to the manufacturer, the ball’s cover is also seventeen percent thinner compared to competing models.
The cover is made out of thermoset urethane elastomer, which will improve shot control and accuracy. It’s also an excellent choice since it helps to generate a higher level of spin for both short and long game shots. Keep in mind that a thinner cover isn’t designed to generate more speed. Instead, it improves control and spin.
Pros
- Thinner cover
- Perfect for high swing speeds
- Improves distance
- Better shot accuracy
Cons
- Designed for high swing speeds only
- Not recommended for beginners
Conclusion
Compared to competing models, the ball’s thinner cover works wonders to improve shot accuracy and control. It’s perfect for both your short and long game and can offer the type of improved distance you need to lower your score. The ball’s penetrating trajectory and consistent flight will give the low handicapper every reason to buy. This ball should only be used by players with a high swing speed.
Callaway Warbird Golf Balls
Our Rating:
These balls are designed by one of the leading golf club manufacturers in the industry. Their balls are quickly earning a reputation for their unique HEX aerodynamics which work to promote a higher launch for increased speed while reducing drag. The ball is equipped with an extra-large high-energy core that offers a more satisfying feel off the club. The cover is made out of a high-sensory ionomer, for improved durability and ball speed. The ball features a two-piece design and a high energy core for a significantly faster ball speed and improved control.
Pros
- Ionomer cover
- Faster ball speed
- Promotes a higher launch
- Two-piece design
- Works for high and mid-handicappers
Cons
- Not recommended for low handicappers
Conclusion
The Warbird golf ball offers both excellent feel and improved distance. These balls are a great choice for beginners since it helps to improve game performance in a number of ways, instantly boosting ball speed for better distance. The two-piece construction improves durability, while the HEX aerodynamics will reduce drag. The high-energy core is designed with improved ball speed in mind on full shots. While the thinner cover delivers a softer feel.
Bridgestone E6 Speed Golf Balls
Our Rating:
These balls are designed to improve distance and shot accuracy, thanks to their multi-layer design that works to optimize your performance from the tee to the green. The ball basically does wonders for your short game, but also offers a higher initial velocity that will improve low driver spin, distance, and ball speed, resulting in straighter distance. These balls are also available in a bright yellow color for improved visibility and ball tracking. The patented Delta Dimple design allows for improved air resistance around the ball, for reduced drag.
Pros
- Innovative dimple design
- Improves distance, shot accuracy and ball speed
- Minimizes drag
- Multi-layer design
Cons
- Not recommended for low handicappers
- Works best for slow swing speeds only
Conclusion
These balls offer an optimal performance by reducing drag, improving shot accuracy, ball control, and a faster ball speed. They’re a great choice for beginners, but not ideal for the low handicapper with the faster swing speed. The unique dimple design does wonders in terms of minimizing drag, while the multi-layer design improves aerodynamics and ball durability.
Nitro Long Distance Peak Performance Golf Balls
Our Rating:
These balls feature white hot proprietary core technology that’s designed to deliver maximum distance and peak performance. The symmetrical and aerodynamic three hundred and fifty-two dimple design decreases drag, while increasing lift. It also offers an impressive spin ratio for better greenside control. The cover is made out of surlyn for impressive resilience and durability, offering a better than average resistance to abrasions and cuts. The low compression is perfect for players with a slower swing speed. Because of the lower compression rating, the ball can easily compress upon impact, providing more energy that translates to improved distance
Pros
- Perfect for beginners
- Designed for low swing speeds
- Durable cover
- Improved distance
Cons
- Not recommended for low handicappers
- Not designed for fast swing speeds
Conclusion
This is a ball that was designed with beginners and high handicappers in mind. It’s perfect for players with low swing speeds who are trying to improve distance and ball control. The durable cover will increase the lifespan of your ball, while the innovative core design will do wonders for your distance and shot accuracy. Basically, if you’re new to the game of golf, these are the balls to use if you’re serious about improving your performance out on the green.
TaylorMade Rocketballz Speed Golf Balls
Our Rating:
Just by the name alone, you can tell that these Rocketballz are designed with speed in mind. These balls are a great choice for high and mid-handicappers that are struggling with a slower swing speed. These balls are also incredibly durable, thanks to their soft ionomer covers and their responsiveness upon impact. If you’re looking for a ball that can maximize distance off the tee, and one that comes equipped with a high energy react core, you’ll love what this set can do for your game. Offering ultimate distance, playability, and power, this set by TaylorMade can take your game to a whole new level.
Pros
- Perfect for beginners
- Improves distance
- Durable cover
- Maximizes distance off the tee
- Very responsive
Cons
- Not designed for mid or low handicappers
- Not recommended for players with a fast swing speed
Conclusion
These balls are offered at a reasonable price, they come equipped with a durable cover that’s designed to reduce abrasions and tears, thus improving the lifespan of your balls, and they can do wonders for distance and ball speed. Essentially, if you’re shopping around for a new type of ball that can help to improve your performance on the green, immediately, then this is the type of ball you need in your life.
Srixon Z Star XV 5 Golf Balls
Our Rating:
These balls feature a four-piece design, a three hundred and thirty-eight dimple pattern, and third gen spin skin. They’re also equipped with energetic gradient growth core technology for ultimate playability and distance. They can provide better distance and launch conditions off the tea, improved flight performance for better distance, and come equipped with a more elastic, softer spin skin coating that’s perfect for low handicappers. The softer feel will enhance the ball’s playability and results in consistent spin with approach shots.
Pros
- Four-piece construction
- Improves distance
- Better shot accuracy
- Consistent spin
- Improved flight performance
Cons
- Difficult to spin on short yardage shots
Conclusion
The Z Star golf ball is designed for pros in need of a ball that’s on their level. This model offers a stellar performance and an incredible feel that will elevate every aspect of your game, although it can be difficult to generate spin when it comes to short yardage spots, so it’s not a good choice for beginners. Overall, the durable four-piece design and innovative core technology make this a must-have ball for the experienced player.
Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Golf Balls
Our Rating:
Due to the ball’s gradational compression core, this ball is very forgiving and can add some serious distance to every shot. The improved control and feel are due to the softer Slip-Res cover design, which is made out of durable urethane. The enhanced aerodynamics and extra distance you can expect to achieve is mainly due to the dual dimple technology that works to reduce drag while improving trajectory. The seamless cover technology helps to promote improved performance and consistent flight. This is the ball you need if you want an advantage on the green while improving distance and control.
Pros
- Seamless cover technology
- Dual dimple design
- Reduced drag
- Improved distance
Cons
- Cover is not very durable
Conclusion
If you need a ball that can improve speed, distance, and shot accuracy, then look no further. As far as design goes, this model is equipped with all the latest in golf ball tech, working to give you an advantage when you’re out on the green, whether you’re a low, mid, or high-handicapper. These versatile balls are a great buy for players of all skill levels, but they don’t feature the most durable cover, so you can expect to replace them regularly if you play often.
Wilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf Ball
Our Rating:
These balls by Wilson feature a durable two-piece design, complete with a cut-proof cover and titanium core that will help to improve distance off the tee, offering ultimate playability. The ball is designed with spin reducing technology that will promote a straighter flight path for better shot accuracy. The core works to generate maximum initial velocity, while the ball itself helps you hit farther with better than average accuracy.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Improves distance
- Better shot accuracy
- Durable cover
Cons
- Not recommended for mid or low handicappers
- Not a good choice for short game work
Conclusion
If you’re a beginner and you don’t know how to choose the right golf ball, this set by Wilson is a great option since they’re designed with the high handicapper in mind. The durable cover ensures you’ll get the most use out of these balls, while the titanium core works to correct your shot accuracy, promoting a straighter flight path.
Snell MTB Black My Tour Golf Balls
Our Rating:
If you’re looking for durable balls that can withstand regular use without tearing, then you’ll love this durable set by Snell. They’re marketed as tour caliber golf balls, but in reality, they’re a better fit for the beginner or high handicapper that’s in need of a ball that can help with shot accuracy and improve distance. They don’t come loaded with any flashy golf tech, but they do offer a solid performance and can easily outlast higher priced balls that come equipped with a thinner cover.
Pros
- Thick urethane cover
- Designed to improve distance
- Improved shot accuracy
- Low price
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- Not recommended for low handicappers
- Balls should not be used for short game work
Conclusion
These aren’t the tour quality balls that the manufacturer claims that they are, instead, they’re a better option for the beginner who has a slower swing speed and has trouble with distance and shot accuracy. They shouldn’t be used for short game shots, and instead can do wonders for your long game. Overall it’s a great buy for any player searching for a ball that’s designed to last.
Golf Ball Buyer’s Guide
So, how does a golf ball fly? What factor determines how much spin a ball offers or how far it’s able to travel? If you’re new to golf, then you probably don’t know much about golf ball design, or how the design in general can impact how well you play. Let’s look at the ball’s basic design to learn exactly what factors will have the most impact on your game and why switching to a different type of ball can have a great impact on your performance.
Core
The core of a golf ball can have a major influence on a ball’s spin rate, compression, and initial velocity. The compression rating is basically just a measurement of how much the ball compresses upon impact, against the clubface. Balls with a compression rating of one hundred or more are a better choice for the golfer that has a higher swing speed and someone who can carry drivers more than one hundred and thirty feet in the air. If you have a slow swing speed then you’ll need to consider using a ball that has a much lower compression rating of around ninety.
Cover Options
Urethane and surlyn are the two main types of covers that you’ll come across. Surlyn is a cover that was first introduced way back in the 1960s and it’s a type of ionomer resin that’s more durable and harder than urethane. But this type of cover doesn’t provide quite as much backspin, and that’s a big drawback for golfers with a low handicap. On the other hand, the surlyn covers can be a better choice for the beginner or high handicapper. Urethane has a softer texture, which is designed to offer improved control and a significantly higher spin. While it’s much softer, low handicappers usually prefer this type of cover over the alternative because of the improved control.
Dimple
As you’ve probably noticed, a ball is covered with dimples, which are small indentations that are designed to control ball trajectory and minimize drag. While the dimples on a ball may not seem like a big deal, you shouldn’t discount their importance, especially considering the fact that a ball with a totally smooth surface is only able to travel a fraction of the length that a ball with dimples can. The pattern of the dimples can vary depending on the type of ball you’re using and the brand. The depth, size, shape, and the total number of dimples can have an impact on how the ball performs in the air. Most models will come equipped with a minimum of three hundred dimples, although there are balls that have a total count of four hundred.
Two-Piece
These balls are the most basic and consist only of a cover and core. They’re a better option for the high handicapper since their larger core is designed to promote distance and reduce slices and hooks. The covers are often very durable and thicker than what you’ll find on other style options. This type of design will help to extend the life of the ball.
Multi
Multi-layer balls are a better fit for the lower handicapper. Extra layers are found between the core and cover and are designed to improve shot sculpting, feel, and control. These balls will have a much thinner cover which helps to improve feel, control, and spin.
Soft
A softer feeling ball goes hand in hand with low compression which is what allows the ball to change its shape upon impact. This can translate to a longer, straighter flight with low-lofted clubs.
To learn more, click here to read my article on understanding wedge gapping and loft.
Distance
Balls that are specifically designed to improve your distance will feature the multi-layer design and a firmer cover. The ball will have a much larger core that’s designed to support max carry while working to minimize spin.
Adding Style
You may have come across modern balls that have a more eye-catching appearance. Some will feature bright patterns, maybe a unique logo or they may have bright, vibrant colors. But these unique design options aren’t just about aesthetics. In fact, their loud designs can actually help to improve how you play or how quickly you move from hole to hole.
High Visibility
These high-visibility balls are perfect for players of all skill levels. They’re designed to be much easier to track when they’re on the ground and in the air, so you can locate your shots much faster. This type of ball has evolved throughout the years and many models will feature unique, vivid patterns, matte finishes, and bright colors.
Customized
Did you know you can also customize your golf balls? You can add your favorite quote, initials, your name, or basically anything else you want to make your balls easier to identify and track. Customized balls can also be a great gift for the serious golfer.
Best for Distance
If you struggle for distance and have a slow swing speed, then you should choose balls that are specifically designed to increase drive distance. The amount of distance you can get from a ball will ultimately depend on its elevated ability to compress and its softness. When using this type of ball, the results are often minimal spin in order to reduce curving and increase height in the flight path. Keep in mind that this type of ball can have an impact on your short game, reducing control, so you’ll have fewer options around and on the green. To learn more, stop by and read my article on short game basics.
Best for Spin
If you’re not having issues with distance or swing speed, but your accuracy is off, then you’ll need to take a look at balls specifically designed to improve spin. This type of ball isn’t going to make your aim better instantly, since learning how to control backspin takes plenty of skill. However, this style of ball can help to lower your score, with a little patience and a lot of practice. These balls may have up to five layers that include different materials and textures. Some may even have a liquid center. For a ball that offers more spin, you should expect a larger core compared to the core size on balls that are designed to improve distance.
Swing Speeds
If you’re trying to determine if you have a slow or fast swing speed, you should have your swing speed measured. Most courses offer facilities that will allow you to measure your speed, or you can purchase a device that attaches to your club for this exact purpose.
Slow
A slower speed is anything that’s under ninety miles per hour. This type of speed causes the ball to travel a shorter distance. With this low of a swing speed, you’ll often find that a ball that has a lower compression level can travel much farther. These balls also tend to feel less harsh upon impact. The compression rating should be around seventy to eighty.
High
A high swing speed is anything over one hundred and five miles. Most players with this type of swing speed will often choose a ball that’s designed for accuracy, however, these balls aren’t exactly cheap. Balls made specifically for players with a higher swing speed will have bigger cores and a minimum of three layers. Additionally, the dimples will be spaced strategically, in order to improve the ball’s aerodynamics.
The covers are typically softer, offering improved control on the green. However, because of the ball’s higher level of compression, you’ll find that you have to replace them frequently. Lower compression balls will often feel too soft, for players that are capable of swinging at an elevated velocity. This can produce an uncomfortable spongy sensation upon impact. Because of this, a player with a high swing speed should purchase balls with a higher compression.
Are Expensive Golf Balls Worth it?
Balls designed for pros and the low handicapper are categorized as tour performance balls. This type of ball will have multiple layers and are perfect for low to mid-handicappers. The series of mantle and core layers will allow players to sculpt their shots, with a design that provides the type of crisp feel that most players are looking for. So, in the end, if you’re playing on a pro level and you’re considered a low handicapper, then yes, a more expensive ball can be a total game changer for you. However, if you’re a high handicapper, stick with affordable golf balls for the time being, since they will work better for your swing speed and overall skill level.
Final Thoughts
The best cheap golf balls should complement your playing style. Before you buy, consider the dimple count and placement, the cover type, the compression rating, how soft or firm the ball feels, whether it’s designed with visibility in mind, and what your playing goals are, whether you need more spin, better distance, or improved shot accuracy. This guide and product recommendations can help to point you in the right direction, so you can find a ball that will help to improve your game and how more fun you have on the green.
