Balls - Golf Tips

Golf Balls 2018: Bridgestone TOUR B

Designed utilizing data from more than 3 million ball fitting sessions, the Bridgestone TOUR B line features the TOUR B X, XS, RX and RXS. TOUR B X and XS are designed for low handicap golfers looking for exceptional feel. A softer urethane cover formulation provides excellent spin and greenside control, while increased distance comes from enhanced aerodynamics and improved 330 Dual Dimple design. The RX and RXS are for mid-to-low handicappers, delivering explosive distance and optimized trajectory thanks to high repulsion construction and new 338 modified Dual Dimple design. The RX will help players hit more fairways while those looking for unmatched feel will gravitate toward the RXS.

“Unlike other manufacturers, we don’t try to shoe-horn golfers into a ball that doesn’t fit their game,” says Adam Rehberg, Bridgestone Golf Ball Fitting. “Plain and simple, our goal is to help golfers find the ball that will lower their scores by maximizing performance from tee to green.”

The TOUR B series is a result of Bridgestone’s continued commitment to remaining on the forefront of innovation. Bridgestone owns over 1,000 golf ball patents and has more than 900 polymer engineers worldwide drawing on the company’s rubber expertise to design the industry’s leading golf balls.

“The secret to our success is in the data, as we rely on our database of millions of swings to understand how golfers of all skill levels are hitting the ball,” says Elliot Mellow, Bridgestone Golf Marketing Manager. “We then start to build out player personas based on trends and collaborate with third party golf industry data sources to further fine-tune each persona bucket. Once we have established exact needs of different players we determine which of our proprietary technologies can help them rise above the competition.”

In addition to the new TOUR B series, Bridgestone Golf designs a diverse portfolio of golf balls to meet the needs of all player performance characteristics, including the e6 SOFT, e6 SPEED, Extra Soft and Lady.

www.BridgestoneGolf.com | Check the price on Amazon!

Golf Balls 2018: Callaway Chrome Soft

The latest version of the hit Callaway Chrome Soft balls combine Tour-proven performance with unparalleled feel and exceptional mis-hit forgiveness. One of several new features, a Graphene-infused Dual Soft Fast Core has a larger inner core to maximize compression energy while minimizing driver-spin and promoting high launch for long distance.

“We’ve innovated at every layer, starting with our groundbreaking new Graphene Dual SoftFast Core,” said Alan Hocknell, SVP, R&D, Callaway Golf. “The result is an extremely fast and soft-feeling ball that promotes high-launch and low spin off the tee for long distance, and incredible shot-stopping spin around the green.”

Premium dual-core construction promotes more distance off longer clubs, and more control off of mid-irons, short-irons and wedges. A thin ultra-soft Tour urethane cover generates shot-controlling, stroke-saving spin on pitches and chips and teams with the SubMantle and low compression core combine for great feel.

Softer golf balls compress easier on off center hits for incredible distance all over the face.

“After introducing the original Chrome Soft ball in 2015 with a core technology that broke the soft and fast paradigm, we’ve established an incredible trend toward this type of ball on both Tour and among amateur golfers,” said Jason Finley, Director, Product & Brand Management, Golf Balls, Callaway Golf Company.

www.callawaygolf.com | Check the price on Amazon!

Golf Balls 2018: Titleist Velocity

The new Titleist Velocity golf balls are designed with proprietary high-speed technology to deliver even more distance on every shot. With the introduction of new high-visibility color options – VISI-White, Velocity Orange and Velocity Pink – the power of Velocity is also packed with personality.

The 2018 Velocity has been reengineered with a softer high-speed core and Titleist’s fastest cover blend to deliver extremely low spin and fast ball speed off the tee for increased distance. Velocity’s advanced aerodynamics produce a high flight on all shots to enhance distance and help golfers stop the ball closer to the hole.

“Everything we do with Velocity is to generate speed and distance,” said Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “When we spoke to Velocity golfers at the beginning of the development process, they told us they wanted even more distance, especially off the tee. Our R&D team responded with new core technology and the fastest cover of any Titleist golf ball on the market to give them that added advantage.”

The softer, high speed LSX core produces fast initial velocity with extremely low spin for deep downrange distance on all full swing shots. A new, faster NaZ+ cover provides higher ball speed for longer distance, and a spherically-tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design optimizes Velocity’s aerodynamic performance, producing high flight and long carry for shots that fly far and land more softly on the green.

Titleist Velocity is offered in four colors — White, VISI-White, Velocity Orange and Velocity Pink.

www.titleist.com | Check the price on Amazon!

Buyers Guide 2017: Callaway Chrome Soft X

Callaway Golf has moved up to No. 2 in ball market share largely on the success of its Chrome Soft ball, launched in 2015. The company debuted the newest member of the Chrome family – the Callaway Chrome Soft X – at the PGA Merchandise Show. Callaway says the Chrome Soft X has a firmer core and cover combination, which promotes more ball speed off the tee, more spin through the bag, and a piercing and workable ball flight. “Chrome Soft is designed to promote a high, straight, distance-en-hancing trajectory,” said Dave Bartels, Callaway’s senior director of golf ball R&D. “In Chrome Soft X we wanted to create a ball that does everything Chrome Soft does, but with a piercing trajectory and more workable ball flight desired by many Tour professionals and elite amateurs.”
$39.99/dozen | www.callaway.com

Buyers Guide 2017: TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Balls

For the first time, both the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x flagship balls incorporate five-layer construction to actively improve or increase driver/iron distance, control and spin without sacrificing any industry leading greenside performance. In traditional golf balls with three or four layers, golfers are forced to settle for high wedge performance at the expense of distance, or more driver/iron distance at the expense of losing control and feel around the greens. TP5 and TP5x feature varying five-layer constructions, maximizing driver and iron distance while also delivering best in class wedge performance and greenside spin. A unique progressive construction manipu-lates the size, compression, and materials of each layer, which allows the decoupling of driver and iron speed from iron and wedge spin — a formula that can be obtained only through a five-layer construction. The Tri-Fast Core consists of a very low compression inner core and a progressively stiffer outer core and mantle. The combination of these three layers work in conjunction to create lower spin and increased velocity. This gradient is what makes the Tri-Fast Core so unique, as it builds up speed in transferring energy from the club face o the ball and delivers incredible distance on full shots. The Dual-Spin cover combines an ultra-soft cast urethane cover and a rigid TP inner cover. This ideal for greenside control as the rigid inner cover forces the soft urethane cover into wedge grooves for maximum spin generation. The result is a multi-layer cover that is designed for extreme distance without sacrificing feel or control around the green. Some of the best Tour players in the world helped in the creation of TP5 and TP5x. The company wanted to deliver a ball that would be their number one choice regardless of the type of shot they were trying to hit. TP5 and TP5x are able to deliver on this promise. Which to choose? TP5x is slightly firmer and launches higher, and TP5 features a softer feel with mid launch.
$44.99/dozen | TaylorMadeGolf.com

Buyers Guide 2017: Srixon Z-Star Balls

Sold in classic white or high-visibility yellow, the Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star R XV mark the series’ fifth generation and take ball performance to a higher level thanks to its “Energetic Gradient Growth” core, Spin Skin coating and Speed Dimple pattern technology. Z-STAR is the control ball, XV the distance design. Both should build on the company’s 2016 professional Tour 19-win resume.

“The level of innovation in the new Z-Star Series golf ball models is like nothing Srixon has ever achieved before,” said Jeff Brunski, Director of Research & Development for Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO, North America. “Every element has been enhanced from the previous generation, which was already regarded as one of the best tour golf ball pairs in the world. Srixon tour staffers have been reaping the benefits from switching and we know consumers will, too.”

The Energetic Gradient Growth core in the 3-piece, urethane-cover Srixon Z-Star golf ball now features 88 compression, two points lower than the previous generation. The results are higher launch and lower driver spin off the tee, which help produce longer distance. E.G.G. core technology enables Srixon to vary core stiff-ness from soft to hard to maximize energy transfer, increase launch angle and lower driver spin for even more distance. The new core makes the Z-STAR an ideal option for skilled players seeking exceptional control, now with slightly lower compression and the more penetrating 338 Speed Dimple pattern. Russell Knox, a two-time PGA Tour winner, says he relies on the exceptional control of the Z-Star to play with precision: “I attribute much of my recent success to he trust I have in my Z-Star golf ball,” he said. “I love how this ball feels. It gives me complete confidence in my ability to control the spin on greenside pitches and chips.”

For players who prefer firmer feel in a Tour Performance golf ball, the Srixon Z-Star XV has a urethane cover with 4-piece con-struction and 105 compression. The most significant difference in the fifth generation Z-Star XV is the dual-core design. A larger,softer inner core has varyinghardness while the outer core
now features more consistent hardness to help increase ball speed with a higher launch angle and lower driver spin. Hideki Matsuyama has trusted a Srixon golf ball since turning professional and he has played some of the best golf of his life since switching to the new Z-Star XV: “This is a truly reliable ball that delivers
more distance than anything I have ever used before, and it has more responsive feel at impact,” he said. “It also has more spin and better feel around the green, and has more consistent spin – especially from the rough. I’m amazed with these significant improvements.”
$39.99/dozen | www.srixon.com

Buyers Guide 2017: Titleist Pro V1

It’s time for a new generation of Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, easily the most popular brand in the game. They made their debuts at the PGA Merchandise Show in January. The company says they are the “most advanced, best performing golf balls ever stamped with the Titleist script,’’ high praise considering the heritage of the Titleist brand and in particular, the Pro V1 franchise. The 2017 Pro V1, according to Acushnet, is the longest Pro V1 ever and has been reengineered with what the company calls a “Next Generation’’ 2.0 ZG Process Core that delivers longer distance on all shots through lower long game spin and faster ball speed, while maintaining the feel and short-game performance. The 2017 Pro V1x, Acushnet says, features a ZG Process Dual Core and is enhanced by a new spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design that produces a high trajectory with its most consistent flight ever. Choosing between the total performance of Pro V1 and Pro V1x, the company says golfers will notice differences in flight, feel and spin. Pro V1 flies lower with a penetrating trajectory and feels softer. Pro V1x flies higher, has a slightly firmer feel, and spins more on iron shots

$62/dozen | www.titleist.com

2016 Buyer’s Guide Balls

VOLVIK

This company — by far the leader in the colored golf ball market — has rolled out four new models for 2016 with the goal of covering every skill level and personal preference in softness, spin and feel. First up is the VIBE, a three-piece ball with extremely low compression mixed with high grade urethane cover — a great “soft” option for tour players, advanced golfers and beginners alike. VIBE stands for Very Intelligent Ball Engineering; combining a “players” ball with a soft feel off the club face gives the VIBE the perfect combination of distance and straightness off the tee shots due to a low driver spin. The 336-dimple pattern ensures an enhanced flight time, optimal greenside spin and the short game control that you would expect from a urethane three-piece golf ball. Volvik Crystal is also premium level three-piece ball that provides the ultimate in distance with a hyper-soft feel. An extended flight time and higher ball flight from the previous model is provided by a switch to a 322-dimple pattern. This longer flight time makes this ball the best option for players with a swing speed under 95 MPH to gain extreme distance, thanks to the combination of the innovative Power Core, Control Layer and Zirconium outer cover. Finally is The VIVID, the first matte-finished ball in the modern golf lexicon. Its bright vivid color increases visibility in the air and on the ground. “In our three plus years of exponential growth, we have never seen this kind of reaction to a new golf ball,” said Jon Claffey, Volvik’s national director of sales and marketing. “People are absolutely freaking out about how this golf ball looks. The best part about that is that once they put it into play, it is an even softer version of the Crystal that has all the amazing distance that has made it our number one best seller. We feel like we have a ball that will change the landscape of the golf ball market.”
$29.99-$35.99 | volvik.com

KICK X

TOUR-Z BALLS
The Kick X Tour-Z was designed with two things in mind — distance and feel. Through an independent study done at Golf Laboratories Inc. in Southern California, tests showed that the Tour-Z ball out distances every other ball on the market. Unlike other balls that sacrifice feel for distance, the Kick X has a super soft cover that provides amazing responsiveness, allowing golfers to dictate their shots with greater control. The Tour-Z’s power mantle layer enhances ball compression to reduce driver spin and generate explosive launching power off the clubface, while the internal Metal Fuzion Core produces the highest level of C.O.R. available. Once you get to the green, the Unique Z Alignment system makes it easier than ever to line up to the cup and sink putts every time.
$45/dozen | medicuskickx.com

ON CORE

It’s been a few years since On Core blew onto the crowded golf ball scene with a truly revolutionary orb, a beast of a bunker-buster with a hollow metal core that finally passed muster with the USGA and made its way into the mainstream. Good thing, too, because one Golf Tips editor fell in love with it from the get-go during testing at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. A straight but distance-challenge driver, he was suddenly nuking it past his buddies and smiling down every fairway. Now, On Core is poised to make noise again with its new Avant ball, which boasts soft feel accompanied by excellent distance as well as improved control around the greens compared to other two-piece balls. Soft feel has been the direction for the next generation of golf balls from competitors. Typically two-piece balls don’t react the same as urethane balls on and around the green. They tend to hit and roll more on the greens. The Avant ball will have really good putting and chipping feel due to the lower compression and soft cover. In addition, it will exhibit good control going into greens with shorter irons and chipping, even out of the rough. “The hollow metal core golf ball we brought to the market is still an enormous hit in the golf world,” says Bret Blakely, On Core’s CEO.” Now, with the Avant, we have blended innovation and simplicity to provide golfers with a ball that has more distance and greater feel.” The 392 dimple pattern provides a high trajectory with both driver and iron shots which helps distance off the tee and stopping power on the greens. Clearly, On Core is on point with the Avant — and price-wise, it’s also unbeatable.
$19.99 per dozen | oncoregolf.com

2015 Buyer’s Guide Balls

Bridgestone Golf

TOUR B330 & B330-S | $45/doz.
bridgestonegolf.com

Key Features: Four-piece construction that, yes, incorporates water into the core formulation, which somehow (it’s way over our heads, too) makes this ball’s core softer and the outer regions firmer. That means big distance, folks.
Wow Factor: These balls are more apt for golfers with faster swing speeds (over 105 mph). The B330 is for the player who already generates enough spin and wants more distance, and the B330-S is for those who want a higher-spinning Tour-level ball. Either way, we like ’em both and, frankly, the B330 is as low spinning with a driver as any Tour-level ball we’ve tried this year.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

TOUR B330-RX & B330-RXS | $45/doz.
bridgestonegolf.com

Key Features: Both the B330-RX and B330-RXS have Hydro Core tech, only in a more friendly design for golfers who maybe aren’t blessed with 105+ mph swing speeds.
Wow Factor: Bridgestone has made it simple to decide which Tour-level ball you need. Want Tour distance with added spin? Go with the B330-RX. If spin is even more important, try the B330-RXS. Simple, right? As for performance, the B330-RXS spins so much, you’ll feel like a Tour player from inside 100 yards (even though you don’t swing as fast as a Tour player).
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

e-Series | $29/doz.
bridgestonegolf.com

Key Features: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters to a specific type of player. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spinning Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a soft, multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the e7 is a distance ball with a spinny cover. All have the new WEB Dimple Tech for increased distance. (It’s like a dimple in a dimple!)
Wow Factor: Great prices. Our favorite is the e5, which spins like crazy on short shots. No, really, it does. The e6 is a solid performer for golfers who want distance and control in a non-premium ball.
Specs: The e5 is a two-piece, with a Urethane cover; the e6 and e7 are both three-piece, with Surlyn covers.

Callaway Golf

Speed Regime | (1, 2 & 3) | $48/doz.
callaway.com

Key Features: Enhanced HEX aerodynamics, dual-core construction, a Urethane cover, a soft feel and a categorization that’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Wow Factor: No, really, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Speed Regime 1 is for slower swing speeds below 90; Speed Regime 2 is for the 90-105 mph sect; and Speed Regime 3 is for fast swings over 105 mph. But how do they perform? Better than any Tour-level Callaway ball that we’ve ever tried. And they feel really, really soft. Each category has its own set of aerodynamics for that particular swing speed range.
Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover (different aerodynamics based on each model).

Chrome Soft | $37/doz.
callaway.com

Key Features: A supersoft feeling that comes from a low compression rating (65) and a Urethane cover, this ball is all kindsa soft and all kindsa long. According to Callaway, the Chrome Soft is considerably softer than most Tour-level balls, but thanks to SoftFast Core tech, it doesn’t mean giving up distance off the tee.
Wow Factor: We expected a ball this soft to feel mushy and to spin too much with the driver—but it doesn’t. It’s long! Even though it has a Urethane cover, it won’t spin around the greens quite as much as a ball with a firmer midlayer, but it still spins more than most.
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover, in White and Yellow.

Kick X Golf

Torque Balanced (Signature E Series) | $295
kickxgolf.com

Key Features: The company has dubbed the TourZ the longest premium ball in golf, and one swing will have you in agreement. They’re really long! The three-piece construction has a metal-infused core for a high COR and a proprietary cover that’s plenty soft for added control.
Wow Factor: The premium ball category is a tough category to crack, but from the looks of it, the Kick X TourZ is onto something. We dig the Z-Aline marking, too, for better putting alignment. Why don’t all ball companies do that?
Specs: Three-piece construction with a proprietary cover.

Nicklaus Golf

Black/Blue/White | $28-$32/doz.
nicklaus.com

Key Features: In case you need a reminder of what tees you should play, check your golf ball! The three multilayer golf balls (Black, Blue and White) all signify different types of player profiles and are designed to help different types of players. White is more of a distance ball, Black is a Tour-level ball, and Blue is a mix of the two.
Wow Factor: Specs don’t really matter. What’s amazing is the price (all $32 and under) and the spirit of giving associated with the optional donations you can make to benefit St. Jude Hospitals. Jack Nicklaus once again proves he’s not only the best golfer ever—he’s also the classiest.
Specs: Three multilayer balls with proprietary cover designs.

Nike Golf

RZN Black & Platinum | $46/doz.
nikegolf.com

Key Features: The RZN Black and Platinum feature four-piece construction for more distance with a driver and touch with the shorter clubs. The Black is a lower-spinning ball, and the Platinum is a moderate spinner. Both have the Speedlock core design, which means the core is bonded to the compression layer via a waffle-like design. This, according to Nike, promotes enhanced performance as far as distance and control.
Wow Factor: Nike staff players say this ball feels softer, not just with the driver and irons, but on the greens, too. That’s a good thing, since a softer feel tends to help you accelerate the putter more through the golf ball. Or, so we say.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

RZN Red & White | $30/doz.
nikegolf.com

Key Features: Both the Red and White have three-piece construction, with a lightweight Speedlock core for more distance, control and a better ballflight. The Red promotes more distance, while the White features a bit more feel.
Wow Factor: It’s not a Tour-level ball, in our opinion, but it sure comes close. And at $30 a dozen, it’s a ball that most amateurs should consider. For real. They’re the best-feeling, good-value Nike balls ever made.
Specs: Three-piece construction, with an Ionomer cover.

Srixon Golf

Z-Star & Z-Star XV | $45/doz.
srixon.com

Key Features: A soft Urethane cover for added control and a multilayer construction for spin when you want it and distance when you need it? Sign us up! The Z-Star is great for swing speeds between 90 and 105 mph, and the Z-Star XV is more suited for fast swing speeds over 100 mph. Both balls are stellar performers in our book, and we really appreciate how durable they are, too.
Wow Factor: The enhanced, second-gen SpinSkin coating increases friction between the ball and clubhead, helping to increase spin on shorter shots. Comes in White and Tour Yellow, which happens to be our favorite.
Specs: The Z-Star is a three-piece golf ball with a Urethane cover. The Z-Star XV is similar, only with a dual core.

Q-STAR | $25/doz.
srixon.com

Key Features: Designed as a ball for the average golfer, the Q-STAR has a SpinSkin coating for more control on short shots. That said, it’s still a distance ball for golfers with average swing speeds who want to eke out as much distance as they can off the tee.
Wow Factor: Supersoft feel. The SpinSkin seemed to really help the ball spin more with short shots. Not quite like a Urethane ball, but, frankly, most amateurs don’t generate enough speed to take advantage of a Urethane cover anyway, making the Q-STAR an excellent choice for the best in distance and control—from a ball that’s nicely priced and extremely durable. Hard to believe it’s a two-piece! It comes in Tour Yellow, too.
Specs: Two-piece construction, with a SpinSkin Ionomer cover.

Taylormade

AeroBurner | $20-$27/doz.
taylormadegolf.com

Key Features: Two models are available for two types of players. The AeroBurner Soft is a two-piece model (TaylorMade’s softest ever two-piece, by the way) for distance and a decent amount of spin. The AeroBurner Pro is a multilayer design with an Iothane cover for big distance and Tour-level stopping power on the greens. Both have an LDP cover design for better control in the wind.
Wow Factor: The softest two-piece model is really, really soft and feels amazing. As for the AeroBurner Pro, we love that, too—it’s a high-performance ball at a price we really like.
Specs: AeroBurner Soft is a two-piece design and AeroBurner Pro is a three-piece design, both with Iothane covers.

Project (a) | $32/doz.
taylormadegolf.com

Key Features: According to TaylorMade, average golfers spin the ball about half as much as Tour players do with their wedges. This ball is designed to close that spin gap, helping to create spin where we need it and also reduce spin where we don’t (off the tee).
Wow Factor: A high-performance ball for weekend warriors like us. What’s not to like about that? We get the type of distance we’re used to, only now with a ton of greenside spin. Nice.
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

Tour Preferred | $46/doz.
taylormadegolf.com

Key Features: Designed with input from TaylorMade’s huge Tour staff, the Tour Preferred (and Tour Preferred X) balls have five layers (like the Lethal does) that allow better players to achieve low-spin drives and high-spin wedge shots. (The X spins a little less.)
Wow Factor: The React Core is formulated for serious distance. Oh, and this ball has four covers over that core, each designed to maximize or minimize spin, depending on what club you’re using. Trust us, there’s some serious innovation in there.
Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

Titleist

Pro V1 & Pro V1x | $45/doz.
titleist.com

Key Features: Is it possible for these two balls to get any better? Guess so! Both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x have refined their DNA for even better spin around the green and longer shots off the tee. The three-piece Pro V1 is the ideal combo for players who want distance off the tee and added stopping power on the greens. The four-piece Pro V1x promotes less spin off the tee than the Pro V1 and has a slightly firmer feel (both are still soft).
Wow Factor: The Pro V1 is still the #1 ball in the universe. Okay, maybe not the universe, but certainly in the professional ranks. It does what a Tour player needs it to—spins less off the tee, but spins like crazy around the green.
Specs: The Pro V1 has a three-piece construction and the Pro V1x has a four-piece construction; both have Urethane covers.

NXT Tour & NXT Tour S | $39/doz.
titleist.com

Key Features: Titleist set out to make the NXT Tour and NXT Tour S as close to being Tour-level balls as they could—without a Urethane cover and higher price tag. If you ask us, they succeeded! The NXT Tour combines big distance off the tee and more spin than we expected around the green. The NXT Tour S performed similarly, only had a softer feel.
Wow Factor: The NXT Tour ball isn’t new, but this iteration is outstanding. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a Tour player put it in play. It’s that good. Also comes in Yellow.
Specs: Both balls have three-piece construction, with a Fusablend cover.

DT SoLo | $19/doz.
titleist.com

Key Features: The DT SoLo is back! Reworked for more distance and a very soft feel, the DT SoLo is like the Velocity (we think, at least), but with a noticeably softer feel. The two-piece design has a 376-tetrahedral dimple design for a consistent launch and flight.
Wow Factor: We think if you’re going to get a DT SoLo, get the Yellow. It has a nice glow to it! It’s also so soft, you’ll forget you’re using a distance ball. For moderate swing speeds looking for distance, you’ll want the Velocity. But for average to slower swing speeds, the DT SoLo is the right Titleist ball for you.
Specs: Two-piece construction, with a Surlyn ionomer cover.

Velocity | $27/doz.
titleist.com

Key Features: A two-piece distance ball by Titleist? We were skeptical at first, too, but were pleased to learn that it’s actually pretty darn playable. It’s long off the tee, but it’s long from everywhere else, too. Why? The LSZ core produces a fast initial velocity, and the 328-tetrahedral dimple pattern reduces the ball’s descent angle for maximum carry and roll.
Wow Factor: Going long with a Titleist has never been easier. It’s not the best ball for finesse around the green, but that’s not what it’s for anyway. This is a durable distance ball for folks who want to reach more par-5s in two shots.
Specs: Two-piece construction, with an NAZ2 cover.

Wilson Staff

Duo Spin | $27/doz.
wilsonstaff.com

Key Features: A ridiculous 35 compression rating for what Wilson claims is the softest multilayer ball in the world! How soft? Well, any softer, and we’d sandwich it between chocolate and graham crackers.
Wow Factor: It’s soft and spins exceptionally well around the greens. Better yet, it’s a great distance enhancer for those of us who aren’t blessed with Tour-level swing speeds. It’s long through the whole bag with every club.

FG Tour | $45/doz.
wilsonstaff.com

Key Features: A four-piece construction designed for Tour-level use, the FG Tour has a soft feel to go with big distance off the tee and stopping power around the green. So confident that you’ll like it, Wilson offers a money-back guarantee. Okay, Wilson, you have our attention now. (Actually, we already tried them, and we won’t be sending them back.)
Wow Factor: Did we mention the guarantee? You won’t need it. It’s our favorite Wilson ball and does more than hold its own in a tough category of golf balls that all have really good performance. We were especially pleased with how long this ball was off the tee.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

Volvik

Vista iS | $45/doz.
volvik.com

Key Features: What colored ball is tearing up the professional ranks? This one! The Vista iS from Volvik features a four-piece multilayer design for, you guessed it, outstanding performance off the tee (lower spin), while allowing for more control on short shots (higher spin).
Wow Factor: The iS feels a lot softer than the Vista iV, and we love the orange color! Shots off the tee flew high and far, and we were blown away by the Zirconium cover, which produced plenty of stopping power on shorter shots. It’s only a matter of time until we see it on the PGA Tour.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Zirconium HZ-III cover.

White Color S3 | $45/doz.
volvik.com

Key Features: Volvik’s White Color ball combines the feel and added spin of a Urethane cover with the distance of a Bismuth metal dual-core design. In simple English, that means it’s a top ball for superior distance off the tee and added control around the greens.
Wow Factor: Putting the ironic name and big distance aside, this ball is seriously workable from the fairway and around the greens. No joke, we hit shots that required added spin, and the White Color performed exceptionally well. It’s not a low-launching ball off the tee, which is okay with us, considering how far it goes and how responsive it is with short shots.
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.

2014 Buyer’s Guide Balls

THE CHRONIC SLICE: KILL IT!
By Brady Riggs, PGA

Slicing the ball is never fun, especially when you don’t truly know why it’s happening. You’ve probably heard that slices are caused by swinging the clubhead outside to inside the target line, right? But did you know that a slice actually can come from any type of swing path? Trust me, I’ve seen ’em all. The key isn’t so much the path, as much as it is the angle of the clubface relative to the path the clubhead is traveling on.

For instance, you’ll hit a big, sweeping, left-to-right slice if you swing outside to inside the target line with a clubface that’s considerably open to that outside-in path. (If the clubhead is a little open relative to the path, you’ll fade it.) Both a slice and a fade can be accomplished with a clubface that’s closed relative to the target line, but open relative to the path the club is traveling on.

Make sense? Since this is the case, the best way to fix a slice isn’t to shut the clubface at address and hope for the best. Instead, practice swinging the club more from inside to outside the target line, with a clubface that’s slightly closed to the path. And here’s another secret. Hitting a draw is perfectly doable with a clubface that’s slightly open relative to the target line. How so? Simple. As long as the clubface angle is closed relative to the path the clubhead is traveling on, the ball will have draw-spin. This means, even though the clubface is slightly open relative to the target line, it’s still going to create a draw ballflight. So don’t fuss over trying to close the clubface and hit the ball with a face that’s slammed shut. Start by correcting your path first, then dial in the right amount of release in the hands and wrists. This, folks, is how you fix a slice forever.

No matter what shot you hit, the single piece of equipment involved in every shot is the golf ball. It’s what you’re trying to move from tee to green, making it the most important piece of equipment you play with. Today, there are tons of golf balls to choose from, ranging from Tour-caliber to distance ball, with a wide spectrum of golf balls somewhere in between. Our advice is to get fitted if you can, but if you can’t, do some trial and error. In case you didn’t know, many retailers sell balls by the sleeves (not just by the dozen). Sure, it will cost a little more, but trying a variety of golf balls will invariably help you see (and feel) which performs best for you. Read on–we have some of the best balls you can buy in this roundup. We love every single one.

Tour-Ready

Bridgestone B330 & B330-S Key Features: Four-piece construction that, yes, incorporates water into the core formulation, which somehow (it’s way over our heads, too) makes this ball’s core softer and the outer regions firmer. That means big distance, folks. Wow Factor: These balls are more apt for golfers with faster swing speeds (over 105 mph). The B330 is for the player who already generates enough spin and wants more distance, and the B330S is for those who want a higher-spinning Tour-level ball. Either way, we like ’em both and, frankly, the B330 is as low-spinning with a driver as any Tour-level ball we’ve tried this year. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. bridgestonegolf.com \| $45/doz.	Callaway Golf Speed Regime(1, 2 & 3) Key Features: Enhanced HEX aerodynamics, dual-core construction, a Urethane cover, a soft feel and a categorization that’s as simple as 1, 2, 3. Wow Factor: No, really, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Speed Regime 1 is for slower swing speeds below 90; Speed Regime 2 is for the 90-105 mph sect; and Speed Regime 3 is for fast swings over 105 mph. But how do they perform? Better than any Tour-level Callaway ball that we’ve ever tried. And they feel really, really soft. Each category has its own set of aerodynamics for that particular swing speed range. Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover (different aerodynamics based on each model). callawaygolf.com \| $48/doz.	Nike RZN Black & Platinum Key Features: Designed to be 10% softer than 2013’s 20IX balls, the new RZN Black and Platinum retain four-piece construction for more distance with a driver and touch with the shorter clubs. The Black is a lower- spinning ball, and the Platinum is a moderate spinner. Both have a new Speedlock core design, which means the core is bonded to the compression layer via a waffle-like design. This, according to Nike, promotes enhanced performance as far as distance and control. Wow Factor: Nike staff players say this ball feels softer, not just with the driver and irons, but on the greens, too. That’s a good thing, since a softer feel tends to help you accelerate the putter more through the golf ball. Or, so we say. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. nikegolf.com \| $46/doz.


Srixon Z-Star & Z-Star XV Key Features: A soft Urethane cover for added control and a multilayer construction for spin when you want it and distance when you need it? Sign us up! The Z-Star is a great for swing speeds between 90 and 105 mph, and the Z-Star XV is more suited for fast swing speeds over 100 mph. Both balls are stellar performers in our book, and we really appreciate how durable they are, too. They just keep going and going and going…. Wow Factor: The SpinSkin coating increases friction between the ball and clubhead, helping to increase spin on shorter shots. Comes in white and Tour Yellow, which happens to be our favorite. Specs: The Z-Star is a three-piece golf ball with a Urethane cover. The Z-Star XV is similar, only with a dual core. srixon.com \| $45/doz.	Titleist Pro V1 & Pro V1x Key Features: Is there a ball that has influenced the game more than the Pro V1? Probably not. Both balls are the same as last year, with a retooled formula for a softer feel and more distance. The three-piece Pro V1 is the ideal combo for players who want distance off the tee and added stopping power on the greens. The four-piece Pro V1x promotes less spin off the tee than the Pro V1 and has a slightly firmer feel (both are still soft). Wow Factor: The Pro V1 is still the #1 ball in the universe. Okay, maybe not the universe, but certainly in the professional ranks. It does what a Tour player needs it to–spins less off the tee, but spins like crazy around the green. Specs: The Pro V1 has a three-piece construction and the Pro V1x has a four-piece construction; both have Urethane covers. titleist.com \| $45/doz.	Taylormade Tour Preferred Key Features: Designed with input from TaylorMade’s huge Tour staff, the new Tour Preferred (and Tour Preferred X) balls have five layers (like the Lethal does) that allow better players to achieve low-spin drives and high-spin wedge shots. (The X spins a little less.) Wow Factor: The new React Core is formulated for serious distance. Oh, and this ball has four covers over that core, each designed to maximum or minimize spin, depending on what club you’re using. Trust is, there’s some serious innovation in there. Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. taylormadegolf.com \| $36/doz.
	Volvik Vista iS Key Features: What colored ball is tearing up the professional ranks? This one! The Vista iS from Volvik features a four-piece multilayer design for, you guessed it, outstanding performance off the tee (lower spin) while allowing for more control on short shots (higher spin). Wow Factor: The iS feels a lot softer than last year’s Vista iV, and we love the orange color! Shots off the tee flew high and far, and we were blown away by the Zirconium cover, which produced plenty of stopping power on shorter shots. It’s only a matter of time until we see it on the PGA Tour. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Zirconium HZ-III cover. volvik.com \| $45/doz.

High-Performance

Bridgestone B330RX & B330RXS Key Features: Both the B330RX and B330RXS have Hydro Core tech, only in a more friendly design for golfers who maybe aren’t blessed with 105+ mph swing speeds. Wow Factor: Bridgestone has made it simple to decide which Tour-level ball you need. Want Tour distance with added spin? Go with the B330RX. If spin is even more important, try the B330RXS. Simple, right? As for performance, the B330RXS spins so much, you’ll feel like a Tour player from inside 100 yards (even though you don’t swing as fast as a Tour player). Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. bridgestonegolf.com \| $45/doz.	Dixon Earth Key Features: The world’s first eco-friendly golf ball made of recyclable material, the Earth is also a solid distance ball with exceptional durability. Wow Factor: It’s not made of recycled stuff–it’s made so it can be recycled. Got that? And in case you haven’t seen the commercial starring Don Cheadle on the website, you should. It’s great. As for performance? The Dixon Earth is a great all-purpose golf ball. Simply put. Specs: Made of 100% recyclable material. It can be traded in for a discounted price on another one. Cool! dixongolf.com \| $40/doz.	Nike RZN Red & White Key Features: Both the Red and White have three-piece construction, with a lightweight Speedlock core for more distance, control and a better ballflight. The Red promotes more distance while the White features a bit more feel. Wow Factor: It’s not a Tour-level ball, in our opinion, but it sure comes close. And at under $30 a dozen, it’s a ball that most amateurs should consider. For real. They’re the best-feeling, good-value Nike balls ever made. Specs: Three-piece construction. nikegolf.com \| $29/doz.


OnCore MA 1.0 Key Features: You can’t see it, but this ball has a hollow metal core, which pushes weight toward the perimeter of the ball for a high MOI and less sidespin. Cool! Wow Factor: Awesome technology! And, by the way, in case you were wondering, it’s USGA-conforming. Is hollow core the future of golf? It certainly is for OnCore, and we think they have a bright future ahead. This ball is the real deal, and we appreciate the efforts these folks took in getting a revolutionary ball like this into play. Specs: Hollow metal core, with a polymer midlayer and an ionomer cover. oncoregolf.com \| $42.95/doz.	Rife V Motion & E Motion Key Features: The E-Motion is a three-piece ball with a Surlyn cover and the V-Motion is a three-piece ball with a Urethane Cover. The E-Motion is the everyday, durable choice for most recreational players and the V-Motion is more Tour-like, with fewer dimples (318) for a more flat, penetrating launch. Wow Factor: The company is known for its putters, but trust us, these balls are spot on and quite good. What surprised us the most? How long both balls were. Big hitters will like the V-Motion’s low-launch characteristics. Specs: The E-Motion is a three-piece construction, with a Surlyn cover; the V-Motion is a four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. rifeputters.com \| $18-$32/doz.	Taylormade Project (a) Key Features: According to TaylorMade, average golfers spin the ball about half as much as Tour players do with their wedges. This ball is designed to close that spin gap, helping to create spin where we need it and also reduce spin where we don’t (off the tee). Wow Factor: A high-performance ball for weekend warriors like us. What’s not to like about that? We get the type of distance we’re used to, only now with a ton of greenside spin. Nice. Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. taylormadegolf.com \| $32/doz.


Titleist NXT & NXT Tour Key Features: Titleist set out to make the NXT and NXT Tour as close to being a Tour-level ball as it could–without a Urethane cover and higher price tag. If you ask us, they succeeded! The NXT Tour combines big distance off the tee and more spin than we expected around the green. The NXT Tour S performed similarly, only had a softer feel. Wow Factor: The NXT Tour ball isn’t new, but this iteration is outstanding. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a Tour player put it in play. It’s that good. Also comes in yellow. Specs: Both balls have three-piece construction, with a Fusablend cover. titleist.com \| $39/doz.	Volvik White Color Key Features: Volvik’s new ball combines the feel and added spin of a Urethane cover with the distance of a Bismuth metal dual-core design. In simple English, that means it’s a top ball for superior distance off the tee and added control around the greens. Wow Factor: Putting the ironic name and big distance aside, this ball is seriously workable from the fairway and around the greens. No joke, we hit shots that required added spin, and the White Color performed exceptionally well. It’s not a low-launching ball off the tee, which is okay with us, considering how far it goes and how responsive it is with short shots. Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. volvik.com \| $45/doz.	Wilson Staff FG Tour Key Features: A four-piece construction designed for Tour-level use, the FG Tour has a soft feel to go with big distance off the tee and stopping power around the green. So confident that you’ll like it, Wilson offers a money-back guarantee. Okay, Wilson, you have our attention now. (Actually, we already tried them, and we won’t be sending them back.) Wow Factor: Did we mention the guarantee? You won’t need it. It’s our favorite Wilson ball and does more than hold its own in a tough category of golf balls that all have really good performance. We were especially pleased with how long this ball was off the tee. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. wilsonstaff.com \| $45/doz.

All-Around

Bridgestone eSeries Key Features: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters to a specific type of player. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spinning Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a soft, multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the e7 is a distance ball with a spinny cover. Wow Factor: Great prices. Our favorite is the e5, which spins like crazy on short shots. No, really, it does. The e6 is a solid performer for golfers who want distance and control in a non-premium ball. Specs: The e5 is a two-piece, with a Urethane cover; the e6 and e7 are both three-piece, with Surlyn covers. bridgestonegolf.com \| $26/doz.	Callaway Golf X2 Hot & X2 Hot+ Key Features: Improved HEX aerodynamics for more distance and less slice and hook-spin. The X2 Hot+ is a similar ball, only with a bit more stopping power when hitting your short irons. Wow Factor: Hitting the ball far is fun. Callaway gets that, probably more this year than they did since way back during the early iterations of the Big Bertha driver. These balls are long and feel soft, which for us is exactly the kind of ball we like to use for a casual round of golf this Friday. (Shh, don’t tell the boss.) Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Trionomer cover. callawaygolf.com \| $27/doz.	Chromax Metallic Key Features: The high-visibility metallic finish is crazy! The cover, which is translucent, shows off a reflective inner layer that encompasses the soft-compression core. Wow Factor: They look great in the golf shop, but wait until you see them in the sunshine. They look like they’re actually glowing, thanks to the bright reflective inner layer. They’re distance balls, so don’t expect a lot of versatility, but for hitting big drives with a lot of style, you can’t go wrong here. Quick Tip: Wear sunglasses; they’re insanely bright. Specs: Two-piece construction, with an inner metallic coating. chromaxgolf.com \| $20/doz.


Titleist DT Solo Key Features: The DT Solo is back! Reworked for more distance and a very soft feel, the DT Solo is like the Velocity (we think, at least), but with a noticeably softer feel. The two-piece design has a 376-tetrahedral dimple design for a consistent launch and flight. Wow Factor: We think if you’re going to get a DT Solo, get the yellow. It has a nice glow to it! It’s also so soft, you’ll forget you’re using a distance ball. For moderate swing speeds looking for distance, you’ll want the Velocity. But for average to slower swing speeds, the DT Solo is the right Titleist ball for you. Specs: Two-piece construction, with a Surlyn ionomer cover. titleist.com \| $19.doz.	Titleist Velocity Posts pagination 1 2 Next Search for: Categories Buyer's Guide Deep Dive Series Driving Editor's Picks & Reviews Equipment Golf Apparel Golf Fitness/Nutrition Golf Milestones Golf News Golf Schools Holiday Gift Guide Instruction Opinion Strategy & Troubleshooting Technology Tours and Events Travel Travel Feature No 1 in Golf Training Aids. Shop NOW! Visit: www.golftipsmag.com/register join TODAY! NEW Digital Flipbook! On sale for $9.99 US. BUY NOW! LIVE GOLF SCORES SUBSCRIBE NOW! GOLF NEWS In Case you missed it Holiday Gift Guide 7 Gear Upgrades to Gift This Season Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Hit More Greens with Tri-Fusion Tech Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Does “Forward Axis Weighting” Actually Work? Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Total Course Control with the Mileseey GenePro G1 Ted Odorico October 6, 2026 0 Services Premium Account Privacy Policy Contact Us About Us Newsletter Sign-Up! Digital Archives View past digital issues of Golf Tips Magazine. Available to Premium Members only! Copyright © 2026 Golf Tips Magazine All rights reserved. \| MoreNews by AF themes. 0 0 Your Cart Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop Continue Shopping

Tour-Ready

Bridgestone B330 & B330-S Key Features: Four-piece construction that, yes, incorporates water into the core formulation, which somehow (it’s way over our heads, too) makes this ball’s core softer and the outer regions firmer. That means big distance, folks. Wow Factor: These balls are more apt for golfers with faster swing speeds (over 105 mph). The B330 is for the player who already generates enough spin and wants more distance, and the B330S is for those who want a higher-spinning Tour-level ball. Either way, we like ’em both and, frankly, the B330 is as low-spinning with a driver as any Tour-level ball we’ve tried this year. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. bridgestonegolf.com \| $45/doz.	Callaway Golf Speed Regime(1, 2 & 3) Key Features: Enhanced HEX aerodynamics, dual-core construction, a Urethane cover, a soft feel and a categorization that’s as simple as 1, 2, 3. Wow Factor: No, really, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Speed Regime 1 is for slower swing speeds below 90; Speed Regime 2 is for the 90-105 mph sect; and Speed Regime 3 is for fast swings over 105 mph. But how do they perform? Better than any Tour-level Callaway ball that we’ve ever tried. And they feel really, really soft. Each category has its own set of aerodynamics for that particular swing speed range. Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover (different aerodynamics based on each model). callawaygolf.com \| $48/doz.	Nike RZN Black & Platinum Key Features: Designed to be 10% softer than 2013’s 20IX balls, the new RZN Black and Platinum retain four-piece construction for more distance with a driver and touch with the shorter clubs. The Black is a lower- spinning ball, and the Platinum is a moderate spinner. Both have a new Speedlock core design, which means the core is bonded to the compression layer via a waffle-like design. This, according to Nike, promotes enhanced performance as far as distance and control. Wow Factor: Nike staff players say this ball feels softer, not just with the driver and irons, but on the greens, too. That’s a good thing, since a softer feel tends to help you accelerate the putter more through the golf ball. Or, so we say. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. nikegolf.com \| $46/doz.


Srixon Z-Star & Z-Star XV Key Features: A soft Urethane cover for added control and a multilayer construction for spin when you want it and distance when you need it? Sign us up! The Z-Star is a great for swing speeds between 90 and 105 mph, and the Z-Star XV is more suited for fast swing speeds over 100 mph. Both balls are stellar performers in our book, and we really appreciate how durable they are, too. They just keep going and going and going…. Wow Factor: The SpinSkin coating increases friction between the ball and clubhead, helping to increase spin on shorter shots. Comes in white and Tour Yellow, which happens to be our favorite. Specs: The Z-Star is a three-piece golf ball with a Urethane cover. The Z-Star XV is similar, only with a dual core. srixon.com \| $45/doz.	Titleist Pro V1 & Pro V1x Key Features: Is there a ball that has influenced the game more than the Pro V1? Probably not. Both balls are the same as last year, with a retooled formula for a softer feel and more distance. The three-piece Pro V1 is the ideal combo for players who want distance off the tee and added stopping power on the greens. The four-piece Pro V1x promotes less spin off the tee than the Pro V1 and has a slightly firmer feel (both are still soft). Wow Factor: The Pro V1 is still the #1 ball in the universe. Okay, maybe not the universe, but certainly in the professional ranks. It does what a Tour player needs it to–spins less off the tee, but spins like crazy around the green. Specs: The Pro V1 has a three-piece construction and the Pro V1x has a four-piece construction; both have Urethane covers. titleist.com \| $45/doz.	Taylormade Tour Preferred Key Features: Designed with input from TaylorMade’s huge Tour staff, the new Tour Preferred (and Tour Preferred X) balls have five layers (like the Lethal does) that allow better players to achieve low-spin drives and high-spin wedge shots. (The X spins a little less.) Wow Factor: The new React Core is formulated for serious distance. Oh, and this ball has four covers over that core, each designed to maximum or minimize spin, depending on what club you’re using. Trust is, there’s some serious innovation in there. Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. taylormadegolf.com \| $36/doz.
	Volvik Vista iS Key Features: What colored ball is tearing up the professional ranks? This one! The Vista iS from Volvik features a four-piece multilayer design for, you guessed it, outstanding performance off the tee (lower spin) while allowing for more control on short shots (higher spin). Wow Factor: The iS feels a lot softer than last year’s Vista iV, and we love the orange color! Shots off the tee flew high and far, and we were blown away by the Zirconium cover, which produced plenty of stopping power on shorter shots. It’s only a matter of time until we see it on the PGA Tour. Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Zirconium HZ-III cover. volvik.com \| $45/doz.

High-Performance

Bridgestone B330RX & B330RXS Key Features: Both the B330RX and B330RXS have Hydro Core tech, only in a more friendly design for golfers who maybe aren’t blessed with 105+ mph swing speeds. Wow Factor: Bridgestone has made it simple to decide which Tour-level ball you need. Want Tour distance with added spin? Go with the B330RX. If spin is even more important, try the B330RXS. Simple, right? As for performance, the B330RXS spins so much, you’ll feel like a Tour player from inside 100 yards (even though you don’t swing as fast as a Tour player). Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover. bridgestonegolf.com \| $45/doz.	Dixon Earth Key Features: The world’s first eco-friendly golf ball made of recyclable material, the Earth is also a solid distance ball with exceptional durability. Wow Factor: It’s not made of recycled stuff–it’s made so it can be recycled. Got that? And in case you haven’t seen the commercial starring Don Cheadle on the website, you should. It’s great. As for performance? The Dixon Earth is a great all-purpose golf ball. Simply put. Specs: Made of 100% recyclable material. It can be traded in for a discounted price on another one. Cool! dixongolf.com \| $40/doz.	Nike RZN Red & White Key Features: Both the Red and White have three-piece construction, with a lightweight Speedlock core for more distance, control and a better ballflight. The Red promotes more distance while the White features a bit more feel. Wow Factor: It’s not a Tour-level ball, in our opinion, but it sure comes close. And at under $30 a dozen, it’s a ball that most amateurs should consider. For real. They’re the best-feeling, good-value Nike balls ever made. Specs: Three-piece construction. nikegolf.com \| $29/doz.

All-Around

Bridgestone eSeries Key Features: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters to a specific type of player. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spinning Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a soft, multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the e7 is a distance ball with a spinny cover. Wow Factor: Great prices. Our favorite is the e5, which spins like crazy on short shots. No, really, it does. The e6 is a solid performer for golfers who want distance and control in a non-premium ball. Specs: The e5 is a two-piece, with a Urethane cover; the e6 and e7 are both three-piece, with Surlyn covers. bridgestonegolf.com \| $26/doz.	Callaway Golf X2 Hot & X2 Hot+ Key Features: Improved HEX aerodynamics for more distance and less slice and hook-spin. The X2 Hot+ is a similar ball, only with a bit more stopping power when hitting your short irons. Wow Factor: Hitting the ball far is fun. Callaway gets that, probably more this year than they did since way back during the early iterations of the Big Bertha driver. These balls are long and feel soft, which for us is exactly the kind of ball we like to use for a casual round of golf this Friday. (Shh, don’t tell the boss.) Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Trionomer cover. callawaygolf.com \| $27/doz.	Chromax Metallic Key Features: The high-visibility metallic finish is crazy! The cover, which is translucent, shows off a reflective inner layer that encompasses the soft-compression core. Wow Factor: They look great in the golf shop, but wait until you see them in the sunshine. They look like they’re actually glowing, thanks to the bright reflective inner layer. They’re distance balls, so don’t expect a lot of versatility, but for hitting big drives with a lot of style, you can’t go wrong here. Quick Tip: Wear sunglasses; they’re insanely bright. Specs: Two-piece construction, with an inner metallic coating. chromaxgolf.com \| $20/doz.