Categories
Golf Balls Knowledge Base

Golf Ball Information Chart (Layers, Spin, Compression)

Golf Ball Information Chart (Layers, Spin, Compression)

Today is the day you learn everything you need to know about golf balls. This includes understanding layers, knowing your ball spin, and learning the best type of compression for your swing.

Understanding these little details could be the difference between a beginner swing and a pro move.

Contents show

The Importance Of Golf Ball Layers

A golf ball’s layers refer to the number of pieces used to make the sphere. You can expect the number to be between 2 and 5.

A 2 layer golf ball would be the cheapest in the range. They are great for beginners and high handicap players as they reduce the amount of spin on the ball. It also lessens the weight to help golfers who slice or hook the ball.

3 piece balls are great for middling golfers, as it offers a bit of spin, which these players should be able to control.

Professionals use 5 piece golf balls, which cover more range and big spins.

The Importance Of Golf Ball Spins

If the ball has a low spin, it can help players who slice or hook the ball. This means that it corrects their play to give a straighter line.

Middle spinners are great for players who have more control over their hits. The spin can then be used in their favor, stopping the ball from falling into the rough once landed.

High spin balls should only be used by scratch players who have utter control over their balls.

Explaining Golf Ball Compression

A golf ball compression refers to the amount of force needed to propel it into the air. The lower the compression, the further a ball can travel. However, they are almost more likely to gain interference from the wind.

Every player should aim for a low compression. However, if you have a fast swing, your ball will be likely to curve. To keep your ball in the right direction, you should play around with higher compression balls.

The Difference Between Soft And Hard Balls

The difference between soft and hard balls often comes down to compression. However, even the professionals say that the main selling point is how they feel to the golfer.

Soft balls and hard balls will travel the same distance, but hard balls tend to be more expensive. If you have the cash to try it out, play with all of the ball ratings on the driving range, and figure out which balls make the most sense to you.

The Importance Of Your Swing Speed

The speed of your swing will determine how far and high your ball will go. Height often isn’t an issue unless your course has a difficult pathway. However, distance is always an important factor.

If you don’t swing fast enough, you may not get the reach you’re after, but swing too fast, and you’ll get all the height and none of the distance.

For an average driving distance, you want to follow this rule of thumb:

  • Average of 205 yards? – Swing at 80 MPH
  • Average of 230 yards? – Swing at 90 MPH
  • Average of 260 yards? – Swing at 100 MPH

Examples

Now you know how the ball’s specifications can affect your game, it’s time to see which balls would be good for you.

Ideally, you should grab a handful of different balls and test them all out. However, if you already know the range you are looking for, browse this list. Then highlight the balls that fit your needs.

Golf Ball Information Chart

Bridgestone Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Bridgestone Golf

Bridgestone Tour BX

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 85
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Bridgestone Tour B XS

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 85
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Bridgestone Tour B RX

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Low at 65
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate or Advanced

Bridgestone Tour B RXS

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Low at 65
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate or Advanced

Callaway Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Callaway Balls

Callaway Chrome Soft

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 75
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 100 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Callaway Chrome Soft X

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Callaway Chrome Soft X LS

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – High at 100
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 10 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Callaway ERC Soft

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Low at 60
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 PMH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner or Intermediate

Cut Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Cut Golf

Cut DC

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 105
  • Soft or Hard – Firm
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 100 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Cut Blue

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 100 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Cut Grey

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium at 80
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 100 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Cut Red

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Low
  • Compression – Low at 60
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner or Intermediate

Mizuno Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Mizuno Golf

Mizuno RB Tour

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 95 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Mizuno RB Tour X

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 110
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 150 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Mizuno RB 566

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Low Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 85 and 95 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Mizuno RB 566 V

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Low Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 95 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Snell Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Snell Golf

Snell MTB-X

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Firm
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Snell MTB-Black

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium at 80
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Snell Get Sum

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Low
  • Compression – Low Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner

Srixon Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Srixon

Srixon Z-Star

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 90 to 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Srixon Z-Star XV

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 100
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Srixon Q-Star

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium at 75
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Srixon Q-Star Tour

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium at 70
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Srixon Soft Feel

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Low at 60
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner or Intermediate

Taylormade Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Taylormade

Taylormade TP5

  • Layers – 5
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 80
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Taylormade TP5X

  • Layers – 5
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Taylormade TP5 Pix

  • Layers – 5
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 85
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Taylormade TP5X Pix

  • Layers – 5
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 100
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced
Golf Ball Information Chart

Titleist Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Titleist

Titleist Pro V1

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 90
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 95 to 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate or Advanced

Titleist Pro V1X

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 100
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Titleist AVX

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 80
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate or Advanced

Titleist Tour Speed

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium at 80
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Vice Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Vice Golf

Vice Pro

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 95 to 110 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate or Advanced

Vice Pro Soft

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Low Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 95 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Vice Pro Plus

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 110 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Vice Tour

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Low Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 100 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner or Intermediate

Volvik Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Volvik

Volvik Vivid

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Middle
  • Compression – Medium at 80
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner or Intermediate

Volvik Vivid Lite

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – Low
  • Compression – Medium a 75
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner or Intermediate

Volvik S3

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Medium at 85
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 95 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate or Advanced

Volvik S4

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High at 95
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Wilson Balls

Available on Amazon
Available on Wilson

Wilson Staff Model

  • Layers – 4
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – High Unrecorded
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – 105 MPH or more
  • Recommended Skill Level – Advanced

Wilson Duo Professional

  • Layers – 3
  • Short Game Spin – High
  • Compression – Low at 60
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Between 90 and 105 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Intermediate

Wilson Duo Soft +

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Low
  • Compression – Low at 35
  • Soft or Hard – Soft
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner

Wilson Duo Optix

  • Layers – 2
  • Short Game Spin – Low
  • Compression – Low at 30
  • Soft or Hard – Middling
  • Recommended Swing Speed – Under 90 MPH
  • Recommended Skill Level – Beginner

Video with testing data

Summary

Knowing how hard you like your balls, the number of layers you need, and how fast your swing is are the main factors you need to consider when buying a golf ball.

Once you have that information, you can use our chart above to figure out which brand and specific balls are best for you.

By Andrew Barrett

Hi, my name is Andrew Barrett, and I have been a keen golfer for the last 15 years. As a teenager, I used to attend my local golf club and resort with my father, and I quickly realized that it was the perfect sport for me. From here, I decided to take the sport more seriously, and have been playing regularly with family and friends since.

Over the years, I have picked up many useful skills and tips about golf. I have decided to set up my site, Golf Link, as a way to share my knowledge and tips with other keen golfers. Through this site, I will be talking you through general golfing knowledge, and I will also be reviewing golf clubs and equipment too.