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[ top Quality ] Best Golf Balls 2021: The Best Golf Balls Money Can Buy

With so many golf balls out in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best golf balls that suit the playing style of an amateur golfer.

In fact, even some professional golfers still seek out the “holy grail” of golf balls that will give them the advantage in complementing their golf skills to a god-like level.

Golf balls are one of the most dynamic parts of golf aside from the golf clubs.

A lot of mistakes made by amateurs are the belief that they must first become single-digit handicapped before they can choose a particular golf ball. In reality, to get there one needs the best golf ball that fits their game.

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Let’s get started with our 15 top golf ball reviews. Remember, we are not designing this article in any particular order.

We think all 15 of these are good enough to make it to your shopping list, however, this is not in any particular order.

#1 Titleist Pro V1 Review

Titleist Pro V1

The Titleist ProV1 is easily one of the most popular golf balls in the world.

Titleist has long touted this golf ball as one of the very best their company has ever made.

It made its debut on the PGA Tour at Las Vegas in Oct. 2000 and became available to the public by December of that same year.

It was considered a revolutionary product and heralded as a great innovation for the golf ball market.

It enjoyed tremendous success, eventually becoming the most played golf ball on the PGA Tour for the past 20 years.

In essence, it solidified Titleist’s dominance in golf products over other companies.

That is why the Titleist ProV1 is on top of our list.

Who Does It Appeal To?

This has received a lot of praise in the whole spectrum of golf players from beginners to the more advanced (They might have professional Certificates).  

But technically, the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball when it first hit the market was favored by advanced players.

Shaping shots and reacting with lots of spins is the characteristic of ball play by players.

Its spin rate is far above most of the competition, but less than its younger brother the Titleist Pro V1x (another golf ball on our list).

In 2018, there were few modifications made for this golf ball and this turned out a good move as it became more playable to more amateur and intermediate golfers.

The next generation 2.0 ZG process core claims a lower long game spin, penetrating trajectory, and faster ball speed.

It also features new dimple designs with improved dimple placements to create more consistent surfaces.

To manufacture the Pro V1, Titleist machine their own component in their US facilities.

As a result, the new version spins less, has a slightly harder cover, and is more durable which makes it appealing to beginners.  

It would seem that the company reacted to some of the competition by producing a golf ball suitable for both good and more seasoned players.

Features of Titleist Pro V1

  • Extraordinary Distance with Consistent Flight
  • Very Low Long Game Spin and Penetrating Trajectory
  • Drop-and-Stop Short Game Control
  • Very Soft Feel

#2 Titleist Pro V1X Review

Titleist Pro V1X

There’s a saying, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?”. Apparently,

Titleist doesn’t believe in old sayings and decided to tinker with their ultra-successful Pro V1. The result – Pro V1x.

It’s hard to imagine that an almost perfect golf ball could still be improved, but that’s exactly what happened because Pro V1x was well-received by golf players who loved the Pro V1 but were more than happy to appreciate the enhanced features of the Pro V1x.

As proof, most PGA Tour professionals play Titleist golf balls and it’s pretty amazing how they are evenly divided in playing with the Pro V1 and Pro V1x.

Those who gravitated towards the Pro V1x are the more advanced players who are looking for a high launch angle and low spin off the tee, stop and drop action, a solid yet soft feel on and around the greens.

I like them you prefer a higher ball flight and more spins, this may just be the perfect golf ball for you.

Who Does It Appeal To?

Since the Pro V1x spins more and launches higher than its older sibling, this appealed heavily to advance players who like to shape shots and fully control their wedges.

So it is not surprising that less-skilled golf players, find themselves hooking it into the woods.

It will not produce the desired shot in reacting to the clubface fairly hard if not struck precisely.

That’s why this golf ball is considered one of the best currently in the market when it comes to distance and spin.

Features of Titleist Pro V1X

  • Extraordinary Distance with Consistent Flight
  • Low Long Game Spin and High Trajectory
  • Drop-and-Stop Short Game Control
  • Soft Feel

#3 Titleist Tour Soft Review

Titleist Tour Soft

Titleist made the Tour Soft the golf ball with the largest core ever constructed in their golf line.

It’s an attempt not to be left behind by competitors who are selling soft-feel golf balls. It’s targeted towards the “mid-level” golf ballplayers who are not sold on their Pro V line, and who are looking for more than just a distance golf ball.

The Tour Soft was designed to fly far, maintain a soft feel, and spin around the greens.  

It’s a two-piece golf ball with an extremely soft and large core.

Titleist combined this extra-large core with a new material cover that gives the golf ball its distance. The philosophy is fairly simple.

The larger the core, the longer the ball flies.

The Titleist Tour Soft takes the cover design to the next level with its spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design.

The pattern is designed in such a way to produce penetrating ball flight and consistent trajectories that it’s one of the golf balls that is great to play in the wind.

Also, the new super-thin cover is engineered to generate increased greenside spin.

Four blends of different materials comprise the cover used which was not only designed to increase spin but also to accommodate the golf’s massive core.

Who Does It appeal to?

As stated earlier, the Titleist Tour Soft was created with “mid-level” golf players who love the soft feel and have swing speed below 100 mph.

If you favor a golf ball that features big distance, is responsive on the greens, and doesn’t feel like a hard rock this is a golf ball you may want to try out. Or more than that, if you’re looking for a soft-feeling golf ball that reacts on the greens but is afraid of hitting wild shots off of the tee, this probably is the best golf ball for you.

Features of Titleist Tour Soft

  • Category leading soft feel
  • Commanding distance
  • Advanced short game control
  • Penetrating trajectory and consistent flight

#4 Vice Pro Golf Ball Review

Vice Pro Golf Ball

The golf ball space is dominated by major golf companies some of which have been around for decades.

New and smaller companies need to hurdle past many obstacles to be able to penetrate this niche.

Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade are just some of the industry bigwigs that can outspend, and outmaneuver any new player who wants to make a mark in their “territory”.

Though it may be hard, nobody said it cannot be done. The past 2 years have seen several smaller companies do just that.

Vice Golf is one of the few brave companies that dare to challenge the Titans in the industry.

The company manufactures golf balls and other golf accessories like gloves, hats, and umbrellas.

The Vice Pro golf ball competes with the best golf balls played by professional golfers.  

It is a 3-piece golf ball with a 318 dimple design with a urethane cover with S2TG technology for a superbly smooth and on-demand feel of the ball.

The number of dimples was reduced while increasing the diameter resulting in a more stable trajectory of the golf ball with even higher ball speed.

Who Does it Appeal to?

For golfers on a budget who enjoys premium golf balls not minding that it’s not produced by known golf companies, this is for them.

Based on feedback and reviews coming from golf players, they seemed to really like this golf ball.

Some even say that it’s a cross between a Titleist NXT Tour and a ProV1, and that is definitely a compliment for this golf ball.

Features of Vice Pro Golf

  • Optimized for tremendous distance
  • Excellent green-grabbing control thanks to our S2TG technology: great feel & spin rates and highly decelerating Urethane cover

#5 Bridgestone Tour B X Review

Bridgestone Tour B X

Bridgestone started producing golf balls in 1935.

It was not until 1972 when it started expanding into other products such as golf clubs.

The Bridgestone Tour B X Golf balls were designed for low-handicap golfers who are looking for tour-proven tee-to-green performance along with an exceptional feel.

Also utilizing a softer urethane cover provides more spin and control around the green.

It features a modified 330 dimple design proven to promote improved aerodynamics for more distance.

A gradational core promotes optimal energy transfer at impact to create a faster ball speed, as well as less side spin for enhanced accuracy on full shots. Simply put, it was designed with control and accuracy in mind while also providing great distance.

That is why this golf ball is perfect for golfers looking for accuracy and a bit more distance.

Who Does it Appeal To?

Obviously, it will appeal to a lot of golfers who value great accuracy, trajectory control, and distance.

If you are concerned with overspin on the driver and long irons, this will suit you.

It may also add a few yards to your long game.

Also, this is for those who want their golf balls to provide some bite around the greens and this is possible due to its layers and urethane cover.

Speaking of cover, this golf balls cover is highly durable, an overlooked quality in the premium golf ball market.

This high-quality golf ball is trusted by some of the best players on both the PGA and LPGA tours.

If you are a low-digit handicap golfer looking for distance and accuracy, look no further and give the Bridgestone Tour B X a chance to fulfill your expectations.

Features of Bridgestone Tour BX

  • Added distance and forgiveness comes from the Gradational Compression core
  • Added feel and control come from the soft SlipRes cover formulation. The added spin control comes from increased friction and feel thanks to the proprietary SlipRes urethane cover
  • Extra distance and enhanced aerodynamics are a result of the Dual Dimple technology. The added distance comes from a more efficient ball trajectory thanks to less drag when the ball is in flight
  • Consistent flight and performance are a result of the proprietary Seamless Cover Technology

#6 Bridgestone Tour B XS Review

Bridgestone Tour B XS

Another testament to the industry practice of coming up with a sequel to a highly successful product line.

You can be assured that this is a premium golf ball because no other than Tiger Woods chose to associate his name with this product.

After leaving Nike and practically having his pick of any golf on the market, Tiger chose to go with the Bridgestone Tour B XS.

While it doesn’t automatically make it the best golf ball for you, it does give it a huge boost of credibility when one of the games’ greatest players endorses it.

Tiger also partially designed this golf ball. In comparison to its younger brother the Bridgestone Tour B X golf ball, the Bridgestone Tour B XS  tends to feel a bit softer around the greens.

The Bridgestone Tour B XS has a urethane cover that features Bridgestone SlipRes technology.

The cover makes the golf ball extremely durable and also gives golfers added feel and control around the greens.  

The Dual Dimple Technology is another feature that makes this ball aerodynamic.

Who Does It Appeal To?

The Bridgestone Tour B XS was designed with low handicap golfers in mind, but its combination of distance and accuracy is what most golfers are looking for regardless of handicap.

It benefits golfers with slow swing speeds due to its low compression rating.

If you’re a low handicap player who is looking for golf balls aside from the Pro V or TP5, you may want to give this a try.


#7 Srixon Z Star Review

Srixon Z Star

The Srixon Z Star golf balls are optimized for every shot on the course.

It’s a three-piece golf ball that maximizes energy transfer for increased distance. Its Spin skin technology helps generate more spin and feel around the green without sacrificing distance or control on full shots.

This is ideal for low ball hitters as Srixon markets this ball as having a high launch angle.

Premium golf balls perform like a star on and around the greens, and Srixon Z Star is no exception.

It feels very soft on short shots and reacts well to properly struck wedges.

Who Does It Appeal To? 

For players with a low handicap, this is an ideal golf ball.  

Specifically designed for players that shoot in the single digits.

It is not for the average golf ball player as the ball tends to spin more on short irons and react more when shot shaping.

With features that are found on most premium golf balls, the Srixon Z Star should be priced higher but it’s not.

That is why it is an affordable premium golf ball that is sure to perform without making a hole in your pocket.

For golfers who prefer a softer feel and an enhanced greenside spin and more consistent spin on approach shots especially from the rough, the Srixon Z Star will surely do the job.

Features of Srixon Z Star

  • Second Generation Spin Skin
  • 324 Speed Dimple Pattern
  • Improved Energetic Gradient Growth Core

#8 Srixon Z Star XV Review

Srixon Z Star XV

The Srixon Z Star XV is a four-piece golf ball engineered to provide maximum performance. It achieves longer yards off the tee compared to its Srixon Z Star sibling.

It achieves the added distance because of its Dual Energetic Gradient Growth core coupled with the optimally designed 338 Speed Dimple Pattern.

The dual-core adds sustained ball speed while the speed dimple pattern reduces drag.

The 3rd generation spin skin coating results in a softer, more elastic spin skin coating.

In addition to the playability and feel on approach shots, the Srixon Z Star XV still has plenty of spin around the greens.

This is attributed to its SpinSkin Technology. What it does is provides a more consistent spin rate around the greens.

Who Does It Appeal To? 

For players who expect their iron shots from the fairway to go a few yards farther, this is a golf ball that is capable to do that.

When hitting shots with shorter clubs, the distance gains become consistent because of its dual-core technology.

So if you’re looking to add yards to your game without making a dent in your budget, this may be just the right golf ball for you.

Features of Srixon Z Star XV

  • New Third Generation Spin Skin
  • New Speed Dimple Pattern
  • New Dual Energetic Gradient Growth Core

#9 Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball Review

Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball

Don’t let the name fool you. Yes, the Callaway Chrome Soft has a naturally soft feel. But this three-piece golf ball is equipped with a Soft Fast core and a Dura Spin cover.

It provides a low-compression golf ball for a lower spin where it matters.

The Soft Fast core allows for increased ball speed with drivers and long irons, while the dimple pattern allows for stability and sure flight.

However, it’s not the best ball in terms of spin and distance but at its price range, it’s one of the best there is.

Who Does It Appeal To?

This golf ball is surprisingly versatile enough that it can be played by a wide range of players.

For those golfers who want to move from a two-piece golf ball to a three-piece but are overwhelmed by the technology-infused with those golf balls, the Callaway Chrome Soft is a great option.

For golfers with slower swing speeds under 80 mph, the Supersoft may be the best alternative.

But for those who want an exceptionally soft feel and excellent short game control, with long-distance and low spin-off of the tee, then this is your golf ball.

If you want better control to hit great shots around the green, the Chrome Soft is your best bet.

Features of Callaway Chrome Soft Ball Set

  • Around The Green – Softest Feel and Excellent Short Game Control – Now this is the kind of feel you should expect from our softest urethane golf ball You can thank the cover for that
  • Off The Tee – The Lowest Spin To Maximize Distance – When you maximize ball speed without creating high spin off the driver, that’s a recipe for longer drives
  • The Technology: – Dura Spin Cover – The key to durability, amazing feel, and short game control

#10 Bridgestone Tour B330 Golf Ball Review

Bridgestone Tour B330 Golf Ball

As you can clearly see printed on the Bridgestone Tour B330’s packaging, this is created for golfers who swing above 105 mph.

To get a clearer perspective, an average amateur player swings between 80-90 mph, so this was clearly not created for them.

You need to be able to swing really fast to squeeze the juice out of this golf ball.  

Fast swing speeds are necessary with the B330 due to its firm compression.

If you can swing your driver above 105 mph, you will be happy to use the B330 as you will be able to see concrete results.

If not, fret not as there are still other Bridgestone models that will suit you such as the Bridgestone RX.

Bridgestone used to be a company that is not synonymous with golf balls.

But that is no longer the case as clearly even Tiger Woods gave his name to the brand which gives it his seal of approval.

Who Does it Appeal To?

As mentioned, the B330 is created for more advanced golf players who can swing fast.

This is not for high handicap or even mid-handicap golf players.

That is the reason why the B330 has long been a favorite of professional and low handicap golf players.

Features of Bridgestone Tour B330 Golf Ball

  • A new engine – The all new Tour Core is 6% larger and utilizes a steeper gradient in softness from the inner part of the core to the outer region, resulting in faster ball speed and more reduced spin off the driver than ever before.
  • The newly formulated SlipRes Cover has the highest friction coefficient rating possible for maximum greenside spin AND reduced spin off the driver for longer distance. SlipRes also delivers a self-repairing cover for longer playability.
  • Seamless Cover Technology (SCT) is a proprietary manufacturing process that eliminates the straight part line and results in the most consistent golf ball in terms of accuracy, distance and trajectory ever created.

#11 Taylormade TP5 Review

Taylormade TP5

TaylorMade was a company that is more known for its golf clubs than golf balls.

They started in 1979 when its founder Gary Adams leased a 6,000 square foot building in McHenry, Illinois to manufacture his newly invented 12-degree loft metal wood.

From the $47,000 sales generated in 1979, it eventually reached $1 billion in sales revenue in 2006 making the company one of the most successful golf brand companies in the world.

They became the number one golf driver company and also ventured into clothing.

They may not be well-known in golf balls but they are trying to change that with the TaylorMade TP5.

The TP5 is a 5-layer construction ball that gives players maximum spin and control around the greens.

Its patented Tri-Fast Core reduces spin off the tee and on iron shots for more distance. It delivers low spin rates and maximum energy transfer for explosive distance.

This golf ball took 10 years to develop and is considered an engineering marvel.

Isn’t a 5-layer golf ball overkill? Maybe… or maybe not.  More layers equal more complexity, which results in a more diverse golf ball.

Almost all players want to maximize spin on their short irons while minimizing it on their driver.

The Tri-Fast core on the other hand is meant to reduce the spin of the golf ball off of the tee just like other multi-piece golf balls.

The quality of the golf balls not only matters when making full swings but also around the greens. You need to have a golf ball that feels good coming off of your wedges and your putter to be able to improve on your game.

The TP5 hits the high mark on this area since its soft urethane cover allows for a great feel and performance for short game shots.

Who Does It appeal To?

The TP5 basically has the same targeted market as that of Titleist ProV1 users.

It was specifically designed and created to compete with the ProV1 and it seems TaylorMade is giving Titleist a run for its money.

With both products priced in the same range, the TP5 has a slight advantage by offering more distance and more spin than the ProV1.

While some players stick to a golf ball that they become accustomed to, most of them are always open to trying other golf balls that would help them gain more advantage.

And the ProV1 cannot rest easy knowing that there’s a TP5 that can eat a slice of the pie.

Features of Taylormade TP5 Review

  • TP5 features a Tri Fast Core and Dual Spin Cover that combine for a 5 layer golf ball construction that is specifically engineered to perform with every club in your bag
  • TRI FAST CORE The unique 3 layer core system in TP5 and TP5x features progressive compression, enabling maximum energy transfer and generating massive speed on full shots
  • DUAL SPIN COVER. Contrast of an ultra soft cast urethane & a semi rigid inner cover creates maximum interaction between the cover & club grooves, resulting in exceptional spin performance with full wedge shots & pinpoint control from around the green

#12 Taylormade TP5X Review

Taylormade TP5X

Just like with the Titleist ProV1, TaylorMade decided that TP5 should soon have a brother with slightly different characteristics.

TP5x is the result of that. Most golf companies are now making similar golf balls off of the DNA of their successful products.

It’s an increasingly common move among major golf companies.

It’s worth noting that sometimes the players themselves come up with suggestions for improving the current golf balls, and the golf companies take notice.

As in anything, you can’t please everyone and there will always be two sets of golf players:

One who wants more spin; and the other that want more predictability.

Who Does It Appeal To?

The TP5x is very similar to its younger brother TP5. Both are fundamentally created to spin more than usual with a wedge.

If you want a golf ball that is a little firmer on chip shots and when you’re cutting, this may be the golf ball you want to pull out from your bag.

The TP5x is good for extra distance, less unwanted sidespin on straight shots, and more shaping spin. It also delivers higher launch and less drag from an aerodynamic standpoint.

If maximum spin and control around the green are important this should do the job.

You cannot go wrong with the TP5x for both distance and spin.

If a high-spinning premium ball appeals to you and you don’t want to sacrifice distance, this is definitely worth checking out.

Features of Taylormade TP5X

  • 5 LAYERS; ZERO COMPROMISES; TP5x feature a Tri Fast Core and Dual Spin Cover that combine for a 5 layer golf ball construction that is specifically engineered to perform with every club in your bag
  • TRI FAST CORE; The unique 3 layer core system in TP5 and TP5x features progressive compression, enabling maximum energy transfer and generating massive speed on full shots
  • DUAL SPIN COVER. Contrast of an ultra soft cast urethane & a semi rigid inner cover creates maximum interaction between the cover & club grooves, resulting in exceptional spin performance with full wedge shots & pinpoint control from around the green.

What makes the best golf ball?

There are many criteria for what makes the best golf ball. 

And there are always debates on what makes a golf ball the best.  

But eventually, it all boils down to three things:

  • Research and Development
  • Cost
  • Preference based on style

While the companies on our list which gave us the best golf balls try to outdo each other on the latest technology, no single company can really claim a monopoly on the best golf ball.

While technological improvements to the best golf balls are based on science and therefore measurable and quantifiable,

it’s not automatically going to make us into the best golfers on the level of Tiger Woods or a Rory McIlroy.

Golf is not an easy game just like any sport. It will take years of practice and dedication just to achieve a low handicap let alone a golf trophy.

Research and Development are the backbones of all golf balls.

The layers of materials and precision engineering employed in making each golf ball take years of research.

There’s a reason why golf balls are expensive. Companies pour a big chunk of their profits back into R & D to achieve the maximum performance of their golf balls.

Some can produce high-quality and top-notch golf balls at amazingly bargain prices due to marketing strategies that benefit their customers.

There are many brands on our list that could easily price their products higher and justifiably so.

But they have their own strategy that eventually makes them reach their projected market share in a highly competitive industry.

What is the best golf ball?

The best golf balls are strikingly similar in many ways. Manufacturers through research and development indeed protect their designs and patents but the reality is the best golf balls tend to be made by companies employing the same principles and identical technologies using different terminologies.

You will notice that the features of the best golf balls are very similar and the characteristics usually share the same DNA.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference because no two golfers are the same.

Robot tests conducted on the golf balls only confirm what we already know.

They perform almost similarly and even the pricing is almost identical.

So to know which is the best golf ball is for an individual golfer to find out for himself.

What is the best golf ball for a 20-handicapper?

Here are some of the best golf balls for a 20-handicapper in no particular order but are grouped for categories in the distance, direction, and extra spin:

For distance

  1. Titleist Velocity (perfect compression for 80 to 95 mph swings)
  2. Srixon Soft Feel (wallet friendly top value)
  3. Volvik Crystal (for slower swing speeds and bad eyes)

For direction

  1. Callaway Superhot 55 (best to improve low ball flight)
  2. Bridgestone E6 (best to reduce slices and hooks)
  3. Volvik Vivid (brightest golf ball almost impossible to lose)

For extra spin

  1. Titleist DT Trusoft (soft cover for softer feel)
  2. Bridgestone B330 RXs (Tour quality ball for swings under 105 mph)
  3. Srixon Z-Star XV (Best alternative to Pro V1)

What is the worst golf ball?

While many deserve the title, there are two that easily can be called the worst golf balls ever made.

One is the Pinnacle Gold which has the infamous distinction of the ultimate fisherman’s golf ball.

When a telescopic rod comes out to scoop a golf ball, chances are it’s a Pinnacle Gold.

Another is the Callaway Warbird which is identifiable by its mustard color yellow “V” which was supposed to signify a warbird.

Sadly, it never soared to many par 5’s and lived most of its life in hazards.

How to choose the best golf ball

In choosing the best golf ball, you have first to figure out your current skill level.

The best golf ball for John may not be the best for Mark even if they have the same handicap level.

There are various factors to consider and being honest with yourself in your current level of skill set will help you determine how to choose the best golf ball for your game.

Remember, all golf balls are designed with things like spin rate, swing speed, etc. and they consider the skill set of their intended market.

They are aware that there’s a broad spectrum of players that to focus solely on one skill level is not financially sound.

This is why it’s important to try different golf balls for you to get the feel and make a fair assessment and comparison of the features of each concerning your gameplay.

A lot of amateur golfers have seen tremendous improvements in their game by being able to settle for the golf ball that is suited for their playing style.

How much do the best golf balls cost?

Golf companies take a lot of things into consideration when pricing their golf balls.  

There is a price range in categories and usually, the competition will determine that the best price becomes available to the customer.

Typically you will see a price range of $20-40 per dozen for a two-piece distance golf ball.

Four or five-piece golf balls can run upwards of $45 for a dozen.

Determine first your skillset and what is important to you before deciding which golf ball should you buy.

Final Words

For you to be able to benefit on what is the best golf ball you should choose for your game, you have to think about your golf game and be totally honest with yourself. 

Figure out what type of swing you have and what type of golf you play. 

Some of these questions may be able to help you figure out your current level of play:

  • Am I having trouble keeping the golf ball in the fairway?
  • Do I swing fast?
  • Is adding distance to my drives and long iron improve my game?
  • Do I want the golf ball to check more around the greens?

After asking yourself these types of questions you will get an idea of what type of golf ball you need to improve your game.

As your swing changes and your game improves you can move up to the best golf balls designed for more advanced players.

Once you’ve finally figured out what type of game you have, try a few of the best golf balls for your game and start practicing.

Experience is always the best teacher so it’s best to try out different brands and based on the list above and find out what is the best golf ball for you.

Cheers!

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