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What is the difference between soft and hard golf balls?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 25, 2026

Low-compression balls tend to be softer and compress more easily to help beginners and higher handicap players with slower swing speeds create more distance. Higher-compression balls are harder and are used by better players who can produce faster swing speeds to still achieve the distance while gaining better control.

Is it better to have a soft or hard golf ball?

In almost all cases, an average golfer will prefer a softer golf ball over a firmer ball. Softer balls normally have a lower compression rating which means it will take less club speed to properly compress the ball. This will result in straighter shots and a better feeling golf ball.

Do softer golf balls go further?

Although softer golf balls go further from the tee for lower swing speed players, the gap across the whole range of ball types is only around 5 yards, so it is more important to fit the ball to your irons and then fit your driver to your preferred ball to maximise distance.

What is the advantage of soft golf balls?

A low compression ball helps to reduce the amount of ball speed lost on mis-hits and provides performance through the bag to help golfers get the most out of every shot they encounter on the course. Softer golf balls also allow the golfers to hit the ball higher which is beneficial to most golfers.

Should beginner golfers use soft or hard balls?

Several studies have shown that the distance difference between hard golf balls and soft golf balls is often only five yards or less. The reason most beginners should choose a soft golf ball is because of the high amount of forgiveness they offer.

42 related questions found

What are the most forgiving golf balls?

Most Forgiving Golf Ball, Ranked

  • #1 – TaylorMade Soft Response.
  • #2 – Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls.
  • #3 – Callaway Super Soft Golf Balls.
  • #4 – Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls.
  • #5 – Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls.
  • FOR WOMEN – Bridgestone 2019 e6 Lady Golf Balls.
  • THE OLD #1 – TaylorMade Project (a) Golf Balls.
  • Bridgestone e7 Golf Balls.

Do warm golf balls go further?

Generally, a warmer golf ball travels farther. The rubber materials used to make golf balls respond better if they are more resilient. Warmth enhances resiliency. A warmer ball will come off the clubface with more velocity and spin than a colder ball, encouraging loft.

Do distance golf balls go further?

Analyzing the individual ball statistics we can see that the Titleist Pro V1x averaged the farthest distance as well at 266.7 yards. Meanwhile, the Callaway Chrome Soft X averaged the shortest distance at only 259.3 yards. This results in a difference between the average maximum and minimum of only 7.4 yards.

Do expensive golf balls make a difference?

The average golfer won't get enough benefit to justify paying the higher price and would be better off using that money to work on their swing. The only benefit to an expensive golf ball would be the increased spin around the green and the nice soft feel at impact.

What's the best golf ball for distance?

Best Distance Golf Balls

  • Srixon Distance Golf Ball. Our pick. ...
  • Callaway Warbird Golf Ball. Best for speed off the face. ...
  • Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball. High launch. ...
  • Bridgestone e12 Contact Golf Ball. ...
  • TaylorMade Distance + Golf Ball. ...
  • Honma D1 Golf Ball. ...
  • Wilson Tour Velocity Tour Distance Golf Ball. ...
  • Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball.

What is the hardest golf ball made?

The hardest golf ball available is the Mizuno RB Tour X, which has a compression rating of 110. This ball produces low-mid driver spin, high wedge spin, and is ideal for better golfers with swing speeds above 105 MPH. Another option for a hard golf ball is the Titleist Pro V1X Left Dash.

What compression ball should I play?

A 70 compression ball should be used by a golfer whose club head speed with their driver is 70 mph, an 80 compression ball should be used by a golfer with an 80 mph club head speed, 90 with 90 and 100 with 100.

Which Callaway ball is like Pro V1?

The ball that most closely resembles the Pro V1x is the Srixon Z-Star XV. The balls above aren't all identical to the Pro V1x but they should perform pretty similarly. They all have a compression rating around the same number, they all have a high amount of wedge spin, and are built for fast swing speeds.

How do I know which golf ball to use?

Understanding How to Pick a Golf Ball

  1. Find a golf ball type based on your skill level and personal preferences. ...
  2. Pick a golf ball construction type. ...
  3. Select the compression rating for your golf ball. ...
  4. Assess your overall golf game and weaknesses before making the final choice of golf ball.

How do I choose the right golf ball for my swing speed?

A good rule of thumb is 100 compression for swing speeds over 100 miles per hour, 90 compression for swing speeds over 90 mph and 80 compression for swing speeds under 90 mph. Pick a golf ball with a construction designed to maximize the effectiveness of your swing speed.

Do distance golf balls go straighter?

There is a line on the golf ball that is designed to help players aim their shots a bit better. Essentially, you can get incredible distance off the tee, aim the ball better and also hit it straighter when you switch to the Vice.

Do golf balls lose distance with age?

A wound ball which is approximately 10 years old, stored at room temperatures and low humidity, will have lost about 0.5 to 1.0 % of its IV (Initial Velocity) which will affect its distance by a couple of yards.

Do golf balls matter for high handicappers?

Ionomer cover golf balls are usually less expensive, more durable, and produce less spin overall. Most importantly, most ionomer balls will produce less side spin off the clubface, which should help high handicap players keep the ball in play. The inside of the golf ball may be just as important.

Why do I play better with cheap golf balls?

Generally speaking, the cheaper golf balls tend to be more durable and hold up a bit longer than the expensive ones. This seems to be because of the thicker and cheaper materials used on their cover. With the expensive golf balls, companies try to make them with a thinner cover and a more reactive feel.

Which golf ball goes the farthest 2021?

Longest Golf Balls: Titleist Velocity

The longest golf ball is the Titleist Velocity. This is a two piece ball that is built completely for distance and low ball spin from the tee.

What is an illegal golf ball?

Top 5 Illegal Golf Balls for 2022

Contents [Show Contents] Best Illegal Golf Balls. Polara Self Correcting Golf Balls. Bandit Maximum Distance Golf Balls. MG Golf Balls Senior.

What is the longest golf ball for seniors?

The Callaway Super Soft is the longest golf ball for seniors. It's a 2-piece, low compression golf ball that offers excellent distance. This golf ball has a soft feel, but it flies far.

How many rounds should a golf ball last?

Without visible damage, a golf ball can last up to seven 18-hole rounds without any loss of performance.

Can you microwave a golf ball?

Yes, you too can get greater distance on your shots in just seconds - The Microwave Way. Merely pop a golf ball into your microwave oven - and voila! This juiced-up dimpled dumpling surprisingly flies farther than the ball pros use.

Do golf balls lose distance with use?

Its results confirmed that in the absence of visible damage, repeated use had no effect on a ball's performance. However, it also found that even small scuffs led to a measurable loss in distance, reducing driver distance as much as 6 yards.