Buyer's guide: How to choose your golf balls?
The ball is the only piece of equipment used in every shot, from the driver to the putt. Yet, the majority of amateur golfers use a ball that is not suited to their swing speed , thus sacrificing distance and accuracy.
The market is technically divided by the number of layers (pieces) and the hardness (compression). At Balles de Sport , we analyze player profiles to recommend the right ammunition: from the indestructible Surlyn "Distance" ball to the Urethane "Tour" ball for total control.
1. CONSTRUCTION: 2 ROOMS OR MULTI-LAYERS?
2-PIECE BALLS (Distance & Durability)
Target: Beginners to Handicap 18 / Players looking for distance.
Composed of a large, solid core and a thick cover (usually made of Surlyn/Ionomer), these balls generate little spin , reducing unwanted effects like slices and hooks. They maximize roll distance and resist bad shots.
- Controlled budget and high resistance to cuts.
- A more challenging trajectory.
- To hit harder on impact.
MULTI-LAYER BALLS (3, 4 or 5 Pieces)
Target: Experienced players (Handicap < 15) / Seeking control.
These balls incorporate a core, intermediate mantle layers, and often a urethane cover. This complexity allows for differentiation between driving performance (low spin) and short game performance (high spin).
- Control (Spin): The ball stops abruptly on the green (Backspin).
- Workability: Allows you to work with trajectories (Fade/Draw).
- Soft and precise touch when putting.
2. COMPRESSION: ADAPTING THE BALL TO THE SWING
Compression measures the hardness of the ball. It must be correlated with your clubhead speed to activate the core (spring effect).
Low Compression (< 70)
Ideal for moderate swing speeds (Seniors, Ladies, Beginners). The ball compresses easily on impact, returning maximum energy to gain distance without effort.
High Compression (> 90)
Essential for powerful hitters (swing speed > 100 mph). A ball that's too soft for a fast swing will lose energy and accuracy. This is the standard for balls played on Tour (Pro V1x, TP5x, Chrome Tour).
3. THE COATING: SURLYN VS. URETHANE
This is the skin of the ball, the part that is in contact with the grooves of your wedges.
- Surlyn (Ionomer): Hard, slippery, very durable plastic. Ideal for distance play, but offers little feel for short shots.
- Urethane: A soft, grippy polymer. It "bites" into the grooves of the club to generate maximum spin on approach shots of less than 100 meters. More fragile and more expensive.
Sports Ball Analysis: Don't play a "Tour" ball if you don't have the swing speed to compress it. You'll lose distance. Start with a 2-piece "Soft" ball to combine forgiveness and feel.