Golf Ball Compression Guide Chart
Understanding Golf Ball Compression: A Key to Choosing the Best Ball for Your Game
When it comes to selecting the right golf ball for your game, one of the most important factors to consider is compression. Understanding how golf ball compression works can help you make more informed decisions and choose a ball that enhances your performance on the course. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, knowing about compression will give you an edge in selecting the right ball for your playing style and swing speed.
One of the ways that golfers choose a golf ball is by looking at the compression ratings. Compression ratings vary from less than 40 to more than 120.
If you have heard one of your playing partners talk about the need for a high or low compression ball, after reading this guide perhaps you'll want to add your opinions to the discussion.
What Is Golf Ball Compression?
Golf ball compression refers to how much the ball compresses against the clubface when struck. It is a measure of how soft or firm a golf ball feels when hit. The compression rating is typically expressed as a number between 0 and 200, with lower numbers indicating softer golf balls and higher numbers indicating firmer balls. However, most modern golf balls fall within the 30 to 120 compression range.
The compression of a golf ball affects the distance, feel, and control. When a ball compresses appropriately for your swing speed, it maximizes the energy transfer, resulting in greater distance and a more controlled shot.
How Golf Ball Compression Works
When you hit a golf ball, the force of the impact causes the ball to deform slightly before it rebounds off the clubface. The degree to which the ball deforms depends on the ball’s compression rating and your swing speed.
- Low Compression Balls (30-60): These balls are softer and compress more easily upon impact. They are ideal for players with slower swing speeds because they can compress enough to generate distance even with less power. Low compression balls tend to provide a softer feel and can offer more spin on shorter shots.
- Mid Compression Balls (70-90): These are designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, typically ranging from 85 to 100 mph. They offer a balance of distance, control, and feel. Many recreational golfers opt for mid-compression balls to gain both performance and comfort on the course.
- High Compression Balls (90+): These balls are firmer and designed for golfers with faster swing speeds (above 100 mph). High compression balls require more force to compress, making them ideal for stronger players who can maximize distance through power. They offer a firmer feel and are often preferred by advanced players seeking control over spin and trajectory.
Golf ball compression measures how hard or soft a golf ball is. A ball with high compression is a bit harder, and it will take more for you to be able to compress the ball.
In other words, you need more strength and power to get the proper results out of a high compression ball.
With low compression, golf balls expect that you will need less swing speed or clubhead speed to get the ball to compress.
However, with having less resistance in your shots, you can expect that these lower compression golf balls won’t go as far for the faster swing speed player.
It would be simple if fast swing speed players could use a low compression ball and bomb it, but that is, of course, not the way that golf works.
Why Compression Matters in Golf Ball Selection
Golf ball compression has a big impact on the length of the shot that you can hit. Let’s face it, distance matters.
All golfers should be thinking about the golf ball they choose in terms of its impact on their game. Don’t choose golf balls simply because of the price.
There are performance factors that will greatly impact you based on the technology incorporated into the golf ball.
Understanding how compression impacts performance is key to selecting the right golf ball.
- Swing Speed Compatibility: The most important factor in choosing the right compression is your swing speed. A golf ball that matches your swing speed will allow for optimal energy transfer, helping you achieve maximum distance and control. For example, players with slower swing speeds (below 85 mph) should opt for low compression balls, while players with faster swing speeds (above 100 mph) benefit from high compression balls.
- Distance and Control: Compression influences how far the ball travels. Lower compression balls are easier to compress, so they can generate more distance for golfers with slower swings. On the other hand, higher compression balls may feel harder to compress for slower swingers but will provide more control for faster swingers who can maximize distance through their speed.
- Feel and Spin: Compression also affects the feel of the ball when struck. Low compression balls feel softer and tend to generate more spin, which can be beneficial for short-game control. Higher compression balls, while firmer, allow for less spin and more precision on longer shots.
- Weather Conditions: Compression can also be influenced by the temperature. Golf balls tend to lose some compression in cold weather, making low compression balls perform even softer. On chilly days, even golfers with faster swings might consider switching to a lower compression ball to maintain optimal distance.
Golf Ball Compression Chart
| Compression Level | Swing Speed | Player Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Low (30-60) Maximizes distance, softer feel |
Below 85 mph
|
Beginners, seniors, slower swingers |
|
Mid (70-90) Balanced distance, control, feel |
85-100 mph
|
Intermediate, recreational golfers |
|
High (90+) Greater control, firm feel |
Above 100 mph
|
Advanced players, fast swingers |
This golf ball compression chart isn’t an exact science, but it’ll give you all the information you need.
Selecting a golf ball based off your swing speed and the golf ball compression that correlates best with it is one simple way to start improving your game.
Using the chart above, you can search for golf balls that are in your compression range.
Matching Your Game to the Right Compression
Selecting the right golf ball compression ultimately comes down to your playing style, swing speed, and personal preference. Here's how to decide which compression type might work best for you:
- Low Compression Golf Balls: These are best suited for beginners, seniors, and players with slower swing speeds (below 85 mph). They are ideal if you're looking for a softer feel and want to maximize your distance without needing excessive power in your swing.
- Mid Compression Golf Balls: If your swing speed falls between 85 and 100 mph, a mid-compression ball offers a balanced blend of distance, feel, and control. Many recreational players fall into this category, and mid-compression balls provide versatile performance across different shot types.
- High Compression Golf Balls: If you’re an advanced golfer with a faster swing speed (above 100 mph), a high-compression ball will suit you better. These balls allow you to harness the energy from your powerful swings, providing more control over trajectory and minimizing excess spin on longer shots.
Golf Ball Compression Examples and Ranges
We admit, we have our favorite golf balls. However, below is a list of a number of well respected golf ball brands with a breakdown of their current offerings for low, mid and high compression golf balls. Each of these brands offers a broad range of options to suit golfers with different swing speeds and preferences, ensuring you can find the right ball to optimize your game
Bridgestone:
- Low Compression: Bridgestone e6 – This ball has a compression rating of around 44, making it ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds who need extra distance and a soft feel.
- Mid Compression: – With a compression rating around 70, this ball is suitable for moderate swing speeds, offering a balance of distance and control.
- High Compression: Bridgestone Tour B X – With a compression rating of around 95, this ball is designed for faster swing speeds, providing excellent control and distance.
TaylorMade:
- Low Compression: TaylorMade Kalea – With a compression rating around 60, this ball is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds, offering a softer feel and good distance.
- Mid Compression: TaylorMade Project (a) – With a compression rating around 70-80, this ball is perfect for intermediate players seeking a blend of feel and performance.
- High Compression: TaylorMade TP5x – This ball has a high compression rating (around 97), designed for golfers with fast swing speeds who require more distance and precision.
Callaway:
- Low Compression: Callaway Supersoft – Known for its low compression of around 38, this ball is perfect for golfers with slower swing speeds seeking a soft feel and added distance.
- Mid Compression: Callaway Chrome Soft – With a compression rating of 75, this ball offers a balance of soft feel and distance for golfers with moderate swing speeds.
- High Compression: Callaway Chrome Soft X – This high compression ball (around 90) is suited for players with faster swing speeds who need more control and less spin on long shots.
Wilson:
- Low Compression: Wilson Duo Soft+ – With a compression rating of 35, this ball is one of the softest on the market, designed for golfers with slower swing speeds who want a soft feel and long distance.
- Mid Compression: Wilson Staff Fifty Elite – With a compression rating of around 50, this ball provides a nice balance of distance and feel for moderate swing speeds.
- High Compression: Wilson Staff Model – Designed for high swing speeds, this ball has a compression rating around 95, providing more control and precision for advanced players.
Volvik:
- Low Compression: Volvik Vivid – With a compression rating of around 75, this is a softer-feel ball that provides distance and feel for golfers with slower swing speeds.
- Mid Compression: Volvik Crystal – This ball has a compression rating of around 80, providing a good balance of distance and control for players with moderate swing speeds.
- High Compression: Volvik S4 – Designed for fast swingers, the S4 has a compression rating of 95, offering exceptional control and distance for advanced players.
Vice:
- Low Compression: Vice Pro Soft – With a compression rating of 35, this ball is designed for players with slower swing speeds, offering a soft feel and great distance.
- Mid Compression: Vice Tour – This ball has a compression rating around 70, providing a mix of distance, feel, and control for intermediate players.
- High Compression: Vice Pro Plus – This high compression ball (around 95) is built for fast swingers who require high performance in distance and control.
Nitro:
- Low Compression: Nitro Ultimate Distance – This ball has a softer feel and lower compression (around 70), designed for players seeking more distance with a slower swing.
- Mid Compression: Nitro Crossfire – This ball offers a mid-range compression (around 85), balancing distance and control for moderate swing speeds.
- High Compression: Nitro Maximum Distance – A firmer ball with a compression rating in the higher range (around 90+), designed for players with faster swing speeds looking for maximum distance.
Srixon:
- Low Compression: Srixon Soft Feel – With a compression rating of around 60, this ball is ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds who want a soft feel and added distance.
- Mid Compression: Srixon Q-Star Tour – This ball has a mid-range compression of around 72, offering a balance of distance and spin control for moderate swing speeds.
- High Compression: Srixon Z-Star – Designed for advanced players, this high compression ball (around 90) provides exceptional control and precision for faster swingers.
Myths About Golf Ball Compression
We want to clarify a few common myths about golf ball compression.
- Compression Alone Doesn’t Equal Distance: Some believe that a higher compression ball always means more distance, but that’s not true. Distance is maximized when the ball's compression matches your swing speed. Using a high compression ball with a slow swing speed can actually reduce distance.
- Softness Doesn’t Always Mean Better Performance: A softer ball doesn’t always equate to better performance. While a low-compression ball feels softer, it might not provide enough control for players with faster swings, leading to reduced accuracy.
- Only Pros Need High Compression Balls: It’s not true that only professional golfers should use high-compression balls. If your swing speed matches the ball's compression, you’ll see performance benefits, regardless of skill level.
