Best Golf Balls

When most golfers visualize a premium ball, Pro V1 is the initial name that pops into their heads. Titleist completely transformed golf with this ball's debut in 2000, and they've stayed on top ever since. More touring professionals trust this ball than any other brand, and once you play it, you'll understand why. Even after dominating for a quarter-century, Titleist's newest model delivers longer drives, reduces unwanted spin, and helps you hit more predictable shots.

You might wonder how golf balls can still improve after decades of innovation, but Titleist's team found something special. Their new high-gradient core uses state-of-the-art design - it's firmer around the edges and progressively softer toward the middle. For your everyday round, this means faster ball speeds off your clubs and less sidespin when you're bombing drives or hitting long irons. Plus, their updated production methods guarantee each ball performs similarly to the next. Compared to previous versions, you'll immediately feel how it reduces spin and adds yards to your shots. The flight's perfect too - climbing nicely into the air while slicing through wind, then dropping gently onto greens.

Premium balls justify their cost by performing two seemingly opposite tasks - reducing spin on full swings while maximizing it for scoring shots. The Pro V1 excels in this tricky combination. Its soft feel gives you total control for creative shots near the green. Need to loft one high over a bunker? Want to bump-and-run through the fringe? This ball reacts predictably every time, taking the fear out of those nerve-wracking touch shots.

You know how Titleist's always been the ball for those scratch golfers who never miss a fairway? Well, Callaway's taken a different path - they're making stuff for players like us who still three-putt occasionally and don't mind admitting it. While they're neck-and-neck with Titleist in quality, Callaway's focused on helping regular golfers actually enjoy their rounds more.

Let's talk about their Super Soft ball - it's basically the MVP for recreational players this year. The secret sauce is this HyperElastic SoftFast core they've packed inside. Sounds fancy, right? Think of it as a super-responsive center that goes crazy when you compress it with your driver. You're gonna pick up serious distance off the tee, and your 3-wood shots'll fly way better too. It's not just marketing fluff - you'll actually see those extra yards.

But here's where it gets interesting for us mid-handicappers. That same core technology that bombs it off the tee? It also gives you a butter-soft feel when you're trying to save par from 20 yards out. The cover they use is ridiculously soft - like, you can almost dent it with your fingernail soft. That means when you're hitting those touchy wedge shots around the green, you've got way more control over spin. No more skulling it across the green when you're trying to be delicate.

Look, if you're a single-digit player who can work the ball both ways, you might want something firmer. But for those of us shooting in the 80s and 90s? This ball's perfect. Callaway's been tweaking this design for years, and the 2025 version is their best yet. You're getting tour-level tech in a ball that actually matches your swing speed and helps where you need it most - distance off the tee and control around the greens.

You know how you're always looking for that edge to help you break 90 (or 80)? Well, the TaylorMade TP5 might just be your ticket. This ball's got some serious tour cred – guys like Rickie Fowler and Colin Morikawa trust it when millions are on the line.

Here's what makes it special: it's built with five layers. Yeah, five. Nobody else does that. Think of it like a high-tech sandwich where each layer has a job. The outer layers help you grip the green when you're hitting those scoring irons. The inner layers? They're all about launching bombs off the tee without that nasty balloon flight that costs you yards.

The dimple pattern (those little divots all over the ball) is called Tour Flight, and it's engineered to cut through the air like a hot knife through butter. What does that mean for your game? Your drives fly farther and land softer. You know that frustrating moment when your ball lands on the green and rolls off the back? This ball fights that – it comes down at a steeper angle, so it actually stops where you want it.

Now let's talk feel. When you're chipping from 30 yards out, you'll notice the ball grabs the clubface just right. It's not mushy like those rock-hard distance balls at the discount store, but it's not so soft that you lose distance either. It's that Goldilocks zone, just right.

The biggest win? You get tour-level performance without needing a tour-level swing. Sure, it's pricier than your typical two-piece ball, but if you're serious about dropping strokes and you've got the budget, this investment pays dividends. Just don't expect miracles if you're still slicing it into the woods – no ball fixes a wonky swing, but this one will reward you when you pure it.

Vice has made a name for itself fast by making great golf balls that won't break the bank. I'm a mid-handicapper and I've gotta say - I'm really impressed with how the Vice Pro Soft performs across the board.

This three-piece ball's built for golfers who don't swing out of their shoes, and it delivers the perfect mix of distance, soft feel, and control around the greens. The low-compression core is designed to help you squeeze every bit of speed from your swing when you're on the tee. They've wrapped that core with a special mantle layer that cuts down on spin with your driver and longer clubs, so you'll get that boring ball flight that cuts through the wind and stays on target.

Where the Vice Pro Soft really stands out is its super-thin urethane cover. This premium material works magic when it hits your wedge grooves - you'll spin it like the pros on your approach shots. You can fire right at flags, knowing this ball will hit and stick, giving you serious stopping power even when you're coming in low. For the money, you're getting tour-level performance that's made Vice Pro Soft a favorite among golfers who know their gear.

Looking for an affordable ball that delivers solid performance? You'll find the Bridgestone e9 checks all the boxes with its two-piece build, seamless Surlyn cover that's injection-molded, and Bridgestone's trusted 330-dimple design that cuts through the air efficiently.

If you're trying to squeeze out more distance off the tee, this ball's designed with you in mind. The e9 launches high and spins low, which means you don't need tour-level swing speed to see real benefits. You'll appreciate how it helps you bomb drives while still giving you enough feel to control your shots around the course. At this price point, it's tough to find a ball that balances distance and playability as well as the e9 does.

When you're searching for the ideal golf ball, nothing matters more than how it feels in your hands and off the clubface. I've tested dozens of balls throughout 2025, and I can't say enough about the Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track – it's got this incredible feel that'll make you fall in love with every shot.

What makes this ball so special? It's packed with Callaway's HyperElastic SoftFast Core technology. Trust me, when you strike a putt or hit a delicate chip, you'll notice the difference immediately. The ball creates amazing spin and gives you that satisfying sensation that tells you you've hit a good shot.

Here's the kicker: Callaway didn't just slap this ball together. They poured more than $50 million into their Precision Technology manufacturing process. They're measuring and fine-tuning every single detail to make sure you're getting consistent performance, whether you're a weekend warrior or trying to break 80. Doesn't matter if it's sunny, windy, or damp – this ball delivers.

But my favorite feature? The triple-track alignment aid. You'll never second-guess your aim again. Those three lines on the ball make it stupid-simple to get lined up properly, whether you're on the tee or the green.

If you want a ball that feels fantastic and performs like a champ in every situation, you've gotta give the Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track a shot.

Have you ever cracked open a fresh sleeve of golf balls, only to watch your pristine new ball get beat up after just a few holes? It's maddening, right? Well, here's where the Srixon Z-Star XV really shines – especially if you're tired of constantly replacing scuffed-up balls.

What makes this ball so tough? It's got this thermoplastic urethane cover paired with something called Spin Skin+ coating. Basically, it's built like a tank while still giving you that soft feel you want. Here's the cool part: when you hit those wedges and short irons, this coating actually grabs onto your clubface better, giving you tons of spin and control. You'll love how it checks up on the green while still looking fresh after 18 holes.

The inside of this ball is pretty clever, too. Srixon made the core soft in the middle but gradually firmer as you move outward. What does that mean for your game? You'll get solid distance off the tee without sacrificing that buttery feel when you're chipping around the green. It's like getting two balls in one.

And let's talk about how this thing flies. With 338 dimples arranged just right, you'll get a strong, boring ball flight that cuts through the wind. Even when it's blowing sideways, this ball stays on its line better than most. The aerodynamics help it climb quickly off the driver while maintaining a stable flight all the way to landing.

Bottom line? If you want a ball that'll last more than a few holes and still help you stick it close, the Z-Star XV delivers on all fronts.

I've been testing PXG's new entries in the premium golf ball space - the Xtreme Tour and Xtreme Tour X - and I'm really impressed with what they've brought to the table. These two balls play completely differently from each other, but let me break down what's going on with them.

The Xtreme Tour's got a three-piece construction with a polybutadiene core that's all about generating speed. They've wrapped that with a firm ionomer mantle layer that helps you really crush your drives. You'll also get a soft urethane cover that delivers the spin and feel you need for those scoring shots. What really caught my attention though, was the incredible ball speed - I was hitting bombs all day long.

I've tested these against all the major brands' premium offerings, and they absolutely hold their own. If you're thinking about switching things up this off-season and want a ball that'll give you more yards off the tee, the Xtreme Tour's definitely worth a look. Just be ready for a slightly firmer feel than you might be used to - but trust me, the distance gains make it worthwhile.

Looking for a standout golf ball in 2025? Here's a surprising pick that'll catch your attention – it's not from Titleist, Callaway, or TaylorMade. The Oncore Elixr has quietly become one of the year's most impressive performers, and it's definitely earned its spot on my must-try list.

What makes the Elixr special? It's all about that perimeter weighting technology. This clever design delivers rock-solid consistency shot after shot. You'll notice tighter ball flights that cut through the wind better than you'd expect. They've also upgraded the polybutadiene core from earlier models, which means you're getting extra yards off the tee plus more rollout when you land – exactly what most of us are looking for.

Don't worry about the slightly firmer cover compared to premium tour balls. You'll still get plenty of feedback on full shots, and it performs nicely on chips and pitches too. Sure, it won't spin like a Pro V1 on wedge shots, but for mid-handicappers, that's often a good thing.

Here's the kicker – the Elixr doesn't excel in just one area. It's the total package that makes it shine, especially when you factor in the price point. While everyone's been talking about the big brands' latest releases, the Oncore Elixr has been quietly winning over golfers who've given it a shot. Trust me, it's worth adding a sleeve to your bag.

If you're looking for a golf ball that'll help your short game, you can't go wrong with softer options. There's something about a soft ball that just feels right when you're chipping, pitching, or putting – it gives you that extra bit of confidence and feels great coming off the clubface.

The Wilson Soft DUO is hands down the softest ball you'll find in 2025. What's cool is that Wilson didn't just stick with the same old formula – they've added this new velocity-boosting material to the core. Basically, it helps the ball spring off your club faster at impact, which means you're getting more distance without sacrificing that soft feel.

They've also tweaked the dimple design to help the ball fly better, especially with your driver. So even though it's super soft, you're not giving up any yards off the tee. When you factor in how well it performs around the greens, plus how it handles with every club in your bag, the Wilson Soft DUO is definitely worth checking out – especially at its price point.

People ask me all the time what equipment works best for seniors. I'm not there yet, but my dad's reached that point, and we're lucky to hit the links together weekly. I recently had him put several different golf balls through their paces to get his take.

The Callaway Warbird came out on top after he'd tested the bunch. They've built this two-piece ball specifically to help you bomb it down the fairway – something most senior golfers are looking for. The ball's got a massive high-energy core paired with those HEX dimples that cut through the air, helping you launch it high and watch it sail.

What's great is the ionomer cover feels soft when you strike it, so you'll still have the touch and control you need around the greens. Now, if you're a low handicapper who swings like a tour pro, you'll probably want something else. But for seniors who'd love to pick up some extra yards while still being able to work the ball when it counts, the Warbird hits the sweet spot.

You'll love how TaylorMade's Distance Plus Golf Balls deliver massive distance without emptying your wallet. They've packed a REACT Speed Core into these two-piece balls that cranks up your ball speed while cutting down on driver spin. You're getting a soft ionomer cover that not only feels great when you're chipping and putting but also won't scuff up after a few rounds.

Sure, they won't spin like the balls tour pros use, but they'll give you plenty of control when you're hitting into greens or working on your short game. If you're shooting in the 80s, 90s, or higher, you'll appreciate how forgiving these balls are – and how they don't sting when you inevitably donate a few to the course's water features. When you want to bomb it off the tee and keep it in play without spending $50 a dozen, TaylorMade's Distance Plus balls have got your back.

Looking for extra yards without breaking the bank? You'll love what Titleist Velocity golf balls bring to your game. Titleist packed these affordable two-piece balls with their high-speed LSX core and wrapped them in an NAZ+ cover, creating a combo that'll send your ball flying off the clubface.

What makes these balls really zip through the air? It's the unique 350 octahedral dimple pattern with its spherical tiling that cuts through wind and keeps your shots on a high, penetrating path.

You'll notice the difference right away when you're crushing drives and hitting long irons. The Velocity's ultra-low spin on full shots means you're getting straighter ball flights with maximum carry and roll-out. Sure, they'll feel firmer than those expensive urethane balls when you're chipping and putting, but they've got enough touch around the greens to handle most situations you'll face.

If you're shooting anywhere from the 80s to low 100s and want tour-level distance without tour-level prices, Velocity balls deliver exactly what you're after. They're built for golfers who'd rather spend money on green fees than premium balls while still getting impressive performance where it counts most.

If you're hitting balls indoors, you'll want to check out Titleist's Pro V1 RCT golf balls. They've built in a special radar reflective marker that helps launch monitors like Trackman pick up your spin data way better than regular balls.

Here's what's cool - you're getting the same Pro V1 performance you'd expect on the course, but your indoor numbers will actually be accurate. The RCT tech captures spin data at 99% accuracy, and you only need about 8 feet of ball flight to get solid readings. That's roughly 25-30% less space than you'd need with regular balls.

For those of us getting club fittings or practicing indoors, this means you're getting real data instead of guessing. Sure, they'll cost you more than regular Pro V1s, but these balls hold up for hundreds of hits. When you think about how much better your practice sessions and fittings will be with accurate spin numbers, it's probably worth spending the extra cash if you're taking your indoor game seriously.