OnCore ELIXR Golf Balls Review

OnCore ELIXR Golf Balls Review

By Paul Liberatore

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Published:

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You'll find the Oncore ELIXR golf ball delivers impressive performance at a value-conscious price point of $30 per dozen. Its 3-piece construction, featuring a soft polybutadiene core, metal-infused ionomer mantle, and urethane cover, provides tour-caliber playability with a compression rating of 83. The 318-dimple pattern guarantees stable flight in different conditions, while generating ideal spin rates of 2500-2600 rpm at typical swing speeds. Durability is excellent, resisting scuffs and cuts effectively, and the ball offers exceptional control around the greens. There's much more to uncover about this budget-friendly premium performer that's challenging the big brands.

Key Features

3-piece construction with polybutadiene core, metal-infused ionomer mantle, and urethane cover provides tour-level performance at $30 per dozen.

Compression rating of 83 and 350-dimple pattern deliver stable ball flight and optimal spin rates for both distance and control.

Premium urethane cover enables excellent short-game spin control while maintaining durability against scuffs and cuts.

Low-spin properties off the driver promote straight shots, while mid-launch trajectory ensures solid spin control with irons.

Ball Lab Score of 75 exceeds average performance metrics, with consistent playability from tee to green across varying skill levels.

Core Design and Construction

While many golf balls claim tour-level performance, the OnCore ELIXR's groundbreaking 3-piece construction sets it apart with its carefully engineered layers.


You'll find a polybutadiene rubber core at its heart, wrapped in a metal-infused ionomer mantle layer, and topped with a responsive urethane cover that's designed to give you supreme control over your shots.


What makes this ball particularly interesting is its 350-dimple aerodynamic package and an average compression of 83, which you'll notice delivers a firm yet comfortable feel at impact. The exceptional softness level makes it stand out as the softest golf ball currently available in the market. The ball features a premium cast urethane cover that provides excellent greenside control and soft feel.


The ball's perimeter weighting in the middle layer is where things get really clever - it's engineered to increase the moment of inertia, which helps keep your shots stable and reduces unwanted spin.


You're getting some serious innovation with the TPU injection-molded urethane cover, which differs from the cast-urethane covers you'll find in other premium balls.


While the ELIXR is manufactured in Taiwan, likely by Launch Technologies, it maintains quality standards that rival more expensive competitors, giving you tour-level performance without breaking the bank.

Oncore Elixr Golf Balls Review

Ball Flight Performance

The ELIXR's groundbreaking core and perimeter weighting directly influence its impressive ball flight characteristics. You'll notice a consistently stable trajectory, particularly in challenging wind conditions, thanks to its high MOI design and low-spin properties off the driver. When you're facing those breezy days that typically wreak havoc on your game, this ball's got your back. The updated design features a three-piece construction that enhances overall flight stability.


The 318 dimple pattern contributes significantly to the ball's aerodynamic stability and performance in various weather conditions. What you'll really appreciate is how the ELIXR performs across your entire club selection. Off the driver, you'll get that desirable low-spin launch that helps keep your shots straight and true, while your iron shots will benefit from a mid-launch trajectory that delivers solid spin into the greens.


Though it's not quite as workable as some premium options, you'll find it strikes an excellent balance between control and forgiveness.


The ball's flight pattern maintains a high but relatively flat apex, which means you won't lose significant distance when the wind picks up. For golfers who prefer predictability over shot-shaping artistry, you'll find the ELIXR's consistent, straight-flying tendencies to be a reliable companion on the course.

OnCore ELIXR Golf Balls Review

Distance and Speed

Distance powerhouses often come with performance trade-offs, but OnCore's ELIXR breaks this pattern by delivering exceptional length without compromising control.


You'll notice impressive ball speeds thanks to its improved polybutadiene core, which helps generate the kind of distance that'll make your playing partners do a double-take. At swing speeds between 85-95 mph, you're looking at spin rates of 2500-2600 rpm off the driver, creating that sweet spot between carry and roll. The Gold Hot List recognition from Golf Digest in 2019 validates its exceptional performance capabilities.


What's particularly impressive is how the ELIXR maintains a penetrating ball flight, even in challenging conditions. The advanced dimple pattern helps keep the ball exceptionally stable even in windy conditions. The ball's low launch and spin characteristics off the driver mean you'll get that satisfying boring trajectory that cuts through the wind like a hot knife through butter.


Whether you're swinging like a weekend warrior or channeling your inner tour pro, the ELIXR's consistent performance adapts to your game. While tour players might clock ball speeds of 160-180 mph, you'll still get proportionally impressive results at your speed, thanks to the ball's advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge materials that reduce drag and optimize distance.

Around the Green

Proving itself as a standout performer around the green, the OnCore ELIXR showcases exceptional spin control and touch on finesse shots. With its premium urethane cover and 3-piece construction, you'll notice impressive grab and stopping power when executing those delicate chip shots and pitch shots around the putting surface.


The ball's unique design promotes steeper divots for enhanced spin generation on short game shots. You'll find the ball's performance particularly impressive with your wedge game, where it generates spin rates that rival those of tour-caliber balls costing considerably more. Whether you're hitting half-wedge shots or full approaches, the ELIXR's mid-compression design and high friction coefficients work together to give you the control you need. Much like the TaylorMade 2024 TP5, the ELIXR delivers exceptionally soft feel on delicate shots.


The ball's density and material composition create that crucial bite on the greens that you're looking for in your short game.


What's particularly remarkable is how the ELIXR, at just $30 per dozen, delivers spin rates within a few hundred RPM of premium balls that cost nearly twice as much. If you're seeking Tour-level short game performance without the premium price tag, you'll appreciate how this ball lets you execute those creative shots around the green with confidence.

Technology Under the Cover

Inside the OnCore ELIXR, you'll find an advanced three-piece construction that combines a polybutadiene rubber core, metal-infused ionomer mantle, and premium urethane cover. This unique Tri-Phase design isn't just technical jargon - it's the secret sauce that delivers impressive distance while maintaining excellent greenside control.


The ball's core features cross-linked polymer additives that enhance your ball speed and durability, while the mantle layer, infused with high-density particles, helps dial in your accuracy. Professional and amateur players alike have praised the ELIXR's superior feel and control. The modern urethane blend cover represents the latest evolution in golf ball materials, offering enhanced performance and durability.


You'll notice the 318-dimple pattern isn't just for show; it's precisely engineered for peak aerodynamics, helping you achieve consistent ball flight. With an 85-compression rating, you're getting that sweet spot between distance and feel that'll make you wonder why you didn't try these sooner.


What's particularly clever about the ELIXR's design is how it manages spin rates. The technology reduces spin with your driver and long irons, where you want maximum distance, but maintains higher spin rates around the greens, where you need that extra bit of control.


It's like having your cake and eating it too - just don't try to actually eat the golf ball.

Value for Money

At $30 per dozen, the OnCore Elixr delivers tour-caliber performance without breaking the bank.


You'll find that this ball competes with premium brands costing remarkably more, making it one of the best value propositions in golf currently.


What's particularly impressive is how it maintains high-end performance features while keeping costs surprisingly low.


When you're investing in golf balls, durability becomes a vital factor, and the Elixr doesn't disappoint.


Its urethane cover holds up exceptionally well through multiple rounds, meaning you won't need to replace these balls as frequently as some competitors.


You're getting a ball that'll maintain its performance characteristics, from that initial tee shot to the final putt.


The cast urethane cover provides exceptional control and feel around the greens.


The value proposition becomes even more compelling when you consider the ball's impressive distance capabilities and accuracy.


You're fundamentally getting premium features - low driver spin, stable flight patterns, and improved perimeter weighting - at a mid-tier price point.


If you're looking to optimize your golf budget without sacrificing performance, the Elixr offers a sweet spot that's hard to beat in the current market.


The three-piece construction enhances both distance and control, making it a versatile choice for players at any skill level.

Player Experience and Feedback

Players testing the OnCore Elixr have reported mixed experiences, with feedback varying considerably across different skill levels and playing styles.


If you're a high-handicap golfer with a slower swing speed, you'll likely appreciate the added distance and improved accuracy many testers have reported. However, if you're seeking tour-level precision on approach shots, you might notice the ball doesn't check up quite as quickly as some premium alternatives.


You'll find the ball's durability quite impressive, as it tends to resist scuffs and cuts better than many competitors in its class. The gentle feel off the putter and responsive feedback around the greens have earned praise from players who prioritize their short game.


While some golfers have completely switched to the Elixr as their go-to ball, others haven't been quite as convinced, particularly regarding shot-stopping power on the greens. The testers assigned scores from 65 to 97 in their final evaluations.


What's particularly interesting is how the ball seems to find its sweet spot with players who generate higher spin rates naturally - the lower spin characteristics help tame those excessive spin tendencies, leading to more controlled ball flight.

Competition and Market Position

While established giants like Titleist have long dominated the golf ball market, OnCore has carved out a compelling niche through its direct-to-consumer model and competitive pricing.


You'll find the ELIXR, priced at around $30 per dozen, competing directly with premium tour-level balls that often cost considerably more, making it an attractive option if you're looking to optimize value without sacrificing performance.


What's particularly remarkable is how OnCore has managed to thrive in this highly competitive space for over a decade, earning recognition from prestigious outlets like Golf Digest's Hot List.


When you're comparing the ELIXR to premium alternatives like the Pro V1, you'll notice it delivers comparable short-game spin and premium feel, but at a more wallet-friendly price point. The ball's urethane cover thickness contributes significantly to its exceptional control and feel around the greens.


The company's groundbreaking approach to ball design, coupled with their direct-to-consumer strategy, has effectively disrupted traditional market dynamics.


You're getting the benefits of this disruption through bulk pricing options and consistent availability, which is especially valuable if you're a frequent player who goes through plenty of balls.


It's no wonder they've built such a passionate, loyal following among value-conscious golfers.

Testing and Results

Extensive laboratory testing reveals the true quality and consistency of the OnCore ELIXR, going beyond its competitive market position. With a firm compression rating of 83, you'll find it performs comparably to the MaxFli Tour and Titleist Tour Speed, positioning it squarely in the premium ball category.


Led by successful golf engineer John Calabria, the ELIXR's manufacturing by Launch Technologies in Taiwan ensures tight quality control throughout production. During testing, the ELIXR showed impressive results across multiple metrics. You'll notice the improved polybutadiene core delivers higher ball speeds, while the 350-dimple pattern offers superior greenside control that'll help your short game.


The ball's cover durability proved exceptional, meaning you won't need to replace these as often as some competitors. While the testing did flag three balls for concentricity issues and two with non-standard core colors, these findings didn't greatly impact the ball's total performance.


What's particularly remarkable is the ELIXR's Ball Lab Score of 75, which sits two points above the database average. When you're out on the course, you'll appreciate the higher ball flight from the new dimple pattern, and at $30 per dozen, you're getting premium performance without the premium price tag.

OnCore ELIXR Golf Ball

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does an ELIXR Golf Ball Typically Last Before Needing Replacement?

You'll typically get 3-6 rounds of golf from an Elixr ball before needing replacement, assuming you don't lose it initially.


While the ball's urethane cover and improved core offer good durability, you'll want to replace it when you notice visible scuffs, cuts, or a decline in performance.


Proper storage in cool, dry conditions and regular rotation of your golf balls can help extend their lifespan.

Can the ELIXR Golf Ball Be Used in Professional Tournaments?

You'll be thrilled to know that the ELIXR golf ball isn't just tournament-legal, it's practically begging to be used in professional play!


The ball fully complies with R&A and USGA standards, making it eligible for use in all professional tournaments.


With its three-piece construction, 80 compression rating, and 318-dimple pattern, you'll find it performs alongside other tour-caliber balls, and several pros have already used it in competitive play.

Does Temperature Affect the Elixr's Performance Differently Than Other Golf Balls?

Other Golf Balls?

You'll find that the ELIXR responds to temperature changes in a comparable manner to other golf balls with comparable compression ratings.


Like its competitors, it'll lose about 2-2.5 yards of distance for every 10°F drop in temperature, and its compression will increase in colder weather.


While the ELIXR's 84 compression rating means it'll firm up in cold conditions, there's no evidence suggesting it behaves distinctly compared to other urethane-covered balls.

Are ELIXR Golf Balls Available in Different Colors?

You'll find the Elixr available in three different color options, though OnCore hasn't published a detailed list of specific colors in their marketing materials.


While color variety adds a nice touch of personalization to your game, there's no evidence suggesting performance differences between the color choices.


The ball's core construction, dimple pattern, and playing characteristics remain consistent across all color variations.

How Should ELIXR Golf Balls Be Cleaned and Stored?

You'll want to soak your Elixr golf balls in a mixture of hot water, bleach (1:4 ratio), and a touch of dish soap for 20 minutes.


Using a drill with a brush attachment, scrub them in circular motions for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.


Once clean, dry them completely and store them in a cool, dry place using containers that allow airflow, like egg cartons or mesh bags.

Conclusion

Professional golfers are paid to use the golf ball they play on TV and on Tour, it is likely that you, are not. Paying top dollar for golf balls will not ensure that you are playing better golf and the largest determining factor in golf ball performance consistency is playing the same golf ball every shot and every round. The bulk pricing model and superb performance of the OnCore ELIXR golf ball bring tour-level performance to golfers at prices that allow them to get the best out of their game each time they hit the course.

Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.