VII. Golf Balls
1. General
Golf ball design and construction
has changed immensely in the last 10 years. Once you only had to decide
between Balata (expensive, only for low handicappers) and Surlyn (for the
rest of us). But today there are literally dozens of different types of
covers and construction methods. Today there are 2 piece, 3 piece, multi-layer,
wound, double cover and almost any other type of ball you can think of.
But when the hype gets out of hand, remember that the USGA/R&A very
strictly regulate ball velocity, so all golf balls will travel approximately
the same distance, with distance type balls being perhaps a few yards longer
than spin type balls.
2. Balata/Spin
A balata covered ball is the original
spin ball. It is typically a three piece ball: a core (sometimes liquid
filled) wound with rubber and covered with balata. Balata is a soft substance
which susceptible to cuts and nicks. This softness generally promotes
a high ball spin rate. A higher spin rate allows better players to shape
their shots, i.e. to deliberately draw or fade the shot. It also will assist
in making the ball back-up or stop when it lands on the green. Today the
balata is artificial and many other compounds are used to achieve the same
effect, but with less susceptibility to cuts and nicks.
3. Surlyn/Distance
A distance ball is generally a
two piece ball, typically consisting of a solid rubber core with a man-made
cover that is less susceptible to cuts and nick than balata. The original
cover material was called Surlyn and almost all distance balls still use
a variation of surlyn as a cover material. Distance balls have a lower
spin rate than spin type balls. This is beneficial to players looking for
a longer, straighter ball flight. The drawback is that because the ball
has a lower spin rate, it is more difficult to deliberately draw or fade
a shot. However, for a significant majority of players this is not a serious
consideration. A factor that is of significant consideration is that distance
balls may feel harder than spin type balls when struck, particularly to
low handicap players. Some of the hardest distance type balls are referred
to as “rocks”.
4. Other Materials
Thanks to the wonders of chemistry,
there are now many other types of cover materials available for golf balls.
These include artificial balata, elastopolymers, etc. Most of these covers
are designed to combine the durability of surlyn with the spin characteristics
of balata. They are also generally quite expensive, but typically last
longer than balata balls. These balls may be two piece, three piece or
multi-layer, depending on the playing characteristics the manufacturer
is aiming for.
5. Compression
Compression of a golf ball is
designed to match the feel of the ball to the golfer's preference. Typical
compression ratings are between 80 and 100, with most players using a 90
compression ball as a compromise. Many above average golfers tend to agree
that hitting a 100 compression ball feels like hitting a rock. Contrary
to popular myth, studies indicate that a 100 compression ball is not significantly
longer than 90 or 80 compression balls.
6. Notes
Determining the type of ball you
should use, as well as the compression is purely preference. Some people
find that a distance type ball is quite playable, while others feel they
need the action a spin type ball gives. Generally, higher handicap players
will benefit more from a distance or two piece ball due to its lower spin
rate. Lower handicap players often prefer a spin type or three piece soft
cover ball because of its higher spin rate.
7. Quick Comparison
Balata/Spin
Softer cover
Higher spin rate
Easier to work
Usually three piece ball
Usually more expensive with a shorter life
Surlyn/Distance
More durable cover
Lower spin rate
Slightly more distance
Usually two piece ball
Usually less expensive with a longer life
Other
Soft, yet durable cover
Usually better spin than typical surlyn ball
Usually better durability than typical balata
ball
Higher initial cost than surlyn, but typically
longer life than balata
This FAQ is Copyright 1999-2002 by Daniel J. Driscoll, all
rights reserved. Product and company names used in this document
may be trademarked or copyrighted by the respective owners. This
document may be replicated in whole or in part, without
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