Balls Buyer's Guide 2007We’re not talking range balls, Wiffle balls or those limited-flight Cayman balls either. We’re talking golf balls—the kind that go too far and spin too much.
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By Staff
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Page 4 of 4
| | Tech Talk
Choose Wisely
By Brandon Sowell
Bridgestone Golf
For the industry as a whole, it’s fairly evident that solid-core golf ball technology and three-piece urethane cover construction have had the biggest impact. Bridgestone was the first company to introduce a solid-core performance model (back in the early ’90s when Nick Price was winning his Majors), and has continued to be a leader in refining the technology to meet the demanding needs of today’s golfer. For Bridgestone Golf, in addition to the solid core and other materials advances, the Seamless Cover has been a significant technological breakthrough. Seamless Cover Technology allows players to experience unparalleled flight consistency, regardless of whether they strike the ball on the equator or on one of the poles.
The biggest mistake that I’ve seen is that the average golfer doesn’t always buy the best ball to maximize their game. Some may choose a model based on what their friends use or what guys on Tour are playing. Another mistake we see is that the ones that do choose a ball based on their swing only look at swing speed. In order to get the best ball for your game, it’s important to look at the total equation. For instance, launch angle and the optimal spin rate should also be a consideration for golfers. Every golfer should be fit on a launch monitor to find out what ball is best for them. In 2007, we’re introducing the Bridgestone Golf Challenge, which will provide consumers the opportunity to get fit on our Science Eye launch monitor at various golf courses and golf retailers across the United States. For a schedule of when the fitting is available in specific areas, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.
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Titleist Pro V1/Pro V1x
titleist.com
(800) 225-8500 | $45/doz.
| V1: |  | | V1X: | |
 Could Titleist really improve on arguably the most popular golf ball ever?
Features: The Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the hottest golf balls in the
world, and thanks to a new, softer Elastomer cover, a staggered wave
parting line (in other words, no seam is visible) and an alignment
stamp right on the ball, these new balls from Titleist will likely
continue to lead the pack.
Advantages: The Pro V1 retains great distance off the tee with a
driver, and thanks to a 392-dimple count, spins more and flies higher
than the Pro V1x, which has 332 dimples to promote a lower launch.
Benefits: Better players or anyone who wants distance, feel and durability.
What We Like: The new seam is impressive.
Lineup: DT SoLo, NXT, NXT Tour, Pro V1, Pro V1x
Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Urethane elastomer
Core: Rubber
Midlayer: Ionomer
Dimple Design: Round (332 Pro V1x) (392 Pro V1)
Distance: High
Trajectory: Mid (Pro V1x), High (Pro V1)
Spin: High
Feel: Soft | Top Flite D2
topflite.com
(866) TF-GOLFCO | $16/doz.
| Feel Good: | | | Straight: | | | Distance: | |
 Top Flite is back with their best value golf ball in several years.
Features: The D2 from Top Flite has a DimpleInDimple™ design, where in each dimple there’s a second dimple, helping to reducing drag, improve carry and ultimately add distance.
Advantages: The soft compression core and durable cover hallmark a new series from Top Flite that feels much softer than previous balls, all without sacrificing the rugged durability Top Flite golf balls have been known for.
Benefits: The D2 Distance is great for more power; the D2 Straight has a Slickote coating for more control; the D2 Feel is the soft choice for improved feel.
What We Like: Ahhh, a Top Flite that feels soft, spins around the green and has customary distance. Lineup: D2 Distance, D2 Straight, D2 Feel
Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Surlyn
Core: Polybutadiene
Midlayer: None
Dimple Design: DimpleInDimple™
Distance: High
Trajectory: High
Spin: Mid
Feel: Soft
| Wilson Fifty
wilsonstaff.com
(800) 469-4576 | $16/doz.
 The flat-bottom dimples from Wilson Staff returns, this time in a distance and value-oriented golf ball.
Features: The two-piece Fifty ball is designed to have a yin-yang-like
relationship between the cover and core. Its mega-soft core helps to
garner big yards with a driver, but still stick to the clubface for
more spin with iron shots.
Advantages: The flat-dimple design makes playing in the wind more
manageable, and the new Nano-Tech core is softer for more resilience.
Benefits: Those who want the absolute most technology in a two-piece golf ball that’s inexpensive.
What We Like: Much has been said about multi-layer golf balls, but
Wilson proves two-piece models are still a great choice for some
golfers.
Lineup: Fifty, Dx2, Px3, Tx4
Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Surlyn
Core: Nano Tech rubber
Midlayer: None
Dimple Design: Pan Head (312)
Distance: High
Trajectory: High
Spin: High
Feel: Soft | |
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