What is golf ball compression?
A golf ball’s core gets squished or compressed when a club hits it with force. Golf ball compression refers to the measure of how much a golf ball shape gets deformed and compressed when it is hit by a golf club.
A softer ball compresses more. It is a crucial aspect of golf ball design and performance, as it affects the ball’s distance, trajectory, and feel.
What is golf ball compression rating?
The compression rating of a golf ball is measured to understand how hard and soft feel does the golf ball give. On a scale of 30 to 120, 30 is the softest and 120 is the hardest.
- Low compression: 30 to up to 65 (Soft feel and gets long distance with slow swing speeds).
- Medium-compression: 66 to 89 (Standard feel, and with average swing speeds gets long distance).
- High compression: 90+ (Hard and firm feel, and maximum distance with high or fast swing speeds).
Lower compression balls tend to be softer and provide more feel, while higher compression balls tend to be firmer and travel farther.
Which golf ball compression chart is right for you?
Golf ball compression is important to consider when choosing a golf ball. Your swing speed is a key factor in deciding which ball to buy. Our Golf Ball Compression Chart is the best guide for you to choose you ball.
Golf Ball Compression Chart: Swing Speed
The speed you swing your club at can affect what type of golf ball you should use. If you swing too slow, the ball won’t go far or high. If you swing too fast, the ball will go up too high and still not go far.
Here’s a general chart for what your swing speed might be:
| Average Driver Distance | Swing Speed | |
| 205 Yards | 80 MPH | Low |
| 230 Yards | 90 MPH | Medium |
| 262 Yards | 106 MPH | Fast |
Faster swing speeds demand high-compression golf balls.
These golf balls work best for people who swing the club fast. They can help with accuracy, control, responsiveness, trajectory, feel, and making the ball spin backwards.
Low swing speeds works great with low-compression golf balls to long distance.
Having a long shot is the most important thing in golf, so choose a ball that helps you hit it as far as possible. For most golfer like us, a ball that is easy to compress, a lower compression ball is best.
Pro Tip: When you play golf, it’s important to choose the right ball for your skills and how fast you swing. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, you can read about it in one of these articles:
- Best Golf Balls For Average Golfers
- Best Golf Balls For Mid Handicappers
- Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
- Best Low Spin Golf Balls
- Best Low Compression Golf Balls
- Best Golf Balls For High Swing Speeds
Golf ball spin chart: The amount of spin a golf ball has can affect your game. Low spin balls are good for average players who hook or slice the ball often. Medium spin balls are good for players who want more spin to control the ball better on the green or make it go in a certain direction. High spin balls are best for advanced and pro players who want the most control over the ball. Learn more about golf ball spin here.
Golf ball layers chart: The number of pieces a golf ball is made of can make a difference. 2 piece balls are cheaper and good for beginner golfers. They don’t spin much. 3 or 4-piece balls have a bit more spin and 5-piece balls usually have the most spin. You can learn more about golf ball layers of different golf balls..
Golf Ball Compression Chart: from High to Low in order
| Golf Ball Brands | Layers | Short Spin | Golf Ball Compression | Swing Speed | Price Bracket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAST SWING SPEED | |||||
| Mizuno RBX Tour X | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 110 | + 105 mph | $$$$ |
| Cut DC | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 105 | + 105 mph | $$$ |
| Taylormade TP5X Pix | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 100 | + 105 mph | $$$$ |
| Titleist Pro V1 X | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 100 | + 105 mph | $$$$ |
| Volvik S4 | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 95 | + 95 mph | $$$ |
| Callaway Chrome Soft X | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $$$$ |
| Cut Blue | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $$ |
| Mizuno RB Tour | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 90 | + 85 mph | $$$$ |
| Vice Pro Plus | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High | + 85 mph | $$$ |
| Volvik Crystal | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | High | + 85 mph | $$$ |
| FASTER SWING SPEED | |||||
| Srixon Z-Star XV | 4 Piece | MID SPIN | High 100 | + 105 mph | $$$ |
| Taylormade TP5X | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $$$$ |
| Wilson Staff Tour | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (no figure) | + 95 mph | $$$$ |
| MID SWING SPEED | |||||
| Callaway Warbird | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $ |
| Snell MTB-X | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 95 | + 95 mph | $$$ |
| Srixon Z Star | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $$$ |
| Titleist Pro V1 | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $$$$ |
| Volvik XT AMT | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | High 90 | + 95 mph | $$$$ |
| Bridgestone Tour B X | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 85 | + 85 mph | $$$$ |
| Bridgestone Tour B XS | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 85 | + 85 mph | $$$$ |
| Taylormade TP5 Pix | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 85 | + 85 mph | $$$$ |
| Volvik S3 | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 85 | + 85 mph | $$$ |
| Cut Grey | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 80 | + 85 mph | $$ |
| Snell MTB – Black | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 80 | + 85 mph | $$$ |
| Taylormade TP5 | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 80 | + 85 mph | $$$$ |
| Titleist AVX | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 80 | + 85 mph | $$$$ |
| Titleist Tour Speed | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 80 | + 85 mph | $$$ |
| Volvik Vivid | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 75 | + 85 mph | $$$ |
| Bridgestone e12 Speed | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 75 | + 85 mph | $$ |
| Callaway Chrome Soft | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium 75 | + 80 mph | $$$$ |
| Srixon Q Star | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium 75 | + 80 mph | $$$ |
| Volvik Vi Max Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium 75 | + 80 mph | $$ |
| Srixon Q-Star Tour | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 70 | + 80 mph | $$$ |
| Taylormade Tour Response | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 70 | + 80 mph | $$$ |
| Taylormade Project (a) | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 70 | + 80 mph | $$$ |
| Volvik Power Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium 70 | + 80 mph | $$ |
| Volvik XT Soft | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium 70 | + 80 mph | $$$$ |
| Callaway Strata Eagle | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | + 80 mph | $ |
| Titleist Velocity | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | + 80 mph | $$ |
| Volvik Solice | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | + 80 mph | $$$ |
| Wilson Tour Velocity Distance | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | + 80 mph | $$ |
| Wilson Tour Velocity Feel | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | + 80 mph | $$ |
| SLOWER SWING SPEED | |||||
| Bridgestone Tour B RX | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low (65) | < 80 mph | $$$$ |
| Bridgestone Tour B RXS | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low (65) | < 80 mph | $$$$ |
| Cut Matte | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (65) | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Titleist Tour Soft | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (65) | < 80 mph | $$$ |
| Callaway ERC Soft | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (60) | < 80 mph | $$$ |
| Cut Red | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (60) | < 80 mph | $$$ |
| Srixon Soft Feel | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (60) | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Wilson Duo Professional | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (60) | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Bridgestone e12 Contact | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (60) | 80+ mph | $$ |
| Bridgestone e12 Soft | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (50) | < 70 mph | $$$ |
| Wilson Fifty Elite | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (50) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Callaway Superhot | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (50) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Bridgestone e6 | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (45) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Callaway Supersoft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (40) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Callaway Supersoft Magna | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (40) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Taylormade Noodle Long / Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (35) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Wilson Duo Soft+ | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (35) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Wilson Duo Optix | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (30) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Mizuno RB 566 | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $ |
| Mizuno RB 566 V | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $ |
| Snell Get Sum | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $ |
| Taylormade Soft Response | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Titleist TruFeel | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$$ |
| Vice Pro | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$$ |
| Vice Tour | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Vice Pro Soft | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$$ |
| Vice Drive | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $ |
| Wilson Zip | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$ |
| SPECIALIST LADIES GOLF BALLS | |||||
| Srixon Soft Feel Lady | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (60) | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Bridgestone e6 Lady | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (45) | < 70 mph | $$ |
| Callaway Reva | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$ |
| Taylormade Noodle Long And Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | < 80 mph | $$ |
Golf Ball Compression Chart by Brands
| Bridgestone Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Tour B X | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (85) | Fast |
| Bridgestone Tour B XS | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (85) | Fast |
| Bridgestone Tour B RX | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low (65) | Mid |
| Bridgestone Tour B RXS | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low (65) | Mid |
| Bridgestone e12 Soft | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (50) | Mid |
| Bridgestone e12 Contact | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (60) | Mid |
| Bridgestone e12 Speed | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (75) | Fast |
| Bridgestone e6 | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (45) | Mid |
| Bridgestone e6 Lady | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (40) | Mid |
| Bridgestone Laddie Extreme | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Slower |
| Callaway Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway Chrome Soft | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (75) | Mid |
| Callaway Chrome Soft X | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (90) | Fast |
| Callaway ERC Soft | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (60) | Mid |
| Callaway Supersoft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (40) | Slow |
| Callaway Supersoft Magna | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (40) | Slow |
| Callaway Superhot | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (50) | Mid |
| Callaway Warbird | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | High (90) | Mid |
| Callaway Strata Eagle | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | Mid |
| Callaway Reva | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (30) | Slow |
| Cut Golf Ball Models | Construction | Compression | Swing Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cut DC | HIGH | 4 Piece | High (105) | Fast |
| Cut Blue | HIGH | 4 Piece | High (90) | Fast |
| Cut Grey | MID | 3 Piece | Medium (80) | Mid |
| Cut Red | LOW | 2 Piece | Low (60) | Slower |
| Cut Matte | MID | 3 Piece | Low (65) | Mid |
| Srixon Golf Ball Models | Construction | Shot Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srixon Z-Star | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (90) | Mid |
| Srixon Z-Star XV | 4 Piece | MID SPIN | High (100) | Faster |
| Srixon Q-Star | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium (75) | Mid |
| Srixon Q-Star Tour | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (70) | Mid |
| Srixon Soft Feel | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (60) | Slower |
| Srixon Soft Feel Lady | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (60) | Mid |
| Tittleist Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist ProV1 | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (90) | Mid |
| Titleist ProV1X | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (100) | Faster |
| Titleist AVX | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (80) | Mid |
| Titleist Tour Speed | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (80) | Mid |
| Titleist Tour Soft | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (65) | Mid |
| Titleist Velocity | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | Mid |
| Titleist TruFeel | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Slower |
| Taylormade Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylormade TP5 | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (80) | Mid |
| Taylormade TP5X | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (90) | Faster |
| Taylormade TP5 Pix | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (85) | Mid |
| Taylormade TP5X Pix | 5 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (100) | Faster |
| Taylormade Tour Response | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (70) | Mid |
| Taylormade Project (a) | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (70) | Mid |
| Taylormade Soft Response | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Mid |
| Taylormade Noodle Long And Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (35) | Slower |
| Wilson Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Staff Model | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (100) | Faster |
| Wilson Duo Professional | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (60) | Mid |
| Wilson Duo Soft+ | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (35) | Slower |
| Wilson Duo Optix | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low (30) | Slower |
| Wilson Fifty Elite | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low (50) | Slower |
| Wilson Zip | 2 Piece | MID SPIN | Low | Mid |
| Wilson Tour Velocity Distance | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | Mid |
| Wilson Tour Velocity Feel | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium | Mid |
| Snell Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snell MTB-X | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (95) | Mid |
| Snell MTB-Black | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (80) | Mid |
| Snell Get Sum | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Slower |
| Volvik Golf Ball Models | Construction | Shor Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvik Vivid | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (75) | Slower |
| Volvik Vivid Lite | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium (70) | Slower |
| Volvik S3 | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Medium (85) | Mid |
| Volvik S4 | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (95) | Fast |
| Volvik Crystal | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | High | Slower |
| Volvik Solice | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Medium | Mid |
| Volvik Power Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium (70) | Mid |
| Volvik ViMax Soft | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium (75) | Slower |
| Volvik XT Soft | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Medium (70) | Slower |
| Volvik XT AMT | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | High (90) | Mid |
| Vice Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vice Pro | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low | Mid |
| Vice Pro Soft | 3 Piece | HIGH SPIN | Low | Slower |
| Vice Pro Plus | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High | Fast |
| Vice Tour | 3 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Mid |
| Vice Drive | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Slower |
| Mizuno Golf Ball Models | Construction | Short Spin | Compression | Swing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno RB Tour | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (90) | Fast |
| Mizuno RB Tour X | 4 Piece | HIGH SPIN | High (110) | Fast |
| Mizuno RB 566 | 2 Piece | LOW SPIN | Low | Mid |
| Mizuno RB 566 V | 3 Piece | MID SPIN | Low | Mid |
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES GOLF BALL COMPRESSION IMPACT FEEL?
Golfers are often curious about how the compression of a golf ball affects its feel. The compression of a golf ball refers to its hardness and the amount of energy it retains upon impact. A lower compression ball is typically softer and compresses more upon impact, leading to a softer feel. On the other hand, a higher compression ball is firmer and compresses less, leading to a firmer feel.
So, how does the compression of a golf ball actually impact the feel of your shots? To start, it is important to consider your swing speed. If you have a slow swing speed, a lower compression ball may be a better fit for you as it will compress more upon impact and create a softer feel. However, if you have a fast swing speed, a higher compression ball may be a better choice as it will compress less, resulting in a firmer feel.
Another factor to consider is the type of terrain you play on. A softer ball may be ideal for playing on a soft course, as it will not bounce as much, allowing for better control. On the other hand, a firmer ball may be better for playing on a harder course, as it will bounce more and provide better distance.
Ultimately, the compression of a golf ball will impact the feel of your shots and the performance of your game. It is important to experiment with different compression to find the one that works best for you. Whether you prefer a softer feel or a firmer feel, the right compression can make a significant difference in your game.
HOW DOES GOLF BALL COMPRESSION AFFECT BALL SPEED?
Golf ball compression affects ball speed by determining how much the ball will be squished when it is hit with a club. A softer ball will compress more, causing it to slow down and lose speed.
A harder ball will compress less and therefore retain more speed. The compression of the ball will affect its performance and the distance it can travel.
HOW DOES COMPRESSION IMPACT SPIN ON FULL SHOTS?
Compression affects spin on full shots by determining the level of deformation of the ball when it is hit. If the ball is highly compressed, it will result in less spin, while a less compressed ball will produce more spin.
The type of clubface and the speed of the swing also play a role in determining spin on full shots, but compression is an important factor to consider.
HOW DOES GOLF BALL COMPRESSION IMPACT FLIGHT?
Golf ball compression greatly affects a ball’s flight. The compression determines how much the ball will deform upon impact with the clubface, which then affects the ball’s trajectory, spin, and distance. Higher compression results in less deformation, leading to a straighter, more controlled flight.
On the other hand, lower compression allows for more deformation, resulting in a higher trajectory and increased spin. Thus, the compression of a golf ball plays a crucial role in its overall flight characteristics.
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that compression is not the only factor that affects a golf ball’s performance. Other factors, such as the ball’s dimple pattern and construction, can also play a role in its overall performance.
In conclusion, golf ball compression is a crucial aspect of golf ball design and performance. Players should choose a ball that matches their swing speed, and consider other factors such as dimple pattern and construction, to find the ball that provides the best performance for their game.
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