|
|
 |
| Golf
Ball Reviews and Tips |
 |
|
|
| With more
than 5,000 design patents granted since 1990, the golf
ball is probably the most engineered ball of any kind
in the sports world. Due to advanced golf ball technology
and marketing hype, choosing the right ball can be a
confusing decision for players of all levels. Since there
are many kinds of golfers, engineers have devised many
types of balls, and when matched correctly to a golfer’s
game, certain balls can increase overall enjoyment as
well as chances for par. Keep in mind that choosing the
right ball is just as crucial to your game as selecting
the right clubs. Rather than you having to spend hours
and hours researching your options, we did it for you. |
|
| Golf Ball
Construction |
|
|
Golf balls are designed
to create distance and spin. The three basic choices
in ball construction are two-piece, three-piece and multi-layer,
each with unique benefits.
Two-Piece balls consist of a thin outer cover, surrounding
a large solid inner core. This is the design used by most “distance” balls
the harder the core material, the further the ball travels.
The solid nature of the ball, however, will tend to limit
the amount of spin and feel you can impart on the ball.
Three-Piece balls have a thin outer cover, and a solid
inner core (in common with two-piece balls), but have the
additional feature of a layer of wound rubber between the
core and the outer layer. The effect of this outer layer
is to “soften” the impact of clubhead against
ball. This provides enhanced spin and feel, but with some
loss of distance.
Multi-layer balls have a modified solid inner core and
soft outer cover, separated by several ultra-thin layers
made of a range of materials. The net effect is balls that
offer good all around performance in all key areas of distance,
durability, spin and feel.
Tip – The basic rule of thumb is that more layers
tend to imply more cost |
|
| What materials
are available for the golf ball cover? |
|
|
When it comes to a golf
ball’s durability, the cover is the most important
factor. Three primary materials dominate the market.
Surlyn is the most widely found ball cover material on
the market and is considered the best for durability, cut-resistance,
distance and affordability.
Balata is a softer, more expensive cover that is valued
for spin, feel and control, but it is susceptible to nicks
and cuts and is not as long lasting.
Elastomer balls are good for low-handicap players who want
more spin without giving up too much in durability. |
|
| Why are there
so many dimples on a golf ball? |
|
|
| A golf
ball usually has 324 to 500 dimples, depending on which
company manufactures the ball. The number, size, and
depth of the dimples influence the lift and flight of
the ball. Without dimples the ball would only travel
75% of its intended distance, but there is a downside
to dimples, the golf ball has a tendency to slice or
hook. |
|
| What is a golf ball’s
compression rating? |
|
|
Players must consider
the ball’s compression rating, defined by how tightly
the ball is wound. The slower the swing, the lower the
compression needed.
However, a player’s own skill level and personal
preference will be the deciding factor. The three most
common ratings are 80, 90 and 100.
80 – Lower compression balls are also the softest.
This provides a sling shot effect, which propels the ball
further, but it is harder to control. Typically chosen
by women, juniors and senior players.
90 – Played by the majority of male players and experienced
female players.
100 – The hardest compression, this rating is best
suited for advanced players with fast swing speeds. |
|
| How to chose the
best golf ball for you? |
|
|
Since beginners need
distance and tend to mis-hit the ball, they should select
a two-piece ball with a Surlyn cover due to its durability,
affordability and “distance” characteristics.
Instead of new balls, novice players would buy used golf
balls because they tend to lose more balls on the course.
Most amateurs have a slow to average swing speed so play
a ball with an 80 to 90 compression rating.
Tip – Here is a simple golf
ball test for beginners who buy used golf balls. Take the
two balls, hold them up to eye level with both at the same
distance from the ground, then drop them onto any piece
of concrete and watch them bounce. The ball that springs
higher is the ball you want.
Low handicap players who “work” the ball
can choose to play a three-piece or multi-layer ball with
a softer, Balata or Elastomer cover to provide more spin
and feel.
Like everything else in golf, finding the perfect golf
ball for your style of play may involve some trial and
error. But if you follow the simple tips and hints above,
you will quickly narrow your search. |
|
|
© Golf Products UK, 2006 All Rights Reserved
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Shopping Cart |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Item |
|
|
| Your shopping cart is empty |
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
