Like most sports, the game of golf offers serious competitiveness at all levels. Players from high handicappers to low handicap professionals utilize every legit advantage to achieve superiority on the golf course. Beginners and high handicappers, for example, prefer playing with golf balls that spin less to achieve more distance.
The technology of the different types of golf balls can affect the game of every golfer. While professional golfers prefer playing with balls with more spin for better control, lower-level golfers benefit from golf balls with lesser spin rates. In this article, we will present you with 20 golf balls with the least amount of spin.
If you wonder why different golfers prefer using different types of golf balls, the reason behind this common practice is quite simple. Beginners who lack enough developed skills, especially in their golf swing, need to achieve more distance with every stroke to get to the hole with the minimum shots. Professionals, on the contrary, compensate the distance with their technique and swing speed and prefer better control over the ball trajectory to achieve greater accuracy.
Golf Ball And Spin Prelude
The standard definition for a golf ball is that this is a ball specially designed for usage in golf. According to the R&A and USGA rules, which ratify golf rules, a golf ball should have a mass up to 1.620 oz. and a diameter of a minimum of 1.680 inches. The rules of golf also specify the limits in symmetry, speed, and distance characteristics of a golf ball (1)
According to their purpose, structure, spin rate, etc. Before choosing the golf balls you want to play, you have to clarify how the properties of a particular type of balls will fit your game. The main types of golf balls known on the market are as follows:
- Advanced golf balls
- Recreational golf balls
- Practice/Range golf balls
- Recycled golf balls
- Markouts/X-outs
List 1 Note (1)
Of course, these categories include subcategories or types with different specifications. Spin capability is one of the specifications that affect the game of every golfer significantly. To find out which golf balls spin less, we need to know the mechanics of spin.
The Concept Of Spin
According to physics, the spin in golf is based on the interaction between the compression and the cover material of the golf ball. A low-spin ball acquires less backspin at launch caused by the grasp of the clubface grooves at the point of contact with the balls surface. It, consequently, means that the ball cover of a low-spin ball should be firmer to allow less gripping by the grooves of the club’s head.
Along this line of thought, we can conclude that the golf ball spin is directly proportional to the ball compression when the impact with the golf club occurs. The higher compression is, the more backspin it creates. On the other hand, the volume of compression depends not only on the finish material of the ball but also on its overall structure – the core and the cover.
The Core
The center of power for every golf ball is its core. It has an essential impact on the spin rate, initial speed, and compression of the ball. For example, soft cores provide less spin and more distance. (2)
The Cover
The cover plays, probably, the most significant role in the spin rate of a golf ball. Its rigidity determines to a high extend the traction that club grooves create during the impact with the ball surface. The rate of the traction, consequently, determines the rate of the spin.
Golf ball manufacturers produce two main types of cover for their balls – Surlyn and urethane. Surlyn is a type of ionomer pitch with higher firmness and durability. Urethane is a hybrid between rubber and plastic, and it is softer and less durable than Surlyn.
Golf Balls That Spin Less
As we already pointed out, what matters the most for the spin rate of a golf ball is the structure and the type of cover. According to their structure, golf balls divide into a two-piece, three-piece, or five-piece types. Each type affects the spin rate of the ball differently.
The two-piece balls are the type which have the least amount of spin. Their large compressed core provides low spin and more distance. Lower spinning, however, can cause hooking or slicing of the golf ball. (3)
Regarding the golf ball cover, specialists are unanimous that hard-core balls with compression ratings of 100 spin less. Surlyn is the material that provides such a compression rating. Soft-core golf balls, made of urethane, with a compression rating of 90 and lower, create more backspin at the moment of the impact with the clubface. (4)
According to their spin rate, golf balls divide into Tour Performance, Soft Feel, and Distance golf balls.
Tour Performance Golf Balls
Tour Performance golf balls are multi-layer balls designed to improve control and add extra spin during the stroke. They are usually made of urethane to improve the ball compression and backspin. Tour Performance is the ball commonly used by professional golfers during golf tournaments.
Soft Feel Golf Balls
The soft feel is usually two-piece Surlyn golf balls that provide a soft feel and less compression. Due to their firm cover and less compression, they spin less but may hook or slice. Soft Feel balls are used predominantly by beginners or recreational golfers.
Distance Golf Balls
This type of golf ball has similar characteristics to soft feel balls. A more rigid cover and a larger core decrease their spin rate and provide more distance. Beginners or junior golfers highly prefer these balls.
Every type of golf ball has its application in the art of golf, and manufacturers are doing their best to satisfy every taste. Although not so popular at the tour level, lower-spin golf balls are widely used at other golf levels. Below we present you a list of 20 golf balls that have the least amount of spin.
- TaylorMade TP5x
- Bridgestone Tour B X
- Titleist Velocity
- Titleist ProV1x Left Dash
- Srixon Z-Star XV
- Srixon Soft Feel
- Snell MTB X
- Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track
- Callaway Supersoft
- Bridgestone Tour B XS
- Titleist AVX
- Titleist Pro V1
- Bridgestone Tour B RX
- Callaway Chrome Soft
- Titleist Tour Soft
- Vice Pro
- Vice Pro Soft
- Vice Drive
- TaylorMade Soft Response
- Wilson Duo Optix
List 2 Note (5)
Of course, these golf balls from List 2 above have their own subtle differences from brand to brand. However, they have one particular thing in common, which is their lower spin rate. Modern technologies allow the utilization of different ball covers; you will select accordingly, depending on your particular skill level or golf style.
TaylorMade TP5x
TaylorMade TP5x falls in the so-called Premium class of golf balls. It is a low-spinning golf ball but offers a bit more compression, leading to a firmer feel. It is an appropriate ball for players with high swing speed, helping them achieve extra carry distance and accuracy for their approach shots.
Bridgestone Tour B X
A Premium class golf ball as well, Bridgestone Tour B X is designed for more distance off the tee and more accuracy to find the fairway. Its accuracy comes from the lower sidespin, caused by the compact core construction. Bridgestone Tour B X is the firmest amongst the 20 presented brands and is the preferred ball by many tour golfers.
Titleist Velocity
Titleist Velocity is the next low-spin golf ball that offers more distance for towering shots. Its structure includes a high-speed LSX core bouncing off the clubhead and a dimpled cover that increases flight and decreases the slice. Favored by seasoned golfers, Titleist Velocity offers enough soft touch to be used by lower-level players, too. (6)
Titleist ProV1x Left Dash
The difference between the standard version ProV1x and ProV1x Left Dash is the dash of the stamp’s left side and their spin. While ProV1x offers a high launch and considerable high spin, Left Dash keeps the launch but offers significantly less spin. This version of the ball is available for both professionals and recreational golfers.
Srixon Z-Star XV
Srixon Z-Star XV is one of the few urethane cover low-spin balls designed for Tour performance. Designers of this ball tried to combine soft feel, distance, and control at a molecular level very successfully. As a result, the ball achieves more carry distance than spin.
Srixon Soft Feel
Srixon Soft Feel targets players who are medium swing speed players who need distance but do not want to miss out on the feel. This ball has a low-compression core, which gets harder gradually from inside out. Srixon Soft Feel is also available in the High-Visibility version, which improves its tracing on the golf course or during flight.
Snell MTB X
Snell MTB X is another high-quality golf ball that offers more distance and less spin. Its small core provides low driver spin and higher velocity. Additionally, the ball offers refined aerodynamics, low lift, and reduced drag.
Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track
Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track introduces an advanced alignment via its Triple Track technology. The principle of this technology is exclusive soft feel, high-launch, and low spin off the tee. This ball also promotes extraordinary mis-hit forgiveness.
Callaway Supersoft
In contrast to Triple Track, Callaway Supersoft is a two-piece golf ball with a low-compression core. Instead of dimples, a hexagonal finish that provides better aerodynamics and lower spin on long shots cover the ball. You can find Callaway Supersoft in a variety of colors, including a High-Visibility design.
Bridgestone Tour B XS
The Bridgestone Tour B XS provides a bit softer feel than the standard Bridgestone Tour B X. Thanks to its REACTIVE cover, it offers low spin and distance on long shots but more spin on the short shots. This ball is famous as “the ball that Tiger plays.” (5)
Titleist AVX
Titleist AVX golf balls benefit from a larger low-compression core and an additional high-flex layer between the core and the cover. This combination leads to higher ball speed and lower long-game spin. This model is also available with a urethane cover for a better hold around the green.
Titleist Pro V1
Titleist Pro V1 is one of the most used golf balls on the Tours. A solid casing layer under the cover of the ball and an enhanced core improves the velocity and feel while lowering long shots’ spin. Professionals prefer this ball due to its medium trajectory and moderate spin rate.
Bridgestone Tour B RX
Bridgestone Tour B RX is the next of kin in the Tour BX and XS family. The ball also inherits the REACTIVE cover technology. Bridgestone Tour B RX is different because it is the stiffest golf ball among its “relatives,” designed for more considerable distances on long shots.
Callaway Chrome Soft
A sizeable internal core provides the higher launch and the lower spin that characterizes the Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball. However, the fine, rigid cover provides durability and higher spin on short shots. In contrast to the other Callaway models, Chrome Soft ensures a tender feel and better forgiveness.
Titleist Tour Soft
Titleist Tour Soft characteristics stand out by having perhaps the most significant core used for a golf ball. It helps for higher ball speed and lowers long-game spin. The thin, high-performance cover, however, increases the short-game spin. Many golfers use the ball’s “T” stamp to facilitate their alignment.
Vice Pro
The design of this type of golf ball goes for low handicapped advantage and tour golfers. The core weight is more than usual, and the total compression less to achieve lower spin, distance, and a softer feel. Due to its heavier core, Vice Pro generates higher velocity as well.
Vice Pro Soft
Vice Pro Soft design intends for golfers with moderate or low swing speed. Using this golf ball provides them with extra distance and a soft feel. Vice Pro Soft usually comes in a matte finish, but the last series also provide shiny white models.
Vice Drive
Vice Drive is a two-piece ball with a rigid core and a large dimple pattern. The core compression is low to support a better feel and more considerable distance. Its new attractive side stamp facilitates better alignment.
TaylorMade Soft Response
The idea of the Soft Response golf ball is indicated by its name – to ensure a softer feel. Like the other list members, it provides a more significant distance and lowers the spin rate. Golfers prefer this type of golf ball with a slower swing speed.
Wilson Duo Optix
Wilson Duo Optix comes predominantly in High-Visibility models characterized by its semitransparent matte colors. Its hydroxyl core is reduced in size to increase the distance off the tee and the feel. Its spin rate is relatively low, especially at the long shots.
How To Pick Your Golf Ball
Having plenty of helpful information sometimes may be confusing, leaving you to not see the wood for the trees 🙂 One thing is clear – if you are a beginner or middle-level recreational golfer, low spin balls are your logical choice. However, among so many brands with similar but different characteristics, which ones would fit the best to your game?
We will not advertise any golf ball brand because this is not the purpose of this article. Referring to the specialists, we can recommend you to choose your golf balls according to your handicap. For example, if you are a high handicapper, pick a ball with lower spin possible to reduce the unwanted sidespin off the tee and maintain the ball in the fairway.
TheTop Three FAQ About Ball Spin
What Is The Best Low Spin Golf Ball?
A Hot List of Best golf balls appears every year, although golf balls are rarely filtered by spin or other characteristics. Some of the low spin golf balls such as Vice Drive, Srixon Soft Feel, Bridgestone Tour B RX, and Wilson Duo Spin Soft have received a nomination for the best in this category at the time of writing. However, consider that different balls are good (or bad) for different players, and low spin balls are not very popular among professional golf circles.
Do Low Spin Golf Balls Work?
If you are a beginner or just a recreational golfer still learning to control the ball, low spin golf balls will work for you perfectly. These balls’ design intends to decrease excessive sidespin that causes slices and hooks, and they will assist you in performing longer and straighter shots. Additionally, low spin balls are ideal for long drives and approach shots, which every beginner needs until they become more skillful.
Should I Use A Soft Or Hard Golf Ball?
Again, it depends on your golf level. Soft golf balls have low compression, which helps beginners and high handicap golfers with slower swing velocity achieve more considerable distances. Hard golf balls have higher compression and find preference by players with higher swing speed that can produce distance without sacrificing control.
Sources
- 1. Wikipedia“Golf Ball.”, Wikimedia Foundation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_ball Assessed May 23, 2021
- 2. “How to Buy Golf Balls.” PRO TIPS by DICK’S Sporting Goods, https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/golf/golf-ball-buying-guide Assessed May 24, 2021
- 3. Penn, Sharon. “The Best Type of Golf Ball.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, https://golftips.golfweek.usatoday.com/type-golf-ball-1436.html Assessed May 24, 2021
- 4. wikiHow. “How to Spin a Golf Ball.” WikiHow, www.wikihow.com/Spin-a-Golf-Ball Assessed May 23, 2021
- 5. Jonathan Wall, et al. “New Golf Balls 2020: Our Comprehensive Guide to 31 New Ball Models.” Golf, https://golf.com/gear/golf-balls/new-golf-balls-2020-guide/ Assessed May 24, 2021
- 6. PopSci Commerce Team “Best Golf Balls: Equipment for Your Best Game.” Popular Science, www.popsci.com/reviews/best-golf-balls/ Assessed May 24, 2021
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