Soft vs Hard Golf Balls: Understanding the Differences

Golf is a game of precision and finesse, with every equipment choice affecting play, from the clubs to the balls. When choosing a golf ball, one of the primary considerations is its compression or “softness.” Here, we delve into the distinction between soft vs hard golf balls, examining the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

Composition and Construction

Before we dive into soft and hard golf balls, it’s important to understand their construction. Golf balls can have multiple layers – from two-piece designs to five-piece designs.

• Two-piece balls often consist of a solid rubber core and a durable cover, usually made of Surlyn. They tend to be harder and are favored for their distance.
• Multi-layer balls include three, four, or five layers. These comprise a core, one or more intermediary layers, and an outer cover. The cover is often made of Urethane, which is softer than Surlyn. These balls offer more spin control and are preferred by advanced players.

Soft vs Hard Golf Balls

Soft Golf Balls

Hard Golf Balls

Which is Right for You?

Your choice between soft and hard golf balls should be influenced by your skill level, playing style, and personal preferences:

• Beginners: Might prefer harder balls for their durability and distance. The cost factor also comes into play since beginners are more likely to lose balls. For the best golf balls for beginners, check out this article.
• Intermediate to Advanced players: Often gravitate towards softer balls for their spin and feel, especially if they prioritize control in their short game. For the best golf balls for low handicap to pro players, check out this article.
• Swing Speed: Those with slower swing speeds might benefit from softer balls, as they compress more easily, maximizing distance potential. Conversely, those with faster swing speeds might lean towards harder balls for better distance and reduced spin off the tee.

Golf Ball Compression Tiers

Apart from soft and hard golf balls, they can also be categorized into compression tiers. Compression is not just about hardness, but how much the ball flattens against the clubface upon impact. It’s a measure of the ball’s deformability.

Golf ball compressions are typically categorized into different tiers:

1. Low Compression (40-65)

• Soft Feel: These balls are the softest and can be compressed easily. They often feel very soft off the clubface.
• Best for: Players with slower swing speeds, often seniors, juniors, or some women players. Low compression balls can maximize distance for players who can’t compress medium or high compression balls effectively.

2. Medium Compression (65-90)

• Moderate Feel: They offer a balance between softness and firmness, making them suitable for a wide range of players.
• Best for: Mid-handicap players and those with average swing speeds. They provide a good balance of distance and control.

3. High Compression (90-110)

• Firm Feel: These balls are the hardest and compress slowly. They require a strong swing to compress them fully.
• Best for: Players with fast swing speeds, often low-handicap or professional players. They can benefit from the added distance and control provided by high-compression balls.

Why is Compression Important?

• Distance: The ability to compress a golf ball on impact with the clubface plays a role in the distance the ball will travel. A ball that’s properly matched to a player’s swing speed will optimize distance.
• Feel: Compression affects how the ball feels at impact. Some players prefer a softer feel, especially around the greens, while others prefer a firmer feel for feedback.
• Spin: Higher compression balls tend to produce less spin off the driver but can generate more spin on short irons and wedges, affecting shot shaping and stopping power on the greens.

What Kind of Ball Do Pro/Tour Players Use?

Professional golfers are highly attuned to the intricacies of their equipment, and they choose their golf balls based on many factors that suit their game. When it comes to the “hardness” or “softness” of the golf ball, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for pros. However, here’s a general overview:

1. Multi-layered, Premium Balls: The majority of professional golfers use premium, multi-layer golf balls. These balls, like the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x, TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x, Callaway Chrome Soft, and Bridgestone Tour B series, have multiple layers to provide a combination of distance, spin, and control. They typically have urethane covers, which are softer and offer better spin control around the greens compared to Surlyn covers found on harder distance balls.
2. Feel and Compression: While these premium balls often offer a soft feel due to their covers, their internal compression can vary. For instance, the Pro V1x and TP5x are firmer (higher compression) than their counterparts, the Pro V1 and TP5. However, even the firmer options among premium balls are generally softer than the hardest two-piece distance balls on the market.
3. Personal Preferences: Each pro has a unique preference based on feel, desired trajectory, spin rate, and how the ball performs in various conditions. Some might prefer the softer feel and higher spin of balls like the Pro V1, while others might opt for the firmer Pro V1x for its specific characteristics.
4. Course Conditions: Sometimes, pros might switch ball types based on the course conditions. For instance, on a course with hard greens, they might opt for a ball that provides more spin to help it stop faster on the greens.
5. Swing Speed: Most professional golfers have high swing speeds, enabling them to compress even high-compression golf balls fully. This compression helps them achieve optimal distance and performance.