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At SGGT we only fit using premium golf balls such as Titleist Pro V1. We even do a ball fitting during each fitting session to adviser you on the best model for your game. We do this because the standard range balls do not perform in the same way as premium golf balls. Here are 5 differences between the balls using a custom fitting test with driver, 6-iron and wedge.

1. Range Balls Don’t Spin As Much With Irons

This is particularly noticeable with the irons, especially the wedge where the spin with the range ball as 7000 rpm less than the premium ball.

With the 6-iron there was the same decrease in spin by around 800rpm, which is still significant.

Spin and launch angle are important for gap fitting, ball flight and stopping power so using a range ball will not give you the right information to select the best clubs for your game or be representative of what is going to happen on the course.

2. Range Balls Don’t Go As Far

Range balls are designed for durability rather than distance and in our testing they carry about 2% less, which combined with the spin difference will not give you an accurate reflection of how well the club is performing.

3. Range Balls Fly Higher

The reason they fly higher is because they are firmer. On our wedge shots the flight was 15 feet higher and that is because the firmer ball does not compress on the face and rebound forwards. Instead, it rolls up the face and leaves the top of the club at a higher launch angle. With the wedge this was 10° higher and with the straighter face of the 6-iron it was 2° higher, but visually the 6-iron flight seemed higher and less penetrating too.

4. Range Balls Are Less Accurate

We all want accuracy and it was noticeable across all clubs that the premium ball was more accurate. This will be due to the better and more consistent launch characteristics of the premium ball. See below where the premium ball shots for each club are the gold, red and purple ovals:

5. Range Ball Quality Can Affect Performance

Range balls get hit a lot and older balls will see a drop off in performance. At SGGT we change our premium balls regularly to ensure that they are optimum for custom fitting. Fittings done at a range with balls out the dispenser may not fly correctly or the dimples will be worn down which will affect flight and spin readings.

6. Premium Balls Sound and Feel Better

The feel or sound from the range ball was noticeably harsher and did not give an accurate reflection of how the club will perform. Over time this change in feel can start to affect how you swing the club and view its performance negatively when it is really the type of ball that is the issue.

SGGT Fits Using Premium Golf Balls

Whilst SGGT is about custom fitting golf clubs, we also pay a great deal of attention to the ball as that is what we are trying to influence at the end of the day with our clubs. By custom fitting with the same type of balls you use on the course, we can find your preferred ball and create the optimum clubs for your swing to ensure you play your best golf all the time.

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