What Is Golf Ball Compression?
Compression refers to how much a golf ball deforms (compresses) when it's struck. It’s typically rated on a scale from 30 to 120, with:
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Low compression = Softer feel, easier to compress
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High compression = Firmer feel, requires faster swing speed to compress
⛳ How Compression Affects Distance
✅ Low Compression Balls (30–70)
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Designed to compress easily, even at slower swing speeds
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Help maximize distance for players with slower swings (e.g., juniors, seniors, beginners)
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Create more spring off the clubface at lower speeds
Good for:
Swing speeds under ~85 mph
Examples: Callaway Supersoft, Titleist TruFeel
✅ High Compression Balls (90–110+)
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Require faster swings to compress properly
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Better energy transfer at high speeds → more distance for strong hitters
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Less energy loss through deformation
Good for:
Swing speeds over ~100 mph
Examples: Titleist Pro V1x, TaylorMade TP5x
🎯 How Compression Affects Feel
🎈 Low Compression = Soft Feel
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Feels softer off the clubface, especially in short game and putting
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More feedback and control for some players
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Often preferred for feel and touch around the greens
🧱 High Compression = Firm Feel
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Feels more solid at impact
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May provide more control and consistency for high-speed players
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Some pros prefer it for predictability and spin control
🔄 The Trade-Off
| Factor | Low Compression | High Compression |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Speed | Best for slower swingers | Best for fast swingers |
| Distance | More at slow speeds | More at fast speeds |
| Feel | Soft and springy | Firm and solid |
| Spin Control | Less spin (more forgiveness) | More spin (more control) |
Quick Test: How to Know If a Ball Is Right for You
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If the ball feels too hard, you may need lower compression
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If the ball feels too soft and you’re losing control, try higher compression
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Many modern balls now blend compression levels to balance distance and feel (e.g., dual-core designs)
Golf Ball Compression Chart
| Golf Ball | Compression | Recommended Swing Speed | Feel | Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway Supersoft | ~40 | < 85 mph | Very soft | Maximum distance at slower speeds |
| Titleist TruFeel | ~50 | < 85 mph | Soft | Soft feel, moderate control |
| Srixon Soft Feel | ~60 | 80–95 mph | Soft | Forgiving, good for moderate speed |
| Bridgestone e6 | ~50 | < 90 mph | Soft | Straight flight, low driver spin |
| TaylorMade Tour Response | ~70 | 85–100 mph | Soft-mid | Tour-like feel at a lower price |
| Titleist Pro V1 | ~87 | 90–105 mph | Medium | Balanced distance & control |
| Titleist Pro V1x | ~97 | > 100 mph | Firm | Higher launch, more spin/control |
| TaylorMade TP5x | ~100 | > 100 mph | Firm | Maximum distance & tour control |
| Bridgestone Tour B X | ~98 | > 105 mph | Firm | Tour-level spin and trajectory |
| Vice Pro Soft | ~65 | 85–95 mph | Soft | Good for intermediate players |
💡 Tips for Choosing Based on Swing Speed:
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< 85 mph: Go with low compression (40–60) for better energy transfer
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85–100 mph: Use mid compression (60–85) for a balance of feel and control
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> 100 mph: Opt for high compression (90+) to get the most out of your speed