Equipment
2021 Buyer’s Guide: Top Golf Ball Reviews
Last year, we delivered full reviews of the latest golf clubs to hit the market in ClubTest 2021. Now, we’re turning our attention to golf balls. For our Ultimate Golf Balls Buyer’s Guide, GOLF equipment editors Jonathan Wall and Andrew Tursky reviewed 42 golf ball models to make you as informed as possible when shopping this holiday season. They organized the balls into four categories: Premium, Premium Value, Distance Value and Soft Spin Value. You can find the Premium golf ball reviews below.
In the first installment of our 2021 Golf Ball Guide, Wall and Tursky studied the ins-and-outs of 19 premium golf balls. These top-of-the-line balls from companies like Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist are designed to maximize the performance of expert golfers, and anyone else who could use the help of top-notch tech in their balls.
Here are their findings, along with advice on the type of golfer each ball is best suited for. If you identify the perfect golf ball for your game, just click the link to purchase them and start transforming your scores today.
Need help finding the right clubs for your game? Visit the expert fitters at our affiliate partner, True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news, check out Wall and Tursky’s latest Fully Equipped podcast.
PREMIUM GOLF BALL REVIEWS
Bridgestone Tour B X
Designed with the help of Bryson DeChambeau, the new Tour B X golf balls are made for fast swingers (over 105 mph of driver speed) who also want peak short-game performance. A new Reactiv urethane cover helps decrease spin and boost speed on long shots while increasing spin when you’re around the greens. (Available in white only.)
Bridgestone Tour B XS
Tiger Woods knows exactly what he’s looking for, and he helped design the new Tour B XS to match his preferences. As such, the new Tour B XS is built with a Reactiv cover that’s slightly softer for maximum greenside control yet still provides distance thanks to a Gradational Compression core. (Available in white and yellow.)
Bridgestone Tour B RX
Searching for a bit more distance without sacrificing greenside performance? The three-piece Tour B RX is designed with a lower compression to help slower-speed golfers (under 105 mph with the driver) gain distance off the tee. The Reactiv cover helps induce spin with shorter clubs too. (Available in white and yellow.)
Bridgestone Tour B RXS
The new Tour B RXS has the same Reactiv cover and core technology as Bridgestone’s other Tour ball offerings, but it’s made with a softer feel and provides max spin around the greens. Fred Couples says he plays the ball for its feel and greenside performance. (Available in white and yellow.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Callaway Chrome Soft
Chrome Soft delivers the softest feel in Callaway’s premium lineup, and the four-piece ball has a dual-core construction for two-pronged performance benefits. The inner core is made larger to produce high launch, low spin and more distance, while the graphene-infused firmer outer core helps increase wedge spin. (Available in white, yellow, Triple Track, and Truvis.)
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Callaway Chrome Soft X
Chrome Soft X, Callaway’s most popular ball on Tour, has a large core and a dual-mantle system to provide golfers speed off the tee and spin with the wedges. With a slightly firmer feel compared to the Chrome Soft, the Chrome Soft X is built for distance and workability. (Available in white, yellow, Triple Track, and Truvis.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Callaway Chrome Soft X LS
This brand-new offering from Callaway is now the lowest-spinning ball in the company’s premium lineup. Designed based on feedback from Tour pros, the four-piece Chrome Soft X LS (Low Spin) has a urethane cover with a dimple pattern designed to reduce spin on long shots. (Available in white, yellow, Triple Track, and Truvis.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Mizuno RB Tour
Tired of hitting balloon balls that get affected too much by the wind? Mizuno uses special “C” dimples (or Cone dimples) on its urethane covers to lower spin and enhance performance in windy conditions. The four-piece golf balls are also made to deliver a soft feel, stable flight and greenside responsiveness. (Available in white.)
Mizuno RB Tour X
The RB Tour X four-piece ball has the same C dimple design as the RB Tour to help stabilize flight in the wind. The difference is that the RB Tour X version is slightly firmer, helping produce more speed for some golfers and slightly higher spin on longer shots. (Available in white.)
Srixon Z Star
Seriously, who doesn’t want more spin on their wedge shots? Srixon’s three-piece Z Star ball has an elastic urethane cover to help wedge grooves bite into it and create more spin. They have thin covers, a soft feel and are made for a mid-flight on long shots. (Available in white and yellow.)
Srixon Z Star XV
If the Z Star ball is made for spin, then the Z Star XV is built for distance. The four-piece Z Star XV balls have a soft inner core and firmer outer core to help create more speed on drives and approaches. The construction also helps create a higher launch. (Available in white and yellow.)
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TaylorMade TP5
The new TP5 has a larger core designed for greater energy transfer and distance. Thankfully, the speed increase doesn’t come at the expense of control. The five-layer TP5 has a new dimple pattern to reduce drag during flight and increase angle of descent for greater stopping power. (Available in white, yellow, pix and pix USA.)
GET IT HERE ➡
TaylorMade TP5x
Compared to the TP5, the new TP5x ball has a slightly firmer feel and helps produce TaylorMade’s fastest and longest flight. The TP5x, like the TP5, is built with five layers, including a urethane cover, and uses HFM (high-flex material) to increase energy transfer at impact. (Available in white, yellow and pix.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Titleist AVX
If you’re looking for a premium Titleist ball with a urethane cover but with a softer feel, lower spin and more distance, this is the option for you. The AVX has a large core construction and a thin cover, providing golfers with a piercing ballflight and soft feel. (Available in white and yellow.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Titleist Pro V1
Amazingly, Titleist’s iconic Pro V1 line is entering its third decade. Never resting on its laurels, the company completely redesigned the new Pro V1 and V1x for 2021. Compared to previous iterations, the new three-layer Pro V1 delivers a softer feel and more spin on short shots. Thanks to a firmer casing layer, you’ll find more speed on tee shots and longer approaches. (Available in white and yellow.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Titleist Pro V1x
Not sure whether to buy the new Pro V1 or Pro V1x? The new Pro V1x has a dual core construction that’s designed for a higher flight, more spin and a slightly firmer feel. Like the Pro V1, the new Pro V1x is also built for more ball speed and a softer feel. (Available in white and yellow.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
Tour players have been using a “Left Dash” prototype for years, and now it’s available to consumers. The Pro V1x Left Dash is designed to provide golfers the high flight of the standard Pro V1x but with significantly lower spin and a firmer feel on long shots. (Available in white.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Wilson Staff Model
Wilson pays extra attention to an overlooked part of golf ball construction: the paint job. These four-piece urethane Tour balls use a special paint application process to ensure even coating and consistent performance. They also have cores that are designed to increase velocity for more distance. (Available in white.)
GET IT HERE ➡
Wilson Staff Model R
This Staff Model ball also emphasizes the paint job without using any paint at all! The Staff Model R’s unpainted urethane cover is designed to lower flight and increase short-game spin by grabbing the wedge grooves more at impact. (Available in white.)
This article originally appeared on Golf.com.
New putter alert! Mizuno’s OMOI line dropped, and we got our hands on one. These bad boys are all about weight—heavier heads (think 370g+) for a smoother, pendulum-like stroke. The forged steel feels buttery, and the face milling grips the ball just right for a true roll. We tested the Type 1 on a fast green; lag putts were a breeze, and the stability cut down those annoying wobbles. Priced around $300, it’s not cheap, but if your putting’s been a dumpster fire, this might be the fix. Full review coming—stay tuned!
Mizuno M.Craft OMOI Right Handed Putter
- Forged construction for soft feel
- 1025 Mild Carbon Steel: Soft mild carbon steel for an incredibly soft feel
- Precision CNC Milled: Precisely milled shape and deep milled face for a softer feel and pure roll
- Custom Fit Weight Kit: Includes two 3 gram weights, two 13 gram weights to be interchanged with the two 8 gram fitted weights allowing the M CRAFT to adjust to a variety of desired weightings
For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:
Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.
A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.
Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.
This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.
Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.
Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.
Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.
This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.
Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.
Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.
These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.
Mastering Golf Putting Grips: Claw, Two Thumbs, Left-Hand Low & More
In the intricate world of golf, where every stroke counts, how a golfer grips their putter can significantly impact their performance on the green. From the traditional to the unconventional, let’s delve into some popular putting grips—the Claw, the Two Thumbs, the Left-Hand Low, the Arm Lock, the Long Putter Claw, and the Alternative Reverse Overlap—to understand their mechanics and benefits.
The Claw Grip
The Claw grip has gained popularity among professional and amateur golfers alike due to its ability to promote a more stable putting stroke. In this grip:
- The dominant hand (typically the right hand for right-handed golfers) holds the putter with the fingers forming a “claw” shape.
- The non-dominant hand remains in a conventional grip position on the upper part of the handle.
This method minimizes the influence of the dominant hand, reducing the chances of flipping or excessive wrist movement during the stroke. The result is a smoother and more consistent putting motion. Golfers who struggle with the yips or overly active wrists often find relief using the Claw grip.
The Two Thumbs Grip
True to its name, the Two Thumbs grip involves positioning both thumbs on the top of the putter grip. Here’s how it works:
- Both hands are placed symmetrically on the handle, with the thumbs running parallel to each other on the flat surface of the grip.
This grip encourages a balanced and unified hand action, which promotes a pendulum-like stroke. Golfers who prefer simplicity and symmetry often gravitate towards the Two Thumbs grip, as it eliminates unnecessary wrist action and helps maintain a straight putter path.
The Left-Hand Low Grip
The Left-Hand Low grip, also known as the Cross-Handed grip, is a popular option for golfers seeking improved control and alignment. In this grip:
- The left hand (for right-handed golfers) is placed below the right hand on the putter handle.
This configuration helps keep the shoulders level and reduces wrist breakdown during the stroke. Many players find that this grip enhances their ability to keep the putter face square to the target line.
The Arm Lock Grip
The Arm Lock grip is a modern innovation designed to provide maximum stability. Here’s how it works:
- The grip is extended up the leading arm (usually the left arm for right-handed golfers), creating a locked position.
- Both hands conventionally hold the putter, but the handle’s connection to the arm reduces wrist action.
This grip offers exceptional control and consistency, making it a favorite among golfers looking to eliminate variability in their putting stroke.
The Long Putter Claw Grip
The Long Putter Claw grip combines the advantages of a long putter with the stability of the Claw technique. In this grip:
- The non-dominant hand holds the top of the long putter shaft for support and alignment.
- The dominant hand adopts the Claw grip further down the shaft.
This method reduces wrist involvement and provides a pendulum-like motion, ideal for players who prefer the anchoring feel of a long putter without violating current regulations.
The Alternative Reverse Overlap Grip
The Reverse Overlap grip is a traditional favorite, but its alternative variation adds a unique twist:
- The non-dominant hand assumes the primary role, gripping the handle near the top.
- The dominant hand overlaps the non-dominant hand’s index finger, creating a firm connection between both hands.
This grip fosters excellent control and stability, ensuring that your hands work in unison during the stroke. By focusing on the non-dominant hand, golfers can achieve a smoother and more deliberate putting stroke, reducing the influence of jerky movements from the dominant hand.
Choosing the Right Grip
Selecting the ideal putting grip often depends on personal preference, hand size, and the challenges a golfer faces on the green. Experimentation is key—what works for one player might not suit another. The ultimate goal is to find a grip that provides comfort, control, and consistency.
Final Thoughts
The journey to mastering putting is as much about technique as feeling and confidence. Whether you opt for the Claw, the Two Thumbs, the Left-Hand Low, the Arm Lock, the Long Putter Claw, or the Alternative Reverse Overlap, understanding the mechanics and benefits of each grip can help you make an informed decision. Practice diligently, and remember that the right grip can transform your game—one putt at a time.
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