In the world of golf, the club certainly gets the most attention. But what about the golf ball? After all, there’s no game without a ball. If you’ve just gotten yourself a new set of clubs and are looking for the next bit of gear to improve your game, a low spin golf ball could be the next logical choice. In this post, we’ll take a look at low spin golf balls, how they can benefit your game, and which brands offer the best low spin golf balls on the market.
What Are Low Spin Golf Balls?
Low spin golf balls are often two-piece balls (but can include more layers) designed with a firmer cover than other golf ball types. Low spin golf balls reduce backspin, resulting in a longer and straighter flight. They also tend to be a bit cheaper and more durable than high spin golf balls. Low spin golf balls can benefit golfers that hit high and slice or hook shots frequently.
Learn more: What is a Golf Slice? 5 Steps to Improve Ball Flight
Pros and Cons of Low Spin Golf Balls
Golf equipment is never one-size-fits-all, so you should keep in mind that low-spin golf balls are not for every player. We’ve broken down the advantages and drawbacks of using a low spin golf ball to help you decide whether it’ll help or hurt your game.
Pros of Low Spin Golf Balls
- Optimized Distance. The greatest advantage of using a low spin golf ball is the extra distance achieved. If you’re a golfer that tends to hit the ball high but short of its potential, you might be placing too much backspin on the ball. A low spin ball accommodates for that extra backspin and allows you to optimize the ball’s travel distance.
- Controlled Flight. Low spin balls also help reduce the odds of seriously slicing or hooking your shots. If you’re generating a lot of backspin on your shots, you’re probably also generating significant backspin and seeing your ball fly to the left or right of your intended trajectory. Low spin balls tend to fly straighter and stay on target.
- Higher Durability. Because low spin golf balls have a harder cover than others, they tend to last a bit longer. They’re able to withstand repeated club strikes as well as impacts with rocks or the cart path. Higher spin balls have softer covers and usually wear out quicker than their low spin counterparts.
Cons of Low Spin Golf Balls
- Reduced Stopping Power. Since backspin is one of the biggest factors in stopping power, a low spin golf ball is trickier to stop. If you don’t generate enough backspin, a low spin golf ball might bounce right off the green into trouble.
- Less Short Game Control. Low spin golf balls help maximize distance on every shot, which means your short game will be affected. Those short shots tend to make or break your game, so make sure you’re comfortable with using a low spin ball in those circumstances.
- Lower Flight. Low spin balls generate a lower flight to help you achieve those long-distance shots, but lower flight isn’t always what you want. A high flight helps you get over obstacles like bunkers and stop the ball where you want it. Low spin balls make it more difficult to hit higher shots.
Learn more: Soft vs. Hard Golf Balls: What Golf Ball Should You Use?
Looking for more ways to increase distance and reduce slicing? It could be your shaft flex. Check out our guide on Stiff vs. Regular Flex to find the golf shaft that is right for you.
5 Best Low Spin Golf Balls to Improve Your Game
Sorted from least expensive to most expensive, here are five of the best low spin golf balls for a variety of skill levels. Remember, every player is different. You might slice every shot with the so-called “best golf ball” out there. It’s all about what works for you and helps you play better.
1. Stix + Vice Drive Golf Balls
Our Stix + Vice collaboration offers the best value for a low spin ball in this list. The Stix + Vice Drive Golf Balls are extremely durable and play great for golfers with low to medium clubhead speeds. This ball is perfect for the beginner or weekend golfer. In true Stix fashion, we’ve aimed to bring you the best golf gear at an affordable price. For $20 per dozen, you don’t have to be too sad if you lose a few per round.
2. Srixon Q-Star Tour
Srixon offers a cheaper low spin ball than the previous examples listed at $34.99 per dozen. If you’ve got a moderately fast swing speed, the Q-Star Tour golf ball can give you the distance you’ve been looking for. They’re a bit softer than the others but still offer a good low spin feel. If you’re working to break into the 80s on a full course, a Srixon golf ball might work for you.
3. Callaway Chrome Soft X LS
Callaway touts their Chrome Soft X LS golf balls as perfect for players of any skill level, from beginner to professional. The Chrome Soft X LS is incredibly fast off the tee and controlled on pitch and short game shots. Many players enjoy these golf balls because it’s on the firmer side. For $49.99 per dozen, they could be worth a try.
4. TaylorMade TP5/TP5x
If you’re starting to creep towards a sub-80 game, the TaylorMade TP5 or TaylorMade TP5x could be the low spin golf balls you’ve been looking for. These golf balls provide some of the best short game spin out there, so check these out if you want to start sinking those putts. For $49.99 per dozen, they could be a worthwhile investment to take your golf game to the next level.
5. Titleist AVX
Coming in at $50 per dozen, the Titleist AVX balls are definitely the most expensive on our list. But Titleist is widely known for their quality golf balls, so you’ll definitely get what you pay for with this one. As a low spin golf ball that still has decent short game spin, it’s well worth it. This golf ball is great for mid-handicappers that want to dial in their game even more.
Conclusion
Playing your best game of golf often comes down to having the right gear, and a low spin golf ball might be the missing piece you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re a casual player or getting more serious about the game, it always feels good to see your game improve. At Stix, we’re here to help outfit you with whatever you need to make that happen, from golf balls to modern, high-quality clubs.
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