A golf club, its grip, shaft flex and length, loft, and other factors affect your distance. But aside from a golf club, you have the golf ball that delivers your range.
So, what is the longest golf ball you should use if you are a newbie, an amateur, or a pro? It seems that not all golf balls are created equal, so they say.
We tested ten leading golf ball brands with different price ranges to determine the features and qualities of each model. What we found might surprise you (the pros may not).
The longest golf ball we found during our tests is the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball. But you can consider or test other brands or make them suit your skill better.
Our 10 Top Picks: Best Longest Golf Balls
Best overall longest golf ball: Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
Best budget golf ball: Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball
Best for mid-to-high handicappers: Callaway Warbird Golf Balls
Best for slow swing speed: Wilson SmartCore Straight Distance Golf Balls
Best for mid-to-high swing speeds: 2021 TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Balls
Best for long games: Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls
Best for short games: Bridgestone Golf 2021 e12 Contact Golf Balls
Best for consistent distance: Vice Golf Tour White Golf Balls
Best for longer and straighter flights: Callaway Golf 2020 Superhot Bold Matte Golf Balls
Best mid-compression core: Wilson Golf Tour Velocity Golf Balls
10 Best Longest Golf Balls
1. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls (One Dozen) (Best Overall)
Titleist golf balls are popular with amateurs and pro players, just like the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls. The ball has a 3-piece construction with a durable urethane elastomer cover. In comparing the cost of Pro V1 to the Titleist Velocity the former is cheaper.
This ball may be expensive to beginners and amateurs, but it enhances better performance when developing skills. More experienced golfers can bring the ball to a spot in the green they desire.
Key Features:
- Pro V1 has a uniform 2.0 ZG Process core for more predictable shots.
- It has a soft feel with spherically-designed dimples.
- The cover is soft cast urethane elastomer.
Who should use this product?
Better players who want to maintain their best performance on short games can rely on the Pro Vi golf balls. The ball offers unprecedented flight and short-game control. The increased greenside spin lets you have more dominance in short games.
2. Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball (15-Pack) (Cheap Price)
Sometimes, you have to dig down to the lowest price point to discover cheap but effective golf balls for attaining distance. The Nitro Ultimate Distance golf ball is one of them. Although it is dirt cheap, the Nitro Ultimate can deliver the range you need.
Key Features:
- It is a solid 2-piece construction with a titanium core.
- The cover is cut-proof Dupont Lithium Surlyn.
Who should use this product?
Beginners who intend to spend less while starting the game should go for the Nitro Ultimate golf balls. The cover (Dupont Lithium Surlyn) maintains durability, prolonging the soft feel. Novices learn to enhance their distance before the ball becomes useless in the long run.
3. Callaway Warbird Golf Balls
The Warbird is Callaway’s response to high-priced premium golf ball brands with similar qualities. If you are mid-to-high handicappers wishing further distance in short or long games, the Callaway Warbird golf ball is for you. Our tests prove this ball launches long and straight.
Key Features:
- The Warbird has a large core with an Ionomer cover.
- It is a 2-piece golf ball with a HEX aerodynamic design.
- It is one of the most durable Callaway golf balls.
Who should use this product?
Mid and high-handicap golfers find an ally with the Warbird. It is an affordable Callaway ball that could deliver the needed distance less experienced players desire.
4. Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls (One Dozen)
High-handicap golfers having a hard time struggling with their long games may find solace using the Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls. Aside from being more affordable, the e6 seems to dominate the feel for new golfers. It can provide further distance for moderate swing-speed players of any age.
Key Features:
- It is a 3-piece golf ball with 330 dimples.
- The dimple design carries the New Dual Dimple Technology.
Who should use this product?
High and mid-handicap golfers wanting to succeed in playing their long games with better performance should use e6 balls. The inner layer of this ball is anti-sidespin which provides better ball flight and distance along the fairway.
5. Bridgestone Golf 2021 e12 Contact Golf Balls (One Dozen) $29.97 ($2.50 / Count)
Golfers not convinced about using the Bridgestone e6 may switch to the Bridgestone e12 Contact Golf Balls instead. The e12 is more expensive than the e6, but each ball serves its purpose. We find the e12 more appropriate for short games.
Key Features:
- The e12 has a 3-piece construction offering low spins.
- The Contact Force Dimple patterns make 38% more contact between the ball and the club head.
Who should use this product?
Are you struggling with your short games? You should not. Try the Bridgestone e12 golf balls instead. The innovative dimple design of the e12 gives you more control of the ball, even on unexpected miss-hits.
6. Vice Golf Tour White Golf Balls
Several pro and veteran golfers are attesting the Vice Golf Tour White Golf Balls outperform the Pro V1. What we found out on our tests might surprise you.
Well, Pro V1 is currently the gold standard in golf balls for many pro players. Fortunately, the Vice Golf Tour catches up with the Pro V1 in terms of performance. And mind you, it has a fraction of the cost of Pro V1.
Key Features:
- The Vice Golf Tour White is a 3-piece construction with s Surlyn cover.
- It has 392 aerodynamically large dimple patterns for steady ball flight.
Who should use this product?
Golfers on any skill level may find the Vice Golf Tour balls better in attaining consistent distance on the greens. The ball has consistent playability, suitable for neophyte golfers. Its low driver spin makes an adequate distance, even for slow swingers.
7. 2021 TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Balls
If you want a more versatile and long-lasting golf ball, the TaylorMade Distance+ is it! The ball is easy to hit and takes it airborne, even if you have a slow swing speed. These golf balls offer mid-launch, especially for drivers, but they can serve well in any shot. The ball has 342 aerodynamically-designed dimples.
Key Features:
- It features the REACT Speed Core with low-drag dimples.
- The Distance+ has a two-piece construction for maximum distance.
- The cover is Ionomer for a softer feel around the greens.
Who should use this product?
Low-swing speed swingers can take advantage of the TaylorMade Distance+ features. Its affordable costs let beginners (and mid-to-high handicap golfers) enjoy the benefits of cheap golf balls until they become skilled.
8. Wilson SmartCore Straight Distance Double Dozen Golf Balls
The Wilson SmartCore Golf Balls are what many golfers call purely distance balls. But, they can do other things: Our tests prove this ball lasts longer than ordinary golf balls. It seems they may last more than seven rounds of continuous use.
Key Features:
- It has a compression ratio of 85.
- The ball has a SmartCore that reacts to a golfer’s swing speed.
Who should use this product?
High and mid-handicap golfers have the advantage when using the SmartCore golf balls. They are cheap and can deliver the goods (distance) for them. It also provides a firm response, especially off the tee.
9. Callaway Golf 2020 Superhot Bold Matte Golf Balls
Not everybody is gifted when it comes to playing golf. But anyone can train and expect something in return. When you are through becoming a beginner, you usually undergo an amateur status.
At this time, we recommend you use the Callaway Superhot Bold Matte Golf Balls. The Superhot golf balls hit long and straight. The drag is very minimal because of its symmetrical dimples.
Key Features:
- The Bold Matte is a 3-piece construction.
- It comes in two colors: Red and Yellow.
- The high-energy core delivers the distance.
Who should use this product?
Average golfers wanting ball speed without the drag will find them in the Callaway Superhot golf balls. The Black Matte is also ideal for greenside spin and control.
10. Wilson Golf Tour Velocity 15 Golf Ball Pack
Another inexpensive golf ball with unquestionable qualities is the Wilson Golf Tour Velocity. If you treasure each ball during a game, this is the ball you are looking for. The Velocity might work for a specific golfer, but we guarantee the ball is worth your every single round.
Key Features:
- The cover is a hard Ionomer offering optimum ball trajectory.
- It is soft with a 70-ball compression ratio.
Who should use this product?
The Wilson Golf Tour Velocity golf ball is ideal for better players with medium swing speeds of 90+ mph. It is a cheap ball offering better performance for mid-handicap players wanting to become one of the best.
What to Consider When Buying The Longest Golf Balls
1. Spin Control or Distance Golf Balls
If you want further distance, it is only logical to look for distance golf balls. These balls have a thin outer layer (cover), while the core is bigger than average balls. This construction amplifies distance.
Golf balls with adequate spin control help you with straight shots avoiding slices and hooks.
2. Price
Considering the cost of golf balls may help you in budgeting limited resources. But always look for the ball that could match your swing speed or skill. Many golf ball brands now offer bargain prices. The likes of the Nitro Ultimate and Wilson Tour golf balls yet are reliable in delivering the range.
3. Ball Cover
Modern golf balls come in two material covers: Urethane and Ionomer Surlyn. The former is soft with better control with a high spin. The latter is harder but more durable: It offers the best option for beginners.
4. Ball Construction
Present-day golf balls have 2, 3, 4, and 5-piece constructions (or layers) of materials. Each type offers a different ball compression rating and dimple design. Many beginners prefer the 2-piece and mid-to-high handicappers usually go for a 3-piece. The pros are more comfortable with 4- or 5-piece layers.
5. Dimples and Flight
Dimple design in every manufacturer varies: However, these dimples should be symmetrical to conform to USGA rules.
The dimples enhance the aerodynamic properties of golf balls to minimize drag. The decreased drag increases ball flight and takes it farther.
6. Long game or short game?
There are golf balls that are more suitable for long games, like the Bridgestone e6. The e6 balls are for straighter long shots. The Bridgestone e12 golf balls are for short shots.
The Titleist Pro V1 golf balls fit both games, no matter your swing speed. Unfortunately, the Pro V1 costs higher than the e6 and e12. If you want a single type of ball to use throughout a single round with more confidence: the Pro V1 is a clever choice.
7. Color/visuals
Modern golf balls come in different colors to suit your visibility, depending on the conditions inside the golf course. Traditional golf balls come in white and are easy to find in a colored environment (like greens and brownish sand).
Pick the appropriate ball color more visible to you. Golf balls with high visibility are red, yellow, purple, and blue.
FAQ’s
Although golf shoes help you to stand stable and balanced during a shot, a particular golf ball suits your skill. In this sense, you can deliver distance the way you want it to be.
Titleist Pro V1 is one of the most popular golf balls in the industry. Although it is suited for better players, it may not be the best option for beginners. However, if Pro V1 is within their budget, it might be a reasonable option to improve the game quickly.
The Callaway Warbird and Superhot golf balls are both for distance. The former is better for mid to high-handicap golfers, while the latter is more suitable for average golfers.
Golf balls with low compression ratings are more suitable for senior golfers like the Wilson Golf Tour Velocity. This ball has a high degree of softness (core), and greenside spin is more appropriate for senior players.
Senior golfers should look for a ball with a low compression rating. This rating ranges between 70 and 80, allowing them to compress the ball not as hard as their younger counterparts. But still, they can maintain their previous distance.
Low-spinning golf balls with fewer curvatures add more distance than balls with high spin. That is why golf balls that spin less are more suitable for beginners and high-handicappers.
Players with low swing speeds like high-handicaps, seniors, beginners, and lady golfers can deliver further distance using a low-compression ball. The soft core of a low-compression ball is easier to compress than a hard one (mid or high-compression).
According to experts, distance balls may not go further when using a driver. It is because of the decreased ball speed. But superior golf ball brands (like the Titleist Pro V1) always travel more distance using a driver.
Many PGA Pro Tour golfers hit golf balls with an average distance between 280 and 320 yards using their drivers. Meanwhile, most LPGA Tour players hit their drivers between 230 and 270 yards.
Conclusion
For golfers wanting to start the game with cheap equipment, we strongly recommend the Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball: The Ultimate gives low-swing speed golfers less spin because of its 2-piece titanium core. This equates to further distance.
But our top pick for the longest golf ball is the Titleist Pro V1. It is not too expensive as you think (the Callaway Superhot is costlier). The cost suits golfers who want to improve their games quickly.
The Pro V1 offers the feel and distance ideal for low-to-mid-handicappers. It is also a more durable golf ball: It may accompany you while honing your craft till becoming an expert golfer.
Matt Stevens is the founder of Golfrough.com. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf since he was four years old. Having experienced every high and low golf has to offer, his writing helps the average golfer avoid the mistakes he has made in 28-years on the course.