At a glance: Best Illegal Golf Balls
Superior golfers consider the material, compression, spin, and aerodynamics of a ball. The average golfer simply demands distance and accuracy. In this post, I am unveiling my picks for the best illegal golf balls on the market to keep you straight and long.
I will highlight the features and benefits of each ball and explain what type of player is best suits each design.
Quick Overview: Best Illegal Golf Balls
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR RATING: 4.4/5 | Volvik Magma |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.3/5 | Bandit Small Ball (SB) |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.3/5 | MG Senior Balls |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.2/5 | Kaede Fly Ball |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.1/5 | Polara Ultimate Straight |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Illegal Golf Balls
1. Volvik Magma
Pros
- Easy ball to launch
- Suited to slow and moderate clubhead speeds
- Produces increased carry distance
- Delivers maximum total distance
- Restricts aerodynamic drag
Cons
- The high launching nature of the ball may cause players with faster clubhead speeds to balloon their shots and lose distance.
As I mentioned earlier, the Magma is the only Volvik golf ball not permitted for use in USGA tournaments.
That is because of its reduced diameter and explosive core, which exceeds the prescribed distance limits. Therefore, the Magma is suited to players with moderate to slow clubhead speed.
This 3-piece soft feel ball is a premium distance construction that helps those of you with a driver clubhead speed between 70 mph to 90 mph gain extra yards from tee to green.
Unlike other non-conforming distance designs that lower your flight, the dimple construction on the Magma leads to a higher launch, extra ball flight, and extra carry distance.
Furthermore, the decreased diameter of this 3-piece golf ball restricts aerodynamic drag. This allows it to fly through the air for as long as possible. As a result, you enjoy maximum carry distance.
Overall, the Volvik Magma is an excellent option for players that struggle to get their ball airborne. The restricted aerodynamic drag, combined with its explosive core, results in optimal distance from tee to green.
2. Bandit Small Ball (SB)
Pros
- Encourages accelerated ball speed
- Increased carry distance
- Optimal aerodynamics
- Lon ger total distance
- Spends longer time in the air
Cons
- Less than ideal spin qualities
- The ionomer cover provides less durability
The Bandit Small Ball Technology earns its illegal status thanks to its minuscule diameter and excessive distance. This combination works to deliver additional ball flight and longer distances.
A high coefficient of restitution (C.O.R) energy core enables it to deliver maximum ball speed. This combines with the dual radius dimple pattern to produce optimal aerodynamics for a superior carry.
Added to the superior ball speed and aerodynamics of this Bandit ball is its 1.65-inch diameter. The construction works to reduce drag and extend the average flight time of your ball for a longer distance.
While the yards gained with Bandit Small Ball are ideal for players seeking additional length in their long game, it is less than desirable around the green. As a distance ball, it lacks spin and greenside control, inducing inaccuracy in your short game.
In conclusion, if you are a player who is more concerned about additional yardage, then the Bandit SB is worth a look. However, if you demand spin and control around the greens, this is not the ball for you.
3. MG Senior Balls
Pros
- Increases your distance by at least a club
- Ideal for those driving under 250-yards
- Promotes a high ball flight
- Delivers increased distance
- Affordable
Cons
- Durability
- Players with faster swing speeds may gain excessive height and lose total distance as a result.
The older we get, the less we care about our scores and instead focus on having fun. The MG Senior balls were created with the sole intention of helping the mature players among us optimize their distance from tee to green.
If you crave extra distance and struggle to bang a driver beyond 250-yards, the MG is worth considering. Everything about this ball is legal, except the initial velocity, which exceeds the maximum speed of 173.5mph.
The additional speed helps you achieve a high, powerful launch, prompting extra carry and increased distance.
Some players reported gains of 15 to 20-yards of distance with each club when playing with this ball. That means you achieve a club or a club and a half more distance with each shot.
These affordable Surlyn covered golf balls also offer you the luxury of a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with their performance, send them back to MG, and you will get your money back.
In summary, the MG Senior balls are an ideal companion for the elderly players out there looking to maximize their distance off the tee.
4. Kaede Fly Ball
Pros
- Enhanced aerodynamics
- Reduced drag
- Additional carry distance
- Increased total distance
- Twelve choices of color
Cons
- It does not spin or sit quickly on the green
- Moderately expensive
The Kaede Fly Ball offers golfers a unique dimple design that apparently reduces drag by 18%. This enhances aerodynamics leading to increased carry and total distance. As a result, the ball is ideal for players who suffer from inconsistent ball flight and, as a result, lose yards.
Instead of featuring the usual shape of dimples, they are crafted in the form of Kaede’s, which is a Japanese maple leaf. The dimples allow the ball to glide effortlessly through the air to achieve a longer distance than usual.
Aside from the flight and distance capabilities of the Kaede Fly Golf ball, it provides a funky, unique design, which is a far cry from the dull, plain white tour ball from days gone by.
Although the company claims that this two-piece design is a soft feel ball. In reality, they are hard as nails, reducing your ability to rapidly stop the ball on the green. As a result, it impacts the consistency of your short game.
In conclusion, the Kaede is ideal for those who demand more aerodynamics and carry and don’t mind playing with a unique design.
5. Polara Ultimate Straight
Pros
- Flies consistently straight
- Reduces the risk of hooking or slicing your shots by up to 75-feet
- Produces low ball flight that is ideal in windy conditions
- Ideal for leisure golfers looking to improve accuracy
- The arrow on the ball makes it easy for you to line up
Cons
- Expensive
- Reduces your carry distance
The Polara Ultimate Straight golf ball earns its place on top thanks to its incredible ability to consistently fly straight. When I watched Rick Shiels test them, I was still a skeptic. However, after striking a few myself, I cannot believe how consistently direct they fly.
The simple 2-piece design is packed with advanced technology that reduces side spin to combat hooks and slices. The company claim that the ball reduces your left and right misses by 75%. For example, if you often slice the ball 100-feet offline on average, the Polara will limit it to 25-feet.
Furthermore, a smaller diameter reduces the aerodynamic lift to produce a lower ball flight with less room for error.
The assistance provided by the Polara Ultimate Straight balls is ideal for the weekend golfer who is tired of searching for their ball in the woods and simply wants to hit more fairways. However, they are completely outlawed in a tournament environment by the USGA and R&A.
Besides the numerous positives about this ball, the downside is that you lose carry distance. Plus, for a few extra dollars, you can buy a box of premium balls such as Titleist Pro V1’s or TaylorMade TP5X’s.
FAQ
What Are Illegal Golf Balls?
A golf ball is deemed illegal if it fails to meet the requirements set out by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal and Ancient (R&A) bodies.
According to the USGA laws, golf balls must not exceed the prescribed weight, size, spherical symmetry, velocity, and overall distance standards. The mass of a golf ball cannot exceed 1.620 ounces and must not be less than 1.680 inches in diameter.
Furthermore, the ball cannot stray from the spherically symmetric-shaped design. Plus, according to Golf Channel, they cannot exceed a maximum velocity of 173.5 mph.
Are Volvik Golf Balls Illegal?
Volvik golf balls are perfectly legal for use in tournaments, except the Magma 3-piece, which features a smaller diameter than 1.680 inches.
What Is The Most Illegal Golf Ball?
To find the most illegal golf ball, you must determine which option delivers consistent accuracy and distance.
I have tested many illegal golf balls and found that the Polara Ultimate Straight delivers the highest level of assistance to your game. That is why it finds itself at the top of my list of the best illegal golf balls.
Final Thoughts On The Best Illegal Golf Balls
Our review has demonstrated that these products are best geared towards increasing your distance. While that is handy for moderate to slow swinging golfers who lose yards from tee to green, it is not ideal for your short game.
Increasing your long game distance may put you in a position to attack the flag more than usual. But, if it means that you cannot control your approach shot, you will spend most of your time scrambling to make a par.
Out of all the best illegal golf balls that we reviewed, the Polara Ultimate Straight’s are a superior design compared to the rest. It may not deliver the explosive distance of other illegal golf balls, but it keeps you straight and in play.
If you are desperate for increased accuracy around the course and wish to eradicate a hook or a slice. You can take a closer look at the Polara Ultimate Straight’s here.
Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
