The best golf balls for distance are built to elevate launch, accelerate ball speed and reduce spin for the average golfer.
These are the best golf balls for distance in 2023 that suit seniors, ladies, and mid and high-handicappers.
- TaylorMade Distance + – Overall Best Distance Golf Ball 2023
- Top Flite Bomb – Best Budget Distance Golf Ball
- Bridgestone e9 Long Drive – Longest Golf Ball
- Wilson Duo Soft – Best Distance Golf Ball For Low Driver Spin
- Callaway Warbird – Best Ball Flight
- Titleist Velocity – Best Golf Balls For Distance And Control
- Bridgestone Lady Precept – Best Distance Ball For Ladies
- Wilson Tour Velocity Accuracy – Straightest Distance Ball
- Srixon Soft Feel – Best Distance Golf Ball Greenside Control
- Pinnacle Soft – Best Golf Distance Ball For Seniors
By the end of this post, you will know the best distance golf ball for your swing. I also unveil the top budget picks, the most accurate and the best for greenside control. Plus, before we end, I highlight important factors to consider before you acquire your next set of distance golf balls.
Top 3 Best Long-Distance Golf Balls
Best Overall | Best Budget | Best Cool Belt | |
TaylorMade Distance + | Top Flite Bomb | Bridgestone e9 Long Drive | |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Price Score | 92.3 | 97.4 | 87.8 |
Distance | 94.8 | 95.1 | 96.4 |
Driver Spin | 91.2 | 93.7 | 94.9 |
Wedge Spin | 79.7 | 74.2 | 74.8 |
Rating | 4.6 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars |
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How We Reviewed These Products
Golfspan only shares equipment and brands we trust.
I’m an experienced golfer of 28 years and thoroughly researched and evaluated the products shared below. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the list. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information.
To select these drivers, we considered these criteria:
- Cost
- Launch
- Speed
- Spin
- Feel
- Distance
- Accuracy
Read more: The Best Cheap Golf Balls
The Best Golf Balls For Distance 2023
1. TaylorMade Distance + – Overall Best Distance Golf Ball 2023
Pros
- Affordable
- Low driver spin
- Accelerated ball speed
- Optimizes carry distance
- Durable cover
Cons
- Reduced greenside spin
- Slower swing speeds may prefer a higher-launching golf ball
Specs
- Construction: 2 piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: 77
- Dimple Pattern: Aerodynamic
- Colors: White, Hi-visibility yellow
The TaylorMade Distance + golf ball claims the top spot in 2023 for its affordability, durability, explosive pace, and low spin. The 77 compression golf ball delivered a hassle-free launch and enhanced ball flight thanks to its aerodynamic dimple pattern, which minimized drag and maximized lift.
TaylorMade engineers constructed the 2-piece golf ball with a trademark softREACT Core, exceptional at transferring energy at contact. As a result, you produce phenomenal compression, imparting increased speed and lowering spin for a high-launching shot.
The exceptional core is protected by a stiffer ionomer cover that works wonders for boosting ball zip. Furthermore, I felt it further aided my quest to lower spin revolutions, leading to optimal forward momentum and roll upon landing.
Next, the Aerodynamic dimple pattern proved efficient in fighting drag on launch and boosting lift for greater carry distance. Finally, the affordable Distance + golf ball is available in a traditional Tour White or Hi-visibility yellow, which is easy to track in the air.
Rating: 4.6
Read More: Best Amateur Golf Balls
2. Top Flite Bomb – Best Budget Distance Golf Ball
Pros
- Entry-level price tag
- Delivers superb distance
- Creates incredibly low spin
- Produces rapid ball speed
- Launches high
Cons
- Only available in white
- Minimal greenside spin
Specs
- Construction: 2 piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Medium
- Dimple Pattern: Low Spin
- Colors: White
Top Flite golf balls were a regular feature in my bag as a junior and have resurfaced in recent years as competitive distance balls. The Top Flite Bomb is our best budget distance pick in 2023, offering two dozen balls for less than a dozen Tour golf balls.
Besides their rock-bottom price tag, these golf balls are built for optimal speed, low spin, and maximum distance. In fact, Top Flite touts it as the official World Long Drive ball. It sprung off the clubface and blasted high for maximal carry off the tee.
The enlarged core promotes consistent contact with the golf ball, enabling less skillful ball strikers to increase energy transfer. Next, its rigid ionomer cover provided further spin reduction on long shots and elevated durability for improved longevity.
Lastly, the biggest downside of the Top Flite Bomb is the lack of spin around the greens and no alternative color options.
Rating: 4.5
3. Bridgestone e9 Long Drive – Longest Golf Ball
Pros
- Generates maximum distance
- Minimizes spin long game spin
- Encourages optimal compression
- Creates sensational ball speed
- Drag-resistant dimple pattern
Cons
- Moderately more expensive than other distance balls
- Only available in white
Specs
- Construction: 2-pieces
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Low
- Dimple Pattern: Seamless
- Colors: White
Bridgestone turned to the World Long Drive Association for assistance in developing the e9. Our longest distance ball in 2023 provides amplified spring at impact to launch the ball high and long. In addition, it carries advanced seamless aerodynamics that limits drag and increases lift for added carry yards.
The 2-piece e9 Long Drive golf ball is fueled by the Extreme Gradational Core, which is soft on the inside and firm around the edges. The firmer edges minimize spin and accelerate speed, and the soft center enhances compression. The result is a powerful launch, with elevated flight and maximum distance.
Ionomer covers the Smart core and helped me minimize spin revolutions further for exceptional long-game distance. However, the tough ionomer provided restricted spin around the green, reducing my short-game control. I did find that the higher flight helped soften the landing slightly.
The softer inside improved my feel on and around the green by distance golf ball standards.
However, if you seek maximum spin, feel, and control, I suggest the Tour B RXS.
Rating: 4.5
4. Wilson Duo Soft+ – Best Distance Golf Ball For Low Driver Spin
Pros
- Produces super low long game spin
- Escalates ball zip
- Fights drag and increases lift
- Ideal for slow swing speeds
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Limited short-game spin
- Sounds clicky off the putter face
Specs
- Construction: 2-pieces
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Soft
- Dimple Pattern: 302 Shallow
- Colors: White
I have enjoyed knocking the Wilson Duo Soft+ golf balls around lately and find they deliver the lowest spin for me. Despite their name, the 2-piece ionomer-covered golf ball is hard and sounds clicky off the wedge and putter face. However, it does an outstanding job reducing spin off the tee.
The VelocitiCOR drives the golf ball and causes it to deflect rapidly out of the meat of your clubface for explosive speed and restricted spin. On average, I generate upwards of 2500 rpm of backspin off the tee, but the Duo Soft+ brought that down to 2200 rpm. Not much, but enough to make an impact.
Further restricting spin on long shots is the stiff and durable ionomer cover. After countless deflections off trees and trips into the sand, the balls remain in fine shape. Given their entry-level price tag, I feel they offer superb value for money.
Once the Duo Soft+ leaves the club face, the 302 Shallow dimples take over and bust drag while elevating lift on the descent. Its outstanding aerodynamics produce consistent carry and less deviation in the air.
Rating: 4.3
5. Callaway Warbird – Best Ball Flight
Pros
- Aerodynamic dimple pattern
- Produces high ball flight
- Generates increased distance
- Maximum roll upon landing
- Affordable
Cons
- Firm feel
- Limited to no spin on short-game shots
Specs
- Construction: 2-piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Medium
- Dimple Pattern: Hex Aerodynamics
- Colors: White, yellow
The Callaway Warbird is an affordable, long, and aerodynamic golf ball that claims the prize for the best flight. Its Hex Aerodynamic dimples encouraged faster ball speed, enhanced lift, and boosted slipstream for increased long-game carry.
The Warbird is another ball I used as a high handicapper. I appreciated the distance consistency it provided when my game lacked yardage. Callaway engineers have improved the construction and performance of the Warbird since then, increasing compression with a high-energy core.
Thanks to added compression, the ball catapults off the clubface on long shots producing elevated flight, exceptional speed, and lower spin. While the distance results are fantastic with the Warbird, it is rock-hard and offers minimal revolutions around the green.
Like most distance balls, the Warbird sports a firm, durable, low spin, and high-speed ionomer cover. The plastic restricts revolutions on all shots to increase forward momentum for added roll after landing. Unfortunately, the lack of spin reduces your control on short-game shots.
Rating: 4.2
6. Titleist Velocity – Best Golf Balls For Distance And Control
Pros
- Enhanced greenside feel
- Rapid ball speed
- Restricted long-game spin
- Durable cover
- Available in four colors
Cons
- Priced higher than other distance balls
- Wedge spin is still low, despite the improved feel
Specs
- Construction: 2 layers
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: NAZ+
- Compression: Medium
- Dimple Pattern: Spherically-Tiled
- Colors: White, matte blue, matte green, matte orange
Titleist is better known for its premium tour golf balls. However, the Velocity range shows their engineers know how to develop distance balls. The Velocity range is our best pick for distance and control, thanks to the work of the Smart NAZ+ cover.
The ionomer NAZ+ cover wore two hats, accelerating ball zip on all shots while amplifying feel and feedback on low-impact strikes. Although it offered less spin than a tour ball, I appreciated the feel, which is challenging to come by on a distance ball.
A lightning-quick LSX Core powers the Velocity, enhancing energy transfer for a higher pace and low spin off the tee. As a result, I enjoyed a powerful launch, elevated flight, and consistent yardage off the tee.
When the ball hit the sky, the Spherically-Tiled 350 Octahedral dimples assumed control and cleared the path for a smooth flight. The ball eliminated drag and extended lift for superior carry distance. Finally, the Titleist Velocity golf balls are available in four colors, three of which are easy to trace in the air and spot in the rough.
Rating: 4.1
7. Bridgestone Lady Precept – Best Distance Ball For Ladies
Pros
- The soft core maximizes compression
- Easy to launch
- The optic pink is easy to follow in the air
- Flies high
- Lands softly
Cons
- Low spin around the green
- The elevated launch profile may cause higher swing speeds to balloon shots
Specs
- Construction: 2 piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Low
- Dimple Pattern: Seamless
- Colors: White, pink
I received feedback on the Bridgestone Lady Precept from a buddies mother in her sixties, and her thoughts were largely positive. She praised its easy launch, towering trajectory, and the traceability of the pink design in the air.
The 2-piece design by innovative Softer Core works a treat for slow swing speeds seeking a highly compressible construction. In addition, the core softens each strike for fewer vibrations, a welcome feel around the green.
An ionomer cover protects the soft core and supports it in boosting the pace for an enhanced launch off the tee. When the ball leaves the clubface, the 330 Seamless dimples kick in and eliminate drag for a high-flying shot.
The Lady Precept provided my volunteer with restricted spin despite the soft feel around the greens. However, the higher flight prompted a sharper descent angle resulting in a soft landing. Lastly, Bridgestone offers the Precept in white or optic pink.
Rating: 3.9
8. Wilson Tour Velocity Accuracy – Straightest Distance Ball
Pros
- Combats hooks and slices
- Minimizes long-game spin
- Rapid ball speed
- Maximizes roll after landing
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Low greenside spin
- Restricts workability
Specs
- Construction: 2-piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Surlyn
- Compression: Mid
- Dimple Pattern: Aerodynamic
- Colors: White
High handicappers with a dismal fairway and greens in regulations record could benefit from a straighter golf ball. While the Wilson Tour Velocity Accuracy will not eradicate hooks and slices, it mitigates them to leave you in a favorable position.
Our straightest distance golf ball for 2023 is a 2-piece construction powered by a mid-compression core. My driver distance was impressive owing to the added roll I received after landing. On the other hand, approach shots produced a better feel than I am used to with distance balls.
Wilson opted for Surlyn material to cover the inner workings of the Tour Velocity Accuracy, which added to my ball speed, and low long-game spin. In addition, the aerodynamic dimple pattern helped the Velocity Accuracy maintain stability while slicing through the sky.
Lastly, this highly affordable range of Wilson golf balls feels relatively hard off the putter face and wedge and offers limited spin. However, it promotes elevated ball flight and boosts lift to prompt a softer landing on low-impact strikes.
Rating: 3.9
9. Srixon Soft Feel – Best Distance Golf Ball Greenside Control
Pros
- Enhanced greenside spin for a distance ball
- Optimal energy transfer
- Low long-game spin
- High ball flight
- Exceptional compression on long shots
Cons
- Not the longest golf ball, but it is consistent for the average golfer
- High swing speeds may balloon shots with the softer core and higher launch
Specs
- Construction: 2-piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Medium
- Dimple Pattern: Speed Dimple Pattern
- Colors: White, Tour Yellow
The Srixon Soft Feel is among their most famous creations, as it suits a variety of skill levels. I am well versed with this affordable construction and condone its value for money, easy launch, and greenside control.
Granted, it does not spin like a Srixon Z-Star, but it offered greater control than I enjoy from the standard distance ball. In addition, its elevated ball flight prompted a soft landing with maximum bite on approach shots.
Srixon engineers manipulated ionomer material to achieve a soft, thin cover, responsive on short game shots. It delivers more spin than most of its peers but is far from the platinum standards of urethane ball. However, it is sufficient for the average golfer.
The FastLayer core in the Soft Feel was marvelous on long shots, thanks to its highly compressible nature. I find moderate and slow swing speeds will benefit from the added spring off the clubface and the increased carry length.
Finally, the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern stabilized the golf ball in flight to keep it straighter in windy conditions and enhance lift on the descent.
Rating: 3.6
10. Pinnacle Soft – Best Golf Distance Ball For Seniors
Pros
- Highly compressible core
- Maximizes energy transfer for explosive speed
- Engineers an elevated launch
- Super low spin
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited feedback on short game shots
- Minimal wedge spin
Specs
- Construction: 2 piece
- Golf Ball Type: Distance
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Low
- Dimple Pattern: Icosahedral
- Colors: White
Closing out our review on the best golf balls for distance is the Pinnacle Soft range, built for slower swing speeds. Its low compression rating promotes impressive ball speed and extremely low spin for consistent long-game distance.
Seniors will appreciate the effortless launch promoted by Pinnacle Soft thanks to its highly compressible high-energy core. It enhanced my energy transfer between the clubface and the ball, exploding the ball high into the distance.
Like most distance balls, the Soft model carries an ionomer cover that is sturdy, durable, and brilliant for accelerating the ball off the clubface. Despite the firmer cover, it produced limited feedback on low-impact shots, including putts.
The ionomer cover is dotted with 332 icosahedral dimples, fighting off drag and encouraging lift. They delivered a higher flight, a steep descent for a soft landing on approach. However, it offered restricted wedge spin, reducing control around the dancefloor.
Rating: 3.2
What To Consider When Purchasing Golf Balls For Distance
Construction
Although you find 3-piece distance balls like the Bridgestone e12, most distance golf balls are 2-piece constructions. They consist of a high-energy core and a durable ionomer cover. These designs promote rapid speed and low spin off the tee to maximize distance for slow and moderate swing speeds.
While 2-piece golf balls are your best budget option, they often deliver restricted greenside spin, which serious golfers demand. If you desire distance and spin around the green, ponder a tour golf ball with a urethane cover. These models deliver an all-around performance but are priced at a premium.
Low To Mid Compression
Distance balls are commonly associated with mid and high-handicap golfers with moderate or slow swing speeds. As a result, low and mid-compression golf balls are better equipped for your swing.
A low-compression golf ball ranges from 30 to 60, while a mid-compression design stretches from 60 to 90. Golf balls with higher compressions are typically Tour constructions which achieve compression scores over 90. These products are better suited to high-swing speed and low handicappers.
Consider a stiffer construction if you produce an outlandishly high apex with a low to mid-compression ball. Golf balls with higher compression scores offer less spring assistance off the face and work to deliver a controlled lower ball flight.
Read on: Best Golf Balls For High Handicappers
Higher Launch
Low or mid-compression distance golf balls are built to produce consistently high launch for the average golfer. While this benefits slow and medium swing velocity, players with elevated speeds may balloon shots and lose distance and accuracy off the tee.
Players struggling with ballooned shots should consider the option of a higher-compression golf ball. One distance option is the Callaway Warbird which features a moderately high score of 90. But, if that is insufficient, think about leveling up to a tour ball if your swing speed can handle it.
Low Driver Spin
Golf balls for distance produce incredibly low driver spin to help all swing speeds maximize yardage from the tee box. I appreciate these features in my long game. However, many distance balls also deliver restricted greenside spin, reducing your short-game control.
While golf balls like the Titleist Velocity and Srixon Soft Feel offer some reprieve around the green, it is far from a urethane golf ball. Therefore, players demanding enhanced wedge spin revolutions should consider a high-spinning urethane tour ball.
FAQ
Do Distance Golf Balls Go Further?
Distance golf balls are designed to travel further consistently for slow and moderate mid and high handicappers. However, high swing speeds may produce excess compression at impact and sky shots with distance balls, leading to a loss of distance.
Do Hard Or Soft Golf Balls Go Further?
Soft golf balls go further for the average golfer because they are easier to compress and generate maximum speed and low spin. The combination of optimal velocity and reduced spin revolutions results in consistent distance.
Do Heavier Golf Balls Go Farther?
Heavier golf balls go farther as a rule of thumb because they combine with the dimple pattern to create superior slipstream and carry distance. However, slower swing speeds may find it easier to launch lighter golf balls and achieve consistent length.
Which Golf Balls Give The Most Distance?
Distance golf balls give the most distance to the average golfer because they are easier to compress and generate maximum speed and low spin. The combination of high velocity and reduced spin prompts a super powerful launch, resulting in optimal carry and total distance.
Conclusion
Our best golf balls for distance review highlighted manufacturers’ propensity to employ 2-piece constructions. These golf balls contain a high-energy core to enhance energy transfer and ball speed while lowering spin. In addition, the stiff ionomer cover is durable and fast.
The biggest downside of golf distance balls is the lack of spin around the green. It does reduce control on wedge shots, but the higher flight promotes a soft landing on mid and short iron strikes.
The TaylorMade Distance+ tops our best golf balls for distance review, despite a strong showing from the remaining top ten. However, the affordability, ball speed, low spin, and aerodynamic dimples set the Distance+ apart from its competitors.
Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
- Best score: 70
- Favorite club: Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie
- Favorite ball: Srixon Q-Star Tour
- Favorite food at the turn: Pepper steak pie with curry gravy