The right golf ball can help slow swingers get a bit more distance. The best golf balls for slower swing speeds must produce explosive speed and low spin. Combined with an aerodynamic dimple pattern, these features promote optimal flight, carry, and total distance.
Here are the 7 best golf balls for slow swing speeds:
- TaylorMade Distance+ – Overall Best Golf Ball
- Srixon Soft Feel – Best Budget Golf Balls
- Callaway Supersoft Max – Most Forgiving Golf Balls
- Vice Pro Soft – Best Golf Balls For Low Handicap Slow Swingers
- Titleist Tour Speed – Best Golf Ball For Distance
- Bridgestone e6 – Best Golf Ball For High Handicap Slow Swing Speeds
- Wilson Staff Duo Soft – Best Value Golf Balls
Without the right golf ball you’ll never have a consistently strong game. I tested some of the most popular golf balls for slow swing speeds. The list below contains options that put distance first before spin and feel. Although that may impact spin and greenside control, it enhances your consistency to put yourself in more scoring conditions.
Overview Of The Best Golf Balls For Slower Swing Speeds
Best Overall Golf Ball | Best Budget Golf Ball | Most Forgiving Golf Ball | |
TaylorMade Distance+ | Srixon Soft Feel | Callaway Supersoft Max | |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Price Score | 92.6 | 93.2 | 92.6 |
Distance Score | 95.4 | 91.6 | 86.1 |
Spin Score | 83.7 | 86.4 | 81.3 |
Rating | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4 Stars |
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Our team spends thousands of hours trying out and researching golf equipment to help you take your game to the next level. Here’s our product review process.
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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 balls 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 balls, we considered these criteria:
- Cost
- Speed
- Aerodynamics
- Launch
- Alignment aids
- Spin
- Durability
Read more: Best Amateur Golf Balls
7 Best Golf Balls for Slower Swing Speeds
1. TaylorMade Distance+ – Overall Best Golf Ball For Slow Swing Speeds
Pros
- Affordable
- Prompts maximum ball speed
- Aerodynamic
- Encourages a high launch
- Includes an alignment arrow for superior aiming
Cons
- Reduced greenside spin
- The cover scuffs faster than a urethane design
Specs
- Ultra-soft cover feel with a two-piece construction
- White and yellow colors available
To top the list as the overall best golf ball for slower swing speeds, it needs to be affordable and generate optimal ball speed and low spin in your long game. The TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls tick all these boxes, making them the best choice for 2023.
Features
I’ve found the TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls to be a godsend. They are wallet-friendly and specifically designed to maximize ball speed. Unlike some other balls I’ve tried, their aerodynamic nature aids in achieving a high launch.
Plus, the superior aiming is boosted with an included alignment arrow, a thoughtful addition, to say the least.
However, as with most things, there’s always room for improvement. The TaylorMade’s ionomer cover scuffs quite easily when compared to a golf ball with a urethane design, say the Titleist Pro V1. Moreover, it falls short of delivering the kind of spin control I’d ideally want around the greens.
The two-piece construction of the ball consists of a React Speed Core and a 342-dimpled ionomer cover. Boasting a compression rating of 77 yields a soft, inviting feel, a characteristic that adds to the charm. As the core unloads energy upon impact, it promotes speed, resulting in a high, forceful launch and superior carry distance. The ionomer cover, harder in comparison, curtails backspin rpm, which further optimizes distance.
Furthermore, the dimple pattern maximizes lift and minimizes drag, boosting the ball flight and carry distance. The downside, though, is the reduced spin, which I’ve found to be slightly tricky regarding greenside control.
What caught my eye was the addition of an alignment aid on the cover, a small but significant feature that aids in aiming accurately. With this, the ball syncs well with your putter’s alignment kit, upping your chances of hitting the target line.
These balls come in packs of a dozen in traditional white and vibrant yellow. I’ve always leaned towards white, but the yellow variant offers better visibility on the golf course, a boon for those with sight issues.
Verdict
The TaylorMade Distance + is an affordable golf ball that maximizes ball speed and distance. That is why I consider it the best golf ball for slow swing speeds.
It is worth considering this ball if you struggle to generate speed during your swing or are on a budget.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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2. Srixon Soft Feel – Best Budget Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speed
Pros
- More greenside spin and control
- Straighter and longer ball flight with less side spin
- All-round performance at a good price
- Good sound and feel at contact
- Alignment marker on the side of the ball
Cons
- Durability of the ionomer cover
Specs
- Two-piece construction designed for slower swing speeds
- Available in the colors red, yellow, and green
The Srixon Soft Feel golf balls top my list as the best ball for slow-swing speed golfers on a budget. These balls are affordable, fast, and maximize distance and spin. For years, the Srixon Soft Feel has assisted amateurs in enhancing our long and short game.
At half the price of a box of premium balls, there was no way that they could be left off the list this year.
Features
The Soft Feel lives up to its name and is a 2-piece ball played by many golfers with slower swing speeds. I was really happy to see that Srixon reduced the compression on the latest model from 71 to 60. Ideal for swings between 72 to 83mph. But it will also perform to its maximum level for slightly higher speeds.
New technology, including the energetic gradient growth core, softer, thinner, and durable ionomer cover, offers all-around performance from tee to green. In addition, the 338-speed dimple pattern reduces side spin, which allowed me to aim for a higher launch and achieve a greater distance. The reduced side spin will be very welcome by golfers who slice or hook the ball from the tee.
They offer performance comparable to premium balls like the Titleist Pro V1 but at a lower price point. The alignment marker and reduced side spin make them a delight to play with, and they’re available in vibrant colors. However, the ionomer cover isn’t as durable as the Pro V1.
Despite this minor issue, these balls provide an all-around performance from tee to green, making them an excellent value for money and my pick for the best budget golf balls for slow swing speeds.
Verdict
The new level is an 11th-generation ball, and to continue such great support from golfers worldwide says it all. This ball delivers an all-around performance for slow swing speeds.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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Read more: The Best Srixon Golf Balls
3. Callaway Supersoft Max – Most Forgiving Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speeds
Pros
- Best suited to beginners
- Forgiving
- Produces rapid ball speed
- Lowers long game spin
- Promotes a consistent launch
Cons
- Oversized design may not appeal to advanced golfers
- Reduced greenside spin
Specs
- Uses a multi-material construction
- Available in matte red, matte green, matte pink, and matte orange
Callaway Supersoft Max balls have assisted golfers with producing optimal speed for years, and the latest version is no different. Added to an optimal long-distance game, Callaway designed this ball to offer maximum forgiveness, making it ideal for high handicappers and beginners.
Therefore, given the qualities of the Supersoft Max, it earns the final spot on our list of the best golf balls for 80 mph swing speed for 2023.
Features
As a long-term user of the Callaway Supersoft Max, I appreciate its speed and forgiveness. Combining a high-speed, low-compression core and an ionomer cover in this simple 2-piece design produces swift ball speeds and curbs spin in the long game. Although it’s perfectly suited for high handicappers and beginners, I have to acknowledge its oversized design might not appeal to seasoned golfers.
Another remarkable attribute of the Supersoft Max is its oversized construction. This design element enhances the consistency of my launches and the stability of my flights, leading to a superior level of forgiveness.
However, I can’t ignore the reduced durability this ball suffers from, which I attribute to the core-ionomer cover combo, limiting its lifespan. Plus, it doesn’t offer much spin or control around the green, hampering my accuracy.
What does pique my interest is the helpful alignment arrow featured on the ball, a boon for beginners working on lining up their putts and maintaining a straight course. Yet, compared to the TaylorMade Distance +, the Supersoft Max could improve greenside control.
Verdict
The Callaway Supersoft Max is an affordable, forgiving golf ball tailored for beginners and high handicappers. But the compromised spin and reduced greenside control may deter mid to low-handicappers from choosing this ball.
Despite these drawbacks, for a beginner player, it offers a great blend of distance and forgiveness that aids in improving my overall game.
Rating: 4 Stars
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Read more: The Best Callaway Golf Balls
4. Vice Pro Soft – Best Golf Balls For Low Handicap Slow Swingers
Pros
- Affordable premium quality golf balls
- Accelerates ball speed at impact
- Produces increased spin control around the green
- Lowers driver spin for optimal distance
- Stable ball flight
Cons
- The combination of a Surlyn mantle and a urethane cover reduces durability
Specs
- Three-piece cast urethane specs
- Available in light blue, living coral, neon lime, neon red, peach parfait, red and white
Interestingly, Vice Golf follows a direct-to-consumer business model, a clever move that lets them offer quality products at competitive prices. The Vice Pro Soft is a 3-piece golf ball that I’ve found ideal for low-handicap golfers with slow swing speeds like myself.
Features
The Vice Pro soft golf ball is a unique find in the market, thanks to Vice Golf’s direct-to-consumer business model, which ensures quality and competitive pricing. This 3-piece golf ball has become my ideal choice, particularly because of the High Energy Speed Core. This core aids in achieving rapid ball speed at impact, which significantly contributes to maximizing distance with my driver and long irons.
When I compare it with a ball like the Titleist Pro V1, the Vice Pro Soft shows a distinctive edge in restricting driver spin and improving ball stability while in flight, courtesy of its DuPont Surlyn mantle. Besides increasing distance, this combination especially suits moderate to slow swingers like me.
However, it’s not all a bed of roses. One area where the Pro V1 holds the fort is durability. I’ve noticed the Surlyn mantle and urethane cover combo on the Vice Pro Soft, despite its many benefits, tends to compromise longevity.
Still, the Vice Pro Soft’s soft urethane cover is a star performer, enhancing my spin RPM for improved control around the greens. I’ve enjoyed superior feedback and feel from tee to green, which definitely caters to low to mid-handicap golfers’ needs.
The 336 shallow dimple design minimizes drag and facilitates a mid-to-high-ball flight, ensuring consistent descent angle and carry distance.
The Pro Soft balls, available in traditional white and vibrant shades like lime and red, cater to various golfers. Buying these balls in bulk is smart if you’re like me and enjoy saving cash.
Despite the minor durability issue, the Vice Pro Soft has emerged as a versatile performer for golfers like me. The blend of premium quality and affordability has cemented it as my preferred choice in this category.
Verdict
The Vice Pro Soft golf balls are exceptional value for money compared to other urethane-covered golf balls. Not only do they produce explosive ball speed off the tee, but they also deliver optimal spin control around the greens.
These golf balls are ideal for low to mid-handicappers unwilling to spend a premium on popular brand names.
Rating: 4 Stars
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5. Titleist Tour Speed – Best Golf Ball For Distance With Slow Swing Speed
Pros
- Generates accelerated ball speed
- Lowers long game spin
- Boost spin for wedge shots for superior greenside control
- Delivers maximum distance
- Moderately urethane-covered golf ball
Cons
- Durability
Specs
- Three-piece construction with a thermoplastic urethane cover
- Available in the color white
If you desire a golf ball that delivers superior distance, keep reading. The Titleist Tour Speed is the best golf ball with a slow swing speed for distance.
This round dimple produces maximum speed, a penetrating ball flight, and optimal distance in your long game.
Conversely, its cast urethane cover increases spin control around the green for improved short-game performance.
Features
In my quest for superior distance, I discovered the Titleist Tour Speed, which has become my top pick for slow-swing speed golfers seeking distance. This ball’s round dimple design propels maximum speed, offers a penetrating ball flight, and optimizes distance in my long game. However, I must admit, I’ve found its durability to be a bit of a letdown, especially when compared to competitors such as the Titleist Pro V1 or Pro V1X.
The key feature of the Tour Speed is its tech-powered core paired with an ionomer mantle. This unique duo delivers explosive ball speed and low spin on long shots, which, in my experience, leads to an optimal launch and adds crucial yards to my long game.
The 346-deep quadrilateral-dipyramid construction of the Tour Speed has been a game-changer, producing a penetrating ball flight that generates increased forward momentum upon landing. This results in a further roll, helping me gain additional yards during my long game.
But it’s not all about distance. I was pleasantly surprised with how well the Tour Speed performs around the green. Its thermoplastic urethane cover allows the ball to press into the sharp grooves of my wedge shots, inducing extra backspin RPM for superior control on the green.
While these balls provide a soft cover feel due to their 3-piece construction, the collaboration between an ionomer mantle and a urethane cover seems to compromise the ball’s durability.
Verdict
In summary, the Titleist Tour Speed maximizes long-game distance and enhances wedge spin for superior greenside control. Furthermore, it is more affordable than a Titleist Pro V1 or Pro V1X.
Although not as durable, it delivers all-around performance from tee to green at a mid-range price. These are ideal for mid-handicappers looking for an all-around performer.
Rating: 4 Stars
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Read more: Full Review of Titleist Tour Speed
6. Bridgestone e6 – Best Golf Ball For High Handicap Slow Swing Speeds
Pros
- Reduced sidespin for straighter shots
- Durable cover enhances longevity
- Soft feel with distance control
- Affordable for a high-performance ball
Cons
- Not ideal for golfers needing high spin around the greens
Specs
- Two-piece construction with Surlyn cover
- Available in white and optic yellow
The Bridgestone e6 golf balls are designed specifically for high-handicap golfers with slow swing speeds. With the ability to reduce sidespin, these balls help achieve straighter shots, enhancing your game.
Features
In my experience with the Bridgestone e6, I’ve found them to be a remarkable blend of science and technology for the game of golf. They leverage a two-piece design incorporating an advanced mantle layer and a tough Surlyn cover, curated meticulously for both durability and performance.
One of the e6’s standout features is its unique Delta Dimple design. This well-thought-out pattern is engineered to minimize drag. Modifying the airflow around the ball reduces air resistance to ensure more fluid and straighter flights. As a result, it drastically lowers the tendency for unwanted hooks and slices, much to a golfer’s delight.
At the heart of the e6 lies a low-compression core that gives the ball a responsive and satisfying soft feel. Though the feeling is appreciable, I can’t overlook its con – it cannot generate substantial spin near the greens. Comparatively, the Titleist Pro V1 offers better spin control.
Despite this shortcoming, the e6’s features aim to enhance distance, specifically addressing the requirements of golfers with slower swing speeds.
Verdict
Overall, Bridgestone e6 golf balls are an excellent choice for high-handicap golfers with slower swing speeds who seek straight flights, a soft feel, and value for money. Even though its greenside spin might be lacking, the overall performance and affordability make the e6 a contender to consider in your golfing repertoire.
Rating: 3 Stars
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7. Wilson Staff Duo Soft – Best Value Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speeds
Pros
- Lowest compression for maximum distance
- Exceptional soft feel
- Enhanced greenside control
- Affordable
Cons
- May lack durability
Specs
- Two-piece construction with ionomer cover
- Available in white and various matte colors
Wilson Staff Duo Soft golf balls are perfect for slow swing speed players looking for a combination of performance and value. These balls are designed with the lowest compression, promoting maximum distance.
Features
I’ve observed the Wilson Staff Duo Soft golf balls as a unique blend of technology and innovation, specifically catering to golfers with slower swing speeds. The Duo Soft embraces a two-piece design featuring a flexible ionomer cover, a material renowned for imparting a soft feel to the ball.
What stood out to me was its distinctive 302-dimple pattern, designed precisely to sustain a stable and penetrating flight trajectory. This is a crucial characteristic for golfers aiming to achieve consistent long shots.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was the softness of its core, which is 29% softer compared to the traditional Duo. This subtle but essential modification ensures a uniquely soft impact, thereby maximizing distance.
However, despite its commendable greenside control, I can’t ignore the fact that the ionomer cover might not exhibit the same durability as its urethane counterparts, such as the Titleist Pro V1. Yet, in its defense, the Duo Soft is a quintessential example of a golf ball that balances affordability with performance quality.
Verdict
In my final evaluation, the Wilson Staff Duo Soft golf balls offer great value, perfectly balancing distance, a soft feel, and greenside control. If you’re a slow-swinging golfer on the hunt for an affordable yet high-performing option, the Duo Soft is a worthy consideration.
Rating: 3.6 Stars
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Read more: The Best Golf Balls for Average Golfers
Factors To Consider When Purchasing Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speeds
Swing Speed
Knowing your swing speed is the “holy grail” of improving performance and playing consistent golf.
Swing speed can be tested at any golf retail outlet or on a range with a PGA professional. One word of warning about the test. Don’t only hit the driver but also long and mid-irons to establish a swing speed through the set.
Remember that your iron speed is about 75% of the driver’s speed, so don’t let your ego cloud the results.
Once you know your swing speed, it helps you identify the preferred ball for your game. Golf.com explains that players with a swing speed exceeding 105 mph are considered very fast swingers. However, anyone under 83 mph is considered a slow swinger.
Fast swingers generate sufficient clubhead and ball speed to not require additional assistance. Conversely, slower swingers need the extra compression at impact to create a rebounding effect off the clubface. That imparts optimal speed on the ball to help you gain more yards.
As we age, our swing speed naturally declines, so we also created a guide to the best golf balls for seniors.
Ball Speed
You need a combination of ball speed and spin to maximize your distance. If you are a faster-swinging player who naturally generates maximum speed, you do not need to worry about this. However, slower players need a ball that helps them optimize ball speed.
Your best bet is to look for a ball with a low compression rating. These balls squash against your clubface at impact for additional rebound, leading to increased ball speed and distance.
Spin Rate
Spin rpm impacts your launch’s height and overall distance. If you generate excessive backspin rpm, you will balloon your shot, and the ball will stop dead when it lands.
That is beneficial on shorter shots where you must rapidly stop the ball on the green. But Trackman explains that increased spin is not welcome in the wind or when trying to maximize distance, as it reduces roll upon landing.
Compression
Golf ball compression varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but knowing this will enhance performance. Some manufacturers have reduced the compression rating to 35. This enables slow swingers to still get the ball out there and remain competitive with their weekly fourball.
Simply put, compression is the amount the ball “distorts” through impact with the club head. Put another way, if the ball is not compressed sufficiently. Understanding this bit of physics should help you choose the right ball to achieve the best results. No compression, No distance!
Cover Material
The ball’s outer cover will determine some of its characteristics. The main construction methods either use Urethane or Surlyn. Urethane is softer than Surlyn and delivers more spin for players who want a very soft feel and greenside control, while the slightly more robust Surlyn is more durable but delivers less spin and more distance. Golfers who crave distance will like the harder feel off the clubface.
Layer Construction
The next consideration is layer construction. Today golf balls are available in 2, 3, 4, or 5-piece. (TaylorMade makes the only 5-piece ball currently on the market.) This gives huge scope to select the best golf balls from almost any manufacturer.
The more popular 2-piece ball has a solid center core, with the hard Surlyn cover producing more distance. It also has a harder feel off the clubface and spins less. Most lower compression balls are 2-piece.
The 3-piece ball has a solid or liquid center core, an outer layer of rubber, and a soft Urethane cover. The 4 and 5-piece have various similar combinations but with different characteristics. Added spin and a soft feel will please players who demand feel around the green.
Dimples
impact your golf ball’s lift, drag, and flight. According to Snell Golf, manufacturers implement different patterns to optimize the ball’s aerodynamics. But, it is the depth of the dimples that are most impactful.
Deep dimples help lower a ball’s flight, which is ideal for players who generate excess spin and balloon shots. Conversely, shallow dimples promote a higher flight suited to players who consistently struggle to launch their balls.
Read more: Check out the Best Golf Balls for Women
Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speed FAQs
What is a Slow Swing Speed?
According to Golf.com and True Spec Golf, any driver swing speed below 83 mph is considered slow. In addition, those who swing under 72 mph play with a very slow or ladies' swing speed.
What Type Of Golf Ball Is Best For Slow Swing Speed?
As our guide reveals, low compression golf balls are the best golf ball for a slow swing speed. An example of a low compression golf ball is the Srixon Soft Feel design.
Are Low Compression Golf Balls Better For Slow Swing Speeds?
Golf.com explains that it is more beneficial to slow swingers to play with a low compression ball. If you cannot compress the ball at impact, you will struggle to launch your ball consistently. As a result, you will lose carry and total distance.
What Golf Ball Should I Use With A 80 MPH Swing Speed?
If your average driver swing speed is below 83 mph, it is viewed on the slower spectrum. Therefore, anything below this speed should use a low compression golf ball. As a result, the best golf ball for 80 mph swing speed in 2022 is the TaylorMade Distance +.
Are Pro V1 Good For Slow Swing Speeds?
Absolutely not. Pro V1 golf balls possess a compression rating of around 90, which is better designed for players with faster swing speeds. That is why it is a common feature on the PGA and European Tours.
If you seek a golf ball that maximizes your distance, run through our guide on the best golf balls for most golfers.
Is A Hard Or Soft Ball Better For Slow Swing Speed?
Soft balls are better for slow swing speeds. A softer golf ball tends to have a lower compression rating, making it easier to hit longer distances with slower swing speeds. Hard balls, on the other hand, have a higher compression rating, so a high swing speed is necessary to reach the same distance. That’s why most of the best balls for distance are often hard.
Final Thoughts
Golfers with slow swing speeds benefit more from golf balls with a low compression rating. The reduced rating lets you compress the ball at impact to improve your speed and lower your long game spin. In addition, ionomer covers lower spin, while urethane increases it for superior greenside control.
What’s the best golf ball for slow swing speeds? If we had to make a recommendation for the best out of the five, we would recommend the Srixon Soft Feel because it’s the best all-around golf ball that will work for most people.
Let us recap our winners for 2023 before calling it a day. The best budget golf balls are the Srixon Soft Feel, and the Vice Pro Soft, which fit lower handicaps best.
Titleist claimed the longest ball for slow swingers with their Tour Speed, while the Callaway Supersoft Max is the answer for beginners and high handicappers.
However, despite their performance, the winner of the best golf balls for slow swing speed is hands down the TaylorMade Distance +.
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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