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But they’re not for everyone. Here are my top 3 low compression golf ball picks:
Low compression golf balls are great for beginners because they can significantly enhance your distance. They are engineered to compress more easily upon impact, translating to greater distance — especially beneficial if your swing speed isn’t quite Tour-level yet.
One of our writers, Matt Callcott-Stevens, loves low-compression golf balls like the Srixon Q-Star Tours. I chatted with him to get his impression and that of the other coaches on our team, so read on to learn how soft golf balls can help you and why they might not be right for you.
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I started Golfspan years ago after a 15-year career instructing and coaching golfers, and I meticulously researched and reviewed each of the products below. Following this, an editor combed through all of the information to ensure it reads well and is factual. We also regularly review our content as the market changes to bring you the latest in golfing gear.
For this post, I considered the following criteria:
- Cost
- Compression rating
- Distance
- Feel
- Spin
Read more: The Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds
7 Best Low Compression Golf Balls
1. Bridgestone e-12 Contact – Best Overall
Bridgestone e-12 Contact golf balls, with a compression of 70, are designed for straight flight and great short-game spin, and I was impressed with the improvement on its predecessor with more surface contact for longer, straighter shots. While not the cheapest, I believe its performance justifies the investment for golfers seeking straighter play.
2. Callaway Supersoft – Softest Pick
The Callaway Supersoft golf ball stands out with a super-low compression of 38 and a new softer cover for more greenside spin, and I found it to be perfect for golfers with swing speeds around 70 mph. I appreciate that it’s affordable yet performs like a premium ball, although I did notice its soft cover can attract dirt easily.
3. Srixon Soft Feel – Budget Pick
Srixon Soft Feel is the softest in Srixon’s lineup, and I was taken aback by the impressive distance and better short-game spin compared to many competitors. While I must admit its ionomer cover is scuff-prone and the soft feel may mute putt feedback, I can’t ignore its affordability and color variety, which make it a great option for budget-conscious golfers.
4. Titleist’s Tour Soft
Titleist’s Tour Soft offers a large core and 65 compression for senior golfers, with superb short game spin but a price tag that may give pause. I found that despite occasional challenges with spin control, its performance may be well worth the investment for the right player.
5. TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft
The TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft lives up to its name with a soft core and long drives, ideal for slow swingers. I think it’s straight on the drive but demands skill for spin in the short game, yet its low cost makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious golfers.
6. Bridgestone e6
The Bridgestone e6 remains a go-to for exceptional distance with a 50 compression rating and a larger, softer core. While it sacrifices short game spin, I was pleased with its excellent putting feel and affordability, making it a frontrunner for distance-seeking golfers.
7. Callaway’s Chrome Soft
Callaway’s Chrome Soft, with a 70 compression, is a premium, versatile ball offering distance and a soft feel. I feel that though pricier and less spin-friendly in the short game, its overall performance may justify the cost for faster swingers.
Pros of Low Compression Golf Balls
Low-compression golf balls have their advantages, and the most important positives are:
Soft Feel
Most players like the ball to have a soft feel around the greens and not feel like hitting a rock. Great golfers know that your play around the green is what makes you score well.
That is why low-compression golf balls are superior to other balls around the green, and it makes them stand out.
Ability to Spin
The high spin rate that low-compression golf balls give players can be awesome. If you are skilled, you can make a ball stop on a dime or spin your iron shots back on the green, just like you see on television.
But certain golfers might dislike the amount of spin you can get from a soft ball. It all depends on your ability to control the spin and use it to your advantage in most situations.
Added Distance
Probably the biggest reason why golfers seek out low compression golf balls is because of the advertised added distance that you get. Especially for players with slow swing speeds, a low compression golf ball might give you the extra pop to reach greens in fewer shots.
The distance factor makes low compression golf balls appealing to beginner golfers who struggle with long holes. Seniors with slower swing speeds find these balls helpful because of the added distance and ability to compress the ball.
Read more: The Best Golf Balls For The Average Golfer
Cons of Low Compression Golf Balls
While there are obviously a lot of positives to soft balls, they can also be a detriment to your game. Here’s why you wouldn’t want to use low compression balls.
Too Much Spin
While spin is great in some cases, it is also bad in others. If you have a habit of slicing or hooking, a high spin rate is exactly what you do not want. You would want a golf ball that spins less, so your hook or slice is not as dramatic.
Too much spin can also really hurt you in your short game, especially for golfers who do not like to carry their shots and have the ball checked by the pin. For golfers who like to bump and run and not spin, a low-compression golf ball might not be for you.
Bad Feeling
While some golfers love the feel of these balls, there are, of course, golfers who can’t stand the soft feeling. Especially with their long game, some golfers might think that the ball is just too soft.
While it is not really a negative side of low compression golf balls, it all depends on your ideal feel and what you think is right. Golfers with high swing speeds could hit these balls and feel awful because they compress the ball so much.
Read more: The Very Best Golf Balls For Seniors and Older Players
Which Golfers Should Use Low Compression Golf Balls?
The types of golfers that should use low compression golf balls:
- Beginner golfers who want more distance off the tee
- Players with slow swing speeds
- Women/Senior golfers with slow swing speeds
- Players who love the soft feel around the greens
The best companies to shop for when looking at low compression golf balls are:
- Titleist
- Bridgestone
- Callaway
- Srixon
- Vice
Keep in mind that there certainly are a lot of great companies that are producing these types of balls. It all comes down to personal preference.
Read more: The Best Golf Balls for Women
Types of Low Compression Golf Balls
Urethane
A urethane low compression ball is usually the most expensive low compression ball on the market. The added feel the urethane balls give golfers is incredible and makes them a favorite for great short-game players. A major downside is that the longevity of the balls makes them expensive in the long run.
Two-Piece
A two-piece low compression golf ball is the most common low-compression ball on the market. The main selling point for these is added distance for beginner golfers. When starting off in the sport, golfers want to get as much distance as possible, and a two-piece ball is perfect.
Three-Piece
A three-piece low compression golf ball is perfect for players who do not put as much emphasis on distance and more on feel. Low handicap golfers who love having a soft feel around the green usually go for three-piece balls because of the feel.
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.
