golfrewind.com

Hey all,

Simple question...I have to buy my first set of balls and I'm just wondering which would be best...I know I want something that will not be affected by spin because, though it's becoming more and more of a rarity, I still tend to slice sometimes. I've been thinking about just getting used balls (several people on craigslist sell balls they've salvaged from courses that I guess are just brand new and what not for like $3-$5 per dozen) but I just wanted to know if any would be better for me at this point. Thanks

Well, a really important question, too me anyway, is how many balls do you lose in a typical round? The reason I ask is because I think that what ball you spend your money on is dependent on how you answer this question.

For example, if you lose more than 8 balls a round, I think that it is probably silly to buy anything but those "recycled" balls, whether from the Internet or in Sprawl-Mart. And, if you are losing that many balls, I'd get the cheapest ones you can find, mixed balls and all, because, until your ballstriking improves it probably just isn't going to matter.

Now, if you are losing 4 to maybe 7 a round, then recycled balls that are all the same brand/model is what I'd recommend. You will eventually want to play all the same ball (or similar styles) so that you know how the ball will respond -- how much curve the ball will have, how much it will spin around the greens, what it feels like when it putts. But, 4-7 a round is still going to be expensive if you are buying them brand new, so high graded recycled balls of all the same brand is probably a good bet here.

If you are losing 3 or less, I'd suggest new balls. Most of the recycled balls have been found at the bottom of a pond/lake, and it is unknown just how long that ball was sitting there. One day? One month? One year? Who knows, and by sitting in the water for a long time, the balls do get affected. They become just a little heavier and they lose springiness. And, if you aren't losing too many balls, you probably want to know that when you hit the ball exactly right, it will fly exactly right. You don't want it flying lower and losing distance. A big thing is that the golf swing has so many variables in it as it is, you don't need the ball itself being too variable in addition. You could end up making a perfect shot and yet the ball flies in a weird way simply because it spent 2 winters on the bottom of a lake before someone drudged it up.

Now, brand new balls don't have to be super expensive. The two-piece balls out there today are becoming very good. Their spin and distance are starting to rival the really expensive three-piece balls. Packs like the Top Flight D2 and Noodles often come 15 to a pack, instead of 12. If you shop at Sprawl-Mart or Target, they sually have close-out balls that come in double dozen packs comparable in price to the packs that are only 1 dozen. Maxfli Revolutions and Precept Laddies right now can both be found in those double dozen packs. But, there are very good two-piece balls for $20 or so a dozen. Plus, if you search the internet, search for sales, sign up for the company's discount cards, etc. you can always find good deals. When you become really confident in your abilities, then you can start picking out the balls that behave the way you want -- i.e. more distance, or more spin, etc.

(EDITED to add: I just looked at rockbottomgolf.com and just as an example there is a 48 ball pack of brand new, factory sealed Wilson balls for $28. Brand new balls don't have to be expensive at all.)

Finally, those guidelines I posted above are only approximate. If your home course has a lot of water, you're just going to lose more balls than someone who plays a course with very little water. And, you have to decide what factors are really important. If it is more important to save money (and who doesn't want to?) than to have brand sparkling new balls, then by all means go recycled. There are members of forums all over the internet who swear by recycled balls and think that paying full price is nuts. Just as there are members who think that using a ball that's been sitting in the water for any amount of time is nuts. It comes down to what you want, really.

Yea, I'd def like to keep costs down (I'm a student). The course I play on is very forgiving, so I lose about 5 balls a game. I'll probably end up getting recycled balls of the same type then.

If you have a Dicks Sporting Goods locally go check out the slazenfer Raws...they are $19.99-$24.99 for a double pack of 15 (30 total) I LOVE them and recommend them anytime I can, DSG also has Nike SFT 2's which are nice for $24.99 double dozen.

Any wal-mart ball would be fine as well

Precept is my vote. 24 balls for 20 bucks. good deal for begginer or anybody with a low budget

Look through some of the old threads on recycled balls. I'd buy from one of those places that other members had good recommendations for. I've done business with rockbottomgolf.com and golfballs.com, and been very satisfied with both (though I haven't bough recycled balls from either). I am sure that there are other very good recycled ball companies out there. I'd stick with some of the more reputable ones, they're much more likely to stick to their grading system and send out better quality balls than just ship you some junk balls.

Yep precept laddies. The problem with the recylced balls is I still see a lot of old hard rock flites and old hard pinnacles in the mix nobody should have to play with those.

i'd say top flite...always a good first fit IMO

Very simple answer, you do not have any skills so there is no reason to pay for a performance ball. That applies to 99% of all golfers who have a double-digit handicap.

Buy a good value ball like Top-Flite, buck a ball or less. Second comment don't hold anyone up behind you looking for errant shots, drop one and get on with it.

Wow, just wow. That is a horrible thing to say. And what proof do you have on your 99% claim? None, didn't think so. My second comment, show a little respect and be patient. You learn by losing golf balls. And I would expect someone like you to know the difficulty of being a beginner.

Any "bargain" ball will suffice. Personally, I'd buy recycled balls or the cheapest thing you can find. There's honestly not much difference in the $25 per dozen and cheaper golf ball. The only thing worth the extra bucks is a urethane cover if you're interested in more spin on 1/2 shots and pitches.

I'd go with an inexpensive ball. The Top Flite D2 Feel has actually been well received by better players but it's really inexpensive. Maybe $1 a ball or even less. My local course sells used balls at $0.50 a pop. I think that's an even better option if you're a beginner.

Wait until you can develop some consistency in your game before you go ahead and invest some serious change in golf balls.

my friend has a huge slice and he can make most golf balls spin. if you're trying to reduce spin alot than try a pinnacle, but if your just trying to get rid of a little spin than go with a ball like the titleist pro-V1x. i use the pro-V1x and my wedges and short irons normally hit, take about a 1-foot hop, and stop, sometimes with a little spin, about half a foot.

go to my thread "do you need help?" if you have anymore questions

FunkyFedora,

I was not being mean, just realistic with no beating around the bush. No beginner has the skills to use a performance ball; it will only make their problems worse from added spin rates. Like myself and the majority of the others have stated is: go buy an inexpensive ball.

OK so I exaggerated when I said 99% of all golfers are double digit handicapper, the real number is 95.4% according to the USGA statistics. It was too make a point that most golfers are blinded by good marketers and advertisements into buying above their means.

Wait, why has someone suggested a ProV-1 to a beginner... See reply #13...

????? 1 foot hop and stop? The guy is just starting out !!!!!