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Balls - does brand make a difference?

• JasCooper 528 Posts

  Sun, Aug 8 2021 6:53 PM

  I’ve tried a lot of different of balls trying to figure out the best balance of backspin and distance without spending a fortune on slow meter, or diminishing advantages. But I wonder if the brand of ball gives it certain characteristics that aren’t reflected in the stats? Titleist seems to be a preferred brand but typically more expensive for similar specs.

  Is there something people know that I don’t about these things? Especially about spin, which seems to behave differently for every ball with the amount of backspin you apply.

  Here’s an example. TM has more distance and spin and is 125 credits cheaper.

  

• Tabarnak777 176 Posts

  Sun, Aug 8 2021 10:06 PM

  Only stats showed should represent the abilities. The brand does nothing. In this picture you have a player at level 70 how has the possibility to get better stats from a ball just earlier than normal state. With more credit spent, of course.

• woodrush407 909 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 12:11 AM

  I played the Nike Platinum & the Nike Black before they left the pro shop and play the Taylor Made L93, I like the distance and spin, cost is what drives me to continue with these balls.

  have fun

  keep it in the short grass!

• Yiannis1970 3,306 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 11:49 AM

  Overall Titleists are better balls than TMs but not by much. The important thing to have in mind whatever ball you pick is to stick with it (if you like the way it plays) and learn it quite well. If you are not happy with it, you can always try a different ball that suits better your style in game. Sometimes the topography of the courses dictates the way you are playing. For instance, Olympic and PB don't like full back spin shots with heavy back spin ball stats....in this case, you need to adjust your play accordingly.

  I remember Chris (fmagnets) playing with different balls depending on the course. He didn't change his way of playing, but he did change his ball (less or more back spin) in order to keep playing the way he usually does.

• SamSpayed 5,021 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 12:45 PM

  Yiannis1970:

  Overall Titleists are better balls than TMs but not by much.

  Would you care to explain your logic there, Yiannis?  Because this comparison would appear to refute what you're saying.

  JasCooper:

  TM has more distance and spin and is 125 credits cheaper.

  

• Mythanatos 2,216 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 1:36 PM

  SamSpayed:

  Yiannis1970:

  Overall Titleists are better balls than TMs but not by much.

  Would you care to explain your logic there, Yiannis?  Because this comparison would appear to refute what you're saying.

  JasCooper:

  TM has more distance and spin and is 125 credits cheaper.

  

  i think it's more of a level availability. you can get them earlier. similarly the level 40 titlist is very close to the level 81 TM. but 40 levels earlier

• Yiannis1970 3,306 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 3:48 PM

  Not talking about specs. Specs are just numbers. I say that Titleist plays better because it has a smoother landing (TM seems a bit harder in landing) and gets affected by the wind (especially facewinds) way less than TMs when you play full back spin shots. Both balls have a great loft and apex, so when you are used to play most of your shots with full or almost full back spin, Titleist seems an easier ball to handle.

  A ball that gets affected by the wind less, means use of lighter irons (better) and aiming points closer to the flag. This is a great advantage when you play high winds.

• SamSpayed 5,021 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 4:44 PM

  Excellent.  Thank you, Yiannis.

• el3n1 4,502 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 4:55 PM

  JasCooper:

  I wonder if the brand of ball gives it certain characteristics that aren’t reflected in the stats?

  not that I am aware of - the only person I believe may have a chance of having a slight idea would be the resident tech guru.  he referenced some ball / club type criteria in another post of various "factors" utilized to determine shot results - but not sure  - but I have no idea whether WGT uses a "brand" factor that creates more or less variance with a shot.

  It is always possible - but would be relatively nominal to all other factors involved in a shot.

  When you compare the L87 Titleist to the L93 TM which is 225 credits less - and note how similar (not suggesting identical) the balls play - I have to believe it is a "marketing" ploy to encourage people to buy the more expensive ball.

  Consider this - the top players in the etour - generally use the L87 because that is what they have their ball mapping notes on with those clubs --- Golfx3 typically uses the L93 TM and look at his record against the other top players in this game in the etour.   You still think it is all in the ball?

  Now - consider Fmagnets used a L51 Volvik while playing another individual with the L87 Titleist - and who won? Mags won with the cheap ole L51 Volvik.  Mags likely made that choice based on the course being used because in other events he opts for a different ball with etour clubs.

  The point being - I suspect the label means squat - it is whether you know your club/ball combo and can execute the shots - and WGT VEM gods permitting - get reasonable variance to have makeable putts.

  If I learn of a strategic advantage that using a 1000 credit Titleist will automatically cover the increased cost - then maybe I will explore that option - until then - I think it is better and wise - to play the most cost effective ball for the course and conditions you can feel competitive playing - and feel comfortable with how it plays for you.

  just in case anyone checks - the ONLY reason I have a L40 titleist in my bag right now - is because I won them in the showdown and did not pay for them.  If I were to buy a comparable ball - I would like opt for L61/L48 TM in its place to save the credits.  After all - ongoing ball cost is possibly one of the single biggest expenses we all confront - so managing that cost - whether it comes out of our pocket, from 2 credit videos, or credits we may be lucky enough to win - is a choice we try to balance out.

  Good luck. 

• Yiannis1970 3,306 Posts

  Mon, Aug 9 2021 5:32 PM

  SamSpayed:

  Excellent.  Thank you, Yiannis.

   

  You are welcome.