If extra yards are your key requirement, check out our guide to the best distance golf balls on the market...
Best Distance Golf Balls
There are lots of things golfers would like their golf ball to do. But precious few would ever say no to a few extra yards and this is where the best distance golf balls can give you an added advantage on the course.
From the best golf balls down to budget 15-ball packs, there’s barely a ball on the market where distance isn’t a major consideration for the manufacturer or for the consumer.
But while tour-calibre balls are just as concerned about spin, control and feel, our focus here is on those distance golf balls whose primary attribute is unashamedly how far they go.
This does mean that there are sacrifices you will have to make elsewhere. Manufacturers are, however, often now cramming as much feel as possible into balls whose primary motive is extra yards.
Manufacturers are also adding better alignment aids and more colour options to the latest distance balls on the market too, so there is plenty to choose from.
Many distance balls do now offer improved feel and playability. But closer to the green they will inevitably feel firmer and come off the clubface quicker on those delicate shots and putts. A lob over a bunker to a tight pin will definitely be a tougher proposition than with a softer ball.
Most distance balls use a two-piece design comprising merely a cover and a core, rather than the multi-layer constructions used in premium golf balls. It is this simple construction that paves the way to perhaps the distance golf ball’s biggest plus – the price you pay.
Due to the way they are made, distance balls are often some of the cheapest on the market. If you’re new to the game, or tend to despatch more than your fair share to the jungle, you’ll be looking for the best value golf balls and won’t want to be shelling out too much for your ammo.
So, if price and distance are more important than all-round performance, these are the best distance golf balls you should be checking out.
Also make sure you check out some of our other golf ball guides too, such as the best golf balls for high handicappers or the best mid price golf balls.
Best Distance Golf Balls – The Best Golf Balls For Distance
Srixon Distance Golf Ball
Our Pick
+ Ideal for 80+mph swing speeds
+ High penetrating ball flight
– Durable cover is very hard
The latest Srixon Distance model boasts a softer compression than the previous version. It delivers optimum distance via greater initial velocity and a higher launch angle for a penetrating ball flight.
The dimple count is down significantly too (108 fewer), which Srixon says will reduce drag and increase lift for better performance in all wind conditions. The durable cover is engineered for greater cut-proof durability
Callaway Warbird Golf Ball
Best For Speed Off The Face
+ Highly compressible core unlocks greater distance potential at any swing speed
+ HEX aerodynamics in the cover reduce drag for added hang time and distance
– May launch too high for those who struggle to keep their flight down
Callaway has used the Warbird name for several decades now, and it has become synonymous with distance and speed in its ball range.
The latest model uses a two-piece construction with an extra-large, high-energy core to promote distance with a high launch at different swing speeds.
The ionomer cover adds feel and control around the greens, with its HEX Aerodynamics design reducing drag to generate more speed, greater hang time and added distance.
Callaway Warbird Golf Ball Review
Titleist Velocity Golf Ball
Most Colour Options
+ Latest cover design brings added feel
+ Colour options to suit all tastes
– Feels especially firm off the putter
The latest Titleist Velocity model features a larger, higher-speed LSX core that boosts ball speed on all full shots while keeping spin down for optimum distance. The updated cover retains the Velocity’s renowned distance attributes, while adding a greater element of feel for more greenside playability.
Aerodynamics have been improved via a dimple design that promotes a high-flying trajectory for greater stopping power with your irons. Available in white or matte pink, green and orange.
To take a full in-depth look at the rest of the Titleist range, have a read of our best Titleist golf balls guide.
Bridgestone e12 Contact Golf Ball
Available In Matte Colours
+ New Contact dimples allow more contact at impact for better energy transfer
+ Slightly lower spin than previous e12 models helps reduce sidespin
– It’s all about straightness so won’t be as workable as some balls
For 2021, Bridgestone has replaced its e12 Soft and e12 Speed balls with one new model – the Bridgestone e12 Contact.
The key to performance is a new and distinctive Contact Force dimple, which features a visible raised area in the centre.
This raised area allows for 38% more contact between clubface and ball at impact than traditional dimples, improving core activation for more efficient energy transfer.
The end result is improved ball speed, distance and accuracy with every club, plus a little more grip and spin around the green thanks to the increased levels of contact.
Available in white, matte green, matte red, and matte yellow.
TaylorMade Distance + Golf Ball
Best For Alignment
+ REACT Speed Core and aerodynamic cover design boost ball speeds
+ New ‘plus’ alignment helps you line up and aim better on the greens
– As with any distance ball, feel and control are not its primary attributes
The TaylorMade Distance+ ball is about speed and distance, with its REACT Speed Core and aerodynamic 342-dimple pattern promoting low-drag, high-velocity performance.
The soft ionomer cover not only provides decent greenside feel, but also boosts the ball’s scuff- and shear-resistant properties for greater durability.
The final part of the package is a new cross-shaped ‘plus’ alignment stamp to help you line up and aim properly with the putter.
Honma D1 Golf Ball
Best For Soft Feel
+ Feels soft but still performs for distance
+ Great value when buying a multipack
– Not many alignment aids
This two piece ball from Honma is up there with the very best when it comes to adding pure distance on to your shots.
The Honma D1 golf ball is constructed with a combination high-repulsion rubber core and mid ionomer cover to provide a soft feel with the performance of a harder ball. It is without a doubt the softest of the distance balls we’ve tried.
We did find this ball a bit plain to look down at though. If you prefer this clean look at address, great, but we’d recommend using a tool to draw some alignment aids on.
Wilson Tour Velocity Tour Distance Golf Ball
Best Value
+ Excellent value for those starting out
+ Dimple pattern enhances power from the tee
– Cover may feel too hard on putts
This low-compression Wilson ball promises extreme distance via a hard ionomer cover material that optimises trajectory for maximum distance and roll. An enhanced aerodynamic dimple pattern adds to the power potential from the tee.
Although a low-compression ball overall, its mid-compression core introduces an element of greenside playability.
Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball
Best For All Abilities
+ Longer off both driver and irons
+ Suitable for all abilities
– Slightly softer than previous generations which may not appeal to all
The Pinnacle name has long been associated with good-value distance golf balls and the latest Rush is no exception.
It’s the high-energy core that drives performance, generating faster ball speeds with every club. An icosahedral dimple design, comprising 332 dimples in a soft, durable ionomer cover, promises a consistent, powerful ball flight with more than a hint of feel.
Vice Drive Golf Ball
Best For Slower Swing Speeds
+ One of the lowest-priced branded balls on the market
+ Extremely cut-resistant cover for durability
– Not suitable for faster swing speeds
It is the Vice Drive’s soft Energy Speed Core that generates extra distance for beginners and those with low to medium swing speeds.
The durable Surlyn cover is highly cut-resistant on mishits or misadventures, with 312 large dimples keeping air resistance to a minimum for a stable ball flight. This latest Drive model offers higher wedge spin rates for greater control close to the green.
Vice may be relatively unknown compared to other brands in this list, but for more information, take a look at our best Vice golf balls piece.
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