Most club golfers aren't blessed with tour pro swing speeds, hence the need for our guide to the best golf balls for slow swing speeds
Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds
Before we delve into what we think are the best golf balls for slow swing speeds, it might be handy just to clarify what kind of swing speeds we’re talking about.
TrackMan has accumulated considerable data over the years, and last year stated that the average male golfer in the 14-15 handicap range has a swing speed of 93.4mph with the driver, generating 214 yards off the tee. So, anything down in the 80s would be in the slower half of the swing speed scale.
The average male scratch golfer is up at 110mph, while tour pros average 113mph, with the big boys up in to the 120s.
While many club golfers might naturally lean towards the premium tour balls that better players rely on, their slower swing speeds won’t be able to reap maximum benefit from them in terms of distance.
The superior short-game performance those balls also offer may make that a price worth paying for some, but for others, getting as much distance as possible out of their swings will be a more pressing priority. Thankfully nearly all ball manufacturers make models designed to help them do just that.
If you’re aware that you’re not up there with the big boys (or girls) in terms of swing speed, whether that’s down to age (old or young), technique or perhaps injury, there are plenty of balls on the market that will help you squeeze a little more mileage out of what you do potentially have in the tank.
And the good news is that, because these are typically not the tour-calibre models, you’ll be shelling out less for your ammo too.
Read on to find out more about nine of the best golf balls for slow swing speeds…
Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds
TaylorMade Soft Response golf ball
+ Strong, true flight even in windy conditions
+ Shallower U-shaped dimples decrease drag and increase lift
– Not quite as much spin control as the sister Tour Response model
The TaylorMade Soft Response is one of two Response models sitting beneath the brand’s premium TP5 product, along with the Tour Response ball.
Soft Response has been designed with moderate swing speeds in mind, offering all-round performance with a softer feel, courtesy of a soft but durable ionomer cover.
The ZnO Flex 35-compression core helps maximise energy transfer at impact, with the Extended Flight Dimple pattern promoting decreased drag and increased lift. This allows the ball to stay in the air for longer at lower spin rates.
Available in white, yellow or pink.
Mizuno RB566 golf ball
+ Extra hang time keeps the ball in the air for longer
+ Ideal choice for mid to low swing speeds in warm conditions
– The cover is highly durable but not the softest
A large, high-energy core, the unique 566-dimple cover and a soft-compression design hold the keys to the Mizuno RB566’s excellent distance credentials and prolonged ball flight.
The core generates a straighter, more stable ball flight while the 566 micro-dimple design delays the rate of descent to eke out more yards
One of the best golf balls for slow swing speeds. Available in white, yellow or orange.
Titleist Tour Soft golf ball
+ Impressive hang time even in windy conditions
+ Brighter finish makes this ball stand out more for added confidence
– Won’t quite match the short-game spin of the flagship Pro V1
The latest Tour Soft features Titleist’s largest-ever core and an ultra-thin 4CE grafted cover, which combine for more distance and more short-game spin than the previous model.
The new spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design is geared up for a penetrating ball flight that’s more stable when the wind gets up.
The Tour Soft ranks among the very best non urethane-covered balls for feel, so is highly playable around the greens too.
Honma TW-S golf ball
+ Specifically aimed at swing speeds of around 85mph
+ Particularly good in windy conditions
– May launch a little low for some golfers
Honma has launched the TW-S ball as a sister product to the TW-X model, targeting those with slightly slower swings speeds (around 85mph rather than 90mph+ for the TW-X). Its fast core promises faster ball speeds off the clubface.
The TW-S differs from the TW-X is two key ways. It has a softer feel, which many golfers prefer particularly as they get closer to the green.
And it offers higher spin with a lower launch, making it a good choice for slower swingers who typically find themselves battling the wind at their home course.
Srixon Soft Feel golf ball
+ This 12th generation model is the longest Srixon Soft Feel to date
+ Thin cover improves greenside feel and spin.
– May feel a little too soft off the face for some
Srixon’s latest Soft Feel model has been engineered to help slower-swinging golfers max out their distances while retaining excellent greenside feel.
At the heart of the Soft Feel lies Srixon’s softest FastLayer Core, which is soft in the centre and firmer around its outer edges. Srixon says this design snaps the ball back into shape more quickly after impact for added ball speed.
It also helps reduce long-game sidespin meaning improved accuracy on certain misdirected shots. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern reduces drag and increases lift for better performance in windy conditions.
Callaway Supersoft Magna golf ball
+ An ideal all-round performer for average swing speeds
+ More potential forgiveness via a higher centre of gravity and MOI
– Some may not be able to adjust to the ball’s larger-than-standard size
Callaway’s popular Supersoft ball is available in a standard size plus this larger Supersoft Magna version. Older golfers may remember the TopFlite Magna that first appeared in the 1990s
In both models, it is the extremely low-compression core that makes them a great ball choice for more modest swing speeds. It is engineered to generate low spin on full shots for a longer, straighter flight.
The updated HEX Aerodynamics reduce drag and enhance lift for more carry and distance with a higher flight, something many slower swingers struggle to achieve.
Callaway says that the extra forgiveness the Magna version offers is down to a higher centre of gravity and MOI, which could help slower swingers make better contact and launch it higher.
Inesis Soft 500 golf ball
+ Low compression helps slower swinger create better energy transfer
+ An extremely inexpensive option
– Only claims to offer moderate grip around the greens
This Inesis Soft 500 two-piece ball from Decathlon has a low compression, so those not blessed with the fastest of swings can optimise their distances. The low compression allows them to generate better energy transfer at impact, which then translates into those added yards.
Despite its name, it’s not the softest ball, but is eminently playable around the greens. Perhaps the biggest attraction, though, is its price – less per dozen than some lake balls! This makes it a good option for those who prefer to play with new balls but don’t have a limitless budget.
Available in white, orange, yellow and a very vivid pink in both standard and matte finishes.
Pinnacle Soft golf ball
+ Designed for added distance off both driver and irons
+ Should go slightly further than the sister Rush model at slower swing speeds
– 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 and Soft models are no exception.
The high-energy core drives performance, generating faster ball speeds with every club. The icosahedral dimple design, with 332 dimples in a soft, durable ionomer cover, promises a consistent, powerful ball flight.
Slower Swingers may eke a little more distance out of the Soft model, while also enjoying its softer feel around the greens.
Vice Drive golf ball
+ One of the best budget-priced balls for low to mid swing speeds
+ Cut-resistant Surlyn cover promises excellent durability
– That durable cover may feel too firm to some around the greens
The Vice Drive ball is specifically targeted at low to mid swing speed golfers, with its soft Energy Speed Core helping them generate extra distance.
The cut-resistant Surlyn cover boosts durability, while wedge spin rates are higher in the latest Drive model for improved control from closer range.
For more reviews, videos and information on all the latest golf balls for 2020, browse the Golf Monthly website.
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