Golf Ball Compression Chart: Best ball for your swing speed

When a golf club hits a golf ball, the impact causes the ball to change shape as it compresses against the face of the club. The ball will then spring off the face towards the target (hopefully!)

Golf ball compression ratings

The golf ball compression rating measures how hard or soft the ball is. The numbers range between a score of 30 and 120. The softest being 30, and the hardest 120.

So soft golf ball = low compression ball , hard golf ball = high compression ball.

Am I making sense?

Ok, let's see how golf ball compression affects your game.

How to use the golf ball compression chart | Find the perfect golf ball

There are a few variables to consider when trying to select the right golf ball compression for your game. Swing speed, handicap, and desired ball feel will all have impact on choices. Here are a few basics to help use the chart below;

Faster swing speeds need high compression golf balls (105 mph plus)

Why? A higher compression golf ball is designed to give high swing speed players optimal accuracy, spin control, short game responsiveness, ball flight, feel, and backspin to lower their scores on the golf course. The options in this bracket will usually be a premium golf ball.

Average swing speeds (85 – 105 mph) have options

If you are medium swing speed golfer, you have a choice when it comes to the ball you play. If distance is what you're looking for, then go with a lower compression ball.

If you're seeking more ball control, choose a higher compression ball. Be sure to match the compression level with your swing speed. For example, the Bridgestone BRXS tour while being high compression, would not suit your swing speed.

There are some medium compression golf balls in the chart that can offer the best of both worlds.

Slower swing speeds need a lower compression ball to maximise distance

The super premium high compression balls are aimed at low handicappers and pros, so what about the slower swinger or senior golfer?

Distance is at a premium for high handicappers and beginners. Pick a ball that maximizes length, and at slower swing speeds this will be a lower compression golf ball. The softer the ball the more "spring" you'll get for a low swing speed.

Golf Ball Compression vs Swing Speed Chart

Now that we understand the basics, we need do one more thing. That is to make sure we fully understand our swing speed so we can choose the right golf ball compression.

There are a few ways to work out your swing speed.

1. Go to a Trackman or other radar equipped driving range. Many golf professionals at golf clubs and driving ranges will now have a machine to track your swing speed.
2. Use a personal device like the Voice Caddie SC300 at a driving range. This device is relatively inexpensive and will allow you to work out your swing speed and club distances on your own.
3. Use a simple math equation. In order to work out your driver swing speed you can use this simple calculation. Take your total carry distance with driver and divide it by 2.3. So if your driver carried 240 yards take 240 and divide it by 2.3. Your approximate swing speed with the driver is 104 miles per hour.

Dow you know your swing speed? Great! With this information, you can now make an informed decision to select the correct golf ball compression from the ball compression chart and gain maximum performance from your golf ball.

As you will see in the chart below, there are cheaper options available within each swing speed bracket. To make the process easier, we have added a price guide. 

Golf ball comparison chart - other factors

We know that there's a low of information to take in from that golf ball compression chart. If price and swing speed aren't enough of a guide for you to choose a golf ball, you are left with brand and number of layers to help you make a choice.

The second column of the table refers to the number of layers each golf ball model has. As simple rule is that the more layers, the higher the price, but there is more to it than that.

Players of different abilities will get more from balls with a specific number of layers. If you're a high handicapper with a slower swing speed, a premium 5 piece option isn't going to be a golf ball suitable for you. You won't be striking the ball consistently enough to generate the spin needed to make the 5 layers work for you.

Here's a quick break down of how to choose the right layers for you:

2-Piece Golf Balls

The perfect golf ball for beginners and high handicappers with slower swing speeds. These balls often come in a really competitive price point. A great example of a two piece ball is the Srixon Soft Feel.

3-Piece Golf Balls

The Titleist Pro V1 is the gold standard of 3 piece golf balls and can be used by golfers with a variety of swing speeds. Another good 3 piece ball is the Srixon Z star.

4 And 5-Piece Golf Balls

Super premium balls specifically designed for experienced golfers to optimize distance and control. These balls only perform well for players with fast swing speeds.

Balls manufacturers have moved towards "softer" feeling golf balls in recent years but the compression rating of the ball might not always match up to the name. MyGolfSpy state that softer balls are slower balls, so consider that if distance is something you really desire.

Lowest compression golf balls

The lowest compression golf balls on the market are the Wilson DUO Soft coming in at a marshmallow number of 35! The Callaway Supersoft is also pretty darn soft at a rating of 41. 

Best 70 compression golf balls

By far the best 70 compression golf ball is the Srixon Soft Feel. It's not even worth having a conversation about this. It's such a good ball. 

Best 80 compression golf balls

Personally I think the best 80 compression golf ball is the Titleist AVX. This is a premium ball, at the same level of the Pro V1 and I love it. It's super long and barely moves in the air with long irons. Try it out, trust me. 

Best 90 compression golf balls

It's hard to look past the Titleist Pro V1 in the 90 compression zone, but the Callaway Warbird, Snell MTB-X and Srixon Z Star are all great options at a variety of budgets. 

Final thoughts

If I have learned one thing about golf balls in my 25 years of playing golf and watching other golfers, it's that more expensive doesn't always mean better.

Everyone who starts the game thinks they should be playing a Titleist Pro V1, Callway Chrome Soft or TaylorMade TP5, but it's just not the case. These balls can cost upward of $6 each and will they make that much difference to the game of most golfers?

I play the Volvik S4 as it matches my swing speed and my needs around the green. This high compression golf ball wouldn't suit many of my playing partners and they would get similar performance from a cheaper two piece ball.

As with nearly everything in golf, play around with options then stick to what works. Unless you're a total beginner, try not to bounce around different balls. Find one which works and learn how it reacts to your game. It'll save you strokes I promise.