Best Low Spin Golf Balls
There are many misconceptions when it comes to spin and golf balls. The primary thought is that low spin equals less control around the greens, which is true, but it can also equal more distance off the tee. When a ball spins a lot, especially with a driver, it means it is rotating too much in the air and can result in wayward shots and a loss of distance.
Benefits of Low Spin Balls
Low-spin golf balls, as mentioned above, can be beneficial when it comes to increasing length. This is good news for golfers seeking that extra bit of length or seniors whose swings are getting that little bit slower.
Another benefit is minimizing the effects of a hook or slice. Since both are caused by striking the ball in a way that imparts sidespin onto the ball, a golf ball that doesn’t spin as much also means less sidespin on wayward shots.
And due to the lack of spin on a ball, it can be easier to play in the wind. Every golfer knows just how difficult it can be hitting into the teeth of a strong breeze. Any movement in the ball is magnified and punished. Thus, a low-spinning ball that reduces such movement can have a hugely positive effect on your game in such conditions. It should also tend to fly lower which will further reduce the effect of the wind.
In order to maximize your distance potential, you need to optimize your launch and spin for your clubhead speed. If you need to lower your spin by a few hundred rpm to get it right then a ball that spins a little less might get you there without any more work on your swing technique.
Best Low Spin Balls 2022
Premium
Balls in this segment tend to be the highest-spinning golf balls on the market. Despite this still possible to find some models that are designed to reduce the amount of spin. If you’re still looking to maximize spin around the green but need less spin with your driver then it might be worth playing around with the first two balls on this list. Both of them will tend to suit players with a faster swing and they will probably feel like a fairly hard golf ball compared with some of the lower compression options in the mid and budget ranges.
TaylorMade TP5x
The five-piece TaylorMade TP5x has proven to be an extremely popular choice with golfers ever since it first hit the shelves. It has reduced spin and offers a higher launch and a firmer feel than its sister ball, the TP5. It also has a more ball speed off the clubface.
This means more distance for golfers both off the tee and with iron shots. What control the TP5x may lose in its firmer feel is counterbalanced with its higher launch, meaning balls will come down at a steeper angle.
Retailing at $49.99 per dozen, the TaylorMade TP5x is undoubtedly one of the best premium low-spin offerings on the market.
Callaway Chrome Soft X LS
The Callaway Chrome Soft X LS is a four-piece golf ball and is another great low-spin tour-quality choice. Long from the tee, while still retaining a great feel on all shots, it’s among the market leaders. Like the TP5x, it offers greenside control and a high ball trajectory. Regarding iron spin, the Chrome Soft X LS may have a higher spin rate than the TP5x which is perfect for those looking for more control on approach shots.
The Chrome Soft X LS is available with and without Triple Track technology and comes in at $49.99 per dozen.
Mid-Range
Balls in this category try to be a halfway house between the more expensive tour balls that generate high spin and the cheaper budget balls which are usually blessed with the lowest spin.
Srixon Q-Star Tour
The Srixon Q-Star Tour continues the trend of shedding layers as this is a three-piece golf ball. Srixon claims the ball is made for “Tour Performance with Moderate Swing Speeds”, an attractive slogan to the average golfer. Distance is to be expected with a ball with reduced spin though the Q-Star Tour will be firmer with less greenside control than the previous two balls.
This is Srixon’s attempt to build a tour-quality ball with a low compression rating to suit golfers with a slower swing. Wedge spin will be lower than the more expensive high spin golf balls always be a trade-off in different areas of your game. The reduced side spin could help straighten out wayward hooks and slices.
The Q-Star Tour retails at $34.99 per dozen.
Titleist Tour Speed
With a name like Titleist Tour Speed, the golf ball has a lot to live up to. And it manages it. The ball is long and unlike some other balls that offer reduced spin, it doesn’t have as high a trajectory. This results in a penetrating flight for both driver and iron shots. Despite its length, it still manages to feel soft and gives both spin and control on short game shots.
The ball retails at $40 per dozen.
Budget
In years gone by, the budget segment of the market would have been dominated by hard, distance balls. These days golf ball manufacturers recognize that most players prefer a soft golf ball. Despite these balls having lower spin than premium golf balls they will still feel soft even for golfers with a slower swing speed.
The type of construction and materials used mean you will be sacrificing some greenside spin but these low-compression balls with a low spin rate should help you hit the ball further with your driver.
Vice Drive
The Vice Drive is a wonderful option for those looking for a budget low-spin ball. The two-piece construction is designed for beginner and occasional golfers and offers very low driver spin. It’s not quite as low spin with irons compared to other golf balls in the same bracket, though it does manage to exhibit surprisingly good spin and control around the greens.
The Vice Drive is available on a direct-to-consumer model for the fantastic price of only $15.99 per dozen and the price per unit drops if buying in bulk. If purchasing five dozen, the cost per dozen is reduced to $12.99.
Srixon Soft Feel
The Srixon Soft Feel has proven to be an incredibly popular golf ball that more and more people are using as their go-to budget ball. The latest iteration is the 12th generation of the Soft Feel, a testament to its longstanding popularity and quality. The ball is low spinning and among the longest balls you will find in its class. It also offers a satisfying amount of control and feel for a two-piece ball.
Golfers can never go too far wrong if they purchase Srixon Soft Feel golf balls and costing $22.99 per dozen, they’re great value for money. Long, accurate, good around the greens and affordable. What’s not to like?
How to pick the best golf ball for you?
Try to come up with a shortlist of two or three different models that you think should suit your golf game. Since you are reading this article you are probably looking for a lower spin ball because you generate too much spin with your driver.
Depending on how important it is to generate the maximum distance off the tee you might start by trying a few different balls to see which performs best. You can then check out whether you get the desired trajectory with your irons and control around the green.
This is a little bit backward from how I would normally suggest picking a new golf ball. Normally I would suggest starting with your short game to find a ball that you like before working up to the longer clubs and finally the driver.
Best Low Spin Golf Balls: Conclusion
So there you have a selection of the top low-spin options to help maximize your driver distance with a couple for every budget.
Give them a try to see whether they will suit your game.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
Do low-spin golf balls go straighter?
Yes. While a low-spin ball won’t cure a hook or slice completely, the ball won’t spin as much through the air resulting in a straighter flight than high-spin golf balls.
Who should use low-spin golf balls?
Any golfers struggling with distance should give them a try. They may also benefit golfers who struggle with a slice or a hook. Also, those who tend to have too high a ball flight.
Why do you want a low-spin ball?
Usually, the desire for low spin comes down to one thing. Distance. And not distance for the sake of distance, but distance because either you’re a short hitter looking to gain a few extra yards, or you’re a senior golfer whose swing is getting shorter and slower and you want to remain competitive.
