Golf is an expensive sport. The price of golf clubs, shoes, and other gear only gets higher as you improve. Unfortunately, it’s not only the cost of clubs, shoes, and bags that drive up expenses; it’s the cost of golf balls as well. However, this guide is here to help you find the cheapest quality balls in the market. The best cheap golf balls aren’t the ones with the lowest price alone, but should still be able to go straight and go long.
Our top pick is Srixon AD333 as these balls go miles. Followed by Nike Golf Used Balls that's not too pricey for a Nike product.
You can also check here the best golf balls for beginners and the best golf balls for high handicappers.
Quick Summary: Top 7 - Best Cheap Golf Balls
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1. Srixon AD333
"These balls go miles for me and feels great off the driver."
"These balls go miles for me and feels great off the driver."
2. Nike Golf Balls 24 Near Mint Used Golf Balls (AAAA RBZ OneTour)
"It feels great and it's not that pricey for a Nike product."
"It feels great and it's not that pricey for a Nike product."
3. Srixon Men's Soft Feel Golf Ball
"These soft feel are quite nice, inexpensive, and my go-to ball during the cooler months. I still generate plenty of clubhead speed (90+ MPH) and find this ball to be long off the tee, just feels great, and has plenty of spin around the greens."
"These soft feel are quite nice, inexpensive, and my go-to ball during the cooler months. I still generate plenty of clubhead speed (90+ MPH) and find this ball to be long off the tee, just feels great, and has plenty of spin around the greens."
4. Srixon Q Star Tour Golf Balls
"Best feeling ball that actually plays well around the greens. Great feel off the driver. I have an 85-90 mph swing and am a 16 handicapper. Perfect fit for me."
"Best feeling ball that actually plays well around the greens. Great feel off the driver. I have an 85-90 mph swing and am a 16 handicapper. Perfect fit for me."
5. Nitro Long Distance Peak Performance Golf Balls
"They seem to fly great when I actually make solid contact. Easy to find when you are still on the green, also easy to see during flight.... Great value for the money and decent balls for a beginner."
"They seem to fly great when I actually make solid contact. Easy to find when you are still on the green, also easy to see during flight.... Great value for the money and decent balls for a beginner."
6. Callaway Hex Soft Golf Balls
"These are some of the best value-priced balls I've ever used.... If you want great distance and ball flight coupled with stopping ability, these will not be beat for the price."
"These are some of the best value-priced balls I've ever used.... If you want great distance and ball flight coupled with stopping ability, these will not be beat for the price."
7. Wilson Staff F.L.I. Golf Balls
"I can tell you that these balls are the straightest golf balls around....They work very nicely for doing green side bump and run shots, too. For the price, you simply cannot beat these golf balls."
"I can tell you that these balls are the straightest golf balls around....They work very nicely for doing green side bump and run shots, too. For the price, you simply cannot beat these golf balls."
Quick Summary
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The ball performs great on the green because of its energetic gradient core, which allows the player to putt the ball with a good amount of control. This is probably because of the low spin which helps the ball stay on a straighter path. In terms of distance shots, it is able to fly quite away with a good flight trajectory despite a slower swing at 80-90mph.
The ball has 338 dimples, which have a pattern of 5 different sizes. The pattern is designed to help improve aerodynamics. The ball is also on the softer side, with relatively low compression. However, it still gives off a great sound when you putt or chip it. If you've used other Srixon balls, you might notice that it gives off a softer feel. (1)
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"These balls go miles for me and feels great off the driver."
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When your trying to get the best bang for your buck these used golf balls cannot be beat. If your really frugal this package of Nike style balls is definitely the best choice.
Be warned they do come with some slight cosmetic blemishes but if that's not an issue for you you'll be very happy with these. There are of course some player pen markings as well and varied packaging but if your on a budget this is the perfect set for you.
We have included above the specifications of the most popular Nike golf ball and other specifications can vary. Again you are getting a mixed bag here but if your being frugal this wont make too much of a difference for you.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
“It feels great and it's not that pricey for a Nike product”
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Another soft ball on the list is the Srixon Soft Feel Golf ball. The soft core gives a good compression rating which gives golfers with slow to moderate swing speeds a better advantage as their balls fly high and far. The exterior of the ball features 344 dimples which Srixon refers to as "Speed Dimples" because of the integrated aero power speed design that is meant to improve flight trajectory by giving the ball even more lift.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"These soft feel are quite nice, inexpensive, and my go-to ball during the cooler months. I still generate plenty of clubhead speed (90+ MPH) and find this ball to be long off the tee, just feels great, and has plenty of spin around the greens."
Quick Summary
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Srixon is offering a tour-level performance ball at the price of regular golf balls. While this might be a bit pricey compared to others on the list, it is able to provide more features as well. On the inside, the energetic gradient growth core that is patented by Srixon gives it a soft outer feel, while the 3rd generation SpinSkin Urethane cover, which is also a patented design, increases friction when the ball comes in contact with either clubface or the green. Better friction helps improve the spin and ball direction.
While the ball technically only has 2 layers, the core, and cover, the gradient core allows the ball to have a softer outer core while retaining a more weighted and firm inner core. This means that they are able to mimic the effect of multiple layers on 4-piece or 5-piece balls while still being able to offer their product at a good price.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
“Best feeling ball that actually plays well around the greens. Great feel off the driver. I have an 85-90 mph swing and am a 16 handicapper. Perfect fit for me."
Quick Summary
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One ball that's easy to spot, especially if you get the hot pink color option, is the Nito Long Distance Peak Performance Golf balls. The exterior is a bit shinier than others in the market, but the 352 dimples still help it retain a good amount of friction for a great shot. Unfortunately, the balls aren't that durable despite the titanium reactive core and Surlyn cover.
The compact core does give the ball an advantage. And with less spin, it's easy to get both accurate and high-velocity shots.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"They seem to fly great when I actually make solid contact. Easy to find when you are still on the green, also easy to see during flight.... Great value for the money and decent balls for a beginner."
Quick Summary
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Most of the balls so far have been of 2-piece construction. This is because most 3-piece and higher golf balls are priced higher as well. However, the Callaway Hex Soft Golf balls are an affordable 3-piece exception. Signature to their brand, the ball has the HEX Aerodynamic dimple design on the soft cover. The interior of the ball is made of a soft core and a middle ionomer layer that functions to improve ball speed. The overall design gives a soft feeling golf ball that offers good control and long-distance coverage even on low-speed swings. (2)
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
“These are some of the best value-priced balls I've ever used...If you want great distance and ball flight coupled with stopping ability, these will not be beat for the price.”
Quick Summary
No products found.
The Wilson Staff FLI Golf balls have a hard ionomer cover but still gives off a surprisingly soft feel when you tee off. On the green, they also have a great low spin giving you an accurate and straight shot when you putt. The main points that this ball is able to offer are power and distance by literally adding more distance to a golfer's shot by improving the speed on impact with your swing.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
“I can tell you that these balls are the straightest golf balls around... They work very nicely for doing green side bump and run shots, too. For the price, you simply cannot beat these golf balls.”
Things to consider before buying a golf ball
Going through the features and specifications of all those brands, you’re probably now just realizing how truly different golf balls are from each other. Even when they are manufactured by the same company, they may be made of different materials, retain a different layer construction, or have a different dimple design. All these features affect how your golf ball is impacted by a swing.
Externally, a lot of golf balls look the same. The standard size for a ball is a diameter of at least 1.68 inches. The dimples that surround the ball aren’t required by any organization. However, years of experience and modern testing has shown that the dimples on the ball gives it a better aerodynamic design and effectively reduces drag while maximizing the airflow around the ball.
Those little grooves on the surface of the ball pull the air closer to it and create a layer of turbulence. When you hit 2 balls, one with dimples and one with a smoother surface, with exactly the same swing at the exact same angle of impact, you’ll find the dimpled golf ball flying farther, higher, and faster.
Taking a closer look at what makes up a golf ball will help you understand what the specs we discussed really mean. And, with a bit more knowledge, you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision.
Single to Multi-layered construction
Golf balls are identified based on the number of layers of material. The naming is pretty straightforward. You have your 1-piece, 2-piece, 3-piece, 4-piece, and 5-piece. The 1-piece is only made of 1 solid mass of material. Typically, a plastic-like material known as Surlyn is used. It is also often used as a coat to the other ball types. Another alternative material you may have noticed is Urethane. (3)
The 2-piece ball is most commonly used by novices and recreational players. While 3-piece and 4-piece balls are often used by more experienced ones on the course. The 5-piece ball is not as common on the regular golf course but is a usual pick on tours where the pros play. More layers on a ball give it a special set of properties that make it suitable for the varied conditions of gameplay.
1-piece
A single-layered ball is basically just a ball made up of one material. This limits the properties of a ball but makes it really cheap to make. If you are looking for the cheapest golf ball, it’ll probably be a 1-piece. However, it would also give you a really low performance. This is probably why beginners make use of 1-piece balls when they are just starting to practice hitting the ball.
2-piece
A 2 layered ball has a core and a cover. The core can either be a liquid or solid core; usually made from a rubberized material for solid cores. Some balls may have really hard and compact cores while others have a larger and softer core. The cover also differs from ball to ball.
3-piece
The 3 layers that make up the 3-piece golf ball are the core, mantle, and cover. Dimensions vary depending on the brand and manufacturer. While the materials are also dependent on the design. There are many new and innovative designs that companies are adding to improve ball performance.
4-piece and 5-piece
The added layer to a 4-piece golf ball is an interior cover that you’ll probably see between the core and mantle. But, with all the new designs that brands have been putting out, there are no clear distinctions on how layers should be.
Materials
The kind of materials that are put into the different layers dictates how the ball moves, spins, bounces, and flies. Most materials are of a rubber or silicon constitution but manufacturers are patenting their own formulas and materials to really put out their best. The cheaper alternatives that we’ve gone over mostly have a rubber core and a urethane or Surlyn cover which are some of the most common materials used.
Spin
The spin refers to the movement of a ball on an axis that is at a right angle to its flight path. A simple way to identify spin is by classifying it as either sidespin or backspin. The first we try to avoid while the latter we try to maximize. The backspin helps to push the air down, giving the ball a lift which increases flight trajectory. Whereas sidespin will either bring your ball to the left or to the right, depending on the swing direction. If you’re aiming for hook shots, you might benefit from an added sidespin. But, unexpected sidespin, especially when you’re on the green, can get very frustrating. Imagine just being a few inches from the hole and still missing it; you can blame the sidespin from your ball. The ways to classify the type of spin you can get from your ball is to check whether it is classified as a Low spin, Mid spin, or High spin golf ball.
Ball Compression
Compression refers to how a material reacts under pressure. In this case, it’s about how your ball squeezes upon impact with the clubhead. Some golf balls can even compress to a fifth of an inch on impact; these are rated 0 on the compression level. Higher compression rates mean that the ball is harder. The highest rating is at 200, which means the ball doesn’t compress.
The lower compression balls give off a softer feel and a lower sound when you tee off. While harder balls with high compression rates give off a higher-pitched “clink” sound upon impact. Softer balls are better for less experienced players who want to take full advantage of a bounce-effect that the compression gives the ball, adding in more flight from the stored potential energy that was released after the ball decompressed. However, stronger players with great aim and good swing can get longer and more accurate shots with a hard ball.
Durability
Golf balls often get lost. They can also get damaged. When you play and accidentally hit a tree or some other things on the course, you might find your golf ball dented or, worse, broken. The worst I’ve seen a ball was when one end had completely burrowed in. It looked like the Apple logo. Some are better off, coming out of a game with a few scuffs and marks. And, if you don’t pick out a good ball, you might find that they can get damaged while in your golf bag, even before you get to play them. A cheaper ball won’t be as cheap as you think if you have to replace them twice as often.
With most players losing a ball or two every time they go to the course, it isn’t surprising how often you’ll see a golfer make a trip to the nearest sports shop to stock up on balls. New players, especially, have to set aside a constant budget for their balls. Unlike golf clubs and other major equipment that only need a one-time purchase, you need to have at least 3 golf balls in your bag each time you play. And on the worst of days, you might even lack another spare.
You can probably find other lost golf balls laying all around the course but if you are really serious about your game, keeping consistent use of a specific type of ball could help you maintain better shots.
If you’re new to the game, you’d be surprised at how different golf balls can actually affect the accuracy and distance of your shots. If you’ve already swung a few and tried out different balls, then you probably already know how the feel is different for some. Like much other golf equipment, the right one is always a matter of preference for the user.
References:
(1) dimples — https://www.businessinsider.com/why-golf-balls-have-dimples-2017-2
(2) HEX Aerodynamic — https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1746-hexagonal-dimples-boost-golf-balls-flight/
(3) Surlyn — https://www.dow.com/en-us/brand/surlyn.html
