2 Piece v. 3+ Piece Urethane

I shoot ~85.

I've been playing Callaway Hex Chrome (not +) for few years as "3 piece Urethane is only way to go." Well I got a pack of Warbirds for X-mas from someone who obviously doesn't know me :o) and thought I'd test them out as the course was wide open. Playing solo and 2 balls.

Not counting the 1st hole (par 4) as wasn't keen on the distance of a new ball.

Results, I actually scored 4 strokes better with the Warbird. I switched every other hole, hitting chrome 1st, Warbird 2nd, Warbird 1st Chrome 2nd. Reason was for me after you figure out the distance and the way you're going to approach shots, the Warbird was about ~15 yards (paced out) longer off every club. So I was using a lot more 8i and wedge v. more 5-6 iron. The lower the club the better for me as can keep it online more. Around the greens I couldn't tell the difference as I chip and run everything so no difference there. So was the 4 strokes from already seeing how fast green was w/ the chrome and 2nd shot always better? Probably, so call it 2 strokes or 0. Point was didn't hurt my game.

Hitting into the green from say 150 out or a par 3, the chrome stays within few feet of pitch and Warbird runs out about 10 yrds. I just take into account and towards the end rather liked it as I like the ball "running past the flag" at an attempt to go in cup v. drop and stop.

Where you would see a big difference is from the sand I imagine. I didn't hit out of it so can't say.

Anyway, my 2 cents as was shocked at the results and my takeaway, so in the end, thanks whoever gave me those for x-mas, would have never known.

About me: I hit driver 250 yrds, 8 iron 150 with Chrome

I'm a few strokes worse than you, but I'm in nearly the same dilemma. For years, I've always played the premium urethane balls (ProV1/V1x, Cally Tour i, etc.). After a 6-year layoff, I decided to "take it slow" and start playing with cheaper non-urethane balls (NXT Tour/Tour S, e6). Found a Duo on the course the other day and played 3 holes with it -- not bad. So I'm confused where to go from here… I've never been a long hitter (moderate swing speed), am an average ball-striker, and rely on my short game to score. I'd love more straight distance off the tee while maintaining feel/spin around the greens (the same things most golfers want from their ball). Just ordered some MG Tour C4's, and Maxfli U/3-4-6-6LC's. Wanna try e5 eventually. Have tried Chrome Soft for a few holes (did not wow me). So many good choices for $2/ball or less.