How much does the seam matter on a balls proformance.

[deetsal]

I am a bit neurotic about the seam on the balls that I play. My fav. is the wilson fg tour and also maxfli u4.

[Socrates]

[quote name='deetsal' timestamp='1423520490' post='10919883']
I am a bit[color=#ff0000][b] neurotic[/b][/color] about the seam on the balls that I play. My fav. is the wilson fg tour and also maxfli u4.
[/quote]
That's the operative word. It's not a big deal unless you make it.

[deetsal]

[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1423521549' post='10920019']
[quote name='deetsal' timestamp='1423520490' post='10919883']
I am a bit[color=#ff0000][b] neurotic[/b][/color] about the seam on the balls that I play. My fav. is the wilson fg tour and also maxfli u4.
[/quote]
That's the operative word. It's not a big deal unless you make it.
[/quote]I like order and sementry.

[farmer]

Back in the day of wound golf balls, supposedly hitting them on the seam was a huge performance boost. That was eventually debunked, but if you think it gives you an edge, maybe it will.

[deetsal]

[quote name='farmer' timestamp='1423523631' post='10920261']
Back in the day of wound golf balls, supposedly hitting them on the seam was a huge performance boost. That was eventually debunked, but if you think it gives you an edge, maybe it will.
[/quote]It will make my ball go dead staright, high and very far, did I mention very straight? Just think of what could have been, I could have been somebody! 90% mental right. Thanks, Ray

[Guia]

No effect.

[Socrates]

[quote name='deetsal' timestamp='1423522624' post='10920155']
[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1423521549' post='10920019']
[quote name='deetsal' timestamp='1423520490' post='10919883']
I am a bit[color=#ff0000][b] neurotic[/b][/color] about the seam on the balls that I play. My fav. is the wilson fg tour and also maxfli u4.
[/quote]
That's the operative word. It's not a big deal unless you make it.
[/quote]I like order and sementry.
[/quote]
Not sure how to take that? I sure hope you mean symmetry because otherwise I'd refer you to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

[pierso2]

[quote name='Guia' timestamp='1423529033' post='10920769']
No effect.
[/quote]

Big effect! The seam is less aerodynamic and therefore changes how the ball flies. If it had no effect then why would Pro-V1 have the seam almost eliminated on newer models as opposed to older generations? The seam can cause a difference in trajectory and overall distance.

[deetsal]

[quote name='pierso2' timestamp='1423578229' post='10923701']
[quote name='Guia' timestamp='1423529033' post='10920769']
No effect.
[/quote]

Big effect! The seam is less aerodynamic and therefore changes how the ball flies. If it had no effect then why would Pro-V1 have the seam almost eliminated on newer models as opposed to older generations? The seam can cause a difference in trajectory and overall distance.
[/quote]So how should you line up the seam?

[cristphoto]

Ideally a ball would have 100% dimple coverage. Seamless golf balls came about with updated manufacturing technologies. Old tech style simply allowed two equal cover halves to be molded together thus leaving a bit of cover edges exposed (the seam). New technology allows the cover halves to be molded so the dimples are in a zig-zag pattern. Thus when the two halves are molded together the seam is greatly lessened or eliminated altogether. This allows the designers more freedom in dimple design knowing there will be less "dead space" on the ball.

[Socrates]

[quote name='pierso2' timestamp='1423578229' post='10923701']
[quote name='Guia' timestamp='1423529033' post='10920769']
No effect.
[/quote]

Big effect! The seam is less aerodynamic and therefore changes how the ball flies. If it had no effect then why would Pro-V1 have the seam almost eliminated on newer models as opposed to older generations? The seam can cause a difference in trajectory and overall distance.
[/quote]
The ball would never have passed the USGA testing if that were true. People in the past thought they could hit it farther if they "seamed" it, but it was all anecdotal and never substantiated in any test I know of. The elimination of the seam is due to better manufacturing techniques.

[cristphoto]

[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1423580922' post='10923985']
[quote name='pierso2' timestamp='1423578229' post='10923701']
[quote name='Guia' timestamp='1423529033' post

='10920769']
No effect.
[/quote]

Big effect! The seam is less aerodynamic and therefore changes how the ball flies. If it had no effect then why would Pro-V1 have the seam almost eliminated on newer models as opposed to older generations? The seam can cause a difference in trajectory and overall distance.
[/quote]
The ball would never have passed the USGA testing if that were true. People in the past thought they could hit it farther if they "seamed" it, but it was all anecdotal and never substantiated in any test I know of. The elimination of the seam is due to better manufacturing techniques.
[/quote]

That's correct. If you look at the first model Prov1 ball there was a slightly different flight pattern if you hit the ball with the seam in a north/south alignment versus an east/west alignment. Evidently the USGA didn't catch this prior to approving the ball. Titleist quickly modified the ball and marked it with different side stamps and got it approved. If my memory is correct the USGA grandfathered the first edition balls figuring they would quickly work themselves out of circulation. I always thought some sort of back room deal was made between the parties so neither ended up with egg on their face. I still have a few of these balls at home.

[Guia]

Like I said, no effect. Eliminated by modern technology, just about every ball manufactured now have practically no discernible seam.

[Smiley_Face]

The golf ball now is excellent. In the old days, you hoped it was still semi-round!

[SixtySomePing]

[quote name='Guia' timestamp='1423601884' post='10926721']
Like I said, no effect. Eliminated by modern technology, just about every ball manufactured now have practically no discernible seam.
[/quote]

I think you're right, but why does every pro take such care to mark their ball on the green, then line up their ball for their putts according to the alignment mark? Is it just a mental thing?

[QEight]

[quote name='deetsal' timestamp='1423528096' post='10920687']It will make my ball go dead staright, high and very far, did I mention very straight?
[/quote]

Actually, you did not mention straight.

[Stuart_G]

[quote]
but why does every pro take such care to mark their ball on the green, then line up their ball for their putts according to the alignment mark? Is it just a mental thing?

[/quote]
To help them hit the putt on the desired line. Purely an alignment aid for the stroke.

[johnstitch]

From 36 years of playing Golf not a jot of difference. A Baseball or Cricket ball yes. A modern Golf ball nope.