Tour balls

[keb]

Many brands have Tour version. What is the significance and what type of player should use, for example,Srixon Trispeed vs. Trispeed Tour.

[marrigo]

[quote name='keb' timestamp='1293212367' post='2857492']
Many brands have Tour version. What is the significance and what type of player should use, for example,Srixon Trispeed vs. Trispeed Tour.
[/quote]

Tour balls spin more, especially with wedges, and feel softer off the putter and half shots. Since they spin more they also tend to be shorter and more prone to slice/hook. They also tend to be designed for higher swing speeds, so you may not get max ball speed unless you swing over 100-110 with the driver. If you're having trouble stopping balls on the green, either with full shots of short game, you may want to try a tour ball. A good rule of thumb when selecting balls is start on the green and work backwards.

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='keb' timestamp='1293212367' post='2857492']
Many brands have Tour version. What is the significance and what type of player should use, for example,Srixon Trispeed vs. Trispeed Tour.
[/quote]

I think its usually a matter of the regular version being more of a distance ball and the Tour being more spin oriented.

[Cornbread]

[quote name='keb' timestamp='1293212367' post='2857492']
Many brands have Tour version. What is the significance and what type of player should use, for example,Srixon Trispeed vs. Trispeed Tour.
[/quote]

First off, the word or term 'Tour' means nothing as it is used in various ways by various companies. However, when folks refer to Tour Balls they generally mean high-end Urethane Covers balls (generally costing over $38).
Urethane balls are prone to spin slightly more from short iirons than non-urethane balls... primarily from lies in the rough.
Most high-end Urethane balls are around 100 compression or more, but rarely found under 90 compression. This is due to the fact that better golfers who seek these type balls generally have higher swing speeds. Lower compression balls (say under 85 or so) are generally for slower swing speeds and cold weather conditions. Seniors primarily use (or should be using) a lower compression ball.
IMHO the exspensive Urethane balls (like Pro V1's) are over-used by Joe Average Golfer (20 handicapp and over) and actually provide no benifit to their game.

[Cornbread]

And while were on the subject... ball [b]distance hype[/b] has created an incorrect mindset in Joe Average Golfer as well.
Equipment & ball testing data has determined that the max Carry Distance diifference for a USGA Legal ball is approx 7 yards max. And this max distance is only obtained when struck at the high-end of the swing speed scale (approx 110 mph +).
Additionally, the computer software and database used for calculations in most launch monitors also limits any test result from showing more than appox 8 yards flight difference. Especially the monitors/system used at retailers like Golf Galaxy, and Edwin Watts.
For proof that I speak the truth, the follwing sentance is taken directly from the Titleist Ball Website
"All Titleist golf balls are long and distance differences between models off the driver for swing speeds ranging from tour players (near 110 mph) down to lower speed players (in the 80s mph) are less than 4 yards. All Titleist golf balls are bound by the USGA with respect to how long they can be. Titleist recommends you choose the golf ball that helps you score the best and not by which goes the farthest".
TV & Mag Marketing and other mis-information has convinced many Golfers that there is a huge differennce in Golf Ball performance...[u] there is not.[/u]
As I have said many times prior...give any Scratch or Pro Golfer a quality $19 ball and one day to adjust to its tendencies. They will shoot the same scores with it as they did with a $45 ball. The Tour Data results (regarding the new grooves) from the 2010 season on the PGA Tour should be proof enought that slight loss of spin (primarily from the rough) has little effect on scoring.

[SpinMill75]

The difference between a Tour ball and standard has to do with construction. Different rubber for different balls with the cheaper stuff going to a cheaper ball. Tour balls are also typically 3-5 layers of various rubber where a standard ball is usually only 2 layers.

[whydoilovegolf]

[quote name='SpinMill75' timestamp='1293222207' post='2857726']
The difference between a Tour ball and standard has to do with construction. Different rubber for different balls with the cheaper stuff going to a cheaper ball. Tour balls are also typically 3-5 layers of various rubber where a standard ball is usually only 2 layers.
[/quote]

Perfect explanation.