Range balls

[bogeys-R-us]

Do they perform differently?

Is there a difference in the performance of range balls vs. off-the-shelf balls used for normal play? I have heard it argued both ways, but still don't know the answer. It seems that the majority feel that range balls are good to help groove your swing or learn to work the ball, but not to "dial-in" the distance of your clubs because they don't go as far. Can anybody clear this up?????

[Cornbread]

You would need to be more specific in your use of the term "Range Balls". However, if you are referring to Name Brand Range Balls (Pinnicle, Wilson Staff, Top Flight, ect...) they are the same basic 2 piece low spin balls sold off the shelf. Obviously once worn they would not perform as well as they did when new.

[bogeys-R-us]

[quote name='Cornbread' timestamp='1294510085' post='2882766']
You would need to be more specific in your use of the term "Range Balls". However, if you are referring to Name Brand Range Balls (Pinnicle, Wilson Staff, Top Flight, ect...) they are the same basic 2 piece low spin balls sold off the shelf. Obviously once worn they would not perform as well as they did when new.
[/quote]

I really wasn't aware there was a difference. I go to my local ranges and they hand me a bucket of balls. I have never really looked to see what they were. Some have brand names on them, but I always assumed they were "seconds" that didn't quite meet mfg. specs, kinda like X-outs, and were sold as range balls. I'll pay a little more attention from now on. Thanks................

[BuckyBadger]

I wouldn't say range balls don't go as far. For some people they would probably go farther than their current ball due to less spin.

I have a tiny range by my house that I go to. It is run by a farmer and his sons. It is based on the honor system as they leave bags of 40 and 80 balls hanging on a board. You put your money in a tin can and go hit. The problem is that these balls have been used for years now so I have hit many Knuckle balls and shots that don't go nearly as far as what I usually hit.

I can't complain though as he still keeps the price at $5.00 for the 80 ball bag. I just have to watch out for rocks in the ground.

[kekoa]

My range replaces their balls fairly often. Occasionally there will be a premium ball in the bunch and I notice about 10 increase in distance with irons. The distance gap is even larger with the driver.

To answer your question a majority if range balls go 10/15 yards shorter than otr premium balls.

I mainly just try to hit the ball flush while at range. I pay no attention to distance

[bogeys-R-us]

[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1294514042' post='2882896']
My range replaces their balls fairly often. Occasionally there will be a premium ball in the bunch and I notice about 10 increase in distance with irons. The distance gap is even larger with the driver.

To answer your question a majority if range balls go 10/15 yards shorter than otr premium balls.

I mainly just try to hit the ball flush while at range. I pay no attention to distance
[/quote]

I understand what you're saying, but the problem comes when you're trying to figure out how far you are hitting your clubs. If I hit my 7 iron 140 yards at the range there's a good chance I'm going to air mail the green from 140 yards if I hit that same 7 iron on the course.

[kekoa]

[quote name='bogeys-R-us' timestamp='1294515774' post='2882936']
[quote name='kekoa' timestamp='1294514042' post='2882896']
My range replaces their balls fairly often. Occasionally there will be a premium ball in the bunch and I notice about 10 increase in distance with irons. The distance gap is even larger with the driver.

To answer your question a majority if range balls go 10/15 yards shorter than otr premium balls.

I mainly just try to hit the ball flush while at range. I pay no attention to distance
[/quote]

I understand what you're saying, but the problem comes when you're trying to figure out how far you are hitting your clubs. If I hit my 7 iron 140 yards at the range there's a good chance I'm going to air mail the green from 140 yards if I hit that same 7 iron on the course.
[/quote]

Best way to dial distance is with shag bag and laser. You must have some olds balls to use right.?

[mdgboxx]

I believe this subject has been overcooked on the "conforming balls" thread, a short time ago.

[RainShadow]

I find about a 10% difference in yardage with my mid irons (5,6,7), maybe 5% less on the short irons and wedges. Bigger difference with long irons/Hybrids and fwy wood and Driver, probably 15% or more.
Just my experience. The balls at the range I frequent are left outside in a machine, so alot of the time they have been at near freezing temps, which I'm sure has a detrimental effect on them.

[hef63303]

The range is not a good place to dial in distances. There are ball issues, signs that are not accurate, etc.

[dlygrisse]

One day I was at the range and was bounceing drives on to a certain green. I found a ProV in the bucket and carried it to the back of the green I was running it on to with the range balls. Maybe it was luck, maybe not but IMO the balls at most ranges are erratic at best.

[JOHN GOLIA]

Range balls well never give you true distance.
Some are short flight balls that are at least
a club to a club and a half shorter on irons
and 20 yards shorter on drivers. Example would be
the Srixon ball. It spins like crazy on wedges
but goes no where on irons or drivers. Pinnacle
Range balls are about 15% shorter from what I have heard.
We used to have a range ball called the soft core
that would fly at least a club longer on all clubs.
farther then any range ball I have ever hit.
With todays Bombers most ranges use short flight balls.
Besides all range balls get beat to death and the dimples
get worn out and they start to crack inside. Thats why the are
only about $.50 a ball. If we could always hit what the tour players hit.

[32_blade]

At the range I frequent, I was told by the Pro who runs the retail shop that the yellow Srixon range balls are 20% shorter than normal balls as the range is simply not long enough to accommodate 250-260+ meter hitters.

[V-twin]

Our course where I work changes or infuses new balls every quarter and they are Callaway never noticed any difference in my ball flight on the range or on the course.