Height vs Spin — Surlyn vs Urethane

[A.Princey]

I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but I think you really need to assess your short game intentions when it comes to ball choice. I for one, play height in many short-sided instances, and spin inconsistencies with urethane are costing me proximity to the hole. Spin has been inconsistent on some of these shots, with some stopping quick and others rolling out. Mostly my technique, but also lie dependent. For me, trajectory and launch are much more repeatable, hence my decision to use height as a technique, with a

low spin ionomer ball to reduce the spin variable.
 

 

I’ve played 4 rounds now with lower spin ionomer and have lipped the hole 5-6 times(tap-ins to 5’ leaves remaining) and chipped in twice. Could be coincidence, but my “control” over the predicted ionomer rollout seems much better than with a urethane ball. Ymmv

[Titleist_PT23]

3 minutes ago, A.Princey said:

I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but I think you really need to assess your short game intentions when it comes to ball choice. I for one, play height in many short-sided instances, and spin inconsistencies with urethane are costing me proximity to the hole. Spin has been inconsistent on some of these shots, with some stopping quick and others rolling out. Mostly my technique, but also lie dependent. For me, trajectory and launch are much more repeatable, hence my decision to use height as a technique, with a

low spin ionomer ball to reduce the spin variable.
 

 

I’ve played 4 rounds now with lower spin ionomer and have lipped the hole 5-6 times(tap-ins to 5’ leaves remaining) and chipped in twice. Could be coincidence, but my “control” over the predicted ionomer rollout seems much better than with a urethane ball. Ymmv

Just curious, what POS have you been playing?

[A.Princey]

E12 Contact, and most recently super cheap Noodles, as a real test. POS yes, but I cannot argue with results. Playing again tomorrow. Unless I’m playing a 10+ stimp track, and cannot play rollout at all, the urethane balls are staying home.

[Titleist_PT23]

10 minutes ago, A.Princey said:

E12 Contact, and most recently super cheap Noodles, as a real test. POS yes, but I cannot argue with results. Playing again tomorrow. Unless I’m playing a 10+ stimp track, and cannot play rollout at all, the urethane balls are staying home.

POS was a joke.  I typically play on 10+ courses and have continued to stick with the surlyns after trying urethanes again for 6-7 months.  At times, the surlyn is definitely limiting, but I found on average there was only ~3 shots per round where I wish I had the option for more spin.  Good luck!

[A.Princey]

The sub-2000 spin from 30y and in is so predictable with regard to rollout, for me. The std dev of urethane spin is much higher, and so lie dependent.

[Tanner25]

Here we go again, lol

[North Butte]

41 minutes ago, Tanner25 said:

Here we go again, lol

I'm out.

[Titleist_PT23]

Interesting stats with a 80 mph 7-iron (31 degrees):

 

a) Srixon AD333:

-spin = 5,299

-height = 27.4 yards

-descent = 44 degrees

 

b) Pro V1x:

-spin = 5,521

-height = 26.9 yards

-descent = 43.7 degrees

 

c) ERC Soft:

-spin = 4,581

-height = 27.9 yards

-descent = 43.7 degrees

 

Wedge Spin:  Srixon AD333 = 7,638 , Pro V1x = 7,866, ERC Soft = 6,992

 

ROBOT TESTED: Which golf ball suits my game? | Today's Golfer (todaysgolfer.co.uk)

[Titleist_PT23]

Soft may be Slow but Slow actually goes farther.  Whoooooo!

 

100 mph driver:

 

ERC Soft (Softest Ball in Test):  carry = 247 yards.  Spin = 2,121, Launch = 14.4, Speed = 142.3

 

Pro V1x (Firmest Ball in Test):  carry = 246 yards.  Spin = 2,492, Launch = 14.0, Speed = 144.5

[munichop]

I have commented in depth that the surlyn cover has helped me once I started using the lower compression versions.  The surlyn balls have simplified my short game and helped me with course strategy because I know they don’t spin.  If a player can find a surlyn ball that behaves consistently around the greens for them and like me has trouble launching the ball high these ball types can help especially if you have limited practice time.

[rwbloom93]

On 6/18/2021 at 3:11 AM, A.Princey said:

I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but I think you really need to assess your short game intentions when it comes to ball choice. I for one, play height in many short-sided instances, and spin inconsistencies with urethane are costing me proximity to the hole. Spin has been inconsistent on some of these shots, with some stopping quick and others rolling out. Mostly my technique, but also lie dependent. For me, trajectory and launch are much more repeatable, hence my decision to use height as a technique, with a

low spin ionomer ball to reduce the spin variable.
 

 

I’ve played 4 rounds now with lower spin ionomer and have lipped the hole 5-6 times(tap-ins to 5’ leaves remaining) and chipped in twice. Could be coincidence, but my “control” over the predicted ionomer rollout seems much better than with a urethane ball. Ymmv

 

I occasionally use height but wherever possible I like to just get the ball rolling as soon as possible with a lofted or flatter club.  I agree about inconsistent spin with urethane balls (not the balls fault, just my inability to land the ball where I want with the contact required).

 

Regards  

[Roejye]

Due to my skill level I often miss greens so I have quite a few green side chips. I've found that for me there is very little difference between surlyn and urethane, especially since I do more bump and run style chips. It seems like no matter what type of ball or chip I try I get a fair amount of roll out. Granted I know that's probably more down to me than any piece of equipment.

[wantacigar]

I've played Ionomer cover balls for many years and really like them.  Recently I've been able to acquire urethane covered balls for the same or less $ than my favorite ionomer covered balls.  For some odd twist of fate or the Golf Gods amusement at my expense I always seem to find myself having to chip and pitch over bunkers.  I found the use of the urethane ball does help with keeping the balls on the greens in these situations.  I have no problem switching between both type balls.  Sooooo when I run out of my supply of 8 dozen KSig 3.2, 8 dozen 2019 TP5x, 6 dozen TP5, 3 dozen TM Tour Response (phenomenal ball IMHO) I will dive into the 3 remaining dozen of Callaway Diablo Tour, 4 dozen TF D2 Feel.  (I'm giving my son all the TF and Diablo Tours).  

 

Do they have a 12 step for golf ball buying addicts?  I've been very tempted to buy the Callaway Hex Tour from Costco.  🤦‍♂️

[North Butte]

2 hours ago, wantacigar said:

I've played Ionomer cover balls for many years and really like them.  Recently I've been able to acquire urethane covered balls for the same or less $ than my favorite ionomer covered balls.  For some odd twist of fate or the Golf Gods amusement at my expense I always seem to find myself having to chip and pitch over bunkers.  I found the use of the urethane ball does help with keeping the balls on the greens in these situations.  I have no problem switching between both type balls.  Sooooo when I run out of my supply of 8 dozen KSig 3.2, 8 dozen 2019 TP5x, 6 dozen TP5, 3 dozen TM Tour Response (phenomenal ball IMHO) I will dive into the 3 remaining dozen of Callaway Diablo Tour, 4 dozen TF D2 Feel.  (I'm giving my son all the TF and Diablo Tours).  

 

Do they have a 12 step for golf ball buying addicts?  I've been very tempted to buy the Callaway Hex Tour from Costco.  🤦‍♂️

Don't know about Golf Ball Hoarders Anonymous but I can give you the name of a good divorce lawyer if your wife sees you come home with 6 doz Hex Tours next time she sends you to Costco to buy paper towels and frozen pizzas. 

[phizzy30]

7 hours ago, wantacigar said:

I've played Ionomer cover balls for many years and really like them.  Recently I've been able to acquire urethane covered balls for the same or less $ than my favorite ionomer covered balls.  For some odd twist of fate or the Golf Gods amusement at my expense I always seem to find myself having to chip and pitch over bunkers.  I found the use of the urethane ball does help with keeping the balls on the greens in these situations.  I have no problem switching between both type balls.  Sooooo when I run out of my supply of 8 dozen KSig 3.2, 8 dozen 2019 TP5x, 6 dozen TP5, 3 dozen TM Tour Response (phenomenal ball IMHO) I will dive into the 3 remaining dozen of Callaway Diablo Tour, 4 dozen TF D2 Feel.  (I'm giving my son all the TF and Diablo Tours).  

 

Do they have a 12 step for golf ball buying addicts?  I've been very tempted to buy the Callaway Hex Tour from Costco.  🤦‍♂️

Hey, I have 4 boxes of the CSX LS, 8 boxes of MTB-X, a box of Top Flite XL Distance and a box of Z-stars.  I think we both need help with our golf ball addiction. 

[wantacigar]

16 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

Hey, I have 4 boxes of the CSX LS, 8 boxes of MTB-X, a box of Top Flite XL Distance and a box of Z-stars.  I think we both need help with our golf ball addiction. 

We need to start a support group thread here!!  Oh, I forgot about the 3 boxes of MTB-X yellow I have.  Thanks for reminding me.

[rondre3000]

Definitely a change required when going from a high spin urethane ball like a TP5 to a low spin ball like a Cally Supersoft. Played a Superhot last night on the front 9 of my home course (TP5 is my regular ball). Really enjoyed the feel and height, however got some really funny bounces and releases w/ the Superhot. Just couldn't control the ball around the greens as I am used to w/ the TP5. The difference putting was also evident. Needed to put a noticeably harder stroke on the ball and left a few birdie tries short vs the TP5 that I am used to.

 

Again, the feel of the ball was great as was seeing approach shots fly noticeably higher, however, I prefer the consistency and performance I'm used to with the TP5. 

[deepred]

Anyone notice differences in putting, seems urethane balls need more oomph to get to the hole.

 

[Rocky Ball-boa]

4 hours ago, deepred said:

Anyone notice differences in putting, seems urethane balls need more oomph to get to the hole.

 

 

Yeah big time! Despite my username, I've exclusively played softer urethane balls for years. Mainly the Bridgestone Tour BXS.  Recently I've dabbled with a few other types of balls and I've also noticed that it takes far less power with the putter to get the ball past the hole with balls of the surlyn variety.

 

I'll note though that my sample size isn't large enough to say whether it's the cover material alone, or just individual types of balls within those categories. Maybe there are surlyn balls that are slower off the face and urethane ones that are jumpier, I don't know.

 

I don't mind though, I'm so done with my "lag putts" from 7 ft!

[rondre3000]

Man, just goes to show that there is so much variation  when it comes to golfer's feels. I couldn't get my putting speed right to save my life with a Callaway Supersoft (left them ALL short). Switched to a TP5 for the back 9 and my feels came back immediately.