Best Ball for Hitting into Net

[SE Gamer]

I hit into a net with my home LM/sim. Have an iPad and flatscreen on the wall. May add an impact screen at some point, but I'm pretty happy with the net/flatscreen setup. 

Only "issue" is wear and tear on the net. My particular setup has a primary net with a smaller sacrificial net that hangs in front of it. So the primary is still in good shape. But the sacrificial one takes a beating. Partially my fault for not changing out balls more often. Which kind of leads me to my question...

 

What's the best value ball in terms of durability for my purposes? In that the ball's cover stays pretty clean and doesn't cause premature wear to the net. 

Recently saw a Rick Sheils video where he tested out some amazon exclusive callaway balls (hex soft). He was really impressed with the bunker durability test, and they're dirt cheap at about $1 a ball. While still (allegedly) feeling pretty good.

 

Any other folks been down this road and found a good value option?

[northgolf]

If you are using a LM, the best ball to use is the one you play on the course (new and unscuffed), otherwise you are practice results won't match with your on course results. 

[SE Gamer]

12 hours ago, northgolf said:

If you are using a LM, the best ball to use is the one you play on the course (new and unscuffed), otherwise you are practice results won't match with your on course results. 

 

I don't disagree. But I'm not doing fittings with my LM. Just using it to stay sharp with shot shape and distances. So the slight variance between ball models isn't consequential enough for me to worry about.

[mgoblue83]

Kirkland Signatures. Less than $1/ball and close to premium feel and performance. They are also pretty durable unless you are taking full swings with wedges that have fresh grooves. 

[J_Tizzle]

Yeah my brothers set up, we just took old balls that had marks or wear on them and slowly got about 50 balls in there.  No reason to put 3 dozen brand new balls in there, a scuff or a smudged line/mark won't make any difference.  Not like "oh the spin was 80 less because i hit the cartpath mark"...

 

[Golf Pig]

I think it's important to use the same golf ball you normally play. I use new balls when I need the most accurate launch monitor data - driver testing, getting iron distances, etc. Otherwise I use slightly scuffed or worn balls from my bag.

 

I'd suggest upgrading to an impact panel. We've had this one for several years and it has very little wear if any:

 

https://www.parbuster.com/collections/golf-impact-panels/products/ultra-duty-delta-impact-panel

 

Edited for clarification... for an impact screen, new balls only with no sharpie marks, etc. (unrelated but RCT balls work well). For an impact panel (archery netting), used balls work just fine. Maybe it's the brand of panel, but ours looks brand new after years of heavy use.

Edited November 1, 2022 by Golf Pig

[Bubbtubbs]

On 10/25/2022 at 3:14 PM, J_Tizzle said:

Yeah my brothers set up, we just took old balls that had marks or wear on them and slowly got about 50 balls in there.  No reason to put 3 dozen brand new balls in there, a scuff or a smudged line/mark won't make any difference.  Not like "oh the spin was 80 less because i hit the cartpath mark"...

 

Marked and scuffed balls can wear a screen prematurely and really do a number on impact netting. Usually best to do it the reverse - new balls in the sim and the worn ones rotated into the bag for outdoor rounds.

[J_Tizzle]

16 hours ago, Bubbtubbs said:

Marked and scuffed balls can wear a screen prematurely and really do a number on impact netting. Usually best to do it the reverse - new balls in the sim and the worn ones rotated into the bag for outdoor rounds.

 

I did not think about an impact screen, so you're probably right there, we just hit into a net.  Good call.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

Have a dozen of the ProV RCT on the way for winter use into my Spornia net using Mevo.   I’ve heard good things about the accuracy of spin on the RCT balls vs using regular ProV in the same setup. 

[SE Gamer]

On 10/25/2022 at 3:14 PM, J_Tizzle said:

Yeah my brothers set up, we just took old balls that had marks or wear on them and slowly got about 50 balls in there.  No reason to put 3 dozen brand new balls in there, a scuff or a smudged line/mark won't make any difference.  Not like "oh the spin was 80 less because i hit the cartpath mark"...

 

I know others have addressed this, but here's some photo evidence of what scuffed balls can do to a net. And scuffed balls in combination with hitting wedges can really wreck a net. Granted, the net pictured isn't the most premium of models. And fortunately it's the smaller sacrificial net on my setup.

[SE Gamer]

On 10/25/2022 at 4:35 PM, Golf Pig said:

I think it's important to use the same golf ball you normally play. I use new balls when I need the most accurate launch monitor data - driver testing, getting iron distances, etc. Otherwise I use slightly scuffed or worn balls from my bag.

 

I'd suggest upgrading to an impact panel. We've had this one for several years and it has very little wear if any:

 

https://www.parbuster.com/collections/golf-impact-panels/products/ultra-duty-delta-impact-panel

 

Edited for clarification... for an impact screen, new balls only with no sharpie marks, etc. (unrelated but RCT balls work well). For an impact panel (archery netting), used balls work just fine. Maybe it's the brand of panel, but ours looks brand new after years of heavy use.

 

Thanks for the link on the impact panel. Pricing on the linked panel is very reasonable, and seems like it'd be a lot better than a traditional net.

[Bubbtubbs]

1 hour ago, SE Gamer said:

I know others have addressed this, but here's some photo evidence of what scuffed balls can do to a net. And scuffed balls in combination with hitting wedges can really wreck a net. Granted, the net pictured isn't the most premium of models. And fortunately it's the smaller sacrificial net on my setup.

When a 10" table saw averages around 6000-7000rpm and a wedge shot is 9000+, it's easy to see why a scuffed ball can become a buzzsaw against the mesh.

[SE Gamer]

16 hours ago, Bubbtubbs said:

When a 10" table saw averages around 6000-7000rpm and a wedge shot is 9000+, it's easy to see why a scuffed ball can become a buzzsaw against the mesh.

 

Yep. Pretty much like hitting a spinning ball of wadded up sandpaper. 

[Simpsonia]

I think it depends on the purpose. Are you hitting a lot of balls trying to make swing changes? Then go Kirkland, urethane cover to keep some of the feel of a premium ball, but cheap enough that you can swap them out constantly to prevent wear on the screen. If you're dialing in your distances then go with your gamer, otherwise you'll start creating confusion between the sim and on-course performance. 

[northgolf]

 

10 hours ago, Simpsonia said:

I think it depends on the purpose. Are you hitting a lot of balls trying to make swing changes? Then go Kirkland, urethane cover to keep some of the feel of a premium ball, but cheap enough that you can swap them out constantly to prevent wear on the screen. If you're dialing in your distances then go with your gamer, otherwise you'll start creating confusion between the sim and on-course performance. 

I can hit a premium ball into my impact screen for months without it scuffing, no cart paths or trees in the virtual world.  I have to rotate the screen periodically to change the impact point, but I am still getting 10 years out of a screen.  The other point about new balls is you don't get dirt messing up your screen.

 

Spend thousands of dollars on a simulator and then skimp on balls and wear it out quicker: that's the ticket <rolls eyes>.

[Simpsonia]

41 minutes ago, northgolf said:

 

I can hit a premium ball into my impact screen for months without it scuffing, no cart paths or trees in the virtual world.  I have to rotate the screen periodically to change the impact point, but I am still getting 10 years out of a screen.  The other point about new balls is you don't get dirt messing up your screen.

 

Spend thousands of dollars on a simulator and then skimp on balls and wear it out quicker: that's the ticket <rolls eyes>.

 

Maybe you don't hit balls that often, or you're just a lower swing speed hitter that doesn't cut up balls. Not everyone can get months out of a premium ball without cutting it up. No need to be dismissive about the fact that other people might have different experiences than you. 

[Bubbtubbs]

1 hour ago, Simpsonia said:

 

Maybe you don't hit balls that often, or you're just a lower swing speed hitter that doesn't cut up balls. Not everyone can get months out of a premium ball without cutting it up. No need to be dismissive about the fact that other people might have different experiences than you. 

Prov1 last less than 300 hits with driver to 5i for me before they stop compressing and I risk cracking.

 

Basically change them out every 200 smacks.

Edited November 7, 2022 by Bubbtubbs

[northgolf]

You spend thousands of dollars on a simulator and hundreds of dollars on nets and impact screens and then whine about spending on balls that will get get you the most realistic representation of on course performance.  Perspective. 

 

Yeah, I  am a slow swing guy, 105 with driver. I have yet to see anyone crack a V1.  How ever, 300 drivers with a V1 on a course with a swing speed that could crack it is about as likely as winning Powerball tonight - that ball would be long lost or cart path scuffed.  At 300 drivers with a swing speed that can crack the ball, I wonder how there are dimples left on the ball.  Will someone please buy this man a molitor!

[PowerPlayer]

I bought 120 "Practice" ProV1X and 120 "Tour" ProV1X off EBay at around $.75 to $1/ball. My guess is that they're range balls from PGA Tour events but 90% of them are in 4A to 5A condition. Some seem to be defective though as I have cracked a handful of them with the last casualty happening this evening. Most shockingly, the dimple pattern is still intact. Or perhaps this is normal and some of us have different experiences/profiles. We'll probably never know. One of life's mysteries. 

[ChipDriver]

It's not the balls - it's the "net".  My solution is to hang a cheap polyester "curtain/sheet" over your expensive heavy net - and this thin sheet of polyester will protect the net and balls "forever".

 

I use this thing:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D69D59Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1.....not the whole contraption - but the black "sheet".   I use the hooks and hook it relatively LOOSELY (not stretched or pulled tightly...but it looks like the picture - spread wide) onto my main hitting net - and it's been perfect.   The balls hit the nylon and they don't wear it out....knock wood.   I suppose you could use any piece of nylon/polyester "sheet" or "shower curtain" - I chose the one above b/c it came with hooks in it.   The sheet is basically cheap "wind breaker" type material.  I'm amazed that it doesn't abrade or wear out - but it doesn't.

 

I hit several hundred balls a day - from about 8-10 feet in my house - and I absolutely pummel one specific area of my net.   The "sheet" helps much more than I'd expect.   If anything wears out - it will be the cheap polyester.

 

And for balls - I'm still on my first dozen Prov1s that I have hit for a year into this net.  I've probably hit each of them almost 1000 times.   Have fun.

[Bubbtubbs]

9 hours ago, northgolf said:

You spend thousands of dollars on a simulator and hundreds of dollars on nets and impact screens and then whine about spending on balls that will get get you the most realistic representation of on course performance.  Perspective. 

 

Yeah, I  am a slow swing guy, 105 with driver. I have yet to see anyone crack a V1.  How ever, 300 drivers with a V1 on a course with a swing speed that could crack it is about as likely as winning Powerball tonight - that ball would be long lost or cart path scuffed.  At 300 drivers with a swing speed that can crack the ball, I wonder how there are dimples left on the ball.  Will someone please buy this man a molitor!

I was agreeing you need to change the balls out if they're getting long in the tooth but acknowledging that different people will do that at varying rates.

 

The only one doing any actual complaining here is you.

[northgolf]

12 hours ago, Bubbtubbs said:

I was agreeing you need to change the balls out if they're getting long in the tooth but acknowledging that different people will do that at varying rates.

 

The only one doing any actual complaining here is you.

Actually, I did not intend to complain.  I was pointing out relative costs.  After your post, I googled about cracked balls and found it was fairly common hitting into nets with sims (even at my low speeds).

 

My system is camera based so I am not hitting the ball in the same spot each time and they get scuffed if I aggressively spin a wedge which takes them out of play.  The impact screen in front of the net probably helps as well.

 

Beats the hell out of the 70's and 80's when you were lucky to get three holes out of a wound balata - a couple of drives would make the oblong and heaven forbid you hit an iron thin.

[Bubbtubbs]

10 hours ago, northgolf said:

Actually, I did not intend to complain.  I was pointing out relative costs.  After your post, I googled about cracked balls and found it was fairly common hitting into nets with sims (even at my low speeds).

 

My system is camera based so I am not hitting the ball in the same spot each time and they get scuffed if I aggressively spin a wedge which takes them out of play.  The impact screen in front of the net probably helps as well.

 

Beats the hell out of the 70's and 80's when you were lucky to get three holes out of a wound balata - a couple of drives would make the oblong and heaven forbid you hit an iron thin.

I play in a league with persimmons and we occasionally bust out a sleeve of balata balls (usually Tour Balata or Maxfli HT). It's always a good time when someone peels the cover with a skulled wedge or iron.

 

Edit: Tour Balata 90, not Professional 90.

Edited November 9, 2022 by Bubbtubbs

[SE Gamer]

On 11/6/2022 at 7:31 PM, northgolf said:

 

I can hit a premium ball into my impact screen for months without it scuffing, no cart paths or trees in the virtual world.  I have to rotate the screen periodically to change the impact point, but I am still getting 10 years out of a screen.  The other point about new balls is you don't get dirt messing up your screen.

 

Spend thousands of dollars on a simulator and then skimp on balls and wear it out quicker: that's the ticket <rolls eyes>.

That's great for you. I can get by for a little while if I'm not hitting wedges. But one or two good sessions with the low end of my bag wrecks any premium ball I've used. Have had balls split, covers delaminate. Pro V, TP5, Chrome, etc. Doesn't matter. 

[teddyironboy]

do dimples even matter for most launch monitors? i just know that the cover being smoother and losing it's finish can make it spin less, but nothing too crazy. maybe a 7 iron goes from 6000 to 5500.

[Bubbtubbs]

15 hours ago, teddyironboy said:

do dimples even matter for most launch monitors? i just know that the cover being smoother and losing it's finish can make it spin less, but nothing too crazy. maybe a 7 iron goes from 6000 to 5500.

Matters more indoors because high spin can turn that roughed-up ball into a buzzsaw when it hits the net or screen.  Not changing the balls can really shorten the life of whatever you're hitting into.

[SE Gamer]

On 3/27/2023 at 7:43 PM, Bubbtubbs said:

Matters more indoors because high spin can turn that roughed-up ball into a buzzsaw when it hits the net or screen.  Not changing the balls can really shorten the life of whatever you're hitting into.

 

Yep. And once a rip/tear starts, it's quickly downhill after that...

[brucedeuce]

Maxfli Tour Balls for Pro V1 players.  Same numbers and last longer.