Moving to a Urethane 3 Piece Ball

[Shane Cavitt]

I am back to the game after a pretty long hiatus of 15+ years. Since coming back, I have played 2 piece ionomer balls (Soft Feel, Supersoft, Bridgestone e6, Titleist TruFeel). Really don't have any issues with any of the balls I've been playing. Performance has been good. Haven't really noticed or seen any real difference in distance or stopping power. If I had to pick one I would probably go with the TruFeel. Maybe a few yards longer with my driver. Having said all that, I want to try some urethane 3 piece balls and see if I notice any performance differences  now that I have been playing some and getting my swing back. Especially around the greens. Don't know my SS as I have never hit on a launch monitor. I would guess it is on the low to low mid end at somewhere around 90 or so. My average drive is currently around 220.

 

I have narrowed down my top choices to the ERC Soft (I know it isn't a full urethane cover but a hybrid) and the Q Star Tour. Can anyone who has played both give their thoughts? Also, interested in hearing other options. I want to keep in the mid price range and not go over $40 per dozen.

Edited February 11, 2023 by Shane Cavitt

[95124hacker]

Hard to beat Kirkland’s for best value. Otherwise I would recommend buying a few Mint grade used balls (lostgolfballs.com) of different models for trial & error.  I’ve pretty much tried all the top balls & have my favorites. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

Edited February 11, 2023 by 95124hacker

[Tanner25]

My recommendation is Q Star tour, most people really like this ball. Right now, it is $35, which is great. Also, for the same price you can stock up on prior gen Z star. 

[MHAQ1967]

You are on the right track.

 

But as mentioned, you mind as well the buy the Z-Stars for $35.

Z-Stars perform exceptionally well greenside. As when it warms up and greens get hard they will be a vast improvement over the QST and even more over the ERC Soft.

Z-Stars excel when wedges are needed.

 

Tour Response (TR) is another very good option but are now $42 a dozen.

• TR, QST, and ERC are all around 72 compression and soft.
• ERC and TR are long.
• ERC has the alignment stripes so it depends if you like that or not.

 

Z-Star is a little firmer but it has a soft feel too.

 

Hope that helps.

 

[hammergolf]

Hard to beat Vice Pro or Maxfli Tour for price and performance.

[SteelieD]

1 minute ago, hammergolf said:

Hard to beat Vice Pro or Maxfli Tour for price and performance.

Vice Pro is an exceptional ball especially considering the cost. Go to Wal Mart and try a box if you don’t want to commit to 5 dozen on the website. 

[Dpavs]

Enter the new PXG ball... seems to fit what you are looking for and performs like a ProV1 from what I have seen in the reviews so far.

Edited February 11, 2023 by Dpavs

[RainShadow]

I play the original ERC Soft, Original Tour Response and Chrome Soft, all three perform similarly for me, with the CS spinning a bit more off the irons.

I want to try the new ERC, as my only minor complaint is I could use a little more spin off my short irons/ wedges with out having to manufacture it.

TM raised their price on the TR to 42.99, and they aren't as durable as the OG.

Cally raised their ERC price to 39.95, and their ball is more durable. and I like the TT as well.

 

 

[gridironesq]

With your price range and slower swing speed, I’m slow too so I know of which I speak, it’s definitely Maxfli Tour or on sale for now Z-star, or max out your budget with the 4 for 3 deals of TP5 or ProV1.  All of these have very good to great spin around the greens. Maxfli Tour is the best ball in your price range. Spins better into and around the green than Tour Response. 

[philly2kuk]

Guy at my club had the pxg today and normally plays the pro v1. He was raving about it.

[deepred]

It’s worth trying the higher spin versions. Some with slower swing speeds pick up a few yards from the tee with a higher spin ball. Two not mentioned so far is the Wilson Tour and Triad. The Tour is 3/4 now.

Edited February 11, 2023 by deepred

[gioreeko]

14 hours ago, Shane Cavitt said:

I am back to the game after a pretty long hiatus of 15+ years. Since coming back, I have played 2 piece ionomer balls (Soft Feel, Supersoft, Bridgestone e6, Titleist TruFeel). Really don't have any issues with any of the balls I've been playing. Performance has been good. Haven't really noticed or seen any real difference in distance or stopping power. If I had to pick one I would probably go with the TruFeel. Maybe a few yards longer with my driver. Having said all that, I want to try some urethane 3 piece balls and see if I notice any performance differences  now that I have been playing some and getting my swing back. Especially around the greens. Don't know my SS as I have never hit on a launch monitor. I would guess it is on the low to low mid end at somewhere around 90 or so. My average drive is currently around 220.

 

I have narrowed down my top choices to the ERC Soft (I know it isn't a full urethane cover but a hybrid) and the Q Star Tour. Can anyone who has played both give their thoughts? Also, interested in hearing other options. I want to keep in the mid price range and not go over $40 per dozen.

with that slow of a swing speed, go for the Kirklands. If you want to spend a little more, Snell, Vice and Maxfli are the best options. 

[Shane Cavitt]

Just got back from Golf Galaxy. Had the $20 off $100 coupon plus $20 in rewards. Based on the responses here I went with the Z Stars since they were on sale. Also, picked up some Maxfli Tour S and the new ERC. Should have plenty of balls for awhile and a lot of testing and comparing. Thanks to everyone for their input. I'll let you know how it goes.

[JAM01]

Q Star Tour, Tour Response (best yellow imo), Maxfli Tour maybe Tour S. 

[UNDY24]

I agree with the Kirkland recommendation.