Pinned? Best modern balls for vintage clubs

[ScooterMcTavish]

One question that seems to get discussed a fair bit is what modern golf ball works best with vintage equipment, and/or which feels most like balata. Thinking if we have a pinned thread for this, I can update the first post continually with what others add in their experiences below. Then, any new or current vintage players can click on the pinned thread and immediately get some suggestions of the ball they could/should play.

 

I guess we'll wait and see if the mods agree with the idea, but for now, I think I can start the thread. Some important data I think we should include is:

- Clubs it was hit with

- Spin (tee, fairways, approach, pitch/chip)

- Trajectory

- Feel, for woods, irons and putter on the Balata Scale (between 1 - Yuck and 5 - Pretty Close)

- General comments

- Price paid

- Where available

 

The balls will be listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer. We'll also combine comments into "meta-comments", yet leave everyone's individual posts in place if people want to deep dive into people's impressions. I would suggest starting your post in Bold Letters which ball you're reviewing to make it easier for people to scan through. I'd also suggest we move debates about a certain ball to individual threads - would really like this one to be more of a collected data/FYI thread.

 

Also, if a review came from someone else's testing, I will reference them on the "Clubs played with" line.

 

Balls Not Recommended for Vintage (Hard and Unhittable):

Nitro Blaster

Nitro Distance

Tommy Armour EVO Soft

Ram FX Tour Spin

 

 

Bridgestone

 

Ball: B330-RXS

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II; Woods - Staff Tour Block Laminate

Spin: Tee, medium; fairways, medium; approach, high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: A pricey option vs. the FG Tour, but a perfectly suitable ball for playing with vintage clubs. Disappears off the irons, has a low enough compression and soft enough cover that it feels pretty balata-ish. Has the usual Bridgestone issue of a slightly firmer urethane cover, which gives it a little less spin that the FG Tour, but a little better distance. Very nice ball - would game it everyday if it was a bit cheaper. Can trade the slight loss in feel for the added distance.

Price and Availability: $40-47/doz online new, much cheaper recycled

 

Ball: e5

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II; Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, high; fairways, high; approach, high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: High

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: Very nice ball - a bit firmer than the FG Tour, but spins a lot. We know we can work the ball with blades, but this ball can turn a draw into a hook. Can definitely see the absence of a mantle layer in the ball to help straighten it out. Pretty much the spinniest ball I've tested, and maybe a good one for those who love to work the ball HARD. However, my opinion is control can be lost a little too easily. Urethane cover has a nice muted feel off all clubs.

Price and Availability: $25/doz at many retailers

 

Ball: e7

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, med; approach, med; pitch/chip, med

Trajectory: Med/Low

Feel: Woods - 2, Irons - 2, Putter - 3

Comments: This ball is HARD! To some extent it does what Bridgestone claims, and it can have a lower trajectory as it does not spin much. Flip side is that it loses almost all feel. Unless you're a ball-crusher like Froth, this thing is a ROCK, making mishits on vintage even more painful (numb hands!). Surprisingly enough though, it does spin reasonably well on approaches, and putts nicely. And, if you're a high backspin driver hitter (like me), it goes like snot.

Price and Availability: $25/doz at many retailers

 

Ball: Precept Lady IQ+

Clubs Played With: Irons - 2,3,5,7, and sand iron 1930's faux hickory shafts, 1930ish blade putter, Woods - George Sayer driver (oldschoolrocker)

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, low; approach, medium; pitch/chip, medium-high

Trajectory: Med

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 5

Comments: Strong penetrating flight off the tee. Very crisp off the irons. Smooth as silk around the greens, and down right nasty off the putter face

Price and Availability: $20-25/doz at many retailers

 

 

 

Callaway

 

Ball: Chrome Soft

Clubs Played With: Irons - Ping Zing; Woods - Did not use FWs, Toaster driver

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, med; approach, high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 5, Putter - 5

Comments: Closest ball I've played to the old FG Tour. Soft, spinny, muted, and putts amazingly, especially on faster greens. Softer cover than the B300-RXS which gives it a nicer feel

Price and Availability: On closeout for $40-45 doz

 

Ball: HX Diablo

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Staff Tour Block Laminate

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, low; approach, low; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium/Low

Feel: Woods - 2, Irons - 3, Putter - 2

Comments: Plenty soft enough to play with, but does seem to "spring" off the clubs. Disappears on a well struck iron, but it is a surlyn ball. Rebounds too quick off of woods to remind me of balata. Putts OK for a surlyn ball with a non insert putter. Good choice on a day when you're having spin issues, or when windy - ball loses height due to less backspin.

Price and Availability: On closeout for $10 doz, getting tougher to find

 

Ball: Hex Black Tour

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Staff Tour Block Laminate

Spin: Tee, medium; fairways, medium; approach, med/high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 3

Comments: The soft urethane cover feels good, but this is a firm ball. My memory ain't so good, but to me, this felt like what a 100 compression balata ball felt like. Definitely more "clack" off the irons, "crack" off the woods, and "clunk" off the putter. A suitable ball, though you have to like the feel of a firm ball. Not as spinny as the FG Tour.

Price and Availability: On sale for $40 doz at most online retailers

 

 

 

Nike

 

Ball: 20XI-S

Clubs Played With: Irons - Maxfli Flatbacks; Woods - Hogan Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, med; approach, high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: Quite a difference between this and the 20X1-X. Since these are made by Bridgestone for Nike, I would say the 20X1-X reminded me of a B330, while the 20X1-S was not quite as soft as a B300-RX. For those who like a firmer ball, it's a nice compromise between feel and firmness. Very nice around the greens, and nice to putt with too.

Price and Availability: Grab as many as you can for the $25 they're currently selling for.

 

Ball: 20XI-X

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Hogan Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, med; approach, med; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 2, Putter - 3

Comments: Very hard ball with a firm urethane cover. More reminded me of a B330 I once played. Straight, reasonably long, but only moderate spin. Generally unpleasant off of vintage, with a too-firm feel on the irons, too sharp a crack off the persimmon, and a bit better (though not great) off the putter. Especially for the price, the Bridgestone balls offer better feel (RX, RXS).

Price and Availability: Looks like about $30 should get you a dozen online

 

Ball: Crush (Red)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Hogan Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, med; approach, med; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 4, Putter - 3

Comments: Surprised at how nice this ball was - very straight and long off the tee, yet soft enough to compress with a satisfying smack off irons. Not a tour ball, but one of the better spinning two-piece balls I've used around the green; hard to get it to release. Comes off the putter "hot". Really nice all around ball, would make a great fall gamer; a step above the Slazenger and Maxfli models. Reminds me of the old AD333.

Price and Availability: Looks like about $20 should get you a dozen online

 

 

 

Maxfli

 

Ball: Revolution Spin

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, med; approach, low/medium; pitch/chip, low

Trajectory: Med

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 2, Putter - 2

Comments: Clickety-clack, there goes the ball. Not as bad off woods as irons where it is really clicky. Spins well for a 2-piece ball, but noted in testing last year that it spins better in warm weather. One of the better putting 2-pc. balls. Really not bad for what you pay, with a softer feel that is OK off vintage. Cover is just a bit too hard.

Price and Availability: Dick's Sporting Goods, usually 2 doz. for $20

 

 

 

Slazenger

 

Ball: Raw Distance Feel (Blue box)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, low; approach, medium; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 3, Putter - 2

Comments: Been a big fan of this ball for its soft feel, and reasonable spin for a 2-piece. Plus, when you can use a coupon and pick up 4 dozen for the insane price of like $20, why wouldn't you? It's fine off vintage, and isn't too hard, just not a great putting ball. But hey, when leaf season comes around, it's a pretty good option. Slazenger logo is also cool, and almost guaranteed no-one else in your foursome is playing one.

Price and Availability: Dick's or Golf Galaxy, usually 2 x 2doz packs for $30-$35.

 

 

 

Srixon

 

Ball: Z-Star

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, med/high; fairways, med; approach, medium/high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium/high

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: A good all around ball for vintage. Fits third in my ranking behind the FG Tour and B330 RXS. Cover is marginally less spinny, and feel is a touch firmer than with the other two balls, and I feel softness gives a ball that "balata" feeling. Very consistent, and I find it's mantle layer (or less tacky cover) keeps things a little straighter off the tee and fairway. If you have some control issues, this might be a good first choice.

Price and Availability: On season end clearance, anywhere from $25-$35.

 

Ball: Z-Star SL (Yellow)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Maxfli Flatbacks, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, med; approach, high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium/high

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 4, Putter - 3

Comments: Considering this was supposed to be a softer version of the Z-Star, I left quite unimpressed with this ball. If felt fine off woods and irons, but "dead" as well. Almost a bit of a dull feeling ball. Was surprisingly firm on the green as well - surprised by this, as usually Urethane balls are good to putt with. For those who like a "grabby" ball around the green, this thing really bites on pitches and chips; left me short of the hole the first few holes.

Price and Availability: On season end clearance, anywhere from $25-$35.

 

Ball: Z-Star XV

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, med; approach, medium; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 2, Irons - 1, Putter - 2

Comments: I know others have been a big fan of this ball. Count me out, though it may be my SS is just a bit too slow for it. Playing a round the other day, I switched from an HX Diablo to the XV, and it was like night and day. Hard off woods. Hard off irons. Little spin, no feel. In fact, this was about the least favourite urethane ball I've ever played.

Price and Availability: On season end clearance, anywhere from $25-$35.

 

 

 

Strata (Callaway)

 

Ball: Jet

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II, Woods - Staff Tour Block Laminate

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, low; approach, medium; pitch/chip, low

Trajectory: Low

Feel: Woods - 2, Irons - 2, Putter - 2

Comments: Best comparison is to a Wilson Ultra, circa 1985. Cutproof, goes like stink, and feels like hitting a hard chunk of plastic. A poor choice matched with vintage irons, as it doesn't get the backspin necessary for good approaches and chips - had a 5 yd roll out on the green with an PW which was hit high! Supposedly durable, but shredded flakes off the cover with my PW.

Price and Availability: Your local mass-market retailer, usually for around $15 for 15.

 

 

 

TaylorMade

 

 

Ball: Lethal

Clubs Played With: Irons - Maxfli TM-92 Australian Blades, Woods - Maxfli Black Missile Carbon Graphite

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, med; approach, high; pitch/chip, med/high

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: Was a good overall performing ball. Reminded me of most balls TM makes that feel a bit "heavy" coming off the woods, possibly due to the type of cover construction it uses (cast urethane). A bit harder for a moderate swing player like me to compress, but the distance on even firer feeling hits was very satisfying. Good performer around the green. Not the spinniest ball, but good for those who play a little run on their shots. Felt great off irons though. Good to putt with too, if you like a firmer feel without the click.

Price and Availability: $35/doz, or $22.50 shipped for "practice" Lethal from Amazon.

 

Ball: Noodle Distance (yellow)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Maxfli Flatbacks, Woods - H&B Atlas, Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, low; approach, low; pitch/chip, low

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 3, Putter - 2.5

Comments: Have enjoyed the low compression balls since they returned, and always liked the Noodle Rotini and LoCo Bite. Both were inexpensive soft balls, with adequate spin, and a great feel. However, never tried the Noodle Distance, and tempted by the 12/$9.99 price point, thought I'd give them a whirl. Not the worst two-piece ball, but gets very clicky on mishits. Distance is good, and spin is extremely low. OK as a bump-and-run ball for fall when the temperatures drop. Plus you don't care when you lose one in leaves.

Price and Availability: $9.99/doz - fill yer' boots.

 

Ball: Penta TP3

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, medium; fairways, medium; approach, medium; pitch/chip, medium/high

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 3, Putter - 3

Comments: Interesting ball, as it feels rather soft off modern equipment. However, its character completely changes on vintage. Has a harder sound off the woods and irons, nothing like the muted click of the FG Tour, or even the very soft covered Hex Black. Distance is average, and it spun less off approach irons than FG Tour. Putts OK, but a bit firm. Might be a good ball for a harder swing/higher spin player than I.

Price and Availability: Anywhere between $20-$30/doz at various online retailers.

 

 

 

Titleist

 

Ball: ProV1

Clubs Played With: Irons - FG-17, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, high; fairways, high; approach, high; pitch/chip, high

Trajectory: Medium/High

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 5, Putter - 4

Comments: This may be heresy, but I've never seen the appeal of the ProV myself. "So it works about the same as a Z-Star, feels harder than an FG Tour, yet costs 150-250% more when I can get the others on sale? Sign me up." Such is the marketing machine that is Titleist. And don't get me wrong, it is a good ball that feels firm (like the Z-Star), yet is completely satisfactory off of vintage. I just have never been able to make the performance/price connection so many others do.

Price and Availability: $47/doz just about anywhere.

 

Ball: Velocity

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Apex II, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, medium; fairways, medium; approach, medium; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 3, Putter - 3

Comments: I was really prepared to hate this ball, as I generally don't like anything made by Titleist. However, I tried a sleeve at the urging of my partner, and was very impressed. For a two piece ball, felt nicely soft off both the irons and woods, and distance was notably above average. Not clicky, even off the putter. Spin was better than most 2 piece balls. Not a great value for a 2-piece however.

Price and Availability: $34/doz at your local big box retailer, have seen Titleist X-Outs full of Velocity at Wal-Mart for $12

 

 

Top Flite

 

Ball: Gamer Tour

Clubs Played With: Irons - Hogan Radial, Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, medium; fairways, medium; approach, high; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium/High

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 5

Comments: Though I fear this may come across as hyperbole, the Gamer Tour is the best inexpensive urethane ball I've played for vintage. It has a nice firm feel, but also a muted crack due to its urethane cover. Spin is not too bad off the tee, and you can certainly fade and draw the ball off irons. Full wedges bite nicely, though pitches and chips do run a little more than some other urethane balls I've played.

Price and Availability: $35/2 doz at Dick's or Golf Galaxy

 

 

Wilson Staff

 

Ball: 50 Elite (Yellow)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon FW, Eye 2 Driver

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, low; approach, low; pitch/chip, low

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 2, Putter - 1

Comments: No question this is a surlyn ball - clicky off the irons and the putter, slightly better off the woods. Enjoyed the older white version of the ball (the original 50/50) as it had a surprisingly soft cover (like the original Zip). The current covers do not share this tackiness, and packaging (including inside stampings) suggests it is made in the same factory as discount Wilson balls (like the F.L.I.). I'd pass on this one - many better options out there in a soft two-piece ball.

Price and Availability: $13 at Wally World

 

Ball: 50 Elite (White)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Wright and Ditson/Spalding; Woods - WIlson Staff Model Laminate FW, Burke Coronation Driver

Spin: Tee, medium; fairways, low; approach, low; pitch/chip, medium

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 3, Irons - 3, Putter - 4

Comments: Strangely enough, felt completely different than the yellow version. The white version has the softer Wilson Staff cover, and packaging was back to four flat - possibly production was moved. Reminded me of the original 50/50, reasonably soft, decent feeling, and very good manners around the green for a two-piece surlyn ball. This ball now gets my BEST BUY recommendation as the best cheapest ball for vintage play.

Price and Availability: $10-13 everywhere

 

 

Ball: C:25

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, med; fairways, med; approach, med; pitch/chip, med

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 2.5, Putter - 3

Comments: Not bad but genuinely unremarkabale - would say it felt more like a 2-piece than a 3-piece ball. Not much like the Zip which it was to replace. Feels hard on off-centre iron hits, doesn't spin or bite remarkably well, but not too clicky putting either. Nice off persimmon though, and does deliver very good distance.

Price and Availability: 2 doz for $30 at Golfsmith

 

Ball: D:25

Clubs Played With: Irons - Maxfli Flatbacks; Woods - Hogan Personal Persimmon

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, med; approach, med; pitch/chip, med

Trajectory: Medium

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: Wished I hadn't waited so long to try it, but was very put off with Staff after they replaced the original Zip with the lackluster C:25, and the 2 doz pack 2 piece Zip. However, the D:25 really reminds me of the old Zip crossed with the first 50/50. Very soft off all clubs, a nice muted sound, very nice to putt with, and has some check for a 2-piece ball. Unfortunately, these are becoming tougher to find, but if you find a deal on some, grab a box. You won't be disappointed. If I didn't see the panhead dimples, I'd swear this was a Duo.

Price and Availability: 1 doz for $20 at Edwin Watts, various deal prices elsewhere.

 

Ball: Duo(Yellow)

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Hogan Persimmon FW

Spin: Tee, low; fairways, low; approach, med/high; pitch/chip, med/high

Trajectory: High

Feel: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4

Comments: Wow, what a superb ball. Smooth off the woods and irons, decent spin on approaches and chips. Putts unlike any other 2 piece I've ever played. The hype is real. Not 100% muted in sound like balata, but just doesn't sound clicky like every other surlyn balls. Wanted to hate it based on the hype - ended up loving it.

Price and Availability: $25 just about everywhere

 

 

Ball: FG Tour

Clubs Played With: Irons - Staff FG-17; Woods - Staff Tour Block Laminate

Spin: Tee, high; fairways, high; approach, high; pitch/chip, very high

Trajectory: High

Feel: Woods - 5, Irons - 4, Putter - 5

Comments: Feels like it sits on the face of the woods forever, just like balata, and has such a soft muted cover, it again, feels like balata when putting. Only difference is it does feel a little firmer than a balata ball off the irons. Not clicky, but a little firmer feeling than I remember. Best spin on any urethane ball I've seen with traditional clubs, but can bite you when driving.

Price and Availability: Good blems for $15/doz, usually $20/doz online, yellow plays the same as white

[ScooterMcTavish]

Hex Black Tour added.

As a young guy, I never had the club speed to play a 100 compression ball, and always enjoyed the relatively softer feel of 90 compression balls. As a grown up, I have really enjoyed all the lower compression balls available, and have gotten used to the softer feel off all my clubs. As dpark said a few years ago in the golf ball forum (when I had my love affair with the Zip), "Welcome to the world of Balata".

If I was comparing the two tour balls tested so far, the FG Tour is a hands down winner in the "balata feel" department - reminds me of a Titlist Professional 90. Hard to think of a comparison for a Hex Black - almost like someone took one of the other firm balls of yesteryear (Golden Ram 492?) and put an "almost" balata cover on it.

However, what I did like about the Hex Black is it is very stable in the wind, and does play lower. Not a bad alternative for a windy day when the FG Tour would be blown all over the place.

[ScooterMcTavish]

Bridgestone B330-RXS and Strata Jet added.

Will game the TM TP3 in warming up for league tonight, and will add tomorrow. As balls also become difficult to find, we can pull them off the OP as well.

[ScooterMcTavish]

Penta TP3 added.

FG Tour still the best. Need to see if I still have any Zips around. Also curious to see how the e5, Slazenger RD Feel and Maxfli Spin options play.

[ScooterMcTavish]

Maxfli Revolution Spin added. Can't always test expensive balls, and 2 doz. for $20 is a good deal.

[birly-shirly]

Thoughts on the posh Titleists?

I know they're expensive - but then, you can afford to spoil yourself with nice balls with what you save on playing classic clubs. Plus, you find more of them than just about any other ball.

[oldschoolrocker]

BS,
The Titliest aren't bad, but for the difference in money I get just as much out of the Wilson Duo myself. Especially in the cooler temps. I liked the Zips and 50/50s as well. Haven't tried the the new fg tour Wilson but a lot of guys say it is a solid ball.
There is a thread on WRX about a low compression ladies ball being used on tour by a few players due to its characteristics , Precept Lady IQ.
Played a few holes with one last year, got paired with a dude and his girlfriend and we all decided to play her pink balls for fun. Not too shabby.
Name change to Bridgestone something or other now.

[ScooterMcTavish]

Hay guys,

Can you give me a review of the balls your're discussing using the OP format? Then I can add them to the list.

[ScooterMcTavish]

[quote name='birly-shirly' timestamp='1375397703' post='7586642']
Thoughts on the posh Titleists?

I know they're expensive - but then, you can afford to spoil yourself with nice balls with what you save on playing classic clubs. Plus, you find more of them than just about any other ball.
[/quote]

Can honestly state I've never liked the ProVs. This dates back to my youth when either:
- You'd find a balata one and smiley face it
- You'd find a DT, which I just HATED

I've subsequently tried the ProV and ProVx in its various incarnations (starting with the 392) and just can't get a feel for it. The ProV is soft, but not as nice feeling as the FG Tour, and goes off line just as easy. The x is straighter, but is firm and unenjoyable around the green.

I guess I like a softer ball, and even prefer the Cally Hex Black to the ProV. Even if the ball is "harder" I like its feel and spin characteristics much better. Though, as always, YMMV. Guess we'll need someone else to review it.

[Froth]

I am determined to find me some FG tours today.

 

Edit: I have Eight 1999-2004 Era Prov1's I snagged from Goodwill I'm going to smack around.

 

:)

[okesa]

[size=5]Titleist DT Solo[/size]
[size=5]TM Noodle[/size]
[size=5]Srixon Soft Feel[/size]
[size=5]Wilson Staff DX2 Soft[/size]

[ScooterMcTavish]

[quote name='okesa' timestamp='1375907816' post='7626442']
[size=5]Titleist DT Solo[/size]
[size=5]TM Noodle[/size]
[size=5]Srixon Soft Feel[/size]
[size=5]Wilson Staff DX2 Soft[/size]
[/quote]

Thanks Okesa,

Can you give me your feedback on them in the following format?


[b]Bridgestone[/b]

[u][u]Ball[/u][/u]: [b][url="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=24013&m=1020510387&q=n&rdgt=1375797541&it=1375970341&et=1376402341&priceret=93.99&pg=~~3&k=5c7c0739d9836472798c775347861ba7&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eagilitysportinggoods%2Ecom%2Fq109320%5FBridgestone%2DGolf%5FBridgestone%2DB330%7ERXS%2D5A%2DRecycled%2DGolf%2DBalls%2Ehtm%5FQSource%5F10008&st=feed&mt=~~~~~~~~n~~~"][color="#353535"]B330-RXS[/color][/url][/b]
[u]Clubs Played With[/u]: Irons - Hogan Apex II; Woods - Staff Tour Block Laminate
[u][u]Spin[/u][/u]: Tee, medium; fairways, medium; approach, high; pitch/chip, high
[u][u]Trajectory[/u][/u]: Medium
[u][u]Feel[/u][/u]: Woods - 4, Irons - 4, Putter - 4
[u][u]Comments[/u][/u]: A pricey option vs. the FG Tour, but a perfectly suitable ball for playing with vintage clubs. Disappears off the irons, has a low enough compression and soft enough cover that it feels pretty balata-ish. Has the usual Bridgestone issue of a slightly firmer urethane cover, which gives it a little less spin that the [url="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=6533&m=1221063222&q=n&rdgt=1375797540&it=1375970340&et=1376402340&priceret=39.99&pg=~~3&k=7924af3761fd12262317dfe027252c03&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emortongolfsales%2Ecom%2FProductDetails%2Easp%3FProductCode%3DWILSO%5FFG%5FTOUR%5FPERS%26click%3D71&st=feed&mt=~~~~~~~~n~~~"][color="#353535"]FG Tour[/color][/url], but a little better distance. Very nice ball - would game it everyday if it was a bit cheaper. Can trade the slight loss in feel for the added distance.
[u][u]Price and Availability[/u][/u]: $40-47/doz online new, much cheaper recycled

[okesa]

[size=5]Errr,sorry but no,in modern parlance,CBA.[/size]

[size=5]I also think you would write a far more eloquent review than I could ever be capable of.[/size]

[ScooterMcTavish]

^^^ LOL, "in modern parlance, no"

e5 added - a very intriguing ball for the classic player. The 2-piece urethane construction makes this ball MOVE, more so than any 3 piece (or more) urethane ball I've tested. For someone who really likes to work the ball, this could be a gooder. Despite higher compression ratings, plays nowhere near what its number looks like.

[Froth]

Do not crucify me for mentioning this, take some time to think and read - I know I don't need to preface my posts in the classic area but this one is a bit outside the lines.

I am going to be trying the Precept Lady IQ+. Based on what I have read on Monte's blog.
- [url="http://montescheinblum.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/the-modern-golf-ball-sucks/"]http://montescheinbl...olf-ball-sucks/[/url]

Sounds promising, and makes sense. They can be had off the 'Bay for under $1 a ball, and they do come in white.

[bigeasybri]

Check out Callaway Solaire and Pearl (if you can find them).

[stixman]

[quote name='bigeasybri' timestamp='1376032395' post='7638444']
Check out Callaway Solaire and Pearl (if you can find them).
[/quote]

In the UK there is a Callaway Solitaire (same ball??). It is supposed to be ladies ball. I found one and was very impressed and then forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me, worth a try because it was good around the greens....nice an positive.

[ScooterMcTavish]

[quote name='Froth' timestamp='1376027843' post='7638332']
Do not crucify me for mentioning this, take some time to think and read - I know I don't need to preface my posts in the classic area but this one is a bit outside the lines.
[/quote]

I have the spikes and mallet at the ready. And yes, I did read Monty's post, and enjoyed his YMMV equivalent at the bottom of it.

As you can see from the testing I've done so far, I've done some 2 piece distance and 2 piece soft ball testing. Of these, the softest was the Callaway Hex Diablo, which wasn't bad. But it all depends on what you're looking for in a ball.

Unfortunately, there is no surlyn cover made that will not give you some sort of "click" off the irons and putter. And if we remember balata correctly, it never gave a click. Maybe a clunk, often a crack, but never a click. For vintage players looking for a vintage experience, I can't see any way to get to a balata sound without urethane. The Staff Zip were about as close as it came IMHO.

So yes, Monty may be recommending a ball that will perform better for many if not most golfers. But I think playing it will degrade from the vintage experience you're looking for.

[Froth]

Yeah I can respect that - The click only bothers me off the putter, I can put up with it on Irons/Driver. It's more of a compression thing to me I guess. Balata was simply able to have a High compression feel like a 70-80 comp AND have soft putter feel. For that, you gave up durability - Tons of it.

Why the crap does NOBODY make a Balata Era replacement ball. You can get Hickory era balls to play with, You can get Gutta Percha replica balls... However there's a missing link with no Balata option for the enthusiast of the 70's-80's.

[ScooterMcTavish]

[quote name='Froth' timestamp='1376066220' post='7641034']
Why the crap does NOBODY make a Balata Era replacement ball. You can get Hickory era balls to play with, You can get Gutta Percha replica balls... However there's a missing link with no Balata option for the enthusiast of the 70's-80's.
[/quote]

If I was to take a guess at this, it's due to the manufacturing processes no longer being available or financially viable.

When one can set up a factory to shoot goo into one thing, then wrap the goo with another goo, then cover it, and sell if profitably for $5/doz at Walmart (Wilson Maximum - I'm looking at you) then I just can't see how anyone could make wound balls again. Especially as they degrade month-by-month, killing the values of inventory.

I also remember back in the 80's hearing how the pros would go to the ball lines and handle hundreds of balls in a day (no jokes, sir), picking out the specific ones they wanted to play with. Due to variability in the composition of the balata, it would process differently, and quality control simply just wasn't good enough to ensure a consistent product. That was a big "selling" feature of the Tour Edition - it's ZInthane cover was more consistent than balata due to how it was made.

So really, we'd need an expensive to make ball that few people actually want except for nostalgia's sake that loses it's value in inventory, and in the end, is an inconsistent product. And this has to compete against FG Tour blems from China at $15/doz which offer marginally poorer feel and workability, but are also not a bad substitute either.

It would be fun at first, but after someone's gone through their first $20/sleeve after 9 holes by knocking them out of round, I'm guessing these would become a novelty that people would say they want, but wouldn't buy in force.

[Froth]

Niche markets demand higher prices, people will pay it who want it - The would Lattice ball replica can be as much as $20-$25 a ball. The process of making a wound ball wasn't the most expensive part(DT Wound's were $20/dozen at the same time as Tour Balata), Balata itself was the expensive part as it is derived from Tree sap, not something some chemist can mix up in a labratory. Amongst other places Indonesia and Malaysia are the most readily available sources for large amounts of Balata and getting a consistent batch time after time after time from places like that when it has to travel under god knows what conditions costs big money.

Over time the liquid degrades the rubber windings(The core is Frozen, then wrapped) which is why their shelf life sucked - Eventually the liquid will seep into the rubber leaving the core almost "Hollow" - This was leading pros to do "ball searches" to find the correct "bounce" and correct "fingernail imprint" depth, which is how a number of them tested the Balata they used. I used them for as long as I could, so I learned many of the tricks to finding the best possible Balata ball - The key is the [i]Smell[/i] to determine the age and consistency of the ball as well as the color along with what I mentioned above. I remember opening packages in stores looking for the freshest batches and I stored them in a cigar Humidor if I bought more than two dozen at a time.

Some professionals swore that a 6month old Balata was the best and had the right "color" when taken out of the package. I was crazy, they were crazy... But that ball was crazy too...

If you knew what you were doing with it, that ball offered a distinct advantage in green-holding ability that simply is not duplicated by modern balls.

[ScooterMcTavish]

No doubt Froth it was something we won't see again. At least until "Classic Golf" becomes the new "Hickory Golf", and balls can be sold for $20 a piece.

Maybe its the marketing courses I took through business school and when getting my masters, but when I hear someone say "I wish they'd make _________! I'd totally buy _________!" I'm reminded of a number of products that were seen as consumer desired, but then stiffed.

Items such as:
- Ford Windstar (we don't want a fourth door! Our kids will get hit in traffic!)
- Plymouth Prowler (I've always wanted a Rod! This is cool!)
- Pontiac Aztek (Man, a fugly vehicle I can camp in, sign me up!)
- McDonald's Pizza (Geez, the kids want nuggets, but I'd kill for a pizza!)

Worst part is consumers said they wanted these things, but then stiffed on the makers when the products were actually made.

Not doubting your sincerity Froth, but I have a sneaking suspicion that despite many people saying they'd play balata, if the price was too high, they wouldn't.

[Froth]

I'm sure the market wouldn't be nearly as large as people who "say" they would play it. I want my freaking gamer ball back! I have been searching for the replacement ever since it was taken from me.

I have high hopes for the FG Tour Ball Monday cannot come fast enough for them to be delivered.

I would be dropping $100+ a Dozen on Tour Balata 100's for the N.O.S. balls on eBay without thinking about it if the shelf life wasn't a good 8-10 years overdue. That ball fit the game I played, I wanted to ATTACK that pin and know the ball would stay on the green no matter how hard or low it came in. Nobody sees balls spin back 40-60 Feet anymore, You don't see people play the really low super high spin 40yd Pitch shot that checks one time straight up in the air then stops because you cannot do that with a modern ball.

[ScooterMcTavish]

Gets me wondering if there are old NOS Tour Edition balls around. If memory serves correct, they are not wound and synthetic covered. Maybe they lasted a bit better.

Titleist Velocity added.

[Froth]

The new Bridgestone commercial touts the new "Lady Bridgestone" Which used to be Lady Precept as the softest ball Bridgestone makes. I know how the E6 feels off the putter(Soft)...so if it's softer than that, sounds like something I need to check out.

I personally do not like the Velocity, Top-Flite D2 Feel feels softer all-around and is $15.99 for a 15 pack. If I was going to play a 2-piece, that would stand a good chance at being the ball.

[Froth]

Bounced a Precept Lady IQ+ off a wedge at sports authority. It feels nicely soft. Compared the B-Stone E6 to the new Lady Precept at Galaxy and it is just as soft if not softer. Once my FG tours arrive tommorrow I will have a good soft-ball comparison for those two. I'd gladly use a lady ball if it offered all the stuff I'm looking for. Hell I might even go with pink...

[okesa]

[size=5]If you can't spin a modern ball then your ball striking is at fault,it's operator not equipment failure.[/size]

[Froth]

"Spin" is a relative term. 4000rpm and 9000rpm are completely different animals just as a modern ball and the old Liquid filled wound Balata are completely different animals. Ball striking is only one factor that imparts spin on the ball, Ball construction and inertia loading Holding the RPM of spin the ball is another, amongst many others.

[okesa]

[size=5]Ball striking is not one factor,it is THE ONLY factor.[/size]

[ScooterMcTavish]

Staff C:25 added