Go The Distance With The Longest Golf Balls
Golf is a game that relies on strategy for the best performance. It’s true, achieving distances is a matter of technique and swing speed. But it’s also true that using the longest golf balls can significantly boost your distance.
Indeed, the longest golf balls are specifically designed to travel farther, regardless of your approach.
Today, I’ll go over some of the best longest golf balls, including:
- Callaway Golf ERC Soft Triple Track Golf Balls
- Oncore Golf The ELIXR PGA Tour Golf Balls
- Volvik Vivid Golf Balls
- Wilson Staff Duo Soft Optix Golf Balls
- Polara XDS 3-Piece Golf Balls
Why Is Distance Important?
Golfers have been taking about long shots since the game’s very beginning. Over the years, they’ve perfected their technique and equipment for this purpose.
Since the 1900s, hitting distances have continuously increased. Once, golf balls used to travel up to 200 yards. Nowadays the average strike can now reach over 300 yards. As golf courses keep getting longer, the need for greater distance increases.
To meet demand, manufacturers spend a significant amount of time, research, and development money making sure their balls travel better than competitors’ balls.
Interestingly, the USGA uses a test robot to evaluate golf balls. In the “longest golf ball test” a ball’s trajectory shouldn’t exceed 317 yards.
Now we understand why every golfer needs a long shot, what is the longest golf ball?
Choosing the Longest Golf Balls
A few variables and elements come into play when shopping for the best long-distance golf balls. Here’s what you should think about:
- Construction
- Spin efficiency
- Cover material
- Hard balls versus low compression models
- Dimple patterns
Ball’s Construction
Golf balls generally contain up to five materials organized in layers.
One-Piece Golf Balls
These models are the most affordable ones. Made with one single material throughout, they’re very durable. Yet, when it comes to distance, they can’t perform as well as two or three-piece types.
Two and Three-Piece Golf Balls
These are typically the longest golf balls and contain two or three layers. They both offer optimum efficiency for long-distance shots.
While three-piece models aren’t as sturdy as two-pieces, they spin faster. We’ll elaborate more on spin later and explain how it affects reach.
Four and Five-Piece Golf Balls
Finally, you’ll find golf balls containing four or five layers. In these high-end balls, each material plays a specific role in performance.
The inner rubber core increases distance while the second layer improves spin. The other materials impact the ball’s feel, control, power, and trajectory for optimum results.
These two types of golf balls remain a great option to increase your hitting distance. They are, however, more expensive and require accurate shots. For these reasons, professionals or experienced golfers are the most frequent users.
Efficient Spin
How fast or slow a ball spins affects how it lands on the green and how close the ball gets to the hole. Low spins balls tend to fly in a straight line. But they won’t roll as well after hitting the green.
High spin balls, on the other hand, tend to continue their course after landing. On the downside, accuracy can become a challenge and is often difficult for beginners to handle.
Most golfers use mid-spin balls for the best of both worlds.
Cover Material
The cover layer of a golf ball is the outer layer. It’s composed of either urethane or an ionomer material.
Urethane covers are found on performance and high-end models used by experienced golfers. That’s because they allow the ball to spin faster, covering more ground.
Ionomer covers (such as Surlyn) are more affordable and better suited to novices. They don’t spin as fast, which reduces their reach.
Hard Balls Versus Low-Compression Models
The debate between hard balls and low compression models still continues. In a way, and when it comes to distance, both arguments are valid.
Low compression models are softer to the touch. During the strike, the ball squeezes and stores more energy, which is then expended during its flight. This is why these balls can beat a hard ball in terms of distance.
That said, hard models can show equal results. But only with a very fast swing. Low compression balls are a better option for beginners and seniors. Aiming for a compression rating of 50 to 70 is a good start.
Dimple Patterns
If you look closely, most golf balls feature tiny holes all around the surface. These improve the ball’s aerodynamic performance.
Dimples (between 300 and 500) reduce resistance during a flight. Air sticks to the material, carrying it over a greater distance.
Reviews: The Longest Hitting Golf Balls
After assessing all the products against the criteria above, we hand-picked the five best golf balls for distance.
1. Callaway Golf ERC Soft Triple Track Golf Balls
If you’re looking for a high-quality ball to increase your hitting distance, this product should fit the bill. Each comprises three layers and was thoroughly tested with a 90 mph driver and a 7 iron.
This construction enhances speed, spin, and control on the green. And together, these factors also contribute to a longer flight. Hopefully helping you win the game, too!
ERCs have a soft feel and a core layer that’s larger than other products. This allows more energy to be released as you strike.
As we know, multilayer models can be tricky to hit accurately. Each ball comes with three lines to perfectly align the ball with the driver and assist beginners.
Pros:
- Larger core allows faster pace and spin
- Soft feel
- Higher speed for better control
- Dynamic multilayer golf ball
- Includes three-tracking lines for more accuracy
- Available in both white and yellow
Cons:
- Exact cover material not indicated. Could be a hybrid
2. Oncore Golf The ELIXR PGA Tour Golf Balls
This golf ball also contains three layers. First, the center is a combination of polybutadiene rubbers. The middle tier is composed of ionomer infused with metal. In tandem, these materials should help you control both the ball’s trajectory and accuracy.
The outer urethane cover means the ball is highly responsive. Increased spin and pace should also contribute to distance. In fact, the initial speed is almost as high as the United States Golf Association (USGA) can approve at 99.84 percent.
Furthermore, this model comes with an 85 compression rating (low to medium). You’ll need less swing power and speed to cover the same distance as with a hard ball.
Pros:
- Multilayer three-piece balls
- Low to medium compression rating of 85
- High initial velocity
- Urethane cover
Cons:
- Only available in white, low visibility on the green
3. Volvik Vivid Golf Balls
Although this product is an older version of the Volvik Vivid balls, it has maintained its popularity. We like that the manufacturer provides all information and ratings to help the user make the right decision and choice.
In this three-piece ball, the core is larger than other models, helping with those few yards extra. Volvik tested that claim with an average clubhead speed of 70 to 100 mph.
On the outside, the 322-dimple pattern allows a stable mid to high trajectory, It should also facilitate a nice straight shot. The medium to high spin makes these a good choice for golfers with fair ball control.
The ball is soft with a compression rating of just 75. Good news for high handicappers who want more distance with less effort.
Lastly, we love the choice of colors offered. They’re available in both matte (blue, orange, white, yellow) and vivid (red, orange, pink, green) shades.
Pros:
- Comes in two finishes and eight colors
- High-end, three-piece construction
- Medium compression rating of 75
- Aerodynamic dimple design for a straight flight
Cons:
- Users seem disappointed by the blue color, noting it was less visible after landing
- A few owners wished the balls were softer
4. Wilson Staff Duo Soft Optix Golf Balls
This award-winning model should maximize your shot length. Even if you’re a beginner or a senior golfer. Indeed, it comes with one of the lowest compression ratings available at just 29. You won’t have to put in too much power to strike far.
In addition, these balls feature two layers. This type of construction makes them user-friendly for novice players. Accuracy shouldn’t be an issue either, and your stroke should follow a straight course.
The cover is made of a sturdy ionomer compound for durability. The 302 dimples are shallower than other products, increasing both velocity and distance.
Finally, the balls come in seven different colors. If you find white hard to spot on the fairway, choose the blue, green, orange, pink, red, or yellow shade.
Pros:
- Trusted brand with 100 years of experience
- Very low compression rating of 29
- Beginner and senior-friendly
- Sturdy two-piece balls
- Shallow dimples for greater velocity
- Available in seven colors
- Owners love the good value these balls offer
Cons:
- Users reported a firmer touch than expected
5. Polara XDS 3-Piece Golf Balls
This model is aimed at casual golfers looking for improved spin and distance. In fact, the XDS in the product’s name stands for Extra Distance & Spin.
The balls are built with a unique aerodynamic design to increase distance and stabilize the flight path. Around the center, the dimples are shallower. Over the extremities, however, they’re deeper to allow less air resistance, higher flight, and more spin.
The manufacturer selected sturdy materials: the three-piece balls contain a polybutadiene rubber core and an ionomer cover.
With a compression rating of 90, the balls feel soft and offer a few more yards. Polara even states the XDS has “Self-Correcting Technology™. It should reduce the potential of hooks and slices during flight.
Polara also thinks the balls’ performance can reduce a golf round by 45 minutes. To back up their lofty claims, the company offers reimbursement within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.
Pros:
- Aerodynamic design with both shallow and deep dimples
- Sturdy three-piece balls
- Medium compression rating of 90
- Self-correcting technology
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Some user report the self-correcting technology isn’t quite living up to its name
conclusion: my most suitable longest golf balls
Reaching far down the fairway has always been the goal of most golfers. Perfecting your technique and acquiring the right equipment can contribute to better distance.
Selecting the longest golf ball isn’t tricky, and using one can significantly impact a game’s outcome.
Among the products we’ve reviewed, the Callaway Golf ERC Soft Triple Track Golf Balls are my favorite. They include high-quality materials and a technically brilliant three-piece construction. The soft feel should also contribute to a straight, true shot.