TITLEIST Pro V1 2009

The new Pro V1s are here, and in its latest iteration, Titleist is promising more distance and more spin than ever before. This year’s version has a larger core for what Titleist promises is softer feel; the reformulation of the core’s material is supposed to offer more distance at the same time. The top layer now is correspondingly thinner, and its reformulation promises improved “Stop and Drop” performance. Not to worry, though, the new thinner layer, Titleist says, also offers improved durability (that would be quite a trick, as those things already are incredibly durable). What remains the same seems to be the 392 multi-dimple design with the Staggered Wave parting line.

None of this matters, though for me. I still don’t have the swing speed to take advantage of this ball. In the Tour Level ball category, I think I’m more likely to get something out of the BRIDGESTONE Tour B330-RX

CALLAWAY Big Bertha Diablo

The new Big Bertha Diablo is a two piece distance ball that replaces traditional dimples with Callaway’s patented HEX system. This is supposed to reduce drag and promote a more penetrating ball flight. It certainly works for the HX Hot line, and I see no reason why it wouldn’t work here.

The ball also features what Callaway calls a “High Resiliency Core”, a rubber formulation which is supposed to increase ball velocity through a wide range of swing speeds, while still providing great feel.

There’s another ball I need to try this spring—if the snow ever melts.

CALLAWAY HX Hot Plus

I saw these Callaway HX Hot Plus golf balls at Wal-Mart about a week ago, and my initial thought was “why mess with a good thing.” After all, the Pro V1 is ten years old and people still are playing it. The HX Hot has been one of my go-to balls for the last few years and I’m afraid of what they might have done to it.

So what’s new? Callaway says that the HX Hot Plus features a “new high-speed hot core” that offers more distance with better feel. A new “Speed Layer” is supposed to increase driver speed with a more penetrating trajectory.And finally, it’s got a new cover for more durability.

It sounds good. So I’m worried.

A company called Dixon Golf has released what it claims is the first “eco-friendly” golf ball.

The “Earth” apparently does not contain heavy-metal materials like tungsten, cobalt and lead, or non-renewable synthetic materials and compounds. Instead, it’s made from a proprietary polymer that can be recycled and used to make other consumer products. The ball’s packaging also is made from recycled material.

The company contends that the ball is as good as any two piece competitor, and better even than some three piece balls.

All for a mere $39 a dozen.

I’m all for reducing product waste, but I wonder about how many golfers would pay $40 for a two piece ball from an unknown company. I also wonder what kind of an impact an “environmentally friendly” ball actually would have on the environment. It strikes me that eco-conscious golfers would be better served convincing their local clubs to use less chemicals and water on fairways, greens and rough.

And EVERY golfer could do their part by walking more. Those carts—electric or gas—consume energy that could be better used elsewhere.

PINNACLE Platinum Feel

Now that the autumn is in full swing, it’s time for me to go back to cheaper golf balls. With all of the leaves on the fairways, and in the rough, I lose balls at an inordinate rate.

In the past, I’ve switched to Top Flite balls, but I’m intrigued by some of the new Pinnacles I’ve seen on sale. These Pinnacle Platinum Feel balls are relatively cheap, and the reviews look pretty good. Thin cover. Large soft core.

Or even cheaper are the Pinnacle PINNACLE Gold FX Soft White 15 Pack

These also promise to be long and soft, and even better they’re a buck each.

I’d really like to know if anyone has any experience with these. Let me know in the comments.

Srixon Soft Feel 12 Pack Golf Ball

Srixon’s new “Soft Feel” ball is a two piece, with an “energetic gradient core,” aimed at players with a slower swing speed. That core, Srixon says, offers more resilience for players at all swing speeds, but allows even the slowest good distance with soft feel. The ball’s new 328 dimple pattern is designed to offer   greater surface area coverage. That should produce more lift, with less drag.

In spite of a sort of underdog status in the golf ball world, reviews of Srixon balls seem to be consistently good. I wonder if they are a bigger deal in Europe, or in Asia than they are in the United States.

NIKE NDX 2 Feel

I’ve always been torn on the Nike golf balls. I really like the way they play and feel, but absolutely hate their durability. I feel like I have to replace them every couple of holes because of how quickly they scruff.

The description of the NDX Feel doesn’t give me any hope: “softened Surlyn cover for enhanced iron control”

Softer than the rest of the line? Replace them on EVERY hole.