The latest issue of Golf Digest has the results of tests conducted on the latest crop of golf balls. The data conforms what I’ve thought all along about the Wilson Staff Duo : a very low driver spin rate. That’s the reason, I think, that I get so much distance off the tee. The only bargain ball with a lower drive spin rate was the Top Flite Gamer, but that ball has significantly less spin off the wedge. The Duo is no whirling dervish, but it is tops among bargain balls. The other $20 and under balls have both less driver and less wedge spin rates.

Sometimes your gut feelings are right.

The other ball I might consider is the Callaway HEX Diablo, which according to the chart has a slightly higher wedge spin rate and about the same driver spin.

In the $21 - $36 dollar range, the Callaway Hex Chrome looks like it might satisfy my need for a low driver spin ball. At the highest end, the low spin winner is the Srixon Z-Star XV

3UP Golf Balls
Grade: A
Teacher’s Comments: As good as any ball I’ve played. They’re in my go-bag.

It occurs to me that it must be incredibly difficult to break into the golf ball business. Creating a ball requires expertise in aerodynamics, physics, materials sciences, manufacturing and probably more than a few things I can’t imagine.  Then there’s patent law. The big ball manufacturers have vast patent portfolios and the new guy on the block must either figure out a way to avoid them, or sign licensing agreements.

Those hurdles did not, however, prevent 3UP from entering the market with a high quality, three piece ball.

The 3UP 3F12 is a three piece, cast urethane ball with 318 dimples and a 90 compression. In this, the 3F12 is comparable to other “name” manufacturer’s three piece balls. Below is some data provided by 3UP:

3UP distinguishes itself by what it says is a softer feel and significantly higher short iron spin rate than on similar balls. The difference is apparently in the cast urethane cover. It has the peculiar property of being both soft and somewhat tacky.

The published spin rate for the 9 iron is 9,032, while the initial spin rate off the driver is 3341.
In practice, I’ve found the 3UP 3F12 to be a high-performing ball. As the literature suggests, I’m especially pleased with its play around the green. Playing with the 3F12, I’ve had some remarkable rounds recently with wedges, pitching and chipping.

Off the tee, and with irons, it also performs well for me. With my swing speed, I still think I get more distance from the Wilson Duo,but the 3F12 may make up for that with better performance around the green.

My only concern is with the price. A dozen of the 3F12 balls are priced at $39.99. While that is cheaper than the Pro V1 and Bridgestone B330, it is still more expensive than other name brand three piece balls. Th 3F12 is a great ball, but my thought is that if given a choice between a name and an upstart, people will go for the name unless there is a significant price difference.

To be fair, however, 3UP does donate $3 from every dozen to golf related charities. In addition, once you’ve made an initial purchase, you are offered monthly deals which can offset that cost. Finally, shipping is a flat $3.12 regardless of quantity.

Still, if you are a fan of the Pro V1 or other “premium” balls, I suggest that you try the 3Up 3F12. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Bridgestone Golf 2012 Tour B330 RX Golf Balls

Here’s a deal to love: Order 2 dozen qualifying Bridgestone B330 golf balls and receive a $20 promotional credit toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com until 5/31/2014

Cobra Baffler T-Rail Fairway Wood
Grade: A
Teacher’s Comments: Versatile

The Cobra Baffler is one of the most versatile fairway metals I’ve had the pleasure of testing. From tight lies, lush fairways and middlin’ rough, this three wood gets the ball out and up and on its way to the target.

I mention the variety of conditions because my general experience with fairway metals has been that most work just fine when the ball is sitting pretty. Outside of that, some have face and sole designs that work well on tight lies, while others let you dig it out of the grass. My trusty TaylorMade TP is good off thin areas, but not as effective out of the rough. That’s what my 4-iron is for.

The Cobra Baffler on the other hand somehow manages to play both sides of the fence (or fairway, as it were). The combination of a shallow face and the tungsten rail on the sole work absolutely perfectly to create a versatile, highly playable fairway metal. I have used it to punch a ball off bare dirt, and dig it out of deep grass. And from all the situations I tried, I got impressive distance, high trajectory and solid accuracy.

This is not the longest three wood I’ve ever hit. GPS readings on my limited sampling of shots put it short of what I expect from my TaylorMade TP and both of those are short of the Adams Speedline I tested earlier this summer. But distance is useless if you can’t use the club because the ball is on less than ideal ground. 

The Baffler sets up nicely. I have always liked shallow face fairway woods—for some reason they give me more confidence that I’ll get the ball up and out. The club also has a nice heft. It somehow feels heavier than my TP, giving the impression that it’ll plow right through intervening rough.

Visually, I find the club quite attractive. While I was not initially sold on the greenish-yellow alignment lines and highlights against the black head, they grew on me. I’ve even grown to like the yellow-green grips.

Because of the versatility of the Cobra Baffler and the ease with which it gets the ball into the air, I would recommend this club primarily for mid to high handicappers (that is to say, most of us). Players who have previously struggled with woods will find the Baffler a useful tool. Better players, however, may want a fairway wood with a more boring trajectory.

If you’re in the market for new fairway woods—or if you struggle to hit the ones currently in your bag— I recommend giving the Cobra Bafflers a try.

To commemorate the second Major of 2013, Cobra offers a limited edition Red, White and Blue Amp Cell Pro driver. They’re really good looking, although I think the Green Masters’ edition still was my favorite.

I wonder what colors they’ll use for the Open Championship. The Union Jack is of course also red, white and blue.

Tour Edge Exotics DG Tour Proto Golf Putter

Here’s a premium putter. For $249, you get a flat stick CNC milled from carbon steel, with a hand rolled leading edge. Along with an x-grip face pattern, this is supposed to ensure a smooth stroke along with great feel and control.

If you don’t believe it, it comes with a 30-day play guarantee.

TaylorMade RocketBallz HP 4-PW Iron Set

Prices are falling for TaylorMade’s RocketBladz irons. These clubs have a nice set of technological features:

• Individually engineered to promote more distance, improved accuracy and great feel
• Two–piece metalwood-inspired construction in 3, 4 and 5 irons for low CG and high COR
• Ultra–thin face flexes freely to promote COR up to the USGA limit for high ball speed
• Re–engineered face with new “Toe–Bar” controls face–flexion to direct shots straighter
• New vibration and sound control system promotes excellent feel and sound
• Wedges incorporate new ATV sole for maximum versatility and playability

The look is nice, too.