Category: Golf Balls
Technology has radically changed the game of golf. And nowhere has technology affected things as much as it has the golf ball. Over the years, major manufacturers such as Titleist, Maxfli, Callaway, Nike and TopFlite have applied aerodynamics and materials science to push the little orb to its limits.
Titleist Pro V-1 Ball
Titleist’s Pro V-1 ball seems to have a permanent place on everyone’s list of best premium ball. This year, it’s one again Golf Digest’s Editors Choice for Tour Performance ball. It’s also the market leader, and the one played by most of the pros.
I’ve played these balls, but I have to say that, in spite of the hype, they just don’t seem to do enough for my game to justify $45 a dozen. I think that it probably has to do with my slower swing speed.
Top Flite XL Extreme Distance Golf Ball
I doubt that there’s a golfer out there who hasn’t played Top Flite balls at one time or another. They’ve always been a good value for the money—although they have suffered from their reputation as “Top Rocks.”
Top Flite balls were the first I played. And—like many, I suspect—I stopped playing them because I wanted a softer feeling ball.
The XL Extreme Distance is Top Flite’s latest offering. With two piece construction, it’s billed as a soft ball with distance. The new 332 seamless dimple pattern is supposed to present better aerodynamics for more consistent shots.
Nano Golf Ball Approved by USGA
NanoDynamics’ NDMX Golf ball has been approved for use by the USGA.
The ball features a hollow metal core and a cover that corrects its flight. How much apparently depends upon the golfer:
“It depends entirely on how good or bad the golfer is. If a recurring problem is either hooking or slicing the ball off the tee, the NDMX ball will make a significant difference according to many of our beta testers,” said Keith Blakely, CEO of NanoDynamics. “Similarly, the ball appears to offer an advantage on the putting green that just might make the difference between an ‘almost’ and an ‘in the cup’ putt.”
In flight ball correction doesn’t come cheap, though. A dozen is expect to cost $60.
I’d like to give them a try. They might help my hook.
Callaway Sues Acushnet Over Pro V1
Callaway has filed suit againt Acushnet, alleging that the Titleist Pro V1 ball violates four or more of Callaway’s patents.
The lawsuit, says Callaway spokesman Larry Dorman, was filed “only after repeated attempts to negotiate a settlement failed.” He would not specify how long the companies were negotiating, other than to say “quite a while.” According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, the two companies had been involved in discussions over golf-ball intellectual property since at least last summer.
Callaway says that it acquired the patents in 2003, when it bought Top Flite. The patents apparently have to do with the construction of multilayerballs with solid cores and polyurethane covers.
Interestingly, this is the second suit filed over golf balls against Acushnet in less than a year. In March of 2005, Bridgestone filed suit alleging that ten of its patents were violated.
The suits have the potential to be ground shaking. The Pro V1 has generated a billion dollars in sales, and is the number one ball on tour.
Maxfli Revolution EXT Distance
The Maxfli Revolution EXT Distance is a good distance ball with a nice, soft, feel. I played it quite a bit this last fall, and grew to like it. Golfsmith currently has it on sale for $11.99 a dozen, and at that price, I don’t think that you can go wrong.
