2019 BALL RETRIEVER BUYERS GUIDE
Have you ever met a new playing partner and noticed a ball retriever sticking out of his bag? What was your first thought? Probably something like, “damn, this is going to be a long round.” Look crosseyed if you must, but what if the new guy is the smart one? If you’re savvy enough to not skimp on golf balls, you’re certainly aware that a premium golf ball can set you back $4 or more. The cost adds up quickly. Why not save as many lost balls as you possibly can? A ball retriever, silly as it might sound, will save you money in the long run.
We’re not going to try and oversell you. Finding a ball retriever should be significantly less daunting than buying a new driver, or even an umbrella. There’s no need to overthink it, but you should be aware that some models are definitely better than others. To help you narrow down your list, we put the top golf ball retrievers on the market to the test.
Whether you’re currently in the market for a new model, or just generally curious to see how many variations of golf ball retrievers exist, this guide is for you.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Golf ball retriever to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Ball retrievers are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Golf Ball Retriever include Extension, Ball Security, Sturdiness, Handle, and Storage.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Ball Security: You can’t retrieve it if you can’t secure it. Scoop designs work best for soft mud, but the ball can fall out if the retriever gets turned upside down. Well-designed options like the I Gotcha excel at securing the ball, but can sometimes struggle with softer ground.
Shaft Length: Size does matter! If you have a ball retriever that is too short, you won’t be able to reach balls deeper in hazards. Granted, you may never reach the one that’s in the middle of the lake, but the longer the shaft, the greater your chance to retrieve your ball.
Handle: At full extension, some models get heavy and dig into your palms. Pick a retriever with a comfortable handle.
Stability: When extended to full length, does the ball retriever droop or even snap? Some models like the I Gotcha are made from sturdier materials and hold their posture. Products that are lightweight tend to bend more and are less durable than heavier options.
EXPERT TIP - Ball Security
If you are worried about your golf ball falling out when transporting out of a hazard, look for a retriever that has a lock mechanism associated with it for added ball security.
The Best Ball Retriever - Features
| Product | Distance Covered | Weight | Retracted Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Callaway 15 FT Check Price | 15 FT | 1.5LB | 4 FT |
 | I GOTCHA 14 FT Check Price | 14 FT | 1.1 LB | 20.5 INCH |
 | I GOTCHA JAWZ Check Price | 14 FT | 1.2 LB | 21 INCH |
 | ORLIMAR 15 FT Check Price | 15 FT | 1.1 LB | 4 FT |
 | PRO ACTIVE SPORTS PLAYER SELECT Check Price | 9 FT | 0.4 LB | 19 INCH |
 | SEARCH N RESCUE BLUE RESCUE Check Price | 14 FT | 1.7 LB | 4 FT |
 | SIGNSTEK SCOOP PICK UP Check Price | 9 FT | 0.4 LB | 20 INCH |
Buying Tips
- To allow more room to get your clubs in and out of your bag, pick a ball retriever that is small and compact and fits in your side pocket.
- If you play a course with a lot of water, a ball retriever might be a must. Otherwise, you might want to skip it.
- To prevent bending, look for a model with high-quality aluminum to keep its rigidity.
The Best Ball Retriever - Results
| Product | Extension | Ball Security | Sturdiness | Handle | Storage | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Gotcha 14 FT Check Price | 2nd | 1st | 4th | 1st | 3rd | 85 |
| I Gotcha Jaw Check Price | 2nd | 2nd | 4th | 1st | 3rd | 83 |
| Search N Rescue Blue Rescue Check Price | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 1st | 5th | 79 |
| Callaway 15 FT Check Price | 1st | 3rd | 7th | 5th | 5th | 78.5 |
| Orlimar 15 FT Check Price | 2nd | 6th | 1st | 5th | 5th | 78 |
| Pro Active Sports Player Select Check Price | 7th | 6th | 2nd | 7th | 1st | 74.5 |
| Signstek Scoop Pick Up Check Price | 8th | 8th | 8th | 1st | 1st | 70.5 |
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What do I need to know about a ball retriever?
Q: Why do I need a ball retriever? They seem stupid!
A: There is definitely a stigma attached to ball retrievers, but they will save you money. According to CNN and Golf.com, over 300 Million balls are lost every year in America alone. The average premium ball costs around $4. The cost of lost balls adds up quickly. If you can retrieve a couple of dozen balls (or more) a year, it might be worth the sideways looks from your playing partners.
Q: Is a longer ball retriever better than a shorter retriever?
A: Almost always. It’s obvious enough; a longer ball retriever gives you more reach, which means fewer lost balls, and perhaps a few extras for the shag bag.
Q: Aren’t all golf ball retrievers the same?
A: Not all golf ball retrievers are the same. Some have a scooping device to collect the ball while others, like the I Gotcha, have a locking mechanism for easy collection and added ball security.
Moe Hickey
3 years agoI was given an igotcha by a friend and loved it. However, I broke it, so I purchased a new one. It collapses to a very small size and fits snugly in my bag. I wish I had purchased the longest one.
Abe
3 years agoGood on you guys for doing this review! I wouldn’t be caught dead using a ball retriever, but I don’t look down my nose at those who do.. My dad, for one, is a pond picker, and I love the guy. To each his own!
Rob
3 years agoI’ve got an igotcha compact stainless steel and it is a little difficult to maneuver at times. In addition, the telescoping shaft will freeze up from rust. I used some WD40, which helped, but it’s turned out to be a high maintenance accessory. I will likely purchase an aluminum shafted orange ring model when I decide to trash my igotcha.. Thank you guys for your reviews!
Raymond Gallagher
3 years agoI purchased an “I Gotcha 14 ft.” from a local; dealer about two years ago. Helping my golfing friends retrieve their balls (not mine), the retriever rusted and finally broke due to the rust. I received no credit or nothing else from that dealer, so I contacted the company – both the President and Sales Director – never received a single reply. I then purchased another brand on Amazon and after two years – not a problem ! No local or manufacturer sup[port !
Doug
3 years agoKudos to anyone who can even use these, but I’ve never hit a water hazard where I’d call anything retrievable. I don’t have to worry about wildlife fighting back in my area, but you usually can’t even see a foot into the water at most courses I play! Just easier to grab another ball. move on, and contribute some nice balls to the refurb garbo ball industry 🙂
Richard
3 years agoI have the ball retriever that has a small 6 prong rake head, I use it to rake fairway bunkers when no course supplied rake is available…I never pull it out to try and retrieve a ball UNLESS I am playing alone and NO ONE is playing behind me. like a middle summer afternoon round.. Life is to short, balls are cheap and like a lot of you out there I want nothing to do with the guys/gals playing behind me weather I hear their comments or not.. .I go to the course to PLAY golf not look for golf balls.
Mike
3 years agoI have had the plain old Orlimar orange-tip model for years. When I’m practicing, it’s much easier to scoop up balls than to bend over & picking up every one. But fishing for balls during a round? Nah, not the time for that.
Ball grabber Bill
3 years agoI never take my ball retriever with me when i play. But i do have one and use it frequently. The best one ive found is the old orange hoop style. I like to go for a walk on the course about dusk and down here in the south jumping around in the brush is just asking to get hit by a copperhead, cotton mouth or rattler specially that time of day. Probably why i find so many! Last time out i came home with a dozen Pro Vs and dozen other good random “tour” quality balls. The wife thought i was crazy having a massive collection of golf balls till she realized i eventually give them to The First Tee.
Simms
3 years agoVery simple, the best ball retriever is “NO BALL RETRIEVER” you lost a ball move on…..we made it a rule in our men’s club anyone caught using a ball retriever fishing for a ball automatic one stroke penalty…..nothing over 4 and thirty minutes on the course please….
LD
3 years agoWow, 4 hours 30 minutes is slow. Our groups don’t ban ball retrievers and we are hardly every out over 4 hours.
RHA
3 years ago4.5 hrs for a round of golf is excruciatingly slow and painful. I would fish all day if I was waiting around like that.
Caroline
3 years agoIn California all that is left during the week is the over 60 crowed over 4 hour rounds are the norm…any more courses close and 5 hour rounds on the few public courses left in some area’s will be the norm…
Boyo
3 years ago4:30? WTF, over!
Derrick Gentile
3 years agoI’m really surprised that the Pro Active Sports Player Select model wasn’t rated higher! I had to buy 3 different iGotcha’s 2 years ago because they all broke either in the shaft or the retriever head itself. Last year I got the Pro Active Sports Player Select model and won’t ever get another kind! It is so easy to use and I don’t think I’ve ever had a ball fall out of it. I agree it could be a little longer but I find that it does visually get hard to retrieve balls in water if they are too far out and the iGotchas requires you to be on the ball to retrieve it! The Pro Active Sports Player Select allowed me to go just passed the ball and drag it back to me so I didn’t have to be as precise.
Either way this was a great read and I appreciate your guys efforts in helping golfers determine the best product!
Keep up the good work!
Funkaholic
3 years agoI don’t believe a word of this.
Greg
3 years agoBeen using the pro active style retiever for about 10 years with great results for when I actually stop to retrieve a ball. Never liked the other ones.
Tim
3 years agoFor me, if my ball is in the woods and I can see it, I just jump in and go get it. No need to fiddle with one of these toys. My grandpa used a ball retriever, presumably because he was too old to jump into the bramble.
If my ball is in the water and its within reach, I try to grab it with a wedge or something. Im not sure how often my ball goes in the water and its slightly out of reach for scooping with my wedge – but that is a very specific and rare scenario.
So, the only thing that the retriever is good for is grabbing random balls out of the water. I know that a waterlogged ball can go up to 10 yards shorter than a fresh one. So I have no interest in pond balls and no use for a retriever.
Brandon
3 years agoCouldn’t have said it any better.
David
3 years agoIGotcha is fragile and cumbersome to use as the spring activates often before you get to the ball. I did a cheap repair with chaterton and it adds friction to the circles and somehow makes the system less likely to spring before getting to the ball.
I don’t know for other ball retrievers, but I know the IGotcha is far from perfect…
Alex
3 years agoDavid, I have one too and the igotcha is really bad. The spring always activates, it’s really unreliable. My friends have used it too and they hate it. The only good thing is how compact it is.
I’m cheap, I go for waterballs….haha… I know they are waterlogged but it’s great to give to beginners. In the time it takes me to get 1 ball, my friend uses his callaway retriever to get 3 balls. It’s because the spring activates and I have to start all over.
The testers obviously are not using this to pick up multiple balls…haha
LD
3 years agoI have one and haven’t had any issues with it. Works fine and seems well constructed.