Golf Ball Quality Awards 2022
Golf Balls

Golf Ball Quality Awards 2022

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Golf Ball Quality Awards 2022

Welcome to the second annual Ball Lab Quality Awards.

Crafted by MyGolfSpy, Ball Lab was born from our curiosity about how the construction, consistency and quality of your golf ball were affecting your performance.

So many times we hear players exclaim they are “not good enough” to tell the difference between different models. When performance is concerned, we beg to differ. It wasn’t until our first-ever Ball Test in 2019 that we began to urge the consumer to question the industry’s standards on the balls they were playing. The reward? Knowing that bad shot might not have been your fault.

Below are the champions of the categories when it comes to setting the standard for your golf ball. From DTC (direct-to-consumer), Best Under $30 and our highest-ranked models—there is a quality golf ball for any golfer.

NOTE: These awards are based on total Ball Lab scores of current models. Only urethane models were considered and a minimum of two ball models were required to qualify for brand quality awards.

The Winners

Best Brand Quality

Ball Lab Quality Awards

Despite some competitors raising their game, four of the top 10 in the Ball Lab Data Base remain Titleist products. The company’s current urethane offerings set the standard with an average quality score of 89.6/100. The 2022 AVX and Tour Speed showed promising improvement from their prior generations. Sure, Titleist offers more models than anyone else but with that comes a greater opportunity for average quality to be derailed by a sub-par offering. With the new Pro V1 lineup making its way to the market in the near future, can Titleist hold the top spot?

TRY IT

Best DTC Brand Quality

Ball Lab Quality Awards

With so many good DTC options available for golfers right now, it’s not a total surprise that DICK’S Sporting Goods’ Maxfli Tour line still flies a bit under the radar. It shouldn’t. In addition to stellar performance in both of our robot tests, with an average score of 88, the latest generation of the Maxfli Tour series is among the most consistent in golf.

TRY IT

Best Ball

The No. 1 ball at retail is also the most consistent ball in the Ball Lab database. The 2021 Pro V1 has an impressive current overall score of 97. Our sample was nearly perfect and the only ball we’ve tested to rate as Excellent for compression consistency.

TRY IT

Best DTC Ball

Ball Lab Quality Awards

With the 2021 version of the Tour X, Maxfli changed both the core formulation and basic construction of its four-piece ball, moving from dual-core to dual-mantle construction. The result is the most consistent ball in the database without a Titleist logo. With only a single bad ball in the sample and compression, diameter and weight consistency scores all solidly above average, the Tour X should be near the top of the list for bargain hunters. Although we haven’t dived into more of the DTC field quite yet, a score of 91 will be one of the tougher ones to beat.

TRY IT

Best Soft Ball

Ball Lab Quality Awards

The TaylorMade Tour Response may not be the first model to come to mind when golfers think of a “softer” option. It’s important to note that a soft ball is categorized by a compression number that remains below 75. Coming in at 73, the Tour Response is not only the best “soft” or non-tour urethane ball tested to date scoring a 93/100 but it remains one of the top five balls we’ve seen in the Lab. Period.

TRY IT

Best Value Ball – Under $20

Ball Lab Quality Awards

With the small caveat that it’s only sold in two-dozen packs, the Kirkland Performance+ V2, with a score of 84,  is a runaway winner for the best-value golf ball. With a per-dozen under $13, Costco’s current three-piece offering is more consistent than many higher-priced balls. At a minimum, for golfers who want to play the same ball on every shot without fear of lost balls breaking the bank, the Performance+ V2 is a significantly better option than buying refurbished.

TRY IT

Best Ball Above $40

Above the $40 price point is the near-exclusive domain of the mainstream manufacturers and many, including Titleist, have raised prices over the last season. It goes without saying that the Pro V1 isn’t the cheapest but if you believe quality and consistency are important, there’s still value to be found at the premium level.

TRY IT

Best Ball $30 to $40

Ball Lab Quality Awards

The $30 to $40 range is where the overwhelming majority of DTC balls live (though volume discounts can push prices below $30). While there are numerous good options in this space, the current generation of Maxfli Tour X stands out as the most consistent of the group and arguably the best balls without a Titleist logo.

TRY IT

Best Ball $20 to $30

Ball Lab Quality Awards

Admittedly, unless you’re buying in bulk, the $20 to $30 price range is a bit of a dead zone for urethane-covered balls. Still, it’s a bracket that the Cut DC fills admirably. It’s not the cheapest ball on the market but it strikes what many will see as a sensible blend of cost and quality.

TRY IT

Support Unbiased Testing.

DID YOU KNOW: If only 1% of MyGolfSpy readers donated $25, we would be able to become completely independent in 12-months. With every donation, you create change.

Would you be willing to help by giving a donation? Every dollar will help. Make a donation to support our independent and expert golf equipment research. A PayPal account is not required in order to donate.

Donate to MGS


Amount

Frequency

img

MyGolfSpy Testing Toolkit

World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.

For You

For You

We Tried It
Oct 3, 2024
This Rangefinder is Unique!
FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA golf shoes FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA golf shoes
News
Oct 3, 2024
4 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Golf Shoes
Uncategorized
Oct 3, 2024
Best Funny Golf Gifts
MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

Our mission is #ConsumerFirst. We are here to help educate and empower golfers. We want you to get the most out of your money, time and performance. That means providing you with equipment reviews you can trust, as well as honest reporting on the latest issues affecting the game today. #PowerToThePlayer

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

Driver Ping G30 Hybrids PXG 0317
3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF 5-GW Srixon Z 565
SW PXG 0317 LW PXG 0311
Putter EVNROLL  
MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy

MyGolfSpy





    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      mackdaddy9

      1 year ago

      Thanks guys!
      I think the people that want the tallest midget testing need to just be honest with themselves. They are buying by price and don’t need a quality test just the lowest price. They would hate it if Tony came back and said the True value price of a topflight was $42 because so many are bad. They play what they find in the woods or the discount bins. I work at a tight course and it is a regular thing on a weekend for someone to come into the pro shop at the turn and say I need more balls. When we ask what kind of ball they play they almost always say what is the best deal. IE what is the cheapest. We put all the cheapest balls on a table in the corner for them.

      Reply

      paulo

      2 years ago

      WAs this what was agreed with Titleist for supplying the balls for testing ? Maxfli DTC ? er nope

      Reply

      Daryl

      2 years ago

      Thanks to MGS labs, I know play the TM Tour Response in yellow :) However, I am still very curious why there isn’t testing out there proving how superior urethane is. Yes, it spins better, but we all know the majority of stopping power comes from decent angle, so the question is: how much does performance do you lose by playing an average two piece ball with distance AND roll out factored in? I would love, love, love MSG to test this. Thanks for all your great work.

      Reply

      Mike

      2 years ago

      Go to your course when it’s not crowded & find an empty green. Chip & pitch different balls & see for yourself. You should quickly get a feel of run-out. I can even feel differences when I putt.

      Reply

      Mike G.

      2 years ago

      Iono.mer is absolutely horrific putting and chipping if your used to urethane

      Robert E Smith

      2 years ago

      Too bad Dicks raised the price on the Maxfli $10/dz after these articles. Sorry NOT worth $39.99

      Reply

      Yaaqob

      2 years ago

      They’ve always based their price more on sales and buying in bulk. Besides, the price was raised back in October over 2 months before this article. They are still buy 2 for $60 or buy 4 dozen for $105.

      Reply

      Jim Roberts

      2 years ago

      48 ball deal is now $120

      Jeff

      2 years ago

      I’d love to see the urethane only snobbery stop and for MGS to start ranking/rating Surlyn balls as well. That way we get a COMPLETE VIEW of the entire ball market as from what I can tell from the balls I find and pick up on the course, 2/3 are Surlyn balls and that tells me that those are the types being played by the average golfer.

      Reply

      Ryan

      2 years ago

      There is no reason to rate Surlyn balls because based on the information they have shown you over and over again, you should be playing a urethane ball. The performance advantages are proven and there are urethane options at nearly every price point that a serious golfer would be considering.

      Nobody is interested in a tallest midget contest which is what doing a comparison of surlyn balls would be. If you’re serious enough about golf to care about the performance of the golf ball then you should check your ego and buy a Maxfli Tour instead of whatever Titleist or Taylormade are selling for $20 in the sporting goods aisle at walmart.

      Reply

      cleve00

      2 years ago

      I’m interested in it and a bet that many others are too. Tallest midget contest sounds like a good time to me..

      Mike

      2 years ago

      I only use urethane balls BUT did you ever consider that many golfers don’t give a crap about that debate? Lots of folks just want to have fun out there, why do you think only a small % of golfers actually keep an up-to-date index? And maybe they don’t want to spend even $20 a dozen.

      You must be a joy to play a round with.

      Harry

      2 years ago

      Yeah, I agree, Id ike lower cost options being tested. For instance, look how well the Velocities performed.

      Phil Williams

      2 years ago

      1000+ balls to test you want to test them all. MGS cannot test all pf them. Suck it buttercup,

      Reply

      Melvin Silver

      2 years ago

      MGS staff, where do you buy your ProV’s? How much do you pay for your ProV’s?

      Reply

      WYBob

      2 years ago

      Excellent wrap-up for the year. I agree with almost all of your selections. My only issue is calling the Maxfi ball a DTC offering. It is an excellent ball, and great value, but it’s really a house brand for Dick’s. It’s offered in their brick & mortar stores which really runs afoul of the DTC model. It deserves the Best Ball $30-$40, but a DTC offering would be more like Snell, Vice, etc. where the only marketing channel is directly from the ball company.

      Reply

      Gordo

      2 years ago

      Not to agree or disagree with running afoul of the DTC definition but that term doesn’t mandate shipping through parcel companies. Maxfli, as well as Tommy Armour brands are NOT sold through general distribution channel models….i.e., no “middlemen”. Dick’s owns those brands therefore the manufacturer sells direct to the customers. Dick’s happens to own retail store real estate and those locations do sell the other “channel” brands like Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, etc. But Maxfli is sold direct to customers by the manufacturer( Dick’s Sporting Goods) every bit as much as Snell – and also Kirkland through COSTCO – are.

      Reply

      Scott

      2 years ago

      You’re not wrong, but several DTC manufacturers such as Vice and Cut are sold at Target and Walmart. OnCore and most others are available on Amazon. The only place you can buy Maxfli is from DSG companies: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, etc.

      Reply

      WYBob

      2 years ago

      “Direct-To-Customer, also known as D2C or DTC, is a low-barrier-to-entry eCommerce strategy that allows manufacturers and consumer packaged goods firms to sell directly to consumers. It eliminates the need to negotiate with a merchant or reseller to get your goods on the market..”

      What some of you are alluding to (ie. Vice/Cut at Walmart, Target, etc.) is considered a hybrid GTM model. The actual Maxfli golf balls are manufactured by Foremost in Taiwan for DKS (Dick’s, Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxie, etc.). Dick’s business model is built primarily around its brick-and-mortar stores of which there are 854 locations. That makes the Maxfli ball GTM strategy a hybrid model at a minimum. Regarding Snell on Amazon- those looks to be mostly used, or someone practicing arbitrage ($78/box- really???). Maybe MGS should define what they mean by DTC/D2C so there is no debate or confusion

      Reply

      David Bishop

      2 years ago

      Perhaps a naive question. Why do so many segregate balls into swing speeds? I like the feel of a soft ball. The old Titleist Professional was the best feeling and plenty long. Plus it was easy to shape. Then all of a sudden tge Pro V1 came out was more difficult to shape for me and no longer than the Professional ball. I don’t know squat about construction. But a soft feeling long flying ball that has enough spin around the green is all I look for in a ball. I have not found one that works as well for me as the Titleist Profressional. Since y’all have tested evetthing with dimples, which ball comes closest to tge characteristics of the Professional?

      Reply

      Yaaqob

      2 years ago

      Without getting long-winded…read their Ball Labs that goes over all the different characteristics of golf balls and compares them to a wide list of options. Soft “feel” is both subjective and something that can be quantified, and softer golf balls with a faster swing would launch higher, spin more, and lose distance. Imagine you wanted to absorb the shock of being hit by something, you’d use a soft material to absorb some of that energy from impact. That’s what you want to avoid.

      Reply

      Mike

      2 years ago

      Got to say I disagree with the Cut DC ranking. Ball is absolutely garbage. Cut is the perfect name for this ball because you’ll be lucky if it lasts one hole before the cover is damaged. Couldn’t give these things away because I’d be too embarrassed once my buddies saw how bad it was.

      Reply

      Al

      2 years ago

      Couldn’t agree more- tried these two years ago on my quest to find the best “cheap” ball and I’ve said the exact same quip (Cut being the accurate name) to everyone I play with. They’re not even good for back yard chipping practice.

      Reply

      Steve B

      2 years ago

      How is Maxfli considered a DTC brand? This should be Snell, Vice, Cut, etc. but not Maxfli. What am I missing that Maxfli is considered a DTC?

      Reply

      Yaaqob

      2 years ago

      DTC means A makes it and sells it to you. Titleist isn’t DTC because A makes it and sells it to B who then sells it to you. There’s no middleman or wholesaler between manufacturer and retail.

      Reply

      J D

      2 years ago

      I can buy TM balls directly from their site. They are also DTC then

      Anderson Dave

      2 years ago

      What’s your definition of a DTC? I have never considered Maxfli a DTC ball.

      Reply

      JerryB

      2 years ago

      Am I to understand that the winner of the Best Value Ball Under $20 is also the only ball under $20?

      Reply

      Scott D

      2 years ago

      I think the Cut Blue and also the Cut Grey are both under $20.00 by perhaps a penny and are both urethane covered. Some people have complained in the past about their cover durability. Score lines on irons have shaved the covers in some peoples’ reviews. The Cut Blue DC is a ball I have played though ($29.99 I think) and the cover durability on the Blue DC has been among the most durable if not the most durable urethane covered ball I have played.

      Reply

      Dennis Beach

      2 years ago

      For sure! There are plenty of $20 dollar golf balls out there. I think one of the better offerings is -wait for it-TopFlite Hammer Control. White, or yellow, can’t go wrong. This 2-piece, 70ish compression ball is long, and it can be controlled around the greens. Nice feel off the driver, and irons. Can get it to check on the green, with some roll out. Putts are very smooth. The “dimple in dimple” cover has been around for quite a while, and it holds up well, even off a cart path. Recent price increases have raised the price to $21.99 for 15 orbs, whereas it used to be $17.99 for the same 15 arrows. If you lose a few, this is your ball…

      Reply

      Mike - Holland

      2 years ago

      I have been using the U-pro along with the Maxfli both in yellow but they don’t make enough yellow to last the season. Waiting for a review of the U-pro.

      Reply

      MarkM

      2 years ago

      I’ve been playing the Maxfli Tour X this year after the MGS reviews/labs and can honestly say that it performs as good as my previously used TM TP5X.

      Thanks MGS!

      Reply

      Charles DeVerna

      2 years ago

      Agreed Mark..and Dicks knows it too…the 48 for $104 is over….best sale is 2 for $60.

      Reply

      Robin

      2 years ago

      I use Saintnine U pro 2 piece
      Urethane ball for under 19 dollars by Nexen

      Reply

      Matthew U

      2 years ago

      From a material science point of view, the two piece urethane balls are the worst of both worlds. The cover is very soft and without the small layer to absorb energy before the firm core it ends up performing like a “distance” ball without the benefit of a durable ionomer cover.

      Reply

      Mudaero

      2 years ago

      Love the Tour-X. Been singing its praises for years. Any chance we can get the full Ball Lab Review on it? It’s the only one in the top 10 of scores that doesn’t have a full review yet. As always, appreciate your work.

      Reply

      Mat

      2 years ago

      Second that.

      Reply

      gerry harbinson

      2 years ago

      It does not surprise me that the current Maxfli Tour X made the list and topped the list in several categories.
      I personally use the Maxfli Tour for less spin but both Tour and Tour X are exceptional. I’ve using the Tour for about a year of so, basically it does everything it says on the box at a great price (currently $120 for 4 doz). At Dick’s and Golf Galaxy.

      Reply

    Leave A Reply

    required
    required
    required (your email address will not be published)

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    We Tried It
    Oct 3, 2024
    This Rangefinder is Unique!
    FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA golf shoes FootJoy Pro/SLX BOA golf shoes
    News
    Oct 3, 2024
    4 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Golf Shoes
    Uncategorized
    Oct 3, 2024
    Best Funny Golf Gifts