As golf season kicks in, you’re undoubtedly thinking about new equipment. You’ve probably even bought some already. While putting a new driver in play is always fun, don’t overlook the golf ball. As with every season, 2025 brings with it a plethora of new options but might I suggest there could be a not-so-new model you’ve overlooked?
Maybe it’s time to look again.
Before we start, a brief disclaimer. You won’t find things like the Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1x or even the new Callaway Chrome Tour Triple Diamond on this list. Those are the big guys and I’m working on the assumption you’re fully aware of those offerings and they’re probably already on your list of things to try.
There’s nothing wrong with sticking with the classics (there’s a reason why they’re so popular) but today I’m going to dig a little bit deeper to find options slightly outside the mainstream for performance-driven golfers. I won’t pretend we have data on everything but these are either on my list or would be if I was looking for something a little different than what I usually play.
With that, they might be worth a look for you, too.
Mizuno Pro X
The 2023 RB Tour X was my absolute favorite hidden gem from our 2023 golf ball test. I liked it so much that it became my go-to provisional/second ball off the tee which means I played it more than my scorecard would like me to admit.
It was solid through the bag but I loved the driver trajectory, in particular. It’s the reason why I’m so excited about the 2025 Mizuno Pro X model, and I’m really looking forward to what we find in our 2025 Ball Test.
Volvik Condor
I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Volvik the company that makes those matte red Spider-Man balls? Yes. That’s typically not my thing (although I have no real issue with Spider-Man) but Volvik’s newest premium offering, The Condor (I’m leaning towards the four-piece Condor X), has me intrigued.
This isn’t the same ol’ Volvik. Condor is a “Tour-spec” (multi-layer urethane) ball that golf ball nerds would be intrigued to know is produced at Foremost, the high-quality factory that produces the next three balls on this list.
Maxfli Tour
Falling just under the “too obvious to include” line, the Maxfli Tour golf ball lineup is increasingly popular with readers because of the balance it offers … and I don’t mean the center-of-gravity stuff. It’s the compelling blend of price, performance and quality that golfers love.
Those last two are at least part of the reason Maxfli is that rare DTC (or I suppose house) brand in play on the PGA Tour. If the stock Tour isn’t your thing, consider the lower-flying, higher-spinning Tour X or the softer, higher-flying Tour S.
Wilson Triad
The Triad is Wilson’s softest urethane offering. For my money, the original was one of the stronger performers in the “non-Tour” urethane class and I expect the newest model will be every bit as good.
Considerably softer than Wilson’s also-excellent Staff Model line, Triad isn’t DUO Soft soft but for golfers looking for softer feel without the absurdly low spin it often brings, the Triad is a sneaky good offering that I habitually recommend above better-known options.
Vice Pro Air
The Pro Air replaces the Pro Soft in the updated Vice lineup. While Pro and Pro Plus remain popular with golfers (and we expect the new Pro Plus to be as long as anything in its class), the Air offers something different for those seeking a softer feel without sacrificing too much performance elsewhere in the bag.
Like the Triad, it’s a little bit of an under-the-radar offering that outperforms similarly spec’d big brand offerings.
Bridgestone TOUR B X
I thought you weren’t putting well-known balls on the list? (Some of you might be saying.) Kinda true but I’ve come to believe the Bridgestone TOUR B X is the most underappreciated ball in golf.
It’s Bridgestone’s most-played model on Tour but is inexplicably the fifth best-selling model in the Bridgestone lineup.
From a performance perspective, it’s a bit like a Pro V1/Pro V1x tweener. Also, if you pay attention to the finer points of PING’s Ballnamic fitting system, Bridgestone covers are exceptional at moisture management and flyer prevention.
The bottom line
Whether you’re seeking more distance, better greenside control or an optimal flight trajectory, there’s a ball out there that fits your game. And while the household names will always have their place, these six alternatives deserve your consideration.
After all, that perfect ball might be the difference between a good round and a great one.
John
2 months ago
The most recent MyGolfSpy ball test had, for me, a surprise finding was that higher compression golf balls worked well for persons with slow swing speeds. Would the new Mizuno Pro X likely follow that same pattern.