Q&A With Dean Snell
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Q&A With Dean Snell

Q&A With Dean Snell

Dean Snell wants to answer your questions.

It’s hard to believe two years have passed Snell Golf took all of us by surprise when the company’s My Tour Ball dominated our Direct To Consumer golf ball test. Your tremendous response to that review has not only helped drive the growth of the Snell brand; I believe it has changed the ball market for the long haul, and for the better.

That test proved that you can get a tour-quality golf ball for less than $35 a dozen and a growing number of consumers have come to realize as much. It’s having an impact on the OEMs as well. Callaway and Srixon launched their current flagship balls for less than $40 a dozen, and Titleist – in addition to offering a buy 3 get 1 free promotion shortly after the launch of the 2017 Pro V1 – is restocking store shelves with Prior Generation Pro V1s at discount prices ($39.99).

When prices can be cut so easily, it makes you wonder what you’re actually paying for and how much difference there actually is between tour-quality balls.

Ask Dean Snell

We’ve gotten to know Dean Snell a little bit over the last couple of years. One thing I can tell you about Dean is that he’s as much of a straight-shooter as anyone you’ll find in the golf equipment industry. Dean also shares our commitment to doing right by the consumer. In the case of Snell Golf, that means offering a quality product at a consumer-friendly price. It also means doing his part to educate the consumer and helping to cut through some of the BS that permeates the golf ball market.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know what’s real and what’s mythology?

Ask Your Questions in the Comments Section

If you have a question about Snell Golf, its golf balls, or golf balls in general, post them in the comment section below. In a couple of weeks, we’ll post another video wherein Dean answer your questions.

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      DawgDaddy

      4 years ago

      http://mygolfspy.com/dean-snell-answers-your-golf-ball-questions/

      I’m throwing this link in here as I had to search around to find it after running across this page.

      Reply

      Sharkhark

      7 years ago

      I have like most people a very short attention span in this day and age.
      It’s been 2 weeks without any question replies.
      I’ve lost interest. I would suggest skip the videos in future & just have experts chime in replying to posts in the comments like the editors do rather than wait. I can’t keep my attention on anything for 2 weeks +

      Reply

      Dean

      7 years ago

      Apologize for the delay.. we are shooting the answers today since I have been on the road the last week and half…

      Reply

      Kevin

      7 years ago

      When will Dean be answering these questions/

      Reply

      Bill

      7 years ago

      Years ago there were many articles in various golf magazines discussing
      compression. The statements made were that compression was nothing more than a measurement of how hard the golf ball was. It is mainly a marketing tool. It has nothing to do with how far the ball will travel. It is how much head speed you create and spin that determines how far the golf ball travels, not if you can compress the ball fully or not. Has something changed?

      Reply

      alex

      7 years ago

      For the MTB and the other high quality Tour balls/low handicapper balls– how many rounds/swings could they last before losing effectiveness?

      Reply

      Dan Mann

      7 years ago

      Why do I see a noticeable performance difference between 3 and 4 piece tour balls? 3 piece is quite superior for my game.

      Reply

      J Brown

      7 years ago

      Currently playing MTB and couldn’t be happier. 2 questions;
      1) Versus the larger companies, speak to the quality control advantages (if any) they may have due to size, equipment, investment, and all other factors that can impact this.
      2) As you look at your product and future offerings: what is the “more?” More distance? spin? control in certain conditions? Durability (completely not an issue–super durable product). Generically I’m sure there is a quest for constant improvements, but versus products on the marketplace I’m guessing there is a specific void you are looking to improve on?

      Please make MTB in yellow. Love the Get Sum too. Really pleased with the products. Can’t stop talking them up when people say “snell?”

      Reply

      Ryan

      7 years ago

      With a lot of classic courses becoming too short for modern PGA tour driving distances, there have been many suggestions on how to get some courses back in the rotation. It doesn’t make sense (financially or logistically) to just keep lengthening courses to keep up with tour players (protecting par). Personally, I think par is just a made up number that doesn’t matter as the pro’s are playing against each other, not the course.

      A lot of people go to blame the modern golf ball rather than the player or equipment on the crazy distances these guys are hitting it. One suggestion that I keep hearing is to make a “tour” ball that doesn’t go as far.

      What are your thoughts on this and do you see it ever happening?
      Also, have there been major shifts in technology that allows these guys to kill the ball since Tiger in 2000/the ProV came out and people moved away from the balata?
      Finally, do you think it is even a problem that these guys can hit it so far?

      Reply

      Raymond CHASTEL

      7 years ago

      The golf courses are not désigned only for Champion golfers ,they are primarily for the enjoyment of Mr Average golfer .When you get of âge ,the course gets longer for you .So you CAN make good use of whatever ball makes the game easier for you .In m’y opinion ,as a seasoned golfer ,83 years of âge ,most balls on the market are good or excellent .
      There’s not today the différence in feel we had with the balatas and the non balatas in the ’50’s.

      Reply

      Neil Hamilton

      7 years ago

      When will Snell golf balls be available in Australia at a reasonable price. I believe the market is huge and any ball that is as good as Titleist at half the price would be a winner. Importing a couple of boxes is not economical to be competitive with Titleist that sells for $65-$68 a dozen at most golf outlets. I would love to be a distributor for Snell.

      Reply

      Eye4golf

      7 years ago

      I heard that the first Kirkland Signature 4 piece ball was made by you? If so are there plans for you to make a 4 piece?

      Reply

      TonyG

      7 years ago

      If USGA restrictions were off, how much further (percentage) could you make a golf ball go?

      Do you think Tour Pros should play a different ball than amateurs?

      Thank you

      Reply

      Steven Phillip

      7 years ago

      Hi ..roughly what is the cost price of a tour quality golf ball from the big brands & that of your own MTB ..
      Regards Steven

      Reply

      Jim Butler

      7 years ago

      Will I be able to order double number balls in the future, have bought 36 dozen since they were first offered, love the ball
      Jim Butler

      Reply

      Doug Ferreri

      7 years ago

      Dean I’ve noticed the MTB ball is a bit longer off the driver than some other premium golf balls. It seems softer off the driver and putter. Will there ever be an X type version of the MTB that other manufacturers offer?

      Reply

      Allen Rindfuss

      7 years ago

      I am 72 years old and have many athletic injuries from my youth and my swing speed is the same as my age. I have tried your lower compression ball but it is still not soft enough for me. Will you be making a third ball in the future? I am sure there are other golfers out there in my situation.

      Reply

      Stevegp

      7 years ago

      Some great questions. I look forward to Dean’s responses.

      Reply

      J.B.

      7 years ago

      Hi, Dean

      I’ve read that golfers need swing-speeds of 112 mph to truly maximize the benefits of “tour balls” like the Pro-VI. Is that true? Are higher-handicap, slower swingers wasting their money on performance, tour balls?

      JB

      Reply

      Hardcore Looper

      7 years ago

      You are bringing urethane balls to a price point that everyone can afford, and for that, you’re to be commended. I’m a 7 handicap, and I’ve been playing urethane balls for years (and played balata before that, in high school). Should anyone be playing non-urethane balls anymore?

      My teenage daughter is fairly new to golf and working on breaking 100. Is there an advantage to higher handicap golfers playing non-urethane balls?

      Reply

      Tim Dotson

      7 years ago

      Are there any plans to make a lower compression version of the MTB?

      If you had to compare the MTB to another OEM ball what would it be?

      How does heat affect a ball, for instance being in the trunk of my car on 100* in Texas for weeks at a time.

      Reply

      Harry Woodruff

      7 years ago

      The ball is great, but the logo printing sucks! Change the name of the ball to something golf related . . .not your name! Hell call it Minus 1, or Par +, something easy to identify with golf, not the creator!!!

      Reply

      Hardcore Looper

      7 years ago

      Guess you don’t like Callaway either?

      Reply

      FTWPhil

      7 years ago

      That’s not a question.

      Reply

      Mark

      7 years ago

      Seriously? A comment about a name from someone called “Harry Woodruff”??? Does your woods always leave you in the rough, Harry??

      Reply

      Greggytees

      7 years ago

      Just goes to show how the OEMS, golf mags,tour pros being paid big$$$ have had the public by the “balls” for a gazillion years. But your balls are better. I’ll play yours for nothing.

      Reply

      Sinewave

      7 years ago

      My course here in Punta del Este, Uruguay requires a lot of shots to be shaped. What criterion should I look for in a ball to be able to hit draws and fades?
      Can you please confirm that dimples were made for ball flight but not for straight putts. Has anyone considered a dimple-less ball strictly for putting?
      I’ve seen tests where dimple-less roll straighter.
      Is there any outlet here or in Buenas Aires, Argentina that carry your ball? It’s a pain to import stuff here unless you have a “mule” coming back from the States.
      Saludos,
      Sinewave

      Reply

      Jeff Harvey

      7 years ago

      Have you tried the Kirkland Signature golf ball? What’s all the hype about?

      Reply

      Kevin

      7 years ago

      I have always wondered why premium balls shy away from high visibility yellow covers. Callaway now offers the ChromeSoft in high visibility yellow. Tennis balls converted years ago as did softballs. Seems like looking for balls in the grass would be ideal conditions for a high visibility ball. Is there a manufacturing reason for this reticence or is it adhering to tradition?

      Reply

      Ferguson Robert

      7 years ago

      I am 66 with a 91 swing speed…do you anticipate making a ball for this swing speed?

      Reply

      davemac

      7 years ago

      In the same vane, I am a low clubhead speed (80 mph driver) single figure handicap player (short UK course). I tried the MTB but found it too much like the 2013 Pro 1*.
      Do you think you will release a lower compression tour ball in direct response (lower price) to the Chrome soft, Q Star Tour?
      There seems to be an improvement in hybrid / mid iron carry for my game with this type of ball, fact or myth?

      Reply

      Paul Smith

      7 years ago

      I thought the GetSum had a low compression center. Is that not the case? I was going to try them as the MTB perform nice, but feel harsh at my 90 mph swing speed.

      Jeff Franke

      7 years ago

      I play the MTB ball and wonder about the balance on the ball. Do you recommend putting along the seam with the directional arrows or does it matter? Do the Arrows indicate a balance point? Thanks..

      Reply

      Lauren Kempf

      7 years ago

      First of thank you for your time Dean. I am a female golfer and prefer to play bright pick golf balls. The visibility of pick golf balls is easy to find. I was wondering if you would add some color to the choice of golf balls you sell? I would enjoy a bright pick ball to choice from.

      Reply

      Bob Fleming

      7 years ago

      Do you mean bright PINK ?

      Reply

      Jim

      7 years ago

      Is the new and improve balls really that much change to the balls? I have seen Titleist with 338 dimples on their balls since I can remember. That’s like over 10 years now. If their have been so successful with 338 dimples, will they ever change that? If not, what’s the improvement? The color, the materials, the shelf life, what makes the next year model better than the last?
      I found that Taylormade golf balls that you came up with the 5 layers plays better than the Pro V1/x, but the cover reap over easily with a wedge. Was that the intention when you worked there?

      Reply

      TR1PTIK

      7 years ago

      Titleist was pretty aggressive with Costco over the K-sig and also threw a few punches at Vice Golf over the original Pro ball.

      How much of this do you think is just a scare tactic and how much do you think actual patent infringement?

      Is this something that you’ve personally experienced since launching Snell?

      Do you think it’s something that other direct-to-consumer ball brands will likely experience from the major OEMs?

      Reply

      David

      7 years ago

      How do you go about designing a golf ball – do you start with the available materials and tech and work backwards or start with a blank piece of paper and commission the materials you need? How do you simulate ball performance in flight other than a prototype and a wind tunnel?

      Reply

      Jim

      7 years ago

      What is the production schedule for your products? When can we expect a new MTB version? Great golf balls and I’ve been very happy with the MTB and the Get Sum as well.

      Reply

      Nathan

      7 years ago

      Why are the 3, 4, and 5 layer balls suggested more for low handicap players than high handicap players? Is there something else besides swing speed that would determine what kind of ball a person should use?

      Reply

      Mike Hawkins

      7 years ago

      I’m 48, swing speed of 90, play once a month. What ball should I play? Distance, feel? Compression? Thanks.

      Reply

      Drew

      7 years ago

      If I play about 3 times a week for 5-6 months a year how often should I change wedges?

      Reply

      Bret Douglas

      7 years ago

      The thing I like about the MTB is that is comes off the putter slightly softer than my previous Chrome Soft. My distance control on long putts improved immediately. In fact, I played over 7 rounds with it before I had my first 3-putt.
      I only wish it was a little more “spinny” on wedge shots.
      Does Snell plan on coming out with more cover/performance choices in the near future?

      Reply

      Don Cameron

      7 years ago

      ASK DEAN:
      ~ without sounding like a complete dummy… I’m confused and confounded about dimples. Can you explain the significance regarding number of dimples and their depth? and how different dimple numbers should correlate to different golfers and general performance?

      Reply

      Dennis Beach

      7 years ago

      Do high handicappers really benefit from multi-layer balls? You are highly respected in the golf ball area.

      Reply

      COGolfer

      7 years ago

      I prefer to not see logos for tee shots and putts. The one thing I notice with Snell is there is a visible seam.

      Although all golf balls have seams, some are less visible (titleist, bridgestone, etc). Is there reasoning behind using a process that results in a visible seam?

      Reply

      Pat

      7 years ago

      Dean,
      Thanks for the time. Should I change balls with weather conditions? Wet, wind and cold – are when I consider changing.

      Reply

      Iuri

      7 years ago

      Hi Dean,

      I live in Brazil and due that I always buy several of your tour balls boxes when I go to USA. Can you please tell me for how long I can stock them with no risk of losing any ball performance (they are in the box in a dry area)?

      Thanks,

      Iuri

      Reply

      Michael

      7 years ago

      I have started to play with hickory sticks and truly enjoying the experience. What ball would you recommend I play with. I understand that 50 compression was an equivalent ball many years ago. I am a 7 handicap playing The new 5 Taylor Made. Thanks

      Reply

      mackdaddy

      7 years ago

      What is the effect of lower compression in a ball. Does it go longer? Does it go straighter? Is it different with a driver ie longer and shorter with a short iron? Is there a benefit shift based on swing speed? At what driver swing speed do you expect your ball to perform at it’s max? or range of speeds? What is the core compression of your My Tour Ball?

      Reply

      Will

      7 years ago

      I’m interested in the answer to all of these question

      Reply

      Dilip Ghosh

      7 years ago

      Hi Dean. I’ve been following you for a while now and thank you to MYGOLFSPY for their amazing work.

      I live over in Singapore where we have so many golf junkies and sadly we never seem to be a beneficiary of guys like you with your product knowledge and offering. Are we able to buy SNELL online and ship direct to Singapore where we would love to play your balls.
      Have you heard of OnCore golf balls and the ELIXIR. How does that brand stand up against SNELL and other brands.

      Reply

      Clete D

      7 years ago

      What was your honest reaction to the K-Sig? Do you think it is good/bad for golfers? Ball manufacturers?

      Reply

      Gary B

      7 years ago

      Is there a planned release date for a new version of your My Tour Ball?

      Reply

      mnfats95

      7 years ago

      I play with a lot of random players these days. It never ceases to amaze me that they will play with random ball X on one hole, lose it and then play with random ball Z on next hole.

      I realize that a lot of them might not be consistent enough to see a drop off in play from different balls, but I also know good players who are constantly trying new balls.

      I’m all for trying new things, but given your knowledge of the golf ball from an engineering perspective, can an above average player expect to be able to play consistently if they are constantly switching balls?

      I myself notice the difference mostly around and on the greens, but I would imagine there can be a significant distance difference between balls on the scoring irons as well.

      For the better player I feel like they should pick a ball and try to stick with it as long as possible. Your thoughts?

      Reply

      John Gramlich

      7 years ago

      I am sr Golfer using soft regular shafts due to slower swing speed. I currently use Titleist Pro v-1 balls and have decent success. I have read and heard that a softer ball will be better for me. Have experimented a little with the Calloway soft and have tried the Vice soft with perhaps some success. The vice is better than the Calloway but has the matte finish that I do not like. Any thoughts and or suggestions?

      Reply

      ken Bloch

      7 years ago

      Will Snell Golf be adding a low compression ball?

      Reply

      Lou Orb

      7 years ago

      Why do so many pros play Titleist?
      How are the pros so encouraged?

      Reply

      Martyn Wells

      7 years ago

      Simple, why are they not available in the UK? Vice balls are and compared to the market leaders are much cheaper.
      Several friends have been to the USA and I have asked them to bring me some Snell balls back to try, still waiting!!!

      Reply

      Steven Phillip

      7 years ago

      They are now available via Snells own site snellgolf uk

      Reply

      Robin Morales

      7 years ago

      What are the difference in spin with a wedge and a driver between your MTB and the GS ball?

      Reply

      Paul X

      7 years ago

      Do new golf balls have a shelf life ? if so how long ?

      Reply

      Tom Doyle

      7 years ago

      Hcp 13. I play with Ping G regular shaft driver and 5 wood and my irons 4 to GEORGE are Cobra tour forged with Faoros fusion shafts. My average swing speed is 90mph. I alternate between PRO V 1X PRO V and Callaway chrome soft. I am not sure which is optimum? Any advice please

      Reply

      Mike Murphy

      7 years ago

      A golf ball does not know if a tee shot or pitch shot is in process, so how can a ball promise low spin and high spin at the same time?

      Reply

      Dave

      7 years ago

      I am also an MTB user. Wondering if Dean could comment on the growing popularity of “soft” balls (Chrome Soft etc) in recent years? In particular, I am surprised to see some tour players going this route.

      Reply

      Raymond CHASTEL

      7 years ago

      I play the SNELL MY TOUR Ball since quite some time ,I have a taken a liking to them .The only grievance I do have is ,since I never lose a golf ball ,(I’m very consistent and straight -Handicap7-age 83)they become scuffed pretty quickly .
      This doesn’t seem to happen with the TITLEIST PRO V1’s ,SRIXON STAR ,VICE balls .
      Is there a peculiarity that make the MTB more fragile ?

      Reply

      Marcelo Quinones

      7 years ago

      What process in the making of Snell golf balls is different from the other manufactures? Do you have a patent?

      Reply

      David

      7 years ago

      Sometimes after I’ve played 6/9 holes with a ball, (Z star XV) the seem where the cover is joined begins to show if you look closely.
      Does this have any impact on the aerodynamics/ performance of the ball?

      Also,
      Roughly how often should you change to a new ball? Is there a set number of shots it can withstand? ( mid 120’s swing speed with driver)

      Reply

      Chad

      7 years ago

      How often should a ball be replaced due to play? ….how much performance is lost when the ball’s cover is slightly scuffed or cut?

      Reply

      Bob Boyce

      7 years ago

      What are the compression ratings of the Snell balls.

      Reply

      Andrew

      7 years ago

      If the cover is in good shape, how many hits can a golf ball take before it should be replaced? In other words, should I be proud of completing a round with the same ball or was that a dumb decision?

      Reply

      Paul Gornick

      7 years ago

      I live in the Pacific Northwest, and frequently play in cooler weather. I have a friend who heats balls in hot water before playing in cooler weather, which sounds crazy to me. What has a greater effect on ball flight/distance: ambient temperature of the ball, or the atmospheric air temperature? Does humidity have any effect?

      Reply

      Andrew H

      7 years ago

      I have been playing the Taylormade Lethal for years. I am a single digit player with a moderate swing speed. I see no difference between this ball and newer balls out on the market today. Am I missing any performance having by playing a ball 5 years old?

      Reply

      Stephen Gengaro

      7 years ago

      I have played with the Snell “My Tour Ball” and compared it with my Pro V1X in 2016 (and Pro V in 2107). It performs very well! My question is about the move by Taylor Made (and others I believe) to 5 layers versus 3 or 4 and whether it actually makes a difference. Thanks!

      Reply

      Adam

      7 years ago

      What is the affect of using used golf balls? I went years with only using used golf balls and have no idea if this hurt my game at all (other than not being able to find them because they weren’t as white).

      Reply

      Adam

      7 years ago

      Correction for myself: effect, not affect!

      Reply

      Dave

      7 years ago

      I use the Snell MTB. I am playing a 2-man scramble and want a super hot 2 piece ball to drive with. Suggestions?

      Reply

      Chal

      7 years ago

      It seems like each year golf balls are much like clubs. They have a “new and improved” model that is better than last years. Your ball has not changed. Realistically, how often do you anticipate updating your line?

      Reply

      JCGolf

      7 years ago

      When will we see colored versions of the MTB???

      Reply

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