
While all golfers are different, most folks with slow or average swing speeds will benefit immensely from using a low compression golf ball.
Not sure which low compression golf balls are the best? In the following list, we take a look at the best low compression golf balls and tell you what they offer.
For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:
Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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- Promotes straighter flight
- Durable
- Affordable
- Easy launching
- Low long-game spin
- Insufficient spin for advanced golfers
- Straight flight minimizes the workability
- Low Compression Rate of 60
- FastLayer Core provides plenty of distance off the tee
- 338 Speed Dimple Pattern results in higher ball flight
- Perfect amount of spin for all short game shots
- Soft feel
- Outer shell scuffs easily
- Only available in white and yellow
1. TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft
Durable and soft iothane cover. Impact propulsion core for longer carry. Patented dimple design for straighter flight, all at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Promotes straighter flight
- Durable
- Affordable
- Easy launching
- Low long-game spin
Cons
- Insufficient spin for advanced golfers
- Its straight flight minimizes the workability
I first played the Noodle Long and Soft in high school, and I was amazed by its soft feel, durability, and hassle-free launch. Fast forward to 2023, and they are the gift that keeps giving. They still feel soft, fly relatively straight, and are super easy to compress.
The latest edition contains a medium compression score, which provides energy transfer assistance for my moderate swing speed. Its Impact Propulsion Core has enhanced compression at impact, simplifying the task, even for slow swing speeds.
Next, I felt the soft iothane cover gave my wedge and short iron grooves a fighting chance of imparting spin on the ball. While far from a tour ball, it delivers sufficient revolutions per minute for casual golfers to get around the links.
These are probably the best golf balls on the market for beginners. As its name implies, the TaylorMade Noodle is long off the tee and soft on the greens. It’s also one of the most affordable balls in the industry and one of our team’s favorites!
2. Srixon Soft Feel
One of the more affordable, quality balls on the market. With a soft center that gradually transitions to a firm outer edge, the FastLayer Core offers incredible softness and great distance off the tee. The dimple pattern reduces drag at launch and increases lift during descent.
Pros
- Low Compression Rate of 60
- FastLayer Core provides plenty of distance off the tee
- Dimple pattern results in higher ball flight
- Perfect amount of spin for all short game shots
- Soft feel that may help golfers on short game shots like chips, pitches, and putts
Cons
- Some say the outer shell scuffs easily
The Srixon Soft Feel is my go-to golf ball for casual rounds because of its easy launch, affordability, and soft feel. Although they don’t deliver the spin of a urethane tour golf ball, it’s more than I’ve endured from most distance golf balls.
I find they are ideal golf balls for moderate and slow-swing speed casual golfers looking to maximize value for money. Its FastLayer Core impressed me and proved highly compressible on high-impact shots, prompting the ball to rebound rapidly off the clubface with low spin.
The high-speed, low-spin combo led to adequate distance off the tee and on long approach shots. Plus, its Speed Dimple Pattern fought drag on its ascent and boosted lift on the descent for an improved carry and total distance.
3. Bridgestone e12 Contact
The unique Contact Force Dimple Pattern that creates 38% more surface contact on impact. Dimple pattern also makes your ball fly longer and straighter with every club in your bag.
Pros
- Encourages straighter ball flight
- Reduced driver spin
- Increased energy transfer
- Soft feel
- Forgiving
Cons
- Reduces workability for better-skilled players
- Moderately more expensive than most distance golf balls
The Bridgestone e12 Contact provided sublime forgiveness when I played it, restricting long-game spin and promoting straighter ball flight. Around the greens, it enhanced friction, and improved control, through a soft feel and an element of spin.
Unlike its standard two-piece peers, the e12 Contact contains 3-layers to deliver the best of both worlds. The Contact Force Dimple pattern stood out as the star feature, boosting energy transfer by 38%. On long strikes, it increased rebound, but on short shots, it improved friction for greater short-game control.
Next, the Gradational Core proved extremely compressible on high-impact shots, accelerating ball speed and restricting spin. This improved rebound off the clubface for enhanced speed and low spin. Finally, an Active Acceleration Mantle helped me prevent ball speed dropoff with the driver for consistency off the tee.
4. Callaway Supersoft Max
The Tri-Blend Ionomer Cover is specifically built to increase ball speed. This cover material also creates an impressive combination of high launch and low spin in your longer clubs.
Pros
- Easily compressible
- Made for slow swing speeds
- Promotes a higher launch
- Forgiving
- Soft feel
Cons
- It cost me carry distance due to ballooned shots
- Minimal greenside spin
The Callaway Supersoft Max delivered the highest forgiveness of our low-compression finalists this year. It’s the ideal option for slow-swing speed golfers seeking to maximize energy transfer at impact, accelerate ball velocity, and lower long-game spin for maximum distance.
I found the high-speed, low-compression core promoted consistent energy transfer resulting in satisfactory ball zip. My launch was elevated beyond my preference, causing me to lose a few yards. However, this suits slow swing speeds seeking a high launch, towering flight, and improved carry distance.
My distance was boosted further by the Tri-Blend ionomer cover, which minimized ball pace loss on mishits. Plus, it fought drag and promoted improved lift on descent for increased carry yards.
5. Titleist Tour Soft
Titleist makes this ball with special technology that results in less spin when hitting your longer clubs (driver and fairway woods).
Pros
- Consistent ball flight
- Very soft feel, which most golfers love
- Alignment aid on the side for lining up putts
- 65 compression rating
- Easy to control on and around the greens
Cons
- Very high price per ball compared to many others on this list
- Getting harder to find in some markets
The Titleist Tour Soft is no ordinary distance golf ball, and I was blown away by its overall performance. I generated the velocity I needed on long shots to maximize distance, while the reformulated cover enhanced my short-game experience.
A Large Fast Core drives the golf ball, promoting increased compression on high-impact shots for explosive rebound and minimal spin. The combination prompted a desirable launch before handing over to the aerodynamic dimple design to improve carry distance.
Finally, the unique reformulated 4CE cover is among the best on distance golf balls. It produced the softest feel, increased friction, and some spin on short shots, improving my greenside control.
6. Wilson Staff Duo Soft +
The Wilson Staff DUO Soft+ Golf Balls are designed for golfers who want a soft feel and maximum distance. They feature a low compression core and a high-performance ionomer cover for improved performance.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Easily compressible, high-launching golf ball
- Minimal driver spin
- High ball flight
- Built for slow to medium swing speeds
Cons
- Feels rock hard off the clubface on short shots
- Limited greenside spin
The Wilson Staff Duo Soft + is among the best value-for-money golf balls an average golfer can buy. Granted, they are rock hard off the putter face and on short game shots, but the ball zip assistance it provides, coupled with its low long game spin, makes it a solid distance construction.
Despite its firm feel, I enjoyed the hassle-free launch induced by the Velocity Boosting core. Thanks to increased compression at impact, I generated excellent pace and low spin off the tee for elevated ball flight and impressive length.
Next, the ionomer cover helped preserve speed on all shots, promoting a consistent launch. Moreover, its aerodynamic dimples kept the ball airborne for longer. Finally, Wilson offers the Staff Duo Soft + in green, orange, red, and yellow for easier traceability besides the standard tour white edition.
7. Srixon Q Star Tour
The new FastLayer Core offers distance and soft feel without compromise due to a gradual transition from soft inner core to firm outer edge.
Pros
- Outstanding greenside spin
- Affordable for a urethane tour ball
- Accelerated ball speed on long shots
- Long long game spin
- Promotes penetrating ball flight
Cons
- Not the longest-tour golf ball
- Not recommended to slow swing speeds
The Srixon Q Star Tour is not the lowest compression golf ball around. However, it is compared to its premium tour golf ball companions, hence the mention. It’s one of the few urethane golf balls I find my medium swing speed can consistently handle, thanks to its mid-compression core.
Despite its affordable price tag, relative to tour golf balls, the Q Star Tour delivered distance off the tee and spin around the green. The famed Srixon FastLayer core is soft inside to enhance compression. Conversely, the ionomer mantle is firm and minimizes ball velocity loss for an optimal launch on most shots.
My favorite piece of the 3-layer golf ball overall was the SpinSkin with SeRM. The urethane coating sports molecular bonds that allow the cover to etch into the wedge and short iron grooves for enhanced spin and control.
8. Wilson Staff Fifty Elite
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Elevated launch
- Works for moderate swing speeds
- Ample carry distance
- Available in optic-friendly colors
Cons
- Limited greenside spin
- Feels hard off the putter’s face
While its compression is not as low as the Staff Duo Soft +, the Staff Fifty Elite still promotes outstanding energy transfer on long shots. My experience produced minimal long-game spin and accelerated ball velocity for a powerful launch on long shots.
I felt the Aggressive Core was a stroke of genius by Wilson engineers as it maximized rebound off the clubface at impact. The outcome was explosive speed and low spin on long shots for consistent distance off the tee and on approach.
Although Wilson touted the ionomer cover as highly responsive on short shots, it produced limited greenside spin. However, I expected as much and didn’t hold it against the golf ball. Finally, the Staff Fifty Elite is available in yellow, orange, pink, and white.
9. Bridgestone Lady Precept
Softer core for players who want soft feel, more control and less vibration at impact. The unique 330-seamless dimple design generates increased lift of the club face.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Launches high
- Promotes faster ball speed
- Lowers long game spin
- Soft feel reduces vibrations on mishits
Cons
- Limited alternative colors offered
- Minimal greenside spin
The Bridgestone Lady Precept is the top low-compression golf ball for amateur ladies seeking a softer feel and towering ball flight for an affordable price. I asked four mid and high handicap ladies at my local club to test them, and I’ll shower you with their responses below.
For starters, they appreciated the low price point but felt there could’ve been more color offerings besides white and pink. However, aesthetics aside, they praised its high launch and ball flight, made possible by the softer core.
In addition, they felt the ionomer cover provided limited greenside spin and control. Conversely, it was handy for speed and low driver spin. Finally, my volunteers explained that the 330 Seamless dimples lifted the golf ball effortlessly off the clubface for a higher launch.
10. Volvik Power Soft
High-visibility golf balls available in a range of colors. Soft ionomer cover for greenside control. Dual power core for maximum distance and consistent flight. Ideal for all skill levels.
Pros
- Soft core maximizes energy transfer
- Built for slow swing speed
- Affordable
- Promotes straighter ball flight
- Available in five glossy colors for easier traceability
Cons
- Reduces workability
- Feels rock hard off the face on putts and wedge shots
We conclude our best low-compression golf balls review favored by several LPGA Tour players. This two-piece golf ball produces a soft feel and is highly compressible on long shots prompting a high, powerful launch for greater carry distance.
I found its Oversized Power Core easy to compress on high-impact shots, causing the ball to rapidly rebound off the clubface. The result was rapid ball speed and lower spin revolutions, which gave my ball the momentum to cut through the sky and enjoy maximum carry distance.
Thanks to its low spin profile, I was treated to straighter flight, which mitigated the severity of my heel and toe mishits. I also appreciated the softer composition of the ionomer cover, which improved my spin control. However, it still has work to do to reach the ranks of a urethane tour golf ball.
Who Should Use Low Compression Golf Balls?
A ton of different golfers should use low compression golf balls to get the most out of their respective swings. If you fall into one of the below categories and currently use a hard golf ball, consider making the switch to a low compression ball.
New Golfers
Folks who are just starting to learn the game of golf should use a low compression golf ball. Though there are some rare exceptions, most beginners tend to have slower swing speeds. This lack of clubhead speed makes it tough for them to generate distance off the tee.
Luckily, low compression golf balls will give new golfers the best bang for their buck as far as distance is concerned. As their name implies, low compression balls are easier to “compress”. This simply means that less energy is required to activate the center core of the golf ball.
Seniors
Nobody likes the aging process and golfers are no exception. As we age, our bodies break down and we aren’t able to generate the same amount of swing speed that we used to in our primes. This happens because of a loss of muscle strength and loss of flexibility.
However, senior golfers can limit their loss of distance by switching to a golf ball with a lower compression rating. Sometimes modern-day technology is a beautiful thing. Remember, age is just a number!
Ladies
Most women golfers should opt for a low compression golf ball. Since ladies are typically shorter than men and have less muscle mass, they will benefit from a golf ball that is easier to compress.
A lower compression golf ball will give women more distance on all of their shots. This is why most golf balls marketed to lady golfers are of the lower compression variety.
Golfers Who Struggle with Their Short Games
Do you always seem to struggle with your short game? Do you find it nearly impossible to get the right amount of speed on your chips, pitches, and putts? If so, you may benefit from switching to a low compression golf ball.
Low compression golf balls have an incredibly soft feel to them, which makes them easier to control on the greens. Many golfers are shocked to see how much their handicaps improve just by being more efficient both on and around the greens.
Low Compression Golf Ball FAQs
Now that you know some of the best lower compression golf balls on the market, it’s time to arm yourself with more information on these types of golf balls. Here are some frequently asked questions that we get about low compression balls as well as some in-depth answers.
Does Golf Ball Compression Really Make a Difference?
Yes, ball compression can make a big difference in your performance on the golf course. Since no two golf swings are exactly alike, no single golf ball is going to work the same way for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter approach.
It’s all about finding the right compression rating for your respective swing. Failing to do so can cost you some precious yards of distance, which makes it more difficult to shoot lower scores. Don’t make the game of golf more difficult by using incorrect equipment.
As a general rule, golfers with slower swing speeds will get more distance out of a low compression golf ball. On that same token, golfers who have faster swing speeds will benefit from using high compression golf balls. These types of golf balls will give them more accuracy on all of their shots.
Do Low Compression Golf Balls Go Further?
As we touched on above, it all depends on the golfer’s swing speed. For golfers who swing slower (anywhere from 70 to 90 miles per hour), low compression balls will indeed carry further off the tee. This is because the core of the ball is easier to activate, which means that not as much clubhead speed is needed to achieve maximum distance.
Conversely, if a golfer with a faster swing speed (over 100 miles per hour) uses a lower compression golf ball it will rob him or her of several yards. This is because too much compression at impact can cause a decrease in ball speed, which is the opposite of what golfers want.
What Compression Golf Ball Should a Senior Use?
Again, it all depends on swing speed. Since most senior golfers tend to have slower swing speeds, they’d be best served to use a golf ball with a compression rating of 65 or less. Since swing speed continues to decline with age, most golfers over 70 years old should opt for a compression rating of 50 or less.
To be on the safe side, we recommend that all golfers visit a club pro or their local golf shop to have their swing speed tested. This is the best way to pinpoint the correct compression rating for your swing. In most cases, there won’t be a charge for getting this information either.
What Compression Rating Do Most PGA Tour Players Use?
Since the average swing speed on the PGA Tour is around 110 miles per hour, most pro golfers opt for a golf ball with a compression rating of around 90 or so. To drive this point home, the most popular golf ball on the PGA Tour is the Titleist Pro V1, which has a 90 compression rating. The interesting thing though is that Titleist has been adamant that compression rating means very little as far as a golf ball’s distance is concerned.
Its sister golf ball, the Titleist Pro V1X, has a compression rating of 100. By comparison, the TaylorMade TP5 has a compression rating of 85.