An Honest Review of The Wilson Zip Golf Ball

Having checked out Wilson Zip golf balls, their affordability, distance, and durability really stood out. Let’s dive into the features of this 2-piece distance ball and see how it performs from tee to green.

I’ll also reveal the positives and negatives that stood out during testing. By the end of this article, you’ll know if this low-spinning, highly compressible golf ball works for your swing and budget.

Why listen to us? Our team has tested dozens and dozens of the top balls on the market (you can read in-depth review of each here). We keep detailed notes and findings about each one to come up with our recommendations for you.

Overall Rating and Thoughts

My review of Wilson Zip golf balls revealed a highly affordable, 2-piece distance construction that flies high and long. In my experience, this easily compressible golf ball helped me generate a controlled ball pace and low spin to achieve an enhanced launch for consistent distance.

The 50 compression ball proved easy for slow and moderate swing speeds like myself to launch. Moreover, the advanced PhD dimples kept the ball stable in flight and enhanced aerodynamics for optimal carry distance.

Like most distance balls, it produced minimal spin around the green, but its high flight and sharp descent helped stop the ball rapidly. Overall, this entry-level ball is a suitable partner for mid and high-handicap casual golfers seeking an easy launch and consistent distance for a bargain.

Overall Score: 8.4/10

Features

Two-Piece Ball

Like most Wilson golf balls, the Zip carries a 2-piece construction consisting of a highly compressible core and a Surlyn cover. The simple structure explains its highly affordable price tag, but don’t judge it yet.

This distance golf ball is crafted to minimize spin and retain ball speed on all shots for a powerful launch. I find it’s ideal for slower swing speeds, needing a velocity boost at impact to send the ball high and long.

Zero Compression Core

I enjoyed the performance of the expertly crafted Zero Compression Core, which rebounded rapidly off the face and boosted my energy transfer. The soft structure guides the ball to a total compression score of 50, which ranks on the lower end of the spectrum.

I find the Zero Compression Core is a reliable companion for slow and moderate swing speeds. The enhanced spring off the clubface helped my moderate clubhead speed launch the ball consistently. When I compare my speed, spin, and launch consistency with the Zip to my results with a Pro V1, I’d take the former any day.

Surlyn Cover

Surlyn is a regular feature on 2 layer golf balls because it costs less to produce and it’s easier to manipulate. These covers are often firmer than urethane found on tour golf balls, which is handy for lowering long-game spin. It also helps prevent ball speed drop-off for an optimal launch and satisfactory carry distance.

I appreciated its low long-game spin qualities, but unfortunately, spin remained light on short iron and wedge shots. The lack of spin increased the challenge of controlling chip shots. I altered my strategy and decided to use the lack of spin to my advantage by playing more bump and runs around the green.

Despite the lack of greenside spin, I did notice the towering flight helped the ball bite faster on full shots.

302 PhD Aerodynamic Dimples

Besides the highly compressible core, the 302 PhD Aerodynamic dimples were my next favorite feature. The flat-bottomed, shallow dimples obliterated drag as the ball left the clubface producing a higher-than-usual apex for my standards.

Once the ball reached its cruising altitude, the dimples worked efficiently to stabilize it and enhance slipstream. I found their flight was consistent, and it guided me to impressive carry distance.

Colors

Arguably, the least exciting part of the Wilson Zip golf balls is the lack of alternative colors, especially for optically challenged golfers. The engineers opted for a white coat to cover the ball, giving it the standard tour appearance.

In my experience, I’m so used to playing white golf balls it doesn’t bother me, and the lack of colors has no bearing on my performance. However, I suggest looking at the Callaway SuperSoft range if you prefer easily traceable golf balls.

Alignment Arrow

The alignment arrow on the Zip is not as Robust as I noticed on the TaylorMade Distance +. Instead, it’s thin. At least, it still got the job done by helping me align the center of my putter face with my target line.

Performance

Price

The price tag of Zip golf balls is one of its many assets, with 2 dozen balls only setting me back $29.99. It’s ideal for beginners who’re guilty of losing multiple golf balls over 18 holes or the average player on a budget.

Cheap golf balls are attractive, but I’ve often found you get what you pay for. The Zip range proved different, as I surprisingly enjoyed hitting them and felt they added value to my game and my bank balance.

Feel

Contrary to my experience with the Callaway Warbird, the Zip felt pleasant off the clubface. It wasn’t as soft as a urethane-covered ball. However, I felt Wilson engineers did well to tenderize the feel of the typically stiffer Surlyn material.

I was most impressed by its feel on wedge shots and putts, which was smooth compared to other Wilson distance balls like the Ultra 500 Straight.

Sound

As expected from the 2-piece ball, it did sound a little clicky off the face on iron and wedge shots. The audio was relatively mute off the putter face, and I have no complaints in that department. Despite the clicky acoustics on longer shots, I found it more bearable than with Titleist Velocity.

Spin

Driver

The highly strikeable Zero Compression Core prompted the ball to rebound swiftly off the clubface with optimal speed and low spin. It wasn’t the lowest spinning distance ball I’ve struck with the big stick, but I still contained the spin below 2600 rpm.

It ranks marginally higher than my average, which clocks in just north of 2500 rpm, but I’ll take that.

Iron

During my 7-iron test, I generated an average of 6933 rpm backspin, which again isn’t super low for my standards, but it’s acceptable. I typically produce 6500 rpm, so the Wilson Zip golf balls weren’t far off the mark.

I enjoyed the bite of the ball on my approach shots. The additional spin caused the ball to produce minimal roll, which was a bonus when hitting into narrow greens.

Wedge

Backspin proved scarce on my pitching wedge shots, and I didn’t receive the level of control I constantly desire. However, the elevated launch and flight helped the ball land softly and only rolled a yard or two.

I had no issues with this performance on full wedge shots where I generated 9600 rpm. The main challenge arose on chips, where I didn’t have the spin control to attack the pin and produce hop and stop spin. Instead, I resorted to bump and run shots, which were easier to control and more efficient.

Ball Speed

Velocity is among the Wilson Zip’s best assets, owing to its soft, highly compressible core, stiff cover, and optimized aerodynamics. I produced 143.8 mph ball speed with my driver and 114.3 with my 7-iron, marginally higher than I achieved with the Noodle Long And Soft.

I conjured up 0.4 mph more with the Zip off the tee box, while my 7-iron struck the ball by 0.3 mph more than the Noodle. I executed a powerful launch and achieved consistent distance thanks to the accelerated ball pace.

Distance

Driver

The Wilson Zip isn’t the longest-distance golf ball I’ve played. However, it was consistent owing to its compressible core and spin-reducing cover. I drove the Zip an average of 269 yards, taking my ball a yard farther than the Noodle but 4 yards shy of my regular length.

Irons

Like my experience with the driver, my irons produced ample yardage on approach, but I’ve played longer models. My 7-iron traveled an average of 172 yards, which falls 2 yards short of my standard metrics.

Launch and Flight

The soft compression of the Wilson Zip enabled me to minimize speed, accelerate velocity and launch the ball high and long. My launch was boosted by the shallow, flat bottom dimples. They eradicated drag and blasted my ball along a high apex.

Once my ball hit the air, the 302 PhD aerodynamics stabilized my dimples and enhanced slipstream for an uninterrupted flight. The ball flew higher than I’m typically used to, which was not my favorite feature, as I prefer medium flight. On the positive, the consistently higher trajectory produced ample carry distance.

In my experience, the hassle-free launch and towering flight are welcome features for slow and moderate swing speeds. You’ll find yourself producing consistent distance and a relatively soft landing approach.

Descent

The elevated launch and flight angles of the Zip balls lead to a sharp descent, which proved handy for holding narrow greens. After enjoying the enhanced flight, the ball would descend sharply, causing it to land softly and stop rapidly.

I felt the softer landing at least made up for the lack of spin on the ball and offered some control on approach. During the 7 iron test, I produced 3 yards of roll on average, which shocked me. I typically notch up 6 to 7 yards of ball roll with this club, yet a low-spinning, 2-piece distance ball stopped faster.

What I Like About The Wilson Zip

Affordable

Finding a box of distance balls for under $30 is common, but the Wilson Zip offers 2 dozen balls for this price. They are dirt cheap and punch well above their weight with magnificent distance, optimal flight, and soft landings.

The entry-level price tag is a welcome gift to beginners prone to losing golf balls. Alternatively, general bargain hunters, unwilling to spend on urethane golf balls, will welcome the affordable price tag.

Easily Compressible

The soft core promoted maximum compression at contact, helping to accelerate ball speed and lower spin. My moderate swing speed welcomed the ease of compression, and I feel slow swing speeds stand to benefit as well. Thanks to the highly compressible golf ball, I enjoyed an effortless launch, flight, and carry distance.

Low Driver Spin

As I previously explained, the Wilson Zip wasn’t the lowest-spinning ball I’ve hit, but it still produced satisfactory results. The soft compression core paired effectively with the firm, spin-resistant ionomer cover to lower revolutions off the tee.

Consistent Ball Speed

The highly compressible core did more than just lower my spin rate. It created maximum rebound off the clubface on long shots, imparting accelerated pace for greater forward momentum in the air. Thanks to the consistent speed, I enjoyed an effortless launch and adequate carry distance.

Stable Flight

Contrary to my experience with the Noodle Long and Soft, the Wilson Zip provided stable ball flight. I detected that the 302 PhD aerodynamic dimples created superb slipstream to carry the ball forward and enhance carry and total distance.

Elevated Launch

I relished the hassle-free launch of the Wilson Zip balls, owing to its incredibly soft compression, responsive core, and low spin nature. The added spring from the low compression design left my clubface with accelerated velocity and low spin, resulting in a towering launch.

Besides my appreciation for this characteristic, I find slow and moderate swing speed amateurs will benefit from the consistency. Instead of fighting to get your ball airborne, you can launch it high and long effortlessly.

Ample Distance

Finally, I appreciated the distance I generated with the Zip, although it wasn’t the longest ball I’ve ever struck. I did lose some length because of the elevated flight and soft landing. However, I appreciate the consistent results that weren’t far off my best.

 

What I Dislike About The Wilson Zip

Low Greenside Spin

As I’ve experienced with most distance balls, the Wilson Zip produced limited greenside spin revolutions. This rendered chip shots challenging to control because I couldn’t get the hop and stop spin I usually prefer. However, I overcame the lack of spin by employing the bump and run and using the roll to my advantage.

Clicky Acoustics

The Zip produced a slight clicky noise on iron and wedge shots, among my least favorite aspects of the ball. But, compared to my experience with the Callaway Warbird, the ‘clicky’ acoustics were subtle, and I managed to bear it during testing.

Despite the unwelcome audio on iron and wedge shots, the acoustics were toned down on putts. My ball made minimal noise as it left the face, which I enjoyed.

No Alternative Colors

My final dislike of the Zip range boils down to the aesthetics or the lack thereof. Personally, I’ve played white golf balls for most of my career, so it’s not a train smash. But, it isn’t ideal for optically challenged players hoping to trace their ball in the air and spot it faster in the cabbage patch.