Golf Ball Compression Chart: Find Your Perfect Match
A golf ball compression chart can be very useful when comparing golf balls and understanding which golf ball will suit you and your swing speed. Golf ball compression rating is very important when it comes to selecting a golf ball. Understanding if you need a low compression ball or high compression ball all starts with golf ball comparison charts. To properly utilize a golf ball compression chart you’ll need to have a good understanding of your swing speed, fast swing speeds are better suited to higher compression balls. Slower swing speeds are more suited to a lower compression ball.
What is Golf Ball Compression?
Golf ball compression is a numerical measure of how much a golf ball deforms under load. The numerical value of compression is anywhere between 30 (very low compression) and 115 (very high compression). Higher compression indicates a harder ball whereas low compression golf balls are softer. Compression values are typically for the entire ball, but manufacturers may cite core compression only for marketing purposes.
There are 6 broad categories of balls:
- Very High Compression (95+) – Built for very fast swings and maximum spin, usually a 4 layer ball with thin urethane cover.
- High Compression (85-95) – Designed for Tour professionals and elite golfers, 3 or 4 layer ball with thin urethane cover.
- Distance Balls (75-90) – Crafted for low spin and long distances for any swing speed, 2 piece ionomer covered ball.
- Medium Compression (70-85) – Performance balls for average golfers, 3 piece design with urethane cover.
- Low Compression (45-70) – Soft feel golf balls built for a wide range of golfers, 2 piece design and ionomer cover.
- Very Low Compression (<45) – Soft design for slow swing speeds and very soft feel, 2 piece, ionomer covered ball.
Most manufacturers have a golf ball model which fits into each of these categories.
The Ultimate Golf Ball Compression Chart
| Brand | Model | Compression | Layers | Cover material |
| Bridgestone | Tour B X | 94 | 3 | Urethane |
| Bridgestone | Tour B XS | 85 | 3 | Urethane |
| Bridgestone | Tour B RX | 78 | 3 | Urethane |
| Bridgestone | Tour B RXS | 65 | 3 | Urethane |
| Bridgestone | e12 Contact | 59 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Bridgestone | e6 | 52 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Callaway | Chrome Tour X (2024) | 98 | 4 | Urethane |
| Callaway | Chrome Soft X (2022) | 95 | 4 | Urethane |
| Callaway | Chrome Soft X LS (2022) | 93 | 4 | Urethane |
| Callaway | Warbird | 90 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Callaway | Chrome Tour (2024) | 87 | 4 | Urethane |
| Callaway | Chrome Soft (2024) | 75 | 3 | Urethane |
| Callaway | ERC Soft | 75 | 3 | Urethane |
| Callaway | Supersoft | 47 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Kirkland | Signature Performance V3 | 93 | 3 | Urethane |
| LA GOLF | Ball | 80 | 4 | Urethane |
| MaxFli | Tour X | 101 | 4 | Urethane |
| MaxFli | Tour | 85 | 3 | Urethane |
| MaxFli | StraightFli | 85 | 2 | Ionomer |
| MaxFli | Tour S | 82 | 3 | Urethane |
| MaxFli | TriFli | 45 | 3 | Ionomer |
| MaxFli | SoftFli | 35 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Noodle | Long and Soft | 35 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Pinnacle | Rush | 80s | 2 | Ionomer |
| Pinnacle | Soft | 30s | 2 | Ionomer |
| PXG | Xtreme | 108 | 3 | Urethane |
| Srixon | Z Star XV | 102 | 4 | Urethane |
| Srixon | Z Star Diamond | 102 | 4 | Urethane |
| Srixon | Z Star | 92 | 3 | Urethane |
| Srixon | Distance | 89 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Srixon | Q Star Tour | 74 | 3 | Urethane |
| Srixon | Q Star | 72 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Srixon | Soft Feel | 60 | 2 | Ionomer |
| OnCore | VERO X2 | 95 | 4 | Urethane |
| OnCore | VERO X1 (2022-24) | 85 | 4 | Urethane |
| OnCore | ELIXR (2022) | 84 | 3 | Urethane |
| OnCore | ELIXR (2020) | 80 | 3 | Urethane |
| OnCore | AVANT 55 | 55 | 2 | Surlyn blend |
| TaylorMade | TP5x | 93 | 5 | Urethane |
| TaylorMade | TP5 | 88 | 5 | Urethane |
| TaylorMade | Distance+ | 77 | 2 | Ionomer |
| TaylorMade | Tour Response | 70 | 3 | Urethane |
| TaylorMade | Soft Response | 50 | 3 | Urethane |
| TaylorMade | SpeedSoft | 45 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Titleist | Pro V1x Left Dash | 102 | 4 | Urethane |
| Titleist | Pro V1x | 97 | 4 | Urethane |
| Titleist | Pro V1 | 87 | 3 | Urethane |
| Titleist | Velocity | 85 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Titleist | AVX | 80 | 3 | Urethane |
| Titleist | Tour Speed | 80 | 3 | Urethane |
| Titleist | Tour Soft | 70 | 3 | Urethane |
| Titleist | TruFeel | 60 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Wilson | Staff Model X | 104 | 4 | Urethane |
| Wilson | Staff Model | 94 | 4 | Urethane |
| Wilson | Triad | 85 | 3 | Urethane |
| Wilson | Duo Soft | 40 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Vice | Pro Plus | 100 | 4 | Urethane |
| Vice | Drive | 95 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Vice | Tour | 95 | 3 | Urethane |
| Vice | Pro | 90 | 3 | Urethane |
| Vice | Air | 75 | 3 | Urethane |
| Volvik | Vista3 360 Prism | 90 | 3 | Urethane |
| Volvik | Vivid | 85 | 3 | Urethane |
| Volvik | Crystal | 85 | 3 | Urethane |
| Volvik | Power Soft | 75 | 2 | Ionomer |
| Volvik | XT Soft | 70 | 3 | Urethane |
Downloadable Compression Chart
Download the ultimate compression chart and match your swing with a golf ball that suits your game.
Swing Speed and Compression
The right compression rating can impact distance, control, and overall feel in golf. Understanding the correlation between golf ball compression and swing speed is essential for golfers aiming to optimize their performance. Golfers with higher swing speeds benefit from high compression balls, while those with slower swing speeds find success with lower compression balls. Golf balls with a medium compression rating between 65 and 85 suit a wide range of swing speeds and player types.
How Compression Affects Distance and Spin
Compression and ball speed are related very closely. Ball speed is a measure of how quickly the ball is travelling off the face of the golf club. This is different from swing speed which is the speed which the club head is travelling. Distance is heavily influenced by swing speed and more importantly, ball speed.
A golfer with a slow swing speed of 75 MPH might get more ball speed out of a low compression golf ball than a high compression golf ball. This will likely lead to more distance for this particular golfer.
Spin is generated by a number of factors, low compression golf balls usually have low spin and high compression golf balls have higher spin. Surface material and aerodynamic design also play a large role in how much a golf ball spins.
Choosing the Right Golf Ball
Tips for Selecting the Right Golf Ball Compression
Selecting the appropriate compression is vital for optimizing your game. A properly matched compression ensures that the golf ball deforms correctly upon impact, maximizing energy transfer for an optimal shot. Consider your swing speed, playing conditions, and personal preferences when choosing a golf ball.
Overview of Popular Golf Ball Brands
Many different brands, such as Bridgestone, Callaway, and Titleist, focus on the compression of the ball. Almost every golf company has started to design and produce golf balls with different compression levels for different swing speeds and player types. It is vital to understand the differences between models from the same manufacturer. Just because a golf ball has a Titleist name on it does not mean that it is designed for Tour professionals.
Conclusion
Golf ball compression charts are an important factor in choosing the right golf ball. Finding the perfect ball for your skill level and swing speed will improve your golf game drastically. Remember, a chart can tell you more than a golf buddy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Low Compression or High Compression Go Further?
It depends on your swing speed and the ball speed you generate upon impact. Other factors such as launch angle, spin, aerodynamics and how much a golf ball rolls can determine how far they travel. Generally a high compression golf ball will travel further with a high swing speed. A low compression golf ball will travel further with a slow swing speed.
Can I Experiment with Different Golf Ball Compressions?
Yes, experimenting with different compressions is highly encouraged. Testing various balls based on your swing speed and playing conditions allows you to find the optimal compression that suits your game.
What is a low compression golf ball?
Low compression balls are between a 30 compression rating (very soft) and a 70 compression rating (soft). Golf ball compression ratings are based on the overall golf ball compression. Be wary of golf ball manufacturers who say a golf ball has a ‘soft feel’ because they may be referring to a soft cover material but the compression rating is not soft.
What is a high compression golf ball?
High compression golf balls (90+ compression rating) perform well with faster swing speeds. Harder balls tend to be multi layer constructions and produce high spin rates. High compression golf balls are used by Tour professionals and low handicap golfers due to their performance.
