To nail those precise and consistent golf shots, it’s crucial to wield the right gear. Like pairing the appropriate heads and shafts with your clubs, selecting the best golf balls for high swing speed is paramount for achieving an optimal flight since it accompanies every swing. Manufacturers offer up to four distinct ball varieties tailored to cater to players with varied swing speeds and preferences in terms of feel, flight, and short-game spin. For those swinging faster than the average golfer, specific balls are engineered to minimize long-game spin and generate a formidable trajectory.
Golf balls react differently based on the club’s speed at impact. Typically, players swinging a driver over 105mph benefit from high-compression golf balls, maximizing accuracy with irons and distance with the driver. Opting for a lower compression ball for high-speed swings leads to excessive spin, resulting in shots soaring too high and often veering off course. Exploring the top contenders in distance golf balls might be worthwhile if the sheer distance is your goal.
So, as a high-speed swinger, what golf balls suit you best? Our team rigorously tested the most relevant options for high swing speeds, logging numerous rounds on the course. The standout selections, revealed below, excelled for fast swingers and ranked among the top golf balls for players of all levels over the past year.
Best Golf Balls for High Swing Speeds
Titleist Pro V1
Titleist Pro V1
Once again, Titleist sets a new standard with its latest Pro V1 design.
Our testing highlighted its remarkable consistency, particularly in the long game.
Pros
Excellent tee-to-green performance
Improved distance, particularly with the mid-irons
Strong ball flight
Cons
Low-spin players may get better performance from the Pro V1x
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Three-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
Titleist has raised the bar again with its new Pro V1 design. In its 23rd year, the Pro V1 is widely regarded as one of the best golf balls on the market, boasting new improvements. It promises a longer distance, lower long-game spin, and a more consistent ball flight. The main upgrade here is the high-gradient core, which Titleist claims promotes faster ball speeds. But how does it compare to its predecessor?
During our testing, we noticed a reduction in spin and a slight increase in distance with the new model compared to the 2021/22 version, particularly with mid-irons. Off the tee, both models provided excellent ball speeds and flights, with the 2023 version offering more consistency in the long game.
For current Pro V1 users, the latest edition maintains familiar flights and feel, with improved speed off the face. Most notably, this ball excels consistently, delivering impressively stable and reliable flights during launch monitor testing and on-course play.
TaylorMade 2024 TP5
TaylorMade 2024 TP5
For players seeking abundant greenside spin and a luxuriously soft feel, the TP5 is an absolute must-try.
Pros
Exceptionally soft feel
Bucket loads of greenside spin
Very durable
Cons
Gives up distance versus TP5x
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Five-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow) Also available in Pix design
The TP5 golf ball remains a staple on the professional circuit, and for 2024, TaylorMade has updated it with a new core. How? Well, they’ve altered the material in the core, using a lower-density acoustic material that provides a softer sound and feel compared to its predecessor.
It consistently delivered greenside spin and a soft feel during testing, regardless of the club used. However, it did sacrifice a bit of speed compared to the TP5x, resulting in slightly less distance. Nevertheless, this isn’t necessarily a drawback, as the TP5 offered enhanced spin, making it easier to achieve loft.
The TP5 excelled in the short game. Thanks to its soft feel, it lingers on the wedge face, allowing for precise control and impressive levels of spin on the green. This allowed us to take more aggressive shots around the green confidently.
Callaway Chrome Tour
Callaway Chrome Tour
Crafted for high-speed, high-spin players, the Chrome Tour offers a beautifully soft feel.
Its consistent spin delivery and flight stability make it a standout choice.
Pros
Lovely soft feel
Super stable ball flight
Excellent in the wind
Cons
Fractionally slower off-driver than some competitors
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Four-Piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow) Also available with Triple Track design
The Chrome Tour range is a new addition to the market, offering a softer feel and slightly lower spin than the Chrome Soft model. How does it differ? Callaway has introduced a new core and dimple pattern for fast swing speeds.
Featuring a Hyperfast Softcore, the ball is engineered to maximize speed. Additionally, a new rubber system combines a base polymer with various ingredients to optimize compression for speed. Hexagonal and spherical dimples contribute to stability and consistency across different conditions.
During testing, the new technology delivered premium performance, which is ideal for those seeking repetition and reliability. The standout feature was its stability in windy conditions, with minimal drop-offs despite a slightly slower ball speed than the Chrome Tour X.
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B X
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B X
Bridgestone delivers once again with its Tour B X model. Despite its focus on distance, this ball offers a surprisingly soft feel and a commendable greenside spin.
Pros
Good distance output
Durable
Nice responsive feel
Cons
Moderate greenside spin
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Three-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
At the 2024 Genesis Invitational, Tiger Woods was spotted using the Tour B X, a ball tailored for swing speeds over 105mph. Notably, Jason Day and Matt Kuchar also favor this model.
The ball enhances rebound on tee shots for increased distance by featuring the new Reactive X system. Additionally, it stays on the clubface longer on approach shots, providing more spin and a softer feel on precise shots.
Overall, it delivers consistent performance with excellent durability. While it offers slightly lower spin and a balanced feel—not too firm nor soft—it stands as one of Bridgestone’s top golf balls.
Srixon Z-Star Diamond
Srixon Z-Star Diamond
The Srixon Z-Star Diamond stands out with its firmer compression and softer cover, delivering a premium blend of distance and feel.
Tailored for mid to high-swing speed players, it’s the standout choice in the 2023 Z-Star lineup.
Pros
Firm feels that putting
Good distance
Moderate levels of spin
Cons
Cover could be more durable.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Three-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
The Diamond returns in 2023, improved and better than ever. Combining the compression and firmer core of the Z-Star XV with the softer feeling cover and enhanced spin of the Z-Star, it strikes a premium balance between distance and feel. It excels in breezy conditions and is ideal for mid to high-swing speed players, offering control akin to the best premium golf balls on the market. While the cover may scuff slightly after a few rounds, it’s not a deal-breaker.
The improvements, blending the best of Srixon’s impressive golf balls, make it a real winner for those seeking distance. With a consistent 0.6mm cover thickness and mantle layer, it generates significant power off the tee.
Around the green, the Diamond provides the right balance—not too soft for putting yet not too firm for chips—offering precise feedback for distance control on every shot. Ultimately, it’s a superb option that delivers excellent control, distance, and spin, striking the perfect balance between firm and soft feel golf balls.
Wilson 2024 Staff Model X
Wilson 2024 Staff Model X
The Staff Model X from Wilson is a reliable tour-level golf ball that meets expectations.
Its performance competes with the top premium balls available, ensuring satisfaction for buyers.
Pros
Solid feel
Good spin levels around the green
Seems more durable than previous iterations
Cons
Lacking some speed versus competitors
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Four-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
It is introducing the Model X, a newcomer aiming to rival the best premium golf balls. It retains similarities to the original Staff Model ball from a tech perspective, but Wilson has continued. They’ve made slight modifications to optimize iron-spin levels based on tour-player feedback.
During testing, we observed slightly higher spin and lower ball speed than other models on this list. While it’s recommended for players with low spin numbers, the differences in performance are marginal overall.
The short game offers a slightly firmer feel and excellent responsiveness around the greens. Chip shots provided ample grab, and putting felt solid—an attribute many players appreciate.
Mizuno RB Tour X 2022
Mizuno RB Tour X 2022
The Mizuno RB Tour X shines, delivering a powerful ball flight for long shots and ample greenside stopping power.
Notably, significant enhancements to its durability elevate this ball to a top-tier premium option.
Pros
Strong, highball flight
Good distance and control
Improved durability
Cons
Fairly firm sound & feel
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Three-piece
- Colors: White
The Mizuno RB Tour X golf ball returns with notable enhancements in the distance and peak height compared to its predecessor. Featuring a new ultra-soft Urethane cover, a three-piece design, and a revamped dimple pattern, it delivers a slightly higher trajectory off the tee and a flatter flight with the wedges.
The ball’s flight is notably more robust, resulting in up to a six-yard gain in carry compared to the previous generation—a remarkable improvement given only one generation apart. Launching high with a forward trajectory, the RB Tour X offers impressive distance and stopping power with the irons. Its enhanced durability suggests the potential for increased adoption among tour players in the future.
Titleist Pro V1x 2023
Titleist Pro V1x 2023
The newest version of the Titleist Pro V1x excels across the board.
We observed increased ball speed off the tee, resulting in impressive distance without sacrificing short-game control.
This strong flight makes it a standout choice for all aspects of the game.
Pros
Performance in the wind
Excellent distance
Good stopping power when hitting into greens
Cons
Some may prefer the softer feel of the Pro V1
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Four-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
Two years following its latest updates, the immensely popular Pro V1x returns with vigor in 2023. Positioned as one of the finest premium golf balls, it caters to those seeking higher flights and increased spin. Compared to the standard Pro V1, it boasts a firmer feel, with its primary upgrade being the new core inserted by Titleist, aimed at reducing long-game spin and enhancing speeds.
In our testing, we appreciated the level of control, particularly evident when approaching the greens. Mid-iron strikes showcased a significant ball speed increase and a modest spin decrease compared to its predecessor.
The Pro V1x demonstrated slight speed and distance gains off the tee, with its notable higher ball flight and launch. With wedges, it provided a touch more spin than its predecessor, ensuring excellent control and feel on shorter chips. Designed as the higher-flying model for those craving more spin, the Pro V1x stands as a compelling choice.
TaylorMade 2024 TP5x
TaylorMade 2024 TP5x
TaylorMade’s 2024 TP5x showcases tangible improvements from its predecessor.
Remarkably, it offers enhanced speed across the bag, a softer feel, and consistent spin characteristics.
Pros
Increased speed from the previous iteration
Lovely soft feel
Very stable in windy conditions
Cons
We’re struggling here! It does everything we want a ball to do!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Five-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow) Also available in Pix design
Aesthetically, the TP5x boasts a clean design with a convenient alignment aid similar to the TP5. Available in various versions, TaylorMade introduces unprecedented customization options to its Pix models. The European market will also feature the new MySymbol collection, offering many unique logo options.
In terms of performance, the TP5x exhibits a slight speed increase over the standard TP5 while maintaining nearly identical spin levels throughout the bag. While the TP5 may offer slightly more spin around the greens, the TP5x maximizes distance.
In all honesty, identifying any negatives with the TP5x proved challenging. Its soft feel upon impact, coupled with muted audio, positions it among the top contenders in premium golf balls.
Callaway Chrome Tour X
Callaway Chrome Tour X
A superb premium option, the Chrome Tour X offers increased spin, enhanced workability, and a firmer feel compared to the Chrome Tour.
It is ideal for players seeking maximum spin and those who enjoy shaping their shots.
Pros
Strong ball speeds through the bag
High levels of spin
Extremely workable
Cons
Some may prefer the softer feel of the Chrome Tour
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Four-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow) Also available with Triple Track design
Sharing much of the same technology as the Chrome Tour, the Chrome Tour X displays the same hexagonal and spherical dimple pattern. So, what sets it apart? The X variant offers a slightly firmer feel than the standard Chrome Tour, with a fractionally increased speed.
In our review, our tester, Joe Ferguson, noted: “To me, it feels like the excitable sibling of the Chrome Tour. Its slightly firmer and livelier feel gives it more life, and the extra spin it produces promotes more creativity and flight options. Or, to put it another way, the Chrome Tour is your reliable bank manager friend that will always do a good, consistent job, whereas the Chrome Tour X is your freelance artist buddy, full of ideas that think a little more outside the box and is your first choice for a night out.”
Overall, Callaway has excelled in creating two models catering to a wide range of fast swing speeds. Categorized as a ball for those who like to shape shots, the Chrome Tour X offers a dynamic experience on the course.
Srixon Z-Star XV
Srixon Z-Star XV
The Srixon Z-Star XV 2023 presents a firmer alternative to the Z-Star, perfect for high-swing speed players.
Despite its firmness, it delivers ample spin and control.
Plus, with a vibrant yellow option available, it becomes an excellent choice for winter play.
Pros
Firm feel with consistent spin
Tour-proven performance
Cons
Cover could resist scuffs better
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Four-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
The latest Srixon Z-Star XV offers a firmer option to the Z-Star and is fantastic for those with higher swing speeds. Despite the firmer feel, it provides plenty of spin, and if you choose to use this in the yellow colorway, you’ll find it an excellent winter golf ball.
Packed with technology, its upgraded FastLayer DG Core is softer in the middle and progressively firmer towards the mantle layer, allowing it to deliver excellent ball speeds off the clubface. With a compression of 102, 10 points more than the Z-Star and the same as the Diamond, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking extra rigidity with faster swings.
Ranked among the best premium golf balls, it excels in spin thanks to its revised Spin Skin+ coating, which is particularly beneficial when chipping around the greens. While it feels firm when putting, which suits those who prefer a soft insert and like to hear the ball at impact, its casing may scuff up after a few rounds. However, its on-course performance remains impressive.
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B XS
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B XS
Experience exceptional spin, making it highly effective and enjoyable for greenside play.
Its spin on longer approach shots boosts confidence in attacking pin positions.
Pros
Exceptionally high greenside spin
Durable
Soft feel
Cons
Tricky to knock down into a headwind
Notable driver distance loss versus Tour B X
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Three-piece
- Colors: 1 (White)
Like the Tour B X in this list, the B XS is designed solely for those who swing the club at over 105mph, featuring the new Reactiv X system. However, the main difference between the two models lies in the B XS being slightly slower than the B X, with higher spin.
Designed for those with a lower ball flight, we found controlling in strong wind conditions challenging. Nonetheless, the increased spin allowed for more aggressive play on tucked pins, aiding in lowering scores.
The standout feature of this ball is its performance in the short game. It felt remarkably adhesive on-chip and bunker shots, offering excellent control. Included in the fast swing category, those with fast swing speeds will derive maximum performance.
Titleist 2024 AVX
Titleist 2024 AVX
The Titleist AVX is a reliable choice for players seeking low spin in their long game, all while delivering a premium feel.
Pros
Extremely low spinning, penetrating flight
Slightly softer than previous versions
Handy alignment aid on the side
Cons
Relatively niche offering in terms of players, it will suit
SPECIFICATIONS
- Construction: Three-piece
- Colors: 2 (White & Yellow)
Introduced in 2018, the latest AVX model offers a lower price point than the Pro V1 models, featuring new technological advancements like a high-gradient, high-speed core, a thin, flexible casing layer, and a soft urethane cover. This makes it an attractive option for golfers with quick swing speeds.
During testing, the AVX excelled in the long game, delivering a penetrating ball flight with impressive distance. It performed similarly to the Pro V1x in calm conditions but truly shone in windy conditions, thanks to its low spin characteristics that ensured stability in flight.
The AVX exhibited a livelier response around the greens and on-pitch shots in short-game situations. While it lacked some spin and tended to release more, it maintained a soft feel and produced a muted sound. Additionally, the inclusion of a handy alignment line on either side of the AVX aids in putting alignment.
Overall, the AVX could be considered one of the best winter golf balls due to its performance in windy conditions and its tendency to release more on greens.
How To Choose The Best Golf Balls for High Swing Speeds?
For players with faster swings, selecting the right golf ball is crucial. Let’s explore.
1. Distance or feel?
Consider the feel of the ball, which varies from firm to soft. Some prefer the firmness of the Taylormade TP5x, while others favor the softness of the Titleist Pro V1.
As a high-swing speed player, distance often correlates with clubhead speed and launch. The Callaway Chrome Soft X, noted for its high launch and impressive speed, can provide those extra yards.
2. A long game or a short game?
Which aspect matters more? While all balls in our guide suit high swing speeds, their spin characteristics differ. For instance, the Srixon Z-Star Diamond excels off the tee but may need more spin on greenside shots.
3. Price
While premium balls are standard for high-swing speed players, various brands offer options at different prices. Although typically more expensive, brands like Srixon and Mizuno may offer slightly lower-priced alternatives.
Frequently Ask Question
What is the best golf balls for high swing speed?
The market offers a range of suitable options for golfers with high swing speeds. Titleist Pro V1 and Taylormade TP5 are known for their softer feel and lower flight, while balls like Callaway Chrome Soft X and Srixon Z-Star Diamond provide a firmer feel and higher launch.
What Is a High Swing Speed In Golf?
Golfers with a driver clubhead speed exceeding 105mph are classified as high-swing speed players.
Are the Pro V1 and Pro V1x the Best for Fast Swings?
Titleist’s Pro V range dominates golf, favored even by PGA Tour pros with swing speeds averaging 110 mph. But are they your best bet? Your budget, skill level, and ball-loss tendencies matter.
Yes, they’re top-notch—if your game matches. But if losing a pricey ball affects your play, start with a more affordable option.
Expensive balls won’t help if you’re struggling and losing them. Fear of losing them can hurt your game mentally before you tee off.
How Does a Fast Swing Speed Impact the Golf Ball?
Swing speed dictates spin, influenced by the angle of attack and club face. Faster swings often generate excessive spin, causing balls to fly too high or rip back too far. Controlling this spin is crucial.
On drives, proper angle and loft reduce spin. Urethane balls spin more, while surlyn-covered ones spin less. An incorrect angle or flipping of the ball increases spin, affecting ball flight.
Why Do Long Drive Competitors Prefer 2-Piece Balls?
Long-drive competitions favor balls sponsored by manufacturers, aiming for maximum distance. These balls prioritize hardness and length, ideal for distance-focused play.
However, golf entails more than just distance. Spin and touch are crucial for approach shots. Distance balls require adjustments in chipping and pitching to accommodate their reduced ability to stop on greens.
Conclusion
When choosing the best golf balls for high swing speed, most top-tier options can enhance your game, tailored to your skill level. Premium choices are likely your best bet if you’re consistent and retain your balls well.
However, if your game tends to be more erratic, it’s worth experimenting with different balls to find the ideal fit. For those with faster swings, opting for urethane-covered premium balls can offer a superior feel and spin around the greens, a benefit that harder balls may not provide.
