There’s a common misconception in golf that the best golf ball for a slow swing speed player is a low compression golf ball.
That’s not always the case.
Low compression golf balls have their place in the game, and they usually offer a very soft feel. However, for distance and even spin performance, it’s best for slower swing speeds to have a little extra compression in the ball.
These are new findings that technology has allowed us to see. If you are a slower swing speed player, it may be time to rethink your strategy out on the course.
Here are the best golf balls for slower swing speeds:
Maxfli Tour X
The Maxfli Tour X is a 4-piece golf ball with mid to low ball flight, high greenside spin, and low spin from the tee.
Distance
The Maxfli Tour X has a compression of about 100, so it’s a little harder than you may expect for a golf ball for slower swing speeds. However, the ball does have a soft urethane cover that makes it feel a little less hard coming off the face of the club. The two outer ionomer mantles create low spin off the tee and a lot of roll. Distance with the irons may be about average.
Spin
Very low spin from the tee, high iron spin, high greenside spin. When we tested on the course, we were really surprised with how much bite the Tour X got on those shorter shots.
Feel
Considering this a 4 piece ball, it’s got a very soft feel. Luckily, the soft feel doesn’t slow down the ball’s speed.
Longevity
We put the Tour X into play for several rounds and have no problem using the same ball round after round. Luckily, the chance of damaging the ball is considerably reduced with slow swing speeds.
Value
Unbelievable value, priced about $15 less per dozen than the Pro V1 line, the Maxfli Tour X is a perfectly priced premium golf ball.
Golf Insider Verdict
One of our favorite all around choices for the slower swing speed player. It has a mix of performance from tee to green and can help with both speed and feel. If you haven’t ventured into the Maxfli line of golf balls, it’s time to give it a try.
Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
The Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash is probably one of the most surprising picks on the list for slow swing speed players. However, this is the ball you will want in play when it comes to distance and greenside spin.
Distance
It’s the longest golf ball in the game right now. From the tee, the lower spin is even lower than the standard Pro V1x. In addition, ball flight is a little lower (not too low), so you get a few extra yards of roll.
Spin
The highest greenside spin you will find. Drop and stop control on the greens is the best way to describe it. Slower swing speed players sometimes struggle to create spin around the greens simply because of club head speed. The Pro V1x Left Dash gives you your best chance of achieving that.
Feel
Feel here is a little harder. If you have been playing something like the Callaway Supersoft, it’s going to be a bit of an adjustment.
Longevity
A well made golf ball with an expertly designed outer cast urethane cover. They will cut eventually, but even a few bumps on the cart path probably won’t put it out of play.
Value
One of the most expensive golf balls in the game. However, this is very much a “you get what you pay for” situation.
Golf Insider Verdict
Data and testing on the Pro V1x Left Dash even surprised us a bit. For years slow swing speed golfers were pushed towards two and three piece golf balls, but the Pro V1x Left Dash should be in the mix. The only thing to look out for here is the ball’s firmness; it takes a bit to get used to it.
Callaway Supersoft
When it comes to iron distance, it can be hard for slow swing speed players to find the perfect mix of performance. Supersoft won’t be your longest golf ball off the tee, but it will be with your irons.
Distance
Callaway Supersoft is a 2 piece golf ball known for its low compression. We know that lower-compression golf balls are easier to compress, but sometimes, they don’t offer enough resistance to maximize distance. That’s what you will notice from the tee with the Supersoft. It’s not short, but it’s not as long as the Pro V1x Left Dash or Maxfli X.
However, with irons, the Callaway Supersoft is one of the longest golf balls for slower swing speed players.
Spin
Spin from the Callaway Supersoft isn’t great around the greens. On approach shots, you will get some spin, but not as much as other options.
Feel
Very soft feel, the softest on the list. Even though spin isn’t great, the feel can help you to control things a bit.
Longevity
The Supersoft is a lower priced golf ball it’s cover isn’t quite as durable as some other golf balls on the market.
Value
Great value considering it’s not just a two-piece cheap golf ball; there are actual performance benefits. Long distance with the irons, high ball flight, and soft feel are worth the money.
Golf Insider Verdict
The best cheap golf ball for slow swing speed players. We can’t call it the all-around best or day. It checks all the boxes for performance in every area of your game, but it’s a good choice.
Kirkland Signature
The Kirkland Signature is a high spin golf ball, the highest we can find for slower swing speed players. If you want that feeling of control that faster swing speeds have had for years, the Kirkland Signature is not only a good option but also a good value.
Distance
We’ve done a lot of comparisons of the Kirkland Signature against the Titleist Pro V1, and when it comes to total distance, there is very little difference. The Kirkland Signature has low spin from the tee and a urethane cover, which goes a long way.
Spin
Kirkland Signature has a tremendous amount of spin on the iron shots as well as greenside shots. For the price the golf ball is offered, it’s amazing how much greenside spin it can offer the lowest swing speed players.
Feel
The feel of the Kirkland Signature is very similar to the Pro V1. It has a moderately soft feel. It won’t be as hard as the Pro V1x Left Dash, but not as spongy as the Callaway Supersoft.
Longevity
When testing this golf ball on the course, we found that it holds up round after round without each. It will cut and fade eventually, but you won’t have a problem keeping this in play.
Value
It’s one of the best values out there. You will end up buying these in bulk most of the time, but you may set yourself up for the season with just one purchase.
Golf Insider Verdict
We like the Kirklands. We tested them on the TrackMan and the course, and the overall results were better than expected.
Vice Pro Soft
The Vice Pro Soft is a 3 piece golf ball with a thin cast urethane cover. When you pick the Vice Pro Soft up, you will instantly notice that the cover technology is unique. It feels like it has a bit of a grip to it to assist with spin and maybe even some aerodynamics. When it comes to golf ball compression ratings, this one will be on the slightly lower side.
Distance
The Vice Pro Soft is really soft but still gets good distance. Where you notice the better distance from the Vice Pro Soft is in the irons; in fact, it’s one of the better options for iron ball flight, spin, and distance.
From the tee, the overall technology makes this a lower-spin golf ball, so you do get a good distance off the tee, just not as long as the harder golf balls.
Spin
There is low spin from the tee, medium spin on the irons, and medium spin around the greens. When you get used to playing with the Vice Pro Soft, it’s a fantastic golf ball for the price, but in the beginning, it will certainly roll out a little more on those short greenside shots, so be ready for that.
Feel
Feel is great if you like a soft golf ball. The Vice Pro Soft is unique in the way it comes off the face, and even having a bit more of a mid swing speed myself, I enjoy playing with the Vice Pro Soft from time to time because of the feel.
Longevity
Longevity is not the best from the Vice Pro Soft. To make this feel like a very soft golf ball, they created a very thin outer cover. You will likely cut the outer cover if you run into some trouble on the golf course (trees, sand, etc.).
Value
Great value for a golf ball that checks “most” of the boxes for the slower swing speed golfers. This one also comes in some fun color options if that is something that matters to you.
Golf Insider Verdict
Overall, the Vice Pro Soft has a lot to offer. It’s not going to win any of the categories, but it has just enough performance in each to make it on this list. Vice offers a sample pack of golf balls that allows you to test golf balls from each of its product lines. We’ve done it, and you may also want to consider trying it.
Vice Pro Plus
The Vice Pro Plus is more of a distance golf ball; it’s a 4 piece option that will help the player who wants that extra resistance to speed and a few more yards off the tee.
Distance
Right up there with the Titleist Pro V1 Left Dash when it comes to the total distance. There seems to be something about the four piece technology that allows slower swing speeds to get more distance. If you take anything away from this guide, that would be the most important fact. Higher compression means a longer distance off the tee, even for slower swing speeds.
Spin
The Vice Pro Plus has good spin rates around the green. It’s not quite like a Titleist golf ball or a Kirkland, but it’s a nice option if you want to control the ball a bit. From the tee, however, spin is low on this one.
Feel
The feel of the Vice Pro Plus is very similar to a Titleist Pro V1. It’s a medium-firm feel, we can’t categorize it as a soft ball, but it’s also not going to feel like a rock.
Longevity
Better longevity from the Vice Pro Plus than the Vice Pro Soft. This one costs a few dollars more; you can tell that money went into a more durable outer cover.
Value
Great value; if you want a golf ball close to the Titleist Pro V1x and Left Dash line, you will do well with the Vice Pro Plus. Are they as good? Not quite, but it’s close enough to make the Vice a very good value.
Golf Insider Verdict
Vice Pro Soft and Vice Pro Plus have always been two of our favorites in our testing of Vice golf balls. Slow swing speed players may have stayed away from this golf ball, considering it’s geared toward the high swing speeds. However, if distance is your main objective, you may want to add this one back to the mix.
FAQs
How do I choose the right golf ball for my swing speed?
Choosing the right golf ball for your swing speed starts with deciding your main objectives. For slower swing speed players it’s often important to maximize ball speed and distance, for this you will need a higher compression ball. The lower compression golf balls are a better fit for a softer feel, but they may cost you a few yards off the tee.
Is Pro V1 or Pro v1x better for slower swing speeds?
The Pro V1 and the Pro V1x can be good for slower swing speeds. However, the high spin rates of the Pro V1x around the tees tend to make the Pro V1x a better ball for greenside performance for slower swing speeds. In addition, the Pro V1x can offer a slightly higher flight, another positive for the slower swing speed.
Is high or low compression better for slow swing speed golfers?
High compression is good for increasing distance from the tee box. Low compression is better for iron distance and a softer feel. The high compression Titleist Pro V1 Left Dash is a great distance and greenside ball for slower swing speed golfers. The Callaway Supersoft offers a soft feel and great iron distance for slower speeds.
Should seniors play with Pro V1s?
Senior golfers looking for distance from the tee will typically have good luck with a Pro V1 golf ball. In addition, the greenside spin will be higher with a Pro V1 than with a typical senior golf ball like a Srixon Soft Feel. The feel of a Pro V1 is another great reason for seniors to throw it into the mix; Pro V1s have some of the best feel in the game.
Summary
The Maxfli Tour X and the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash steal the show for the slower swing speed players. If you were surprised by these results, you are not alone. The most up-to-date information on golf balls shows us that to get distance on our tee shots, we need to have some resistance to hit up against (higher compression) combined with low spin.
Please do check out our other ‘best golf balls for…’ reviews here: