Golf Ball Compression Chart & Interactive Tool [2026]

Looking for the ideal golf ball to match your swing? Our interactive Golf Ball Compression Chart is here to help. Simply use the filters below to find golf balls that suit your swing speed, brand preference, and budget.

If any golf balls are not currently on this list, just leave a comment below and we’ll add them.

How Golf Ball Compression is Measured

Golf ball compression is measured using a specialised machine that applies a specific load to the ball. The standard test involves:

1. Placing the golf ball between two flat plates.
2. Applying a load of 200 pounds (90.7 kg) to the ball.
3. Measuring how much the ball deforms under this pressure.

The amount of deformation is then converted into a numerical compression rating. Historically, the scale ranged from 0 to 200, with 200 representing a ball that doesn’t compress at all. However, modern balls typically fall between 30 and 120 on this scale.

It’s important to note that while this method provides a standardised measure, it doesn’t directly correlate to how a ball compresses during an actual golf swing, where forces can exceed 2,000 pounds (907 kg) at impact.

Compression Ratings Explained

Compression ratings help golfers understand the relative softness or firmness of a golf ball. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Low Compression: 80 and below
• Medium Compression: 81 to 94
• High Compression: 95 and above

Low compression balls are softer and tend to deform more at impact. They’re often recommended for players with slower swing speeds (below 85 mph with a driver) as they can help maximise distance.

Medium compression balls offer a balance of feel and performance. They’re suitable for a wide range of players, typically those with swing speeds between 85-100 mph.

High compression balls are firmer and deform less at impact. They’re generally preferred by players with faster swing speeds (above 100 mph) who can generate enough force to fully compress the ball, potentially gaining more distance and control.

Compression and Ball Speed: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been around golf for a while, you’ve likely heard that slower swing speeds should pair with softer, low-compression balls. However, research suggests this might not be the case. Let’s dive into what compression really means for your game.

The Compression-Speed Relationship

Here are the key points to understand:

1. Higher compression balls often create faster ball speeds across all swing speeds with driver.
2. These firmer balls deform less at impact, resulting in more efficient energy transfer from club to ball.
3. The idea that slower swing speeds can’t “activate the core” of a higher compression ball has been largely debunked.

In essence, a firmer golf ball is generally a faster golf ball, regardless of your swing speed. This challenges the common belief that slower swingers should always opt for lower compression balls.

This has consistently been shown in robotic driver testing across various swing speeds, but there is less clarity with how low-compression golf balls fair will hybrid and iron shots for slower swing speed golfers. Here there might be a small gain in carry distances with low-compression golf balls.

Focus on Performance, Not Specifications

When choosing a golf ball, it’s important to look beyond just compression ratings or layer count. Consider these factors:

1. Ball speed off the club
2. Spin rates with different clubs
3. Feel and sound at impact
4. Performance in various weather conditions

The Importance of Consistency

Regardless of which ball you choose, consistency in your selection is key. Here’s why:

1. Predictable Performance: Using the same ball consistently allows you to learn its behaviour in various situations.
2. Accurate Feedback: When you use different balls, it’s hard to tell if changes in your shots are due to your swing or the ball’s characteristics.
3. Learned Feel: Consistently using one ball type helps you develop a better feel for distance control and shot shaping.

While it’s tempting to switch balls frequently, committing to one ball type for an extended period can significantly benefit your game. It allows you to truly understand how the ball reacts to your unique swing and playing style, leading to more consistent performance over time.

Common golf ball compression queries

Titleist Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each Titleist golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Titleist Tour Soft	70
Titleist Pro V1X	96
Titleist Pro V1	87
Titleist Velocity	84
Titleist Tour Speed	82
Titleist TruFeel	73
Titleist AVX Golf	77
Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash	102

Bridgestone Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each Bridgestone golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Bridgestone Tour B X	94
Bridgestone Tour B XS	84
Bridgestone Tour B RX	79
Bridgestone Tour B RXS	65
Bridgestone E12	61

Callaway Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each Callaway golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Callaway Chrome Soft X LS	99
Callaway Chrome Soft X	95
Callaway Chrome Tour	87
Callaway Supersoft	47

TaylorMade Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each TaylorMade golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Taylormade Tour Response	73
Taylormade TP5X	93
Taylormade TP5	88
Taylormade Soft Response	69
TaylorMade Distance Plus	77

Snell Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each Snell golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Snell Golf Prime 4.0	88
Snell Golf Prime 3.0	83

Srixon Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each Srixon golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Srixon Soft Feel	60
Srixon Z-Star XV	94
Srixon Z-Star Diamond	91
Srixon Z-Star	84

Wilson Golf Ball Compression Chart

Below is a table with the compression ratings for each Wilson golf ball:

Golf Ball Name	Compression Rating
Wilson Duo Soft	46
Wilson Staff Model R	101

Summary

Golf ball testing suggests there are small gains to be made based on changing your golf ball (think 2-5 yards in driving distance for a 220-yard drive). However, we must remember this is an average gain, meaning this small increase will be applied across every shot you hit.

All golfers would take the option of being 2-5 yards closer to the hole with every shot, so picking the right golf ball is worth your time.

The best ball for you is the one that performs well consistently across all aspects of your game, not necessarily the one with the highest or lowest compression rating or the golf ball that travels further off the tee. So find a ball that works for you, stick with it, and watch your consistency improve.

Happy golfing – Will @ Golf Insider