Golf Ball Compression Chart for Every Golf Ball

In this guide, we’ll go over all of the important factors that effect golf ball compression. We also have a complete golf ball compression chart, which shows you the compression value for every single golf ball available today.

Use our chart, plus the information in this guide, to find a golf ball that maximizes your driving distance and gives you efficient energy transfer.

This guide has been updated for new 2024 golf balls, including the new Callaway Chrome Tour and Taylormade Speedsoft.

Related: Golf Shaft Flex Calculator and Guide

We’ll also teach you about:

• Golf ball compression and what it is
• The different golf ball features that effect compression
• External factors that might cause you to change your golf ball
• How to buy the golf ball with the right compression for your swing

If you have any questions about this golf ball compression chart, comment down below at the bottom of this guide and I will help you find the right ball for you.

What is Golf Ball Compression?

Golf Ball compressiojn is the change of shape that occurs when your club transfers energy to the ball as it makes contact. Whereas any golfer can benefit from any of the features in a golf ball, compression is the one feature dependent on your swing speed.

Golf ball compression optimizes the ball’s distance and control for a given swing speed. For this reason, this is the #1 research you should perform before you buy a golf ball.

A golf ball with a low compression will compress more when hit, assisting the golfer in transferring energy. A golf ball with high compression will require more swing speed to compress. Compression value is the same as hardness value if it helps to think of it that way.

Below is a complete golf ball compression chart for every golf ball currently available to buy in 2023. Make note of the compression rating; then, we’ll teach you how to match up the right golf ball for your swing speed.

Golf Ball Compression Charts

Bridgestone

Callaway

Cut

Kirkland

Mizuno

Snell

Srixon

TaylorMade

Titleist

Trust

Vice

Volvik

Wilson

What is Golf Ball Compression?

Golf ball compression is a measurement of how much the ball deforms when force is applied to the ball after being struck by a golf club.

It’s measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and is expressed in two ways: peak pressure and initial velocity. Peak pressure refers to the maximum amount of force exerted on the surface of the ball during impact. Initial velocity is the rate at which the ball travels after being struck.

Some golf brands measure compression of the core only and others will state compression for the entire ball. Either option is fine as long as you understand what you are reading. We prefer to see the compression values for the entire ball because it reflects more real life situations.

You might want to read: the official USGA golf ball rules.

The Best Compression Golf Ball For Every Swing Speed

In my opinion, here are the best golf balls to buy according to your swing speed. I picked highly ranked golf balls from the golf ball compression charts above.

Under 80 MPH

• Callaway Supersoft
• Taylormade Distance+
• Titleist Tour Soft

Between 80 and 90 MPH

• Callaway ERC Soft
• Mizuno RB 566
• Srixon Soft Feel

Between 90 and 100 MPH

• Bridgestone E12 CONTACT
• Srixon Z-Star
• Taylormade TP5
• Titleist Pro V1

Between 100 and 110 MPH

• Bridgestone Tour B X
• Callaway Chrome Soft X
• Srixon Z-Star
• Titleist Pro V1

Over 110 MPH

• Bridgestone Tour B XS
• Callaway Chrome Soft X LS
• Srixon Z-Star XV
• Titleist Pro V1x

How Do I Know Which Golf Ball to Buy?

You can use the compression rating of the golf ball above in the golf ball compression chart, along with your experience to match up the right ball to buy today.

Experience Level

If you are a beginner golfer and you aren’t sure where to begin, a soft golf ball with a low compression is always a good choice for you. Lower compression balls can give you more yardage off the tee box when you are just starting out.

It will be harder to shape your shots with specific draws and fades, but most beginner golfers aren’t worried about this anyway.

Scratch players generally have faster swing speeds and get good distance off of the tee already. A harder ball will ensure that you don’t actually lose energy when you hit the ball. 

Swing Speed

If you buy a launch monitor to measure and learn what your swing speed is, then you can buy a specific golf ball that matches your speed. A good rule of thumb is that you want a compression rating that matches your swing speed in miles per hour (MPH).

In other words, as your swing speed gets faster, you want a ball that will compressesoff the tee less (a higher compression value) as you transfer energy from the club to the ball. Slower swing speeds will benefit from a softer ball.

Distance vs Swing Speed Chart

Curious to know what your expected distance will be depending on your swing speed? A chart of typical ball distance vs swing speed is:

What Golf Ball Features Effect Compression?

Different golf ball features play an important role in compression.

Golf Ball Layers

Golf balls can be manufactured with between 2 to 5 layers. A 2-piece golf ball has the inner core and the outer and that’s it. A lot of softer golf balls (low compression) are 2-piece construction because it is designed with a full core that is easy to compress.

A golf ball with more layers requires you to power through more material in order to transfer energy to the middle of the golf ball. So you will see 5-piece golf balls generally be very hard with a high compression value. 

Most PGA tour players, like Bryson Dechambeau, like a multi-layer golf ball because these extra layers give them greater control and spin on their shots.

Core

The core of the golf ball is made from injection-molded or sythesized rubber. The core has the greatest impact on how hard or soft a golf ball is. When you hit a golf ball, energy is stored and released by the core in order to propel the ball forward.

Golf ball manufacturers can alter the core by changing how dense it is. A denser core makes the ball harder, requiring more swing speed to get energy to it.

Cover

The outer cover of a golf ball is constructed of one of a few different materials:

• Surlyn – a harder plastic resin
• Urethane – a slightly softer synthetic compound

Since surlyn is a harder material, it can contribute to some extra distance and durability out of the golf ball. Urethane is a bit softer and promotes more spin and control out of your shots.

A golf ball cover has dimples added to control the spin and aerodynamics of the golf ball. The pattern and depth of the dimples can effect how much golf ball makes contact with your ball and how efficient the transfer of energy is. A complex dimple pattern can be harder to manufacture and increase the cost of a golf ball.

What External Factors Effect Golf Ball Compression?

A golf ball is not immune to the elements of the day. Keep these factors in mind when you are select the right golf ball.

Weather Conditions

When it is cold outside, a golf ball (and other objects) stiffen up. If you play a lot of early morning golf, then a softer ball with a lower compression value is preferred.

Altitude

If you play at a golf course in a higher altitune, the air density will be lower and there will be less drag on the golf ball in the air. For this reason, you should look to hit a golf ball with a bit higher compression value. You will already enjoy a little extra distance and the harder ball will give you some better control at higher altitude.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Overall, you should match your swing speed (in MPH) with the compression rating of a golf ball in order to find a perfect match.

If you have a slow swing speed of less than 80 MPH, then try a low compression golf ball.

If you have a medium swing speed between 80 and 100 MPH, then try a medium compression golf ball.

If you have a high swing speed between 100 and 110 MPH, then try a high compression golf ball.

If you have a tour swing speed over 110 MPH, then try a high compression golf ball with added features and more layers in order to refine the control of the ball for different kinds of shots.

Use the golf ball compression chart above to learn and understand the compression value of all of the top balls today.

Each of the top brands release a golf ball for every swing speed in order to maximize sales.

Try out a few balls in your compression range in order to find the one that suits you most. You might see a huge impact in your swing if you pick the right ball.

What is your favorite golf ball to hit? Comment down below today!

Ryan William

With over 25 years hands-on experience in the golfing world, Ryan is not just an avid golfer but a topical authority. His journey has had him delve deep into the nuances of the sport, from mastering the swing to understanding new golf technology. As an entrepreneur, Ryan is at the forefront of the latest golf trends, reviewing all new clubs, accessories, and training aids. His insights and expertise are backed by a prolific writing career, with over 1000 articles published across various platforms. Ryan's commitment is clear: to guide and inform the golf community with unparalleled knowledge and passion.