Golf Ball Compression Chart for Every Golf Ball

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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.

Save Money on Golf Balls

Did you know that you can save a ton of money on your golf balls?

Golf Ball Planet sells all of the balls listed in our compression chart below in bulk packs, mint condition. Browse and check out prices for yourself by clicking the button below! (Link will open up in a new tab)

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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

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Bridgestone Tour B X3High (98)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Bridgestone Tour B XS3Medium (85)Soft105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Bridgestone Tour B XS TW Edition3Medium (85)Soft105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Bridgestone Tour B RX3Medium (75)Mid90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Bridgestone Tour B RXS3Low (65)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Bridgestone e12 Soft (previous model)3Low (50)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediate
Bridgestone e12 Speed (previous model)3Medium (75)Mid105+ MPHAdvanced
Bridgestone e12 Contact3Medium (70)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Bridgestone e62Low (45)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Bridgestone Lady Precept2Low (50)SoftUnder 90 MPHWoman/SeniorAmazon
Bridgestone Laddie Extreme2Low (35)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Bridgestone Precept Powerdrive2Medium (75)Mid90-100 MPHBeginnerAmazon

Callaway

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Callaway Chrome Soft3Medium (75)Soft90-100 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Callaway Chrome Soft X4High (90)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Callaway Chrome Soft X LS4High (100)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Callaway Chrome Tour4High (85)Mid90 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Callaway Chrome Tour X4High (98)Mid100+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Callaway ERC Soft2Low (60)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Callaway Superfast2Medium (70)Mid90-100 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Callaway Supersoft2Low (40)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Callaway Supersoft Magna2Low (40)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Callaway Supersoft MAX2Low (30)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Callaway Superhot3Mid (70)Soft90-100 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Callaway Truvis4Medium (90)Mid95-105 MPGIntermediate
Callaway Warbird2High (90)MidUnder 95 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Callaway Strata Eagle3Mid (75)MidUnder 95 MPHIntermediate

Cut

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Cut DC4High (105)Firm100+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Cut Blue4High (90)Mid100+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Cut Grey3Medium (80)Mid90-100 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Cut Red2Low (60)MidUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Cut Matte3Low (65)Mid90-100 MPHIntermediateAmazon

Kirkland

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Kirkland 3-Piece Golf Ball3Medium (90)Mid95-110 MPHIntermediateAmazon

Mizuno

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Mizuno RB Tour4High (90)Soft95-105 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Mizuno RB Tour X4High (110)Soft105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Mizuno RB 5662Low (70)Soft85-95 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Mizuno RB 566 V3Low (75)Soft90-95 MPHIntermediateAmazon

Snell

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Snell MTB-X3High (90)Firm90-105 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Snell MTB-Black3Medium (80)Mid90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Snell Get Sum2Low (60)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginner

Srixon

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Srixon Q-Star2Medium (75)Mid90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Srixon Q-Star Tour3Medium (70)Soft90-105 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Srixon Soft Feel2Low (60)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Srixon Z-Star3High (90)Mid90-105 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Srixon Z-Star XV4High (100)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon

TaylorMade

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Taylormade Distance+2Medium (77)Soft80-90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Taylormade TP55Medium (80)Soft90-105 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Taylormade TP5X5High (90)Soft105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Taylormade TP5 Pix5Medium (85)Soft90-105 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Taylormade TP5X Pix5High (100)Soft105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Taylormade Tour Response3Medium (70)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Taylormade Project (a)3Medium (70)Mid90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Taylormade Project (s)2Low (60)SoftUnder 80 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Taylormade Speedsoft2Low (45)Soft80 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Taylormade Soft Response3Low (35)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Taylormade Noodle Long And Soft2Low (35)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
TaylorMade Kalea2Low (60)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon

Titleist

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Titleist Pro V13High (90)Soft95-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Titleist Pro V1X4High (100)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Titleist AVX3Medium (80)Soft90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Titleist Tour Speed3Medium (80)Mid90-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Titleist Tour Soft2Low (65)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Titleist Velocity2Low (65)MidUnder 100 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Titleist TruFeel2Low (60)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon

Trust

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Bison Soft/Rosa3Low (70)Soft80-95 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Bison V/Aurora3Medium (80)Medium95-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Bison X3High (90)Medium105-115 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Bison XL3High (100)Firm115 MPH+AdvancedAmazon

Vice

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Vice Pro3High (95)Mid95-110 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Vice Pro Soft3Low (35)SoftUnder 95 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Vice Pro Plus4Medium (85)Mid90-100 MPHAdvancedAmazon
Vice Pro Zero3High (95)Mid95-110 MPHIntermedia
Vice Tour3High (90)Mid90-100 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Vice Drive2High (90)Soft90-100 MPHBeginnerAmazon

Volvik

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Volvik Vivid3Medium (80)MidUnder 90 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Volvik Vivid Lite3Medium (75)MidUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Volvik S33Medium (85)Mid95-105 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Volvik S44High (95)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Volvik Crystal3Medium (77)FirmUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Volvik Magma3High (90)Soft85-95 MPGIntermediateAmazon
Volvik Power Soft2Medium (75)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnnerAmazon
Volvik Solice3High (90)MidUnder 95 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Volvik Power Soft2Medium (70)SoftUnder 95 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Volvik ViMax Soft2Medium (75)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Volvik XT Soft3Medium (70)MidUnder 90 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Volvik XT AMT3High (90)FirmUnder 95 MPHIntermediateAmazon

Wilson

Golf BallLayersCompressionFeelRecommended Swing SpeedWho’s It ForHow to Buy
Wilson Staff Model4High (99)Mid105+ MPHAdvancedAmazon
Wilson Duo Professional3Low (60)MidUnder 90 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Wilson Duo Soft+2Low (35)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Wilson Duo Optix2Low (30)MidUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Wilson Fifty Elite2Low (50)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Wilson Zip2Low (65)SoftUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Wilson Smart Core2Medium (85)Mid90-100 MPHIntermediateAmazon
Wilson Tour Velocity Distance2Medium (70)FirmUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Wilson Tour Velocity Feel2Medium (70)FirmUnder 90 MPHBeginnerAmazon
Wilson Triad3Medium (85)Mid90-105 MPH IntermediateAmazon

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

Between 80 and 90 MPH

Between 90 and 100 MPH

Between 100 and 110 MPH

Over 110 MPH

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.

golf ball compression chart example

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:

Swing SpeedGolf Ball Distance
70 MPH185 Yards
80 MPH205 Yards
90 MPH230 Yards
100 MPH260 Yards
110 MPH290 Yards

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.

four piece golf ball inside

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)

How does golf ball compression affect distance?

When a golfer strikes a golf ball, he or she applies a certain amount of force to the ball. This force compresses the golf ball and causes it to deform. As the ball deforms, it becomes less spherical and its drag increases.
Drag is the resistance caused by the movement of air across the surface of the ball. The greater the drag, the harder it is to propel the ball forward.

The lower the golf ball compression, the less drag there is, so the ball flies farther. A high golf ball compression rating means that the ball has been compressed to a very small size. When a golfer strikes the ball, the compressed ball rebounds back toward him or her, resulting in a shorter shot unless they have a bigger swing speed to compensate for the added compression.

Why do some golf balls have a higher compression rating than others?

The difference between golf ball compression ratings comes from the manufacturing process. Some manufacturers use a molding machine to compress the ball before it’s vulcanized. Others use a hydraulic press to compress the ball while it’s still soft. In either case, the manufacturer uses a specific number of psi to achieve a specific golf ball compression rating.

What does golf ball compression impact feel?

A high-compression ball feels firmer when struck because it allows for more deformation At impact. It is easier to control and requires a higher swing speed in order to maximize distance compared to a low-compression ball.

How does golf ball compression impact spin?

Spin is created as the ball moves through the air. Spin is affected by many factors including the type of material used in making the ball, the shape of the dimple pattern, and the amount of compression. Higher-compression balls tend to be spinnier.

Do golfers prefer a high- or low-compression ball?

Most average players like a medium-compression ball. High-compression balls offer better distance but require higher swing speeds to generate enough energy to launch them. Low-compression balls produce longer drives but they don’t fly as far.

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
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.

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