Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds 2024

Not all golf balls are created equal. There are balls designed to spin more, to launch higher and to carry further. As with the clubs in your bag, it makes sense to put a ball in play that matches your swing as well as your aspirations.

Many mid to high handicappers are chasing distance. But how do you know which kind of ball to use if you want to add a few more yards? A good starting point is to look at your swing speed.

Years of Trackman data shows us that the average’ mid-handicap, male golfer has a swing speed of 93.4mph with the driver, which equates to 214 yards off the tee. If you find that your drives typically travel less than this distance, you’ll want to choose a ball for slower swing speeds.

While it’s natural to reach for a box of the best golf balls, if you’re a slower swinger it's unlikely they’re the best match for you. Of course it’s easy to be swayed by marketing and wanting to play the same ball as your favorite pro. But remember, tour balls are created for elite players, with high swing speeds and plenty of touch around the greens that allow them to benefit from these premium balls.

Instead, try selecting a ball that’s designed for slower swing speeds. Fortunately all the leading manufacturers make a ball that’s aimed at producing more speed off the face at impact. By putting one of these in play, you’ll not only likely see distance gains, you’ll also probably save some money, too; typically tour-quality balls come with a price tag to match!

Here’s a closer look at some of the best golf balls for slow swing speeds. You might also want to check out our guides to best distance golf balls and the best golf balls for beginners.

The Quick List

Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds

Top pick

You might not think to equate soft feel golf balls with slower swing speeds. However, the lower compression can really add some speed off the face for those that don’t generate much clubhead speed - and all without losing feel. Titleist’s Tour Soft is one such ball, delivering both decent distance and spin.

During our testing, we enjoyed the level of control the ball gave us on approach shots and around the green. If you’re worried that switching to a ball for distance gains means sacrificing feel with the short irons and wedges, then the Tour Soft could be a good match for you; Titleist says the thin Fusablend cover is designed to aid greenside spin and this matched our experience.

Of course, spin off the tee doesn’t help with distance. If you already generate lots of spin, we’d probably suggest that this isn’t the ball for you. But for those with slower swing speeds, the higher flight that we noted during our testing will be welcomed. All told, the Tour Soft is a great all-rounder, blending distance, spin and durability in an affordable package.

• Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review

Best high flight

As the name states, this is a really soft ball. The compression rating of just 40 is a great match for slower swingers.

How does it work? Wilson has designed the Duo Soft with an ionomer cover, which essentially acts like a springboard at impact. If you struggle off the tee, it could really help you get the ball in the air and deliver a bit more distance.

That said, we experienced high trajectories throughout the bag during our testing. So if you’re looking for a higher ball flight with your irons too, the Duo Soft won’t disappoint. The ball’s soft feeling was apparent with every club, but there’s a springiness too. This is great for full swings but not always ideal for those delicate shots around the green or when using the flatstick - unless you’re guilty of coming up short with your longer putts.

In essence, this is an ideal fit for slower swing speeds, making it one of the best golf balls for seniors. The choice of colors and lower price point also appeal.

• Read our full Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball Review

Best feel

The Speedsoft Ink is another ball that uses a low compression construction to help deliver distance for slower swing speeds, while still providing a soft feel.

Like the Wilson Duo Soft, we found that this combination resulted in a high ball flight with bags of spin. If you struggle to get the ball into the air in general, or are looking for a ball that will allow you to stop the ball on the green and go at tight pins, you will be rewarded with the Speedsoft.

The higher launch and spin is delivered with a springy feel that’s common in softer balls aimed at slower swing speeds. If you’re after pure distance there are balls that will give you more yards off the tee, but as a solid all-rounder for slow swingers who want a higher ball flight, then it’s a great match.

As for the ink splatter design, it’s likely to divide opinion. If you regularly find yourself searching for your ball in the rough, it could be a helpful aid. But if the design is off-putting, the Speedsoft also comes in traditional white and plain yellow.

• Read our full TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink 2024 Golf Ball Review

Best control

Just because you have a slower swing speed doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice control around the greens in pursuit of distance off the tee. Srixon’s updated Soft Feel ball is proof of that.

Again it uses a lower compression rating to help deliver more speed at impact for slower swingers. During our testing we were impressed with the distance gained on well-struck shots. It did generate a little too much spin for us, but if your swing speed with the driver is around 90mph, then this won’t be an issue. Instead, you should be rewarded with a nice, high ball flight, plenty of spin and decent carry numbers.

The ball also lends itself well to the short game. We enjoyed the soft feel and control with pitches, chips and putts - no doubt a result of the ionomer casing - but if you like a little more ‘click’ off the clubface, you might need to look elsewhere.

• Read our full Srixon Soft Feel 2023 Golf Ball Review

Best distance

While Callaway golf balls come in a variety of specifications, the Warbird is its tried-and-tested distance model.

It’s been regularly updated over the years but this latest model sticks to the winning formula. That means a two-piece construction with a large, high-energy core that’s designed to launch high and travel far - even at slower swing speeds. And it’s still as competitively priced as ever.

During our testing, we found it to be few extra yards longer compared to the previous model. With the driver it feels hot off the face, but we found the distance gains most noticeable with our irons and wedges - around five or six yards in fact. This does come at a slight cost with regards to control around the greens, but if distance is your priority it’s likely a trade-off you’ll be happy to make. And for the average player that the Warbird is aimed at, it’s probably responsive enough.

• Read our full Callaway Warbird golf Ball Review

Best 15-pack

While most balls are sold by the dozen, Wilson offers its Velocity Distance ball as a 15-pack. It makes it an immediately attractive proposition for those in the market for a distance ball. But how does one of best value golf balls play for those with slower swing speeds?

We found that it delivers plenty of distance off the tee for slower swingers, thanks in part to the combination of the low compression construction and the aerodynamic dimple pattern - for us the ball had a nice, penetrating flight that translated to a few extra yards. This distance is repeated with the irons, but does also mean a little less spin than we were used to. As result we airmailed a few greens before adjusting for the added distance and rollout.

Naturally this has an impact around the greens. If you’re used to plenty of bite on your pitches and chips, you’ll need to get used to the hotter feel off the face. The same goes for the putter, though we did appreciate the alignment guide on the ball when addressing our putts.

• Read our full Wilson Tour Velocity Tour Distance Golf Ball Review

How we test golf balls

When it comes to testing golf balls, we apply the same comprehensive approach we take with all our reviews.

With golf balls, this means we’ve put them through their paces both on the range and on the golf course. Typically this means using one of the best launch monitors that allows us to generate plenty of data. By looking at the numbers - ball speed, spin rate, carry, distance, etc. - we can better judge the ball’s performance against the manufacturer's claims. We can also compare it more easily to its competitors.

Of course, how a ball performs during a round is vital. Our review team will analyze a number of attributes, from how easy the ball is to shape to how well it stops on the green, as well as other factors, including durability. With the information gathered, we offer an honest and unbiased review that aims only to better inform you.

How to choose golf balls

Given the overwhelming choice, buying golf balls today is no easy task.

But rather than simply opt for the same ball you’ve seen advertised on television while watching the latest PGA Tour or DP World Tour event, think instead about your own game.

The vast majority of us aren’t blessed with the clubhead speed of Cameron Champ, the towering ball flight of Rory McIlroy or the deft touch around the greens of Shane Lowry. So why choose a ball that’s designed for these elite players but may actually limit your strengths and highlight your weaknesses?

But how do you know what's the right golf ball for you? Knowing your swing speed is a great place to start. You can then begin to dig deeper into your game to find a ball that will best suit your game. Here are the key considerations:

1. Distance

If a launch monitor is telling you that your swing speed with the driver is 90mph or under, then you need a golf ball that’s designed for slower swing speeds. Similarly, if you struggle to hit it over 200 yards off the tee, even if you've flushed it., the same applies. These lower compression models are a great match for slower swingers, often giving them the distance gains they need while still delivering plenty of feel.

2. Launch

If your clubhead speed is on the side slower it can be more difficult to get the ball into the air sufficiently. Again balls designed for slower swing speeds will typically launch higher, which helps with those forced carries or if you need to try to hit a green, or find a pin, that demands a higher ball flight.

3. Control

While distance is usually the primary goal for slower swingers of the club, you are unlikely to want to sacrifice too much control in the pursuit of those extra yards.

Feel is somewhat subjective; some players prefer the firmer feel and sound of high or mid-compression balls, while others enjoy balls that are softer off the clubface. The best advice is to try a number of balls designed for slow swing speeds. Think about how they feel on those scoring shots to and around the green as well as off the putter face. Compare the amount of spin you can generate and how easy it is to control the ball.

4. Colors

Golf balls come in a variety of colors. A brighter ball might suit your eye, as well as being easier to see through the air, and when it finds the rough. You might even be tempted to try one of the best glow in the dark golf balls.

However, even if you always play a traditional white golf ball, it might be worth experimenting with different alignment marks.

5. Budget

Last, but not least, is how much you can afford to spend. Golf balls range significantly in price. Unsurprisingly, the balls played by the touring pros are pretty expensive. But fortunately for slower swingers it’s often he case that balls designed to maximize distance are more affordable.

Why not take a look at our guides to the best Titleist golf balls, best Callaway golf balls and best Wilson golf balls to find the right model at the right price?

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