Best Mid Price Golf Balls 2024
We take a look at the best mid price golf balls currently available on the market
Best Mid Price Golf Balls: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. Best for alignment
4. Best soft feel
5. Best ball flight
6. Best value
7. Best budget model
8. How we test
9. How to choose
It's no secret that golf balls can be expensive, with some models costing upwards of $50 for a dozen. These are obviously some of the best premium golf balls that money can buy but, in the current climate, many golfers don't want to pay high-end prices for their golf balls, some will much prefer spending a little bit less whilst also getting a performance that will still benefit their game.
That is why we have taken a look at the best mid-price golf balls that are currently available, with there being loads of choice in this sector because every brand makes one or two golf balls at this price point. Also, rather importantly, we have found these golf balls to offer performance that is as close to the top premium models as ever before.
Now, we all know how important it is for you to get the best golf balls for your game, and you may feel that you’re at a stage where you want more all-round performance than even the best value golf balls can offer. However, if you aren’t quite ready for the more significant investment required to stock up with premium balls then it is good news as that is where the mid-price range comes in.
We have tested a lot of mid-price golf balls and we think our selections below symbolize everything that is good in this sector. What's more, we have also created guides on specific aspects of the game, with our other articles focusing on the best distance golf balls and best soft feel golf balls on the market.
The Quick List
Top pick
The Tour Soft offers really strong performance for a mid-priced golf ball. The soft feel will please those who prioritize this, but, thanks to a new faster core, ball speeds also remained fairly high.
Best for alignment
The Callaway ERC Soft ball offered excellent distance and easier alignment. All in all, the value for money is competitive here, especially given how durable we found it to be.
Best soft feel
With a low compression and a reasonably responsive cover, the Soft Feel is an ideal ball for those who like a good quality softer ball at a competitive price.
Best ball flight
Impressive all rounder that offers good distance for the faster swinger. With impressive greenside spin and a soft feel, this is a fine alternative to the urethane-covered alternatives.
Best value
An impressive all-rounder, the Wilson Triad delivers good distance in the long game and a great feel on and around the greens.
Best budget model
If you are looking for an all-out budget urethane golf ball, this one offers excellent performance in the short game, although for us.
Best Mid Price Golf Balls
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Top pick
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Starting with our top pick we have the latest version of Titleist's Tour Soft golf ball. This model features a number of refinements compared to the previous iteration, including a reformulated thin Fusablend cover for reliable greenside spin. Along with the cover, there is a thick line and ‘T’ marking on the side that we found useful for alignment purposes.
In our thorough testing we enjoyed the softness of the golf ball but they still managed to feel powerful with the driver and woods. As such we felt they managed to blend spin and distance very well indeed. That being said we must note that, if you are a high spin player, you may be better off looking elsewhere, as these balls did have a tendency to fly a little higher because of the spin. Therefore if you are looking for out and out distance, we think one of the best distance golf balls would be a better way to go.
They do perform well around and on the the greens and we found they had a decent amount of control which is crucial for when you want to get the ball close to the target when using wedges. This, including their great durability, make them another great option that won't break the bank.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review
Best for alignment
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The ERC Soft ball is billed as Callaway’s longest golf ball with soft feel. It does this via the use of a High Energy core and a High Speed mantle, which are both engineered to deliver more distance throughout the bag.
So, are these claims true? Well, in our testing, it definitely increased carry when the ball was struck from the middle of the club and it also produced a higher launch. These extra distances achieved highlights that less spin was being created than you would expect from a soft-feeling ball.
It has a host of new technology also, with a ‘hybrid’ cover made with a durable Paraloid Impact Modifier from Dow. This helped the distance and control, with the durability also a stand-out. It's worth noting that the ERC also has Triple Track technology to aid alignment, something which will prove useful when on the green and on the tee box. Additionally you can get the ERC Soft balls with the Soft Fade alignment tool as well so there is an alignment aid for all here.
- Read our full Callaway ERC Soft Golf Ball Review
Best soft feel
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Featuring a two-layer construction, the Soft Feel golf ball has a soft centre core that gradually gets firmer as you move towards the cover. This construction enables it to snap back into shape more quickly and it is this process that has been improved over previous models.
Thanks to the 338 dimple cover, the Soft Feel is designed to maximize flight performance by reducing drag and creating the launch conditions to get the ball flying high with enough spin and height to land and stop within a reasonable distance. In testing, it did this very well, with it particularly suiting those with slower swing speeds.
Along with the long game performance, there is also a decent amount of grip around the greens, with the Soft Feel doing exactly what is says on the tin by being one of the best soft golf balls on the market. Certainly, there is a fair amount of control, which comes from a 1.6mm ionomer cover, but it's worth noting that it doesn't stop as quick as the urethane covered, more premium Srixon Z-Star.
- Read our full Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023 Review
Best ball flight
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
TaylorMade updated the Tour Response golf ball in 2022 and we noticed several improvements when comparing it to the previous model. For example, the latest ball was faster off the face by 3mph versus the previous generation, with a fraction less spin being. In total, this created six extra yards of carry and, what's more, we noticed it spun a little less with the irons and wedges as well but yet there was no loss of control or feel.
Another new aspect to talk about is the unique Stripe option, which features a lime green and grey colored band that wraps around the ball. Now, this look won't be for everyone, but we felt it created a very clear alignment aid off the tee and on the green. When you putt, the stripe clearly shows how effectively the ball is rolling end-over-end.
Overall, the long game performance, in particular, has been taken up a notch. For a relatively low-compression ball, we were particularly impressed by the strength of the ball flight and the overall distance and, when you couple that with the spin control offered by the cast urethane-cover, you have a solid all rounder that provides regular golfers with a good value for money alternative.
- Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response 2022 Golf Ball Review
Best value
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Wilson released the Triad golf ball at the beginning of 2022, with the design aimed at those golfers who want the feel and control of a urethane model without having to pay the premium price of a Tour golf ball.
In testing, it certainly produced good distance results when reviewed alongside a competitor's model, and the consistency of the ball flight was another huge plus point. From a spin and control perspective, it definitely was a notch down from the best premium golf balls, but the performance was still solid and we were really impressed by the touch on and around the greens with the putter.
With plenty of distance and consistency in the long game, and a good feel on the green, the Wilson Triad is a worthy contender in the mid-priced portion of the market.
- Read our full Wilson Triad Golf Ball Review
Best budget model
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Wilson model above offers arguably the best value when it comes to mid-price balls, but if you want to go for one of the cheapest options, then we recommend the Kirkland Signature ball. It has garnered plenty of attention since being released, but it's the performance we are most focused on here, most notably the performance and soft feel it offered around the greens.
In our testing, it also proved to deliver more ball speed and less spin off the driver than the original version but, overall, it still didn’t quite measure up in terms of overall distance compared to some of the top three-piece, urethane golf balls.
However, the Kirkland is also far less expensive than most of the premium models on the market, so players who are looking for greenside control at a budget price, a combination that’s not always easy to find, might want to explore the Kirkland 2.0.
How we test golf balls
The quality of Golf Monthly's reviews and buyers guides is built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team that has a sterling reputation in the industry, known for delivering the key points you want to know in a concise, easy-to-digest manner.
With golf balls, our procedure revolves around indoor and outdoor testing conducted by our team of reviewers. Indoor testing always involves a launch monitor of some kind to gain an understanding of spin and other facets of performance. Outdoor testing would again involve a launch monitor but we would also put the balls to the test out on the course to get some real data and feedback as well. This way we can see how the ball performs playing a variety of different shots and in different conditions. The final point worth mentioning is that no manufacturer can buy a good review because our testing team tells it how it is.
How to choose golf balls
Soft or firm? - The best premium golf balls, and some of the models above, come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. Try both from various distances to find your preference.
Cover material - Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Whereas more budget conscious golf balls tend to have covers that feel harder and compromise on feel but instead give more durability. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost.
Long game or short game? - Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?
Well we have created guides for both. If you value the former then check out our guide on the best distance golf balls. Or, if you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step. Some of the mid-price models above also try to give the best of both of those worlds' so it is an important factor to be aware of.
Price - No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Even in the mid-price sector there are models which are cheaper than others. For example there is a good price difference between the Titleist Tour Soft and the Kirkland Signature 2.0 ball, so we would recommend trying out some models first, and then seeing how much you are willing to spend on a dozen golf balls.
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In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf.
Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points.
Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X
- Matt CradockStaff Writer
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