Just like you use the right heads and shafts with your clubs, using the right golf ball is critical to producing an optimal fight.
Manufacturers offer various types to suit different swing speeds and preferences, with some designed specifically for higher swing speeds to reduce long game spin and produce a powerful trajectory.
Why? Golf balls compress at different rates depending on the speed of the club at impact. Typically, those golfers who swing a driver over 105mph will need to look for a high compression golf ball. If a high speed player uses a ball that has a lower compression, the ball will spin too much resulting in shots climbing too high and often finishing further off line. If distance is all you desire, it may be worth looking at what we think are some of the best distance golf balls on the market.
So, as a high swing speed player, what are the most suitable golf balls out there?
Our team has put the most relevant balls for high swing speeds through rigorous testing, including numerous rounds on the course, with the leading selections outlined below. Some of the balls that performed best for faster swinging players were also some of the best golf balls over the last year for all levels of golfer. However we understand that not every player that swings it quickly is a low handicapper, therefore we have also composed a guide on the best golf balls for high handicappers as well as some of the best mid-price golf balls so you don't have to spend too much money on ammunition.
The Quick List
Titleist has raised the bar again with its new Pro V1 design. In our testing, it was the added consistency in the long game that shone through.
The TP5 is a fantastic golf ball and, if you are a player who favors copious amounts of greenside spin and a very soft feel, it is a must try.
A beautifully soft feeling golf ball that will appeal to high speed and high spin players. This ball is extremely consistent in its delivery of spin and stability of flight.
A strong offering from Bridgestone. For a ball designed with distance in mind, it has a relatively soft feel and decent levels of greenside spin.
This is a solid, tour-level golf ball that won’t disappoint purchasers. Performance levels are competitive with the best premium balls on the market.
The Srixon Z-Star Diamond offers a firmer compression with a softer cover to create a premium ball with distance and feel. Ideal for mid to high swing speed players, this is the pick of the 2023 Z-Star range.
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An impressive performer in all areas, the Mizuno RB Tour X offers a strong ball flight in the long game and plenty of greenside stopping power. Significant improvements made to the durability of the ball make this a top quality premium offering.
The latest iteration of the Titleist Pro V1x delivers in all areas of the game. We noticed a jump in ball speed off the tee which, combined with a strong flight, offered superb distance. That this didn’t come at the cost of short game control was a big win.
There are genuine, tangible improvements in this ball from the previous iteration. TaylorMade has achieved an increase in speed throughout the bag while somehow providing a softer feel and maintaining spin characteristics.
An excellent premium ball. Spinnier, more workable and firmer feeling than the Chrome Tour, this ball will suit players looking for maximum spin and those who love to shape the ball.
The Srixon Z-Star XV golf ball 2023 offers a firmer option to the Z-Star and is ideal for those with higher swing speeds. Despite the firmer feel, it has plenty of spin and control and the yellow option will make this a great winter ball.
The Titleist AVX remains a really solid option for those looking for low spin in their long game, whilst maintaining a premium feel.
Best Golf Balls for High Swing Speeds
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Titleist Pro V1
One of the best golf balls on the market—the Titleist Pro V1—is back again for the 23rd year running with the promise of longer distance, lower long-game spine and a more consistent ball flight.
So what's new? The main technology upgrade here is the high-gradient core, which Titleist claim promotes faster ball speeds. Of course, we had to put it to the test against its predecessor?
In testing with our mid-irons, we definitely saw a reduction in spin and a little more distance compared to the 2021/22 version. Whether or not this is due to the new core is difficult to say because we did find the flights were similar in both versions.
If you already use a Pro V1, you'll notice the latest edition of this ball delivers familiar flights and feel, with the brand improving on the speed of the ball off the face which was seriously impressive.
Off the tee, we found it hard to see many major differences between both models with each offering excellent ball speeds and lovely flights, yet the 2023 ball delivered a little more consistency in the long game. Both during our launch monitor testing and out on the course, we felt like the flight was impressively stable and reliable.
- Read our full Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball Review
TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball
As one of the most recognized golf balls on the professional circuit, the TP5 needs no introduction. For 2024, TaylorMade have updated the core of the ball...
The latest TP5 uses a lower density acoustic material that sounds and feels softer than its predecessor. In testing, it provided us with greenside spin and a soft feel no matter what club we hit. Our only qualm was that the speed was slightly less than the TP5x—which as a result, concluded with less distance. That said, the TP5 did provide slightly more spin, meaning it was easier to get airborne.
The durability was great and this model definitely stood in out in the short game area. Plus, the wear was minimal which was impressive, especially for one of the best soft feel golf balls. The TP5 it seemed to stay on the wedge face for an eternity, rolling up the grooves and imparting very impressive levels of grab on the green.
- Read our full TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball Review
Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball
The Chrome Tour range is new to the market and will appeal to high speed and high spin players. We tested the Chrome Tour to see how it compares to the Chrome Soft model...
So what's new? The Chrome Tour features a Hyperfast Soft core, which has been constructed to give as much speed as possible. There's also a new rubber system where a new base polymer is combined with a mixture of other ingredients to create optimal compressions for speed. On top of that, there are both hexagonal and spherical dimples to help stability and consistency in a range of conditions.
If you're looking for repetition and reliability this new technology will definitely deliver precisely that. The particular standout was indeed the flight in the wind and, although the ball speed was slightly less than the Chrome Tour X, the drop offs were minimal.
- Read our full Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball Review
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B X Golf Ball
At the 2024 Genesis Invitational, Tiger Woods was seen using the Tour B X during the tournament, with the ball specifically designed for those with swing speeds of over 105mph. Such is the quality, Jason Day and Matt Kuchar have also put this model in the bag.
In terms of technology, there's a new Reactiv X system that we thought created more rebound on tee shots to increase distance, as well as the ball staying on the face longer on approach shots that provided more spin and a softer feel on shorter, more precise shots.
Overall, it is a consistent performer with excellent durability. It is worth noting that the ball is slightly lower spinning and also provides a middle ground in terms of feel, with it not too firm and not super soft. Put simply, it is one of the best Bridgestone golf balls on the market.
- Read our full Bridgestone 2024 Tour B X Golf Ball Review
Srixon Z-Star Diamond
The 2023 Diamond combines the compression and firmer core of the Z-Star XV with the softer feeling cover and better spin of the Z-Star. The result is a premium ball with both distance and feel.
We think it's ideal for mid to high swing speed players and plays brilliantly in windy conditions—delivering the control of some of the best premium golf balls on the market. In testing, we did notice the cover did scuff a little after a few rounds, but it's not the worst out there.
Combining the best of both models equals a winner for distance. The 0.6mm cover thickness is the same as the Z-Star and, combined with a mantle layer that is also the same as the original Z-Star, this gives a lot of fire power off the tee.
Around the green, the Diamond wasn't too soft on the putter but wasn't too firm on chips, delivering what we felt was the right feedback to get the correct distance on each shot. Ultimately, this is a great option that strikes a balance between being a firm feel golf ball and a soft feel ball that delivers excellent levels of control, distance and spin.
- Read our full Srixon Z-Star Diamond Golf Ball 2023 Review
Wilson 2024 Staff Model X Golf Ball
Another new model to the market—the Model X—is a contender for the one of best premium golf balls. We put it to the test...
In terms of technology, the Model X retains similar aspects to the original Staff Model ball. But Wilson have made some modifications to optimize iron-spin levels based on tour-player feedback.
In testing, we found that the Model X spun a little higher than other models on this list and the ball speed was slightly lower. If you're player with low spin numbers, we would recommend this ball but, overall, the numbers are only marginal.
What's more, in the short game area, it has a slightly firmer feel and it felt very responsive when in and around the greens. There was plenty of grab on chip shots and, when it came to putting, it felt very solid, something which many players will like.
- Read our full Wilson 2024 Staff Model X Golf Ball Review
Mizuno RB Tour X 2022
The RB Tour X is the second iteration in the series and offers significant improvements in both distance and peak height compared to the previous generation.
In testing, we noticed that the ball flight is stronger than its predecessor and resulted in up to a six yard gain in carry. The RB Tour X launches high but on a forward trajectory and provides superb distance combined with stopping power with the irons. It has more durability than the previous generation and it wouldn’t surprise us to see this played more by tour players in the future.
This new ball features a new ultra soft Urethane cover, three-piece design and new dimple pattern to help with a slightly higher trajectory off the tee and a flatter flight with the wedges.
- Read our full Mizuno 2022 Tour RB X Golf Ball Review
Titleist Pro V1x 2023
One of the best premium golf balls—the Pro V1x—is back with plenty of updates and performance gains.
What's the difference? Compared to the standard Pro V1, it offers a firmer feel, with its main upgrade being the new core Titleist have inserted into the ball which the brand says works to reduce long-game spin and deliver greater speeds.
In testing, we enjoyed the level of control on offer, especially when hitting into the greens. Comparing it to its predecessor, when struck with our mid-irons, the ball showed a big jump in ball speed and a modest reduction in spin.
With the driver, the Pro V1x delivered some small gains in speed and distance but the higher ball flight and launch was the standout in the new Pro V1x. With our wedges, the new model offered a little more spin than the outgoing golf ball and delivered excellent control and feel on shorter chips. We'd definitely recommend this for players looking for more spin.
- Read our full Titleist Pro V1x 2023 Golf Ball Review
TaylorMade 2024 TP5x Golf Ball
In testing, we noticed a a slight increase in speed over the standard TP5, but the spin levels were almost identical through the bag. If you want a little more spin around the greens, the TP5 will be better suited, but if you are looking to increase and maximize distance then the X will be the model for you.
Performance aside, the TP5x has a very clean aesthetic and, like the TP5, there is a handy alignment aid on the side. There are various versions of the model available, with TaylorMade adding never before seen customisation options to its Pix models. What's more, there will even be a new MySymbol collection in Europe, which will offer a large range of fresh, individual logo options to choose from.
In all honesty, we struggled to find any negatives with the TP5x. Not only did it have a lovely soft feel at impact, but the muted audio puts it up there with one of the best golf balls that money can buy.
- Read our full TaylorMade 2024 TP5x Golf Ball Review
Callaway Chrome Tour X Golf Ball
The Chrome Tour X shares much of the same technology as the Chrome Tour, with the same hexagonal and spherical dimple pattern on show. You may wonder then, what are the main differences? Well, the X is slightly firmer than the standard Chrome Tour, with the speed also fractionally up.
In our review, our tester, Joe Ferguson, wrote: "To me, it feels like the excitable sibling of the Chrome Tour. Its slightly firmer and livelier feel gives it more life, and the extra spin it produces promotes more creativity and flight options. Or, to put it another way, the Chrome Tour is your reliable bank manager friend that will always do a good consistent job, whereas the Chrome Tour X is your freelance artist buddy, full of ideas that thinks a little more outside the box and is your first choice for a night out."
Overall though, Callaway have done an excellent job of creating two models that will appeal to the wide range of fast swing speeds. If we were to put this ball into a certain category, we think it will suit those that like to shape the ball.
- Read our full Callaway Chrome Tour X Golf Ball Review
Srixon Z-Star XV 2023
The latest Srixon Z Star XV offers a firmer option to the Z-Star and is fantastic for those with higher swing speeds. Despite the firmer feel, it does offer plenty of spin and, if you choose to use this in the yellow colorway, you'll see that this is an excellent winter golf ball.
It is packed with technology, with its upgraded FastLayer DG Core, that is softer in the middle and progressively firmer towards the mantle layer, allowing it to deliver excellent ball speeds off the clubface. The compression comes in at 102, which is 10 points more than the Z-Star and the same as the Diamond, making this a great ball for those who swing faster and are looking for extra rigidity.
It is one of the best premium golf balls on the market and can offer excellent spin, thanks to its revised Spin Skin+ coating, which is a huge bonus when chipping around the greens. It does feel firm when putting, which is great if you use a soft insert and like to hear the ball at impact. While it's casing did scuff up a little after a few rounds, looking at its performance, we were impressed with what this ball offered out on the course
- Read our full Srixon Z-Star XV Ball 2023 Review
Titleist 2024 AVX Golf Ball
Introduced in 2018, the newest AVX offering comes in at a lower price point than the Pro V1 models above and, with a number of new technological aspects added, such as a new high gradient, high speed core, a new thin flexible casing layer and a newly designed soft urethane cover, there's a lot to like if you have a quick swing speed.
In testing, we thought that the long game aspect was the star of the show, as the AVX provided a penetrating ball flight with excellent distance. In still conditions it was on a par with the Pro V1x but, when the wind is up, this is where it excelled, as the low spin nature meant it wasn't affected whilst in flight.
Moving away from tee shots, the AVX is a tad more lively and jumpier around the greens and pitch shots. One aspect is that there isn't as much spin in the AVX and it did tend to release out more. However, despite this, the ball did have a soft feel and muted sound and, for added assistance, there is even a handy alignment line either side of the AVX which should help with putting on the green. Overall though, we feel that this ball could fall under the best winter golf balls, given its performance in windy conditions and the fact that it releases out more.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 AVX Golf Ball Review
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. Our specific golf ball testing is built upon this procedure so we can get controlled data inside, and then see how the golf ball performs outside and on the golf course. That way we can get a more complete picture and get greater feedback to pass on to you.
The first port of call is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using the GCQuad launch monitor. The majority of Golf Monthly’s outdoor testing takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a stunning course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities. By using the balls over a number of rounds, and in different conditions, we can get a clearer understanding on factors like feel, control, ball flight and so on.
How to choose golf balls
As a player who swings it faster than average, what is the best golf ball for you? Let's take a look.
Distance or feel?
One of the key areas to think about when choosing a golf ball is feel. This is a very personal matter with some preferring a firmer feeling ball such as the Taylormade TP5x, as opposed to a softer feeling ball like the Titleist Pro V1.
As a high swing speed player, distance is something that comes naturally through clubhead speed but can be determined by how a ball launches. The Callaway Chrome Soft X was a ball that we noticed launched high and had impressive ball speed which would almost certainly meet your needs for a few extra yards.
Long game or short game?
Which of the above is more important to you? Despite all of the balls referenced through our guide being suitable for high swing speeds, certain balls will spin more than others and at different ends of the bag. For example the Srixon Z-Star Diamond performs superbly off the tee, but was slightly harder to generate spin with greenside shots.
Price
Thankfully most brands do offer different models at various price points, however the majority of balls that are best used by high swing speed golfers are normally some of the best premium balls around also. This does typically mean they come with a premium price tag, although some of the brands such as Srixon and Mizuno tend to come in at a slightly lower price.
FAQs
What Ball Should I Use For A High Swing Speed?
There are plenty of models from various manufactures that would suit a golfer with a high swing speed. There are balls with a softer feel and lower flight such as the Titleist Pro V1 and Taylormade TP5, conversely there are balls such as the Callaway Chrome Soft X and Srixon Z-Star Diamond which offer a firmer feel and higher launch.
What Is Considered A High Swing Speed In Golf?
If your clubhead speed with driver is over 105mph you would be considered a high swing speed golfer.
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