Golf Ball Compression from Low to High (vs. hardness)
One such golfer recently wrote in looking for information on golf ball compressions as he likes a "softer" golf ball, but still wanted excellent distance. In this report I thought I would explain the difference between Golf Ball Compression vs. Hardness as they are 2 important ball characteristics, and they are often confused.
If you have been playing this game for any period of time, you may remember the days when many golf balls came in both 90 and 100 compressions for a given model. Typically, the 90 low compression golf balls were stamped with red numbers and the 100's with black. To the right is a 90 compression Titleist DT with a red number 3. The 100 compression model would have had a black number. There is also a "side stamp" on both balls designating either 90 or 100 (compression). Golf ball compression can be defined as the relative resistance of the ball to being deformed. It is also related to the firmness of the ball's core and COR (coefficient of restitution). This comparative value is determined with a finely tuned compression testing gauge similar to what is shown below. It is important to note that the United States Golf Association (USGA) does not have a standard for golf ball compression. Hence, there is no minimum or maximum value a ball must exhibit to be considered legal. So it is important to note that: Golf Ball Compression is a Relative Measurement!
This is one of the reasons manufacturers seldom advertise or list their golf ball compressions these days. It also can give the consumer another data point with which they can rule out a buying one product or another. Typically they will use expressions like "low compression construction" vs. a number value. Now, what about Golf Ball Hardness? Hardness is actually a property of the cover of the golf ball. There are specific standards for hardness and different measurement scales. Golf balls are measured using the "Shore D" scale. Hardness gauges like the one on the right have a small metal point that is used to puncture just the cover of the golf ball (through the paint). A resultant cover hardness value may something like "60 Shore D" (not to be confused with 60 compression!).
I have spent many hours measuring the compression and hardness of golf balls in the ball industry... it is eye opening. Here's where the Compression vs. Hardness Story gets Real Interesting... Some of the low compression balls out there actually have very hard covers! So they may feel soft off the driver or irons, but like "rocks" off the putter. The driver and long irons/hybrids engage more of the core when a golfer strikes the ball, so the player is experiencing and sensing the properties of the core. But with chipping and especially putting, the golfer feels the hardness of the cover (hence, less of the core) as the strike is a low velocity impact.
On the other hand, the "Tour" balls the Pro's use (3 to 5 piece constructions) have very soft covers (urethane rubber vs. plastic) for that "drop and stop" action on the greens the top players require.
The Tour pros have very high swing and ball speeds so a firm construction with a high COR core is one way to help optimize distance. The ball's other layers also help reduce side spin (hook, slice, etc...). A ball like the Wilson Duo and its 29 compression construction (yes, not a misprint) with a soft plastic (not urethane rubber) has a different target audience and is optimized for golfers with different swing/ball speeds, launch angles, side spin issues. It's a jungle out there with all those different constructions, cover materials, mantle layers, mind boggling dimple patterns, etc... and the well-intended golfer can easily get confused. How I can help with your Golf Ball Selection...
This experience led to an expert knowledge of ball components, how they affect overall ball performance, and most importantly, how to match the best golf ball to every type of players' game for more distance and accuracy. That's why I added expert Golf Ball Recommendations to my new, 6 part golf instruction bundle. Golfers around the world have found this unique bonus a most beneficial addition to The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing instructional package. Combining the correct golf ball for you with a reliable, Repeating Golf Swing is a winning formula for lower scores and more enjoyment from this great game. If you are not happy with your game and are looking for a new direction going forward in 2019, I would like the opportunity to help you with your game by showing you The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing and my complete swing technique. You will benefit from my firsthand experience inside the ropes, working with some of the top players in the game. I am convinced you will benefit tremendously from my swing instruction, short game strategy, and professional golf ball recommendations (learn more below). In all my years of playing golf, I have concluded that a golfer can not break 80 without a repeating golf swing. It does not have to be perfect, but it must be reproducible. When a repeating swing takes form, a whole new level of satisfaction results as the golfer is now able to play the game the way it was intended. My trademark move, The Key to a Repeating Golf Swing delivers the club head right back through the ball with precision power and control. It is the star of the show. I can't play without it. In fact my discovery of The Key was the very catalyst for my whole career in the golf industry. It was also the sole factor that.. Took
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by
Robert Cotter 
I
receive a lot of questions about golf balls this time of year
from golfers who are stocking up in preparation
for a great 2020 season, or looking for the perfect gift for
family/friends (or themselves)! The ball questions usually entail
specifics about this or that product, ball comparisons, distance,
specs,
etc... 
Hence,
one manufacturer may have a 95 compression
golf ball (by their measurements) that is actually firmer than
another company's 85 compression golf ball!
These
gauges are highly calibrated and often linked to computers for
data transfer. These are very precise instruments and require
a lot of data points (measurements) for a meaningful hardness
value.
Some
of those great low compression golf balls (2
piece - a cover and core) designed for the lower or moderate
swing speeds actually have harder covers
as a low compression/soft cover golf ball would typically be
a formula for short drives and excessive spin (i.e. ballooning).
No one
would want that situation on the course.
However, these Tour balls can also be quite firm (high
compression). For
instance the 2018 Titleist Pro V1x, a 4 Piece Tour ball has a
compression of around 95-100 (rather high by today's standards),
but a very
soft cover for high spin on the approach shots. 
As
a US Patent Award winning golf ball engineer, I've worked knee
deep in golf ball technology for years, developing
new ball designs, and then matching the finished product to the
correct recreational and professional golfers based on their personal
needs and equipment parameters.
My
Story - From the 100's to the 70's after a lengthy,
bitter struggle with this great game.
Every
time "The
Key To A Repeating Golf Swing" manual
is updated with new chapters, images, or
video, I receive an avalanche of emails from
current customers requesting a free update
to the Newest Edition. To date, they have
had to pay for the new edition (currently
the 7th edition).
As
a US Patent award winning golf ball
engineer, I constantly receive requests
from all over the world for golf ball recommendations
and have been matching the correct ball to
individual golfers for years. Still active
in the industry, I have the "inside" scoop
on what new ball designs are ideal
for high and low handicap, senior, and women
golfers.
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