By Coach Erik Schjolberg – Jan 11, 2024
Contents
Key Takeaways – The Best Golf Ball for Distance in 2024
- Ionomer covered balls produce greater distance off the tee compared to urethane covers
- “Soft” golf balls generally have low compression but don’t feel soft
- Lower compression increases spring off the clubface
- Distance balls tend to have lower spin
- Ionomer covers are cheaper than urethane
A question I enjoy asking new playing partners is distance or accuracy?
It reveals the golfer’s mindset heading into the round. Unsurprisingly, the top response is always extra yards above all else. In this guide, I unveil the best golf balls for distance in 2024.
Most options on this list are low compression golf balls that produce low spin and explosive ball pace. In addition, ionomer is the cover of choice for distance balls, making them more affordable than premium urethane products.
(if you’re a female golfer – check out our test results of the best golf balls for ladies)
Best Distance Golf Ball – Test Results and Rankings
#1. TaylorMade Distance +
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Soft/ Moderate (77)
Dimples: Aerodynamic
Forgiveness: Moderate
Color Options: White, Yellow
Pros:
- Soft feel
- Prompts rapid ball pace
- Reduces long-game spin
- Delivers straighter, higher ball flight
Cons:
- Minimal short-game spin
- Not recommended to golfers with moderate to fast swing speed
My Experience (with pictures):
The best overall distance golf ball in 2024 is the TaylorMade Distance +. I found this 2-piece mid-compression ball to offer a soft feel, aerodynamic flight, and accelerated ball speed. As a result, it best suits golfers with a slow swing speed.
The centerpiece of this golf ball is its React Speed Core. You’ll find that this masterpiece prompts rapid pace and reduces spin, combining for excellent long game length. In addition, its 342 aerodynamic dimple pattern combats drag and promotes a high flying distance ball.
Finally, TaylorMade printed a “Plus” alignment aid on the side of the golf ball. I found this handy to line up my putts and improve the precision of my read.
The Bottom Line
Since this post is dedicated to the best golf balls for distance, I cannot punish reduced greenside spin. The TaylorMade Distance + is a golf ball suitable for the average player operating with a slower swing speed. During my test, I found that the explosive ball velocity, minimal spin, and uninterrupted flight, produces maximum distance.
#2. Bridgestone e6
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Soft/ Low (44)
Dimples: Seamless
Forgiveness: Moderate
Color Options: White, Yellow
Pros:
- Soft feel
- Produces faster speed
- Low spin on high-impact shots
- Exceptional value for money
Cons:
- Reduced greenside control
- Not recommended for slower swing speeds
My Experience (with pictures):
Bridgestone crafted the e6 to perform for amateurs with medium swing speeds. During my testing, this 44 compression design provided a muted feel, explosive speed, and consistent spin.
It delivered maximum speed and low spin on long game shots for added length. Conversely, it generated optimal spin on low-impact shots to boost my short game control. In addition, the presence of the Gradational Compression Core produced low spin and maximum pace.
Finally, the ionomer cover features Seamless Cover Technology that gives you the best of both worlds. It lowers spin on high impact, long game strikes for added yards. On the contrary, it enhanced spin on short game shots for improved control. However, as expected it is nothing like a premium urethane golf ball.
The Bottom Line
The Bridgestone e6 golf ball offers excellent value for money. In addition, it delivers exceptional ball speed and low spin on long game shots. However, it provides an element of short game spin seldom found in distance balls. After testing these golf balls, I am confident that they perform best for those with a moderate swing speed.
#3. Titleist TruFeel
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Very soft/ Low
Dimples: Tetrahedral
Forgiveness: Moderate
Color Options: White, High Optic Yellow, Red Matte (Coming Soon)
Pros:
- Low long game spin
- Rapid ball speed
- Super soft feel
- Optimal roll
Cons:
- Low flight
- Limited short game spin
My Experience (with pictures):
Titleist constructed the TruFeel to deliver maximum distance for moderate swing speeds. A large and fast TruTouch Core accelerates ball velocity and reduces spin. You’ll notice that this produces consistent long game yardage, leaving you with a reasonable distance on approach.
The soft compression core promoted explosive speed, but a low flying golf ball. That works for golfers who generate excess spin and balloon their shots. When this occurs, the ball launches into the air and falls out of the sky without warning. Therefore, you’ll lose distance.
When you strike this ball you’ll notice that it launches low to keep out of the wind, and eliminate ballooned shots. Furthermore, your piercing flight encourages exceptional forward roll for added distance upon landing.
The Bottom Line
The Titleist TruFeel deserves its place on the list of best golf balls for distance. It encourages an easy launch, explosive pace, and optimal roll. In addition, it delivers low launch to help the average golfer achieve piercing ball flight and maximum roll. After hitting these, I recommend them to the average golfer with a moderate swing speed.
#4. Callaway Warbird
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Hard/ High
Dimples: Hex Aerodynamic
Forgiveness: Moderate
Color Options: White
Pros:
- Extremely compressible
- Delivers accelerated speed
- High flight
- Produces maximum distance
Cons:
- Minimal greenside spin
- Rock hard feel
My Experience (with pictures):
I played the Callaway Warbird for several years as a junior. Its high flight, rapid ball pace, and compressible nature encourage optimal distance through the bag. The extra large high-energy core is the reason for the impressive yardage from these golf balls.
Engineers at Callaway altered the energy core to produce excessive compression at contact. This action boosts the spring of the ball off the clubface, generating a lightning pace. If you decide to play the Warbird, you’ll enjoy consistent distance in your game. Moreover, a Hex aerodynamics pattern minimizes drag and expands the duration of your ball flight.
Therefore, these distance golf balls cut through wind resistance to provide farther shots. Finally, the ionomer cover works to lower spin on long shots. Despite its talent to boost your yardage, this ball produces minimal spin around the green.
The Bottom Line
This ball encourages further flight for maximum yards. That is why it’s one of the best golf balls for high handicappers desperate to hit further on the golf course.
#5. Titleist Velocity
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Soft/ Low
Dimples: Octahedral
Forgiveness: Moderate
Color Options: White, Matte Orange, Matte Green, Matte Blue (Coming soon)
Pros:
- The core encourages rapid speed
- Some greenside control
- Soft feel
- Optimal aerodynamics
Cons:
- Long and mid-iron shots do not stop rapidly
- Reduced workability
My Experience (with pictures):
Titleist Velocity golf balls are not the company’s most advanced construction. However, their consistent speed, greenside control, and flight make them all-around distance golf balls for a moderate price. I actually enjoy the Velocity range substantially more than some of the manufacturers’ premium products.
The engine of the Velocity sits in its LSX Core which is employed to explode your ball velocity at impact. Adding to its speedy qualities is its NAZ + cover which accelerates the pace on high-impact long shots. Conversely, the ionomer reacts differently on short game and wedge shots, where it provides playable short game spin.
In addition, a 350 octahedral dimple layout promotes a consistent flight trajectory to keep your Titleist Velocity golf ball airborne for longer.
If you were looking for the Titleist ProV1, you won’t find it on this list. But see where it ranks on our best golf balls of 2024 list.
The Bottom Line
The 2-piece construction of the Titleist Velocity puts it up with the longest golf balls on this list. The LSX core combines with the NAZ + cover to ensure an accelerated pace. Plus, a 350 octahedral dimple design delivers consistent flight for optimal carry distance.
Overall, it has all the qualities of a golf ball for mid-handicappers with a moderate swing speed.
#6. Vice Drive
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Soft/ Low
Dimples: Symmetrical
Forgiveness: High
Color Options: White
Pros:
- Explosive speed
- Reduces drag
- Highly durable
- Limits long game spin
Cons:
- Only available in white
- It is not ideal for moderate or fast swingers
My Experience (with pictures):
The Vice Drive golf balls carry a 2-piece design which consists of a Soft Energy Core and a DuPont Surlyn cover. These two components produced explosive ball pace and low spin in my long game during testing. As a result, it promotes increased yards in your golf game.
The Soft Energy Core (ESC) amplifies ball velocity for consistent results on all shots. Plus, the DuPont Surlyn cover lowers spin. Together, these features elevate this low compression construction to the ranks of the longest golf ball products.
Lastly, the engineers fitted Vice Drive golf balls with a 392 symmetrical dimple design. This layout is effective in reducing drag and helping slow swingers keep the ball airborne for longer.
The Bottom Line
Unlike Vice Tour golf balls, the Vice Drive range specifically caters to slower swinging beginners. When playing this range, you’ll see that it slices through the wind, and is impressively durable. Plus, a dozen distance golf balls are a bargain compared to those from premium brands (check out our list of the top golf ball brands over here).
#7. Srixon Soft Feel
Cover Material: Ionomer
Type: Distance
Feel/Compression: Soft / Low (60)
Dimples: Aerodynamic
Forgiveness: High
Color Options: White, yellow, orange, red, green
Pros:
- Soft feel
- Promotes straight flight
- Produces an element of short game spin
- Durable
Cons:
- It may cost slower swinger’s speed at impact
- Decent, but not great short game spin
My Experience (with pictures):
The final pick on our list of best golf balls for distance is the Srixon Soft Feel construction. This simple two-piece golf ball delivers maximum long game distance and ample short game spin. It impressed me from tee to green, the last time I played it.
An innovative Fast Layer Core takes center stage, conjuring up a collaboration of pace and feel. The center of the core is super soft to enhance compression and mute the feel. On the contrary, the outer edges are firmer for added stability and optimal energy transfer at impact. This leads to a soft feeling and a consistent distance ball.
The engineers employed a thin, durable ionomer cover with 338 aerodynamically tuned dimples. Its aerodynamics help the golf ball cut through the wind with minimal deviation. Therefore, it flies straighter for longer, leading to far, direct shots. Lastly, the thin cover provides an element of spin around the green.
The Bottom Line
The Srixon Soft Feel is a low compression 2-piece distance golf ball that flies long and feels soft doing it. When you test the Srixon Soft Feel, you’ll notice that it carries a thin, durable ionomer cover which provides an element of control around the green.
Therefore, it travels far and stops somewhat faster than its peers on the dancefloor. These qualities are desirable for mid to high handicappers with moderate swing speed.
And the Winner of Best Golf Ball for Distance is…
At the start of this test, I was tasked with unearthing the best distance golf ball for the average golfer. Several balls impressed me during testing, which is why the list extended beyond a single review.
Every golf ball on this list accelerated ball speed and reduced long game spin during testing. Some more than others. The downside of distance golf balls is that they offer reduced spin around the green, but that is the sacrifice you must make for gaining yards. However, the Titleist Velocity is worth considering for optimal tee-to-green performance.
With that out of the way, I give you the top 3 best golf balls for distance in 2024.
Note – if you’re looking for balls to play during the winter time, check out our top cold weather golf balls ranking.
Longest Distance Golf Ball and Best Overall
Our top seven list featured a host of options which favor moderate and slow swing speeds, desperate for longer shorts. The ball that best represents these features is the TaylorMade Distance +.
This soft feel 2-piece golf ball encourages accelerated ball velocity, low spin, and reduced drag. The three factors combined deliver an optimally long golf ball that epitomizes the distance category.
Best Golf Ball for Distance AND Control
A close second to the TaylorMade Distance + was the impressive construction of the Bridgestone e6. The soft, large core enhances compression at impact to impart rapid speed to the ball.
In addition, the Seamless Cover Technology ensures high spin on short shots. Conversely, the technology helps minimize spin on long game strikes. Therefore, you’ll enjoy optimal distance in your long game and an element of control around the green.
Another list you could check out if you’re looking for an overall consistent ball is our ranking of the most forgiving golf balls.
Best Value
Topping the list of the best distance golf ball for the money is the Callaway Warbird. As a beginner, you’ll need balls en masse at the lowest prices. The entry-level costs for a dozen Warbirds make them an attractive option for golfers on a budget.
However, despite its low asking price, the Warbird features an Extra Large High Energy Core that generates rapid speed. This combines with Hex aerodynamics to produce a towering, long golf shot resulting in ample distance.
Who Can Benefit from Using a Distance Golf Ball?
Distance golf balls offer superior value to high and mid handicappers with moderate to slower swing speeds. These two-piece constructions amplify compression at impact to impart rapid pace onto the golf ball at impact. As a result, you will generate added long-game distance.
The downside of golf balls for distance is that they typically lack spin rpm. This works for long game shots, but reduces your control around the green.
To find out if you actually need a golf ball for distance, check what your driving distance is compared to the average driving distance in this article.
What Makes A Great Distance Golf Ball?
#1 Compression
Distance golf balls carry a low compression rating, which increases their spring off the clubface at impact. That boosts the energy transfer from the clubface to the ball, helping you produce accelerated ball speed for exceptional distance.
A low compression rating is ideal for moderate to slow swing speeds, which require support to deliver a high, long shot.
Balls with a higher compression rating produce less spring and velocity assistance. As a result, they are better suited to faster swinging golfers, such as PGA Tour Pros.
Despite their low compression rating, not all distance balls are soft. In fact, quite the opposite. Some are rock hard and unpleasant, but the Titleist Velocity bucks this trend, offering a softer feel to its peers.
In general, if you simply want to gain more distance with ANY ball, learn how to compress a golf ball. It takes practice, but we’ll benefit you in the long run.
#2 Construction
Golf balls contain 2, 3, 4, and 5-piece constructions. The more pieces the ball comprises, the higher its retail price is per dozen. Plus, the additional components lead to a complex ball that reduces spring and are better constructed golf balls that are best for high swing speed golfers.
Distance balls possess a 2-piece construction more often than not. But what are golf balls made of? Their design consists of a soft rubber core and a durable ionomer cover.
A soft core prompts optimal energy transfer from the clubface onto the dimples. This action accelerates ball speed, encouraging maximum distance. Furthermore, the tough ionomer cover promotes explosive ball speed to generate additional yards.
#3 Cover Material
Golf balls are covered with two predominant materials. Urethane is soft and is employed to cover premium golf balls with 3, 4, or 5-piece constructions. Conversely, the affordable, durable and fast ionomer material is the go-to for distance balls.
Ionomers are commonly spotted on 2-piece constructions, but you can find them on a three-piece golf ball. Its material is harder than urethane, more affordable, and easier to manipulate. That is why manufacturers apply it to entry-level distance golf balls.
Furthermore, its durability enhances the stability of the ball at impact, reducing spin and accelerating speed. The combination of low spin and rapid velocity delivers consistent yards in your long game. One thing is for sure, you never want to use any ball you fish out from the bottom of the pond. Those lake golf balls do go bad in water, and your distance will suffer greatly.
FAQ – Best Golf Balls for Distance
Note – Some of these FAQs were covered throughout the article, but I still get these questions a lot… so here are the “short and sweet” answers to the most common questions:
Which Golf Balls Have The Longest Distance?
High compression, 2-piece golf balls like the TaylorMade Distance + have the longest distance for slow swinging amateurs. The additional compression at impact transfers accelerated speed to the golf ball, prompting a high long golf shot. Other distance balls for amateurs to consider include the Bridgestone e6, Callaway Warbird, and Titleist Velocity.
Do Hard Or Soft Golf Balls Go Further?
Hard golf balls travel further than their soft counterparts. They minimize backspin rpm to encourage maximum roll upon landing. In addition, the solid golf ball construction boosts stability at contact, leading to optimal pace and distance.
Do High Compression Golf Balls Go Further?
High compression golf balls go further for faster swinging golfers. Their construction demands additional power at contact to get the ball traveling through the sky. Insufficient clubhead speed for these golf balls results in low flight, leading to a loss of carry and total distance.
Slower swinging golfers will hit a low compression golf ball further than their high counterpart. The added compression increases spring off the face, accelerating the pace of the ball.
Do Golf Balls Matter For Distance?
Yes, golf balls matter for distance. You may lose yardage if your golf ball carries an excessively high compression rating for your swing speed. Plus, golf balls that produce increased long-game spin reduces your carry distance.
Furthermore, golf balls that produce increased long game spin relinquish roll, causing them to stop rapidly upon landing. Therefore, you will drop several yards.
What Is The Longest Distance Golf Ball?
The longest distance golf ball in 2024 is the TaylorMade Distance +. A soft feel pairs with accelerated drag and optimal aerodynamics for impressive long game distance.
About the Author
By Coach Erik Schjolberg – Last Updated Jan 11, 2024
Expertise:
Coach Erik actively coaches several PGA Tour Professionals. He’s the head golf instructor and writer here at Swing Yard, was voted the “#1 Golf Coach in Scottsdale, Arizona”, and has been coaching for over 20+ years. Erik also owns and operates his own online golf school, EJS Golf Academy. His other credentials include: Active PGA Coaches Membership, Titleist TPI Level 1 and 2, Trackman Certified Level 1, Dr. Kwon’s Biomechanics Level I and II, Scott Cowx Certified Level I Advanced, BodiTrack and V1 Sports Pressure Mat Certified, Titleist Club Fitting and Ball Fitting Certified, PGA Hope, and Sportsbox AI. Check out Erik’s full bio and certifications for more info.
