The right golf ball can help slow swingers get a bit more flight, carry, and total distance.
Top 3 Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds
Without the right golf ball, you’ll never have a consistently strong game, so don’t miss the details on each of these balls.
We tested some of the most popular golf balls for slow swing speeds. The list below contains options that put distance first before spin and feel. Although that may impact spin and greenside control, it enhances your consistency to put yourself in more scoring conditions.
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How We Reviewed These Products
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott tested these balls at Wekiva Golf Club in Longwood, Florida, on December 18, 2024. The conditions were 68 degrees, and the turf conditions were firm.
He reported his findings, which I’ll share, and then I considered these criteria: cost, distance, accuracy, spin, feel, and forgiveness.
We can bring these reviews to you through the small commissions we earn if you buy through the links below.
Read more: Here are the 10 best golf balls for distance if you want more options.
7 Best Golf Balls for Slower Swing Speeds
- Best Overall – TaylorMade Distance+
- Best Budget Pick – Srixon Soft Feel
- Most Forgiving – Callaway Supersoft Max
- Best for Low Handicap – Vice Pro Soft
- Best for Distance – Titleist Tour Speed
- Best for High Handicaps – Bridgestone e6
- Best Value – Wilson Staff Duo Soft
1. Best Overall – TaylorMade Distance+
Pros
- Affordable
- Prompts maximum ball speed
- Aerodynamic
- Encourages a high launch
- Includes an alignment arrow for superior aiming
Cons
- Reduced greenside spin
- The cover scuffs faster than a urethane design
Specs
- Ultra-soft cover feel with a two-piece construction
- White and yellow colors available
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls are wallet-friendly and specifically designed to maximize ball speed and distance. Unlike some other balls I’ve tried, their aerodynamic nature aids in achieving a high launch.
What caught my eye was the addition of an alignment aid on the cover, a small but significant feature that aids in aiming accurately. With this, the ball syncs well with your putter’s alignment kit, upping your chances of hitting the target line.
The two-piece construction of the ball consists of a React Speed Core and a 342-dimpled ionomer cover. Boasting a compression rating of 77 yields a soft, inviting feel, a characteristic that adds to the charm. As the core unloads energy upon impact, it promotes speed, resulting in a high, forceful launch and superior carry distance. The ionomer cover, harder in comparison, curtails backspin rpm, which further optimizes distance.
Furthermore, the dimple pattern maximizes lift and minimizes drag, boosting the ball flight and carry distance. The downside, though, is the reduced spin, which I’ve found to be slightly tricky regarding greenside control.
If you’re an older golfer and losing swing speed, check out the best golf balls for seniors.
2. Best Budget Pick – Srixon Soft Feel
Pros
- More greenside spin and control
- Straighter and longer ball flight with less side spin
- All-round performance at a good price
- Good sound and feel at contact
- Alignment marker on the side of the ball
Cons
- Durability of the ionomer cover
Specs
- Two-piece construction designed for slower swing speeds
- Available in the colors red, yellow, and green
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The Srixon Soft Feel golf balls are half the price of a box of premium balls, yet are still fast and maximize distance and spin.
The Soft Feel lives up to its name and is a 2-piece ball played by many golfers with slower swing speeds. I was really happy to see that Srixon reduced the compression on the latest model from 71 to 60. It is ideal for swings between 72 to 83mph. But it will also perform to its maximum level for slightly higher speeds.
They offer performance comparable to premium balls like the Titleist Pro V1 but at a lower price point. The alignment marker and reduced side spin make them a delight to play with, and they’re available in vibrant colors. However, the ionomer cover isn’t as durable as the Pro V1.
Despite this minor issue, these balls provide an all-around performance from tee to green, making them an excellent value for money and my pick for the best budget golf balls for slow swing speeds.
On the surface, the Srixon Soft Feel is no different than any other two-piece, cheaper ball. It’s soft and good off the driver in reducing sidespin but isn’t the best for distance. The difference is that Srixon routinely makes the thinnest covers in golf. These spin a little more around the greens than other balls in the category. This ball is for middle to higher handicappers looking for forgiveness and a soft-feeling golf ball. I give the Srixon Soft Feel an 8.5 on a 10 scale.
-Brendon Elliott, PGA Professional and GolfSpan Writer
Read more: The Best Srixon Golf Balls
3. Most Forgiving – Callaway Supersoft Max
Pros
- Best suited to beginners
- Forgiving
- Produces rapid ball speed
- Lowers long game spin
- Promotes a consistent launch
Cons
- Oversized design may not appeal to advanced golfers
- Reduced greenside spin
Specs
- Uses a multi-material construction
- Available in matte red, matte green, matte pink, and matte orange
Rating: 4 Stars
Callaway Supersoft Max balls are designed to offer maximum forgiveness, making them ideal for high handicappers and beginners.
As a long-term user of the Callaway Supersoft Max, I appreciate its speed and forgiveness. Combining a high-speed, low-compression core and an ionomer cover in this simple 2-piece design produces swift ball speeds and curbs spin in the long game. Although it’s perfectly suited for high handicappers and beginners, I have to acknowledge its oversized design might not appeal to seasoned golfers.
Another remarkable attribute of the Supersoft Max is its oversized construction. This design element enhances the consistency of my launches and the stability of my flights, leading to a superior level of forgiveness.
What piques my interest is the helpful alignment arrow featured on the ball, a boon for beginners working on lining up their putts and maintaining a straight course. Yet, compared to the TaylorMade Distance +, the Supersoft Max could improve greenside control.
However, I can’t ignore this ball’s reduced durability, which I attribute to the core-ionomer cover combo limiting its lifespan. Plus, it doesn’t offer much spin or control around the green, hampering my accuracy.
Despite these drawbacks, for a beginner player, it offers a great blend of distance and forgiveness that aids in improving your overall game.
The Callaway Supersoft is definitely not a premium ball, but, at the same time, it is not as bad as some other two-piece balls. The cover is more like a premium ball, but it does not react nearly the same as one around the greens, and certainly not off the tee. It is fairly good off the driver in reducing any sidespin, but it just doesn’t have any pop in the distance arena. The Callaway Supersoft is a good ball for higher handicappers who need some forgiveness and like a soft-feeling golf ball. I give the Callaway Supersoft a 7.5 on a 10 scale.
-Brendon, Also A Big Fan of Turkey & Cheese on White At The Turn
Read more: The Best Callaway Golf Balls
4. Best for Low Handicaps – Vice Pro Soft
Pros
- Affordable premium quality golf balls
- Accelerates ball speed at impact
- Produces increased spin control around the green
- Lowers driver spin for optimal distance
- Stable ball flight
Cons
- The combination of a Surlyn mantle and a urethane cover reduces durability
Specs
- Three-piece cast urethane specs
- Available in light blue, living coral, neon lime, neon red, peach parfait, red and white
Rating: 4 Stars
Interestingly, Vice Golf follows a direct-to-consumer business model, which means you can find high-quality products at competitive prices. The Vice Pro Soft is a 3-piece golf ball that is my ideal choice for better golfers, particularly because of the High Energy Speed Core. This core aids in achieving rapid ball speed at impact, which significantly contributes to maximizing distance with my driver and long irons.
When I compare it with a ball like the Titleist Pro V1, the Vice Pro Soft shows a distinctive edge in restricting driver spin and improving ball stability while in flight, courtesy of its DuPont Surlyn mantle. Besides increasing distance, this combination especially suits moderate to slow swingers like me.
However, it’s not all a bed of roses. I’ve noticed the Surlyn mantle and urethane cover combo on the Vice Pro Soft, despite its many benefits, tends to compromise longevity.
Still, the Vice Pro Soft’s soft urethane cover is a star performer, enhancing my spin RPM for improved control around the greens. I’ve enjoyed superior feedback and feel from tee to green, which definitely caters to low to mid-handicap golfers’ needs.
5. Best for Distance – Titleist Tour Speed
Pros
- Generates accelerated ball speed
- Lowers long game spin
- Boost spin for wedge shots for superior greenside control
- Delivers maximum distance
- Moderately urethane-covered golf ball
Cons
- Durability
Specs
- Three-piece construction with a thermoplastic urethane cover
- Available in the color white
Rating: 4 Stars
In my quest for superior distance, I discovered the Titleist Tour Speed, which has become my top pick for slow-swing speed golfers seeking distance. This ball’s round dimple design propels maximum speed, offers a penetrating ball flight, and optimizes distance in my long game.
The key feature of the Tour Speed is its tech-powered core paired with an ionomer mantle. This unique duo delivers explosive ball speed and low spin on long shots, which, in my experience, leads to an optimal launch and adds crucial yards to my long game.
The 346-deep quadrilateral-dipyramid construction of the Tour Speed has been a game-changer, producing a penetrating ball flight that generates increased forward momentum upon landing. This results in a further roll, helping me gain additional yards during my long game.
But it’s not all about distance. I was pleasantly surprised with how well the Tour Speed performs around the green. Its thermoplastic urethane cover allows the ball to press into the sharp grooves of my wedge shots, inducing extra backspin RPM for superior control on the green.
Although not as durable, it delivers all-around performance from tee to green at a mid-range price. These are ideal for mid-handicappers looking for an all-around performer.
Read more: Full Review of Titleist Tour Speed
6. Best for High Handicaps – Bridgestone e6
Pros
- Reduced sidespin for straighter shots
- Durable cover enhances longevity
- Soft feel with distance control
- Affordable for a high-performance ball
Cons
- Not ideal for golfers needing high spin around the greens
Specs
- Two-piece construction with Surlyn cover
- Available in white and optic yellow
Rating: 3 Stars
The Bridgestone e6 golf balls are designed specifically for high-handicap golfers with slow swing speeds. With the ability to reduce sidespin, these balls help achieve straighter shots, enhancing your game.
In my experience with the Bridgestone e6, I’ve found them to be a remarkable blend of science and technology for the game of golf. They leverage a two-piece design incorporating an advanced mantle layer and a tough Surlyn cover, curated meticulously for both durability and performance.
One of the e6’s standout features is its unique Delta Dimple design. This well-thought-out pattern is engineered to minimize drag. Modifying the airflow around the ball reduces air resistance to ensure more fluid and straighter flights. As a result, it drastically lowers the tendency for unwanted hooks and slices, much to a golfer’s delight.
At the heart of the e6 lies a low-compression core that gives the ball a responsive and satisfying soft feel. Though the feeling is appreciable, I can’t overlook its con – it cannot generate substantial spin near the greens. Comparatively, the Titleist Pro V1 offers better spin control.
Despite this shortcoming, the e6’s features aim to enhance distance, specifically addressing the requirements of golfers with slower swing speeds.
7. Best Value – Wilson Staff Duo Soft
Pros
- Lowest compression for maximum distance
- Exceptional soft feel
- Enhanced greenside control
- Affordable
Cons
- May lack durability
Specs
- Two-piece construction with ionomer cover
- Available in white and various matte colors
Rating: 3.6 Stars
Wilson Staff Duo Soft golf balls are perfect for slow swing speed players looking for a combination of performance and value. These balls are designed with the lowest compression, promoting maximum distance.
I’ve observed the Wilson Staff Duo Soft golf balls embrace a two-piece design featuring a flexible ionomer cover, a material renowned for imparting a soft feel to the ball.
What stood out to me was its distinctive 302-dimple pattern, designed precisely to sustain a stable and penetrating flight trajectory. This is a crucial characteristic for golfers aiming to achieve consistent long shots.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was the softness of its core, which is 29% softer compared to the traditional Duo. This subtle but essential modification ensures a uniquely soft impact, thereby maximizing distance.
However, despite its commendable greenside control, I can’t ignore the fact that the ionomer cover might not exhibit the same durability as its urethane counterparts. Yet, in its defense, the Duo Soft is a quintessential example of a golf ball that balances affordability with performance quality.
Read more: The Best Golf Balls for Average Golfers
Things To Consider When Buying Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speeds
- Swing Speed: Essential for improving performance. Test with a PGA professional or at a golf retail outlet using driver and irons. Fast swingers (>105 mph) need less assistance, while slow swingers (<83 mph) benefit from extra compression.
- Ball Speed: Crucial for distance, especially for slower swingers. Look for low compression golf balls that increase rebound off the clubface, enhancing speed and distance.
- Spin Rate: Determines launch height and distance. High spin is good for short shots but can hinder distance and roll, especially in windy conditions.
- Compression: A key factor for performance, especially for slow swingers. Lower compression (around 35) helps slower swingers maintain distance. Understanding compression helps select the right ball for optimal results.
- Cover Material: Influences feel and control. Urethane covers offer more spin and softness, ideal for control, while Surlyn covers are more durable, providing less spin but more distance.
- Layer Construction: Choose from 2, 3, 4, or 5 layers. 2-piece balls (solid core, Surlyn cover) maximize distance and are less spinny. 3-piece balls (solid/liquid core, rubber outer layer, Urethane cover) and higher offer more spin and softness, ideal for feeling around the green.
- Dimples: Affect lift, drag, and flight. The depth of dimples matters; deep dimples lower flight (good for high-spin players), and shallow dimples increase flight (suitable for low-launch players).
Read more: Check out the Best Golf Balls for Women
FAQs
What is a Slow Swing Speed?
According to Golf.com and True Spec Golf, any driver swing speed below 83 mph is considered slow. In addition, those who swing under 72 mph play with a very slow or ladies' swing speed.
What Type Of Golf Ball Is Best For Slow Swing Speed?
As our guide reveals, low compression golf balls are the best golf ball for a slow swing speed. An example of a low compression golf ball is the Srixon Soft Feel design.
Are Low Compression Golf Balls Better For Slow Swing Speeds?
Golf.com explains that it is more beneficial to slow swingers to play with a low compression ball. If you cannot compress the ball at impact, you will struggle to launch your ball consistently. As a result, you will lose carry and total distance.
What Golf Ball Should I Use With A 80 MPH Swing Speed?
If your average driver swing speed is below 83 mph, it is viewed on the slower spectrum. Therefore, anything below this speed should use a low compression golf ball. As a result, the best golf ball for 80 mph swing speed in 2022 is the TaylorMade Distance +.
Are Pro V1 Good For Slow Swing Speeds?
Absolutely not. Pro V1 golf balls possess a compression rating of around 90, which is better designed for players with faster swing speeds. That is why it is a common feature on the PGA and European Tours.
If you seek a golf ball that maximizes your distance, run through our guide on the best golf balls for most golfers.
Is A Hard Or Soft Ball Better For Slow Swing Speed?
Soft balls are better for slow swing speeds. A softer golf ball tends to have a lower compression rating, making it easier to hit longer distances with slower swing speeds. Hard balls, on the other hand, have a higher compression rating, so a high swing speed is necessary to reach the same distance. That’s why most of the best balls for distance are often hard.
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Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.