When choosing the best golf balls for your simulator, choose new ones to preserve your impact screen, and select the color (white, orange, or yellow) suitable for your simulator setup. Prioritize highly durable options for extended use and look for balls with logos to enhance tracking by your launch monitor. Ensure the selected golf balls match your playing style.
I wanted a Christmas present for my retired father, who loves golf. Since he got a simulator set up earlier this year, I knew getting him the best golf balls to enhance his simulation experience would be the perfect gift. So, I decided to try out some of the best golf balls to determine which was best for the simulator. I have ranked the top 3 that excelled during my test:
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls |
| Buy Now For $22.99 |
 | Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls |
| Buy Now For $54.99 |
 | Bridgestone Tour B XS 2018 Golf Balls |
| Buy Now For $34.99 |
Ultimately, I decided to go with the Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball. It provided a remarkably soft feel and impressive distance and proved particularly beneficial for my father, whose swing speed has decreased with age. He gained an extra 10 to 15 yards compared to other balls. The affordable price range also made it a practical choice. While the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball offers excellent performance and durability, it has a higher cost and is less suitable for golfing beginners and senior golfers.
In the rest of this article, I’ll review the relevant specifications of these balls, share how they performed during testing, and outline their benefits and areas where I think improvement can be made. This way, you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about the best golf ball for your simulator setup.
Specification Comparison
The table below compares the key features of each golf ball, so you can get a quick overview of what each has to offer in case you are short on time.
| Golf Ball | Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball | Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball | Bridgestone Tour B XS 2018 Golf Ball |
| Construction | 2-piece | 3-piece | 3-piece |
| Compression | 60 | 87 | 75 |
| Cover | Ionomer | Urethane Elastomer | REACTIV iQ SMART cover |
| Dimple Number | 338 | 388 | Dual dipple technology |
| Price | $22.99 | $54.99 | $34.99 |
| Greenside Spin | Mid | Low long-game spin | High |
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
$22.99
- They felt soft when hitting and easily controlled around the green areas.
- They dont cost too much, which was nice for my budget.
- These balls were good for my golf simulator, making it feel like I was playing on a real golf course.
- Picking the yellow color made the balls easy to track, helping to enhance accuracy.
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls offer impressive distance and reliable spin control, particularly suitable for golfers with low or mid-range swing speeds. The balls provide a soft feel and effective control around the greens, making them an excellent choice if you prioritize this aspect of the game.
Their affordability is a plus. While their spin may not match Titleist’s, this factor was not a significant concern for my dad, making the Srixon Soft Feel a well-suited choice for his preferences.
Features
The Srixon Soft Feel golf ball, with its FastLayer Core, provides incredible softness and remarkable distance, especially when teeing off. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern is a standout feature, offering increased distance and superior performance in windy conditions. These dimples work to minimize drag during launch and boost lift during descent.
I find the multilayer design of these balls particularly advantageous for my golf simulator setup, as they effectively replicate the performance nuances of real golf courses. The soft, thin ionomer cover adds to the appeal by delivering a softer feel on every type of shot. The Srixon Soft Feel golf ball, with its unique combination of features, proves to be an excellent choice for various aspects of the game.
Performance
Deciding on new golf balls was crucial to protecting my impact screen and enhancing the overall simulation experience. After testing both the Srixon Soft Feel and Titleist Pro V1, I found the Srixon Soft Feel to be my preferred option.
I chose yellow, which performed well with my SkyTrak launch monitor. The yellow color and the Srixon logo improved accuracy by providing visual reference points for my launch monitor. The logo is a unique identification feature that enhances ball tracking and accuracy.
For my 70-year-old father, with a reduced swing speed, the Srixon Soft Feel delivered an impressive performance. It offered him an extra 10 to 15 yards compared to other balls. The softer compression dynamics allowed him to hit fairway woods with increased distance, a pleasant surprise given his age.
However, I observed that the ball was less durable than high-end balls like the Titleist Pro V1 balls. Despite this, it was still of pretty good quality. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sensible option for casual golfing on the course and an indoor simulation experience.
It also produced consistent results on my SkyTrak unit for spin and distance. In summary, the Srixon Soft Feel fits the bill if you are an average or senior golfer seeking a softball that performs well in various aspects. It feels good for chipping around the green and provides a well-rounded performance off the tee and in simulation sessions.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, the Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls are a cost-effective option compared to high-end balls. They are available at the PGA Tour Superstore for $22.99. They’re affordable and provide optimal performance, which makes them a great buy.
What I liked:
- They felt soft when hitting and easily controlled around the green areas.
- They didn’t cost too much, which was nice for my budget.
- These balls were good for my golf simulator, making it feel like I was playing on a real golf course.
- Picking the yellow color made the balls easy to track, helping to enhance accuracy.
- For my dad, a senior golfer who doesn’t swing as fast, these balls provided increased distance.
What I didn’t like:
- Compared to some more expensive alternatives, they don’t spin as much.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
$54.99
- These balls have remarkable durability.
- Excels in various aspects, including long-distance shots, forgiveness, feel off the club, and proficiency in chipping and putting.
- It provides substantial distance compared to other balls, and the feel is notably superior.
This golf ball provides a reliable and steady trajectory, standing out as one of the most durable options. With features like long game spin, superb control on the greens, and a high compression rating, it’s an excellent pick if your driver’s swing speed is 90 mph or higher.
However, it’s a premium choice, and its higher price reflects that. Given its expense, I wouldn’t suggest it for beginners or senior golfers, which is why it wasn’t the first choice for my dad, despite its impressive performance.
Features
This golf ball is known for its softer feel, low-game spin, and flatter trajectory. It is ideal for players who seek yardage, the ability to control shot trajectory, and precision in scoring with a delicate touch.
The ball incorporates a new high-gradient core, serving as a central engine to achieve high speed and lower spin during long-game shots. A spherically-tiled 388 tetrahedral dimple design ensures a penetrating and consistent flight for better overall performance.
Available in two color options, white and yellow, there’s also the option for personalization to add a custom touch to your golfing experience.
Performance
I really liked this golf ball because it is highly durable and has a soft feel, especially when I used it with shorter irons. It’s of great quality, which is great for simulators. It saves you from having to replace the mat or screen because of damage from a worn-out ball.
I like that it was quite forgiving of my shots; even when I didn’t hit perfectly, I still got great distance. It also works well for chipping and putting. The feel of this ball around the greens is really good. My friend, a 4 to 6 handicap player who is an average golfer, tried it out, giving him good ball flight and spin.
It’s a fantastic golf ball that covers range and spin and offers a satisfying feel. However, if you are a beginner or high handicapper starting out, you should not get these balls but go for other alternatives, as they are designed to spin more aggressively than most golf balls.
While the Pro V1 is solid, particularly around the greens, the extra cost doesn’t necessarily deliver significantly more value than more affordable options. There are alternatives that offer similar zip, feel, and distance and are better suited for average golfers.
This ball is great for simulators, but it’s even better on the golf course.
Pricing
The Titleist Pro V1 golf balls are really good, but they are a bit expensive. They are available for $54.99 at the PGA Tour Superstore. These are very durable and will perform really well with your simulator setup. They are a good investment if you are a serious golfer and a low handicapper, particularly because you won’t have to worry about losing them on the course if you use them with your simulator setup. But if you are a handicapper or a beginner, I recommend choosing more affordable alternatives better suited for your skill level.
What I liked:
- These balls have remarkable durability.
- Excels in various aspects, including long-distance shots, forgiveness, feel off the club, and proficiency in chipping and putting.
- It provides substantial distance compared to other balls, and the feel is notably superior.
What I didn’t like:
- not ideal for beginners or senior golfers.
- They come at a higher price point.
Bridgestone Tour B XS 2018 Golf Balls
Bridgestone Tour B XS 2018 Golf Balls
$34.99
- Provides excellent distance off the tee.
- Offers an impressive spin, especially with wedges.
- Provides a higher trajectory for more precise shots.
- Effective for various swing speeds.
- It gives good spin and control around greens.
These golf balls are a high-end option, providing good distance and control on the course. They fall into the mid-range price category. Suitable for serious and casual golfers, they shine, particularly for players with lower handicaps and higher swing speeds. However, their durability is a concern, as the cover tends to come off and peel over time.
Features
These golf balls are designed with Dual Dimple Technology, which means they have both big and small dimples. This helps the ball move through the air better, making it fly in a straight line.
They’re not too hard or too soft; they have a medium compression rating of 75. This makes them good for people who don’t swing the club too fast, giving them more distance.
These balls aim to be accurate and feel soft when you hit them, especially when you’re close to the green. They’re made with a special cover called reactive urethane, which helps the ball spin and gives you control when making approach shots. This cover also helps the ball bounce off the tee quickly.
Inside the ball, there’s a Gradational Compression Core, which helps energy move through the ball and makes it go faster.
Performance
I’ve found these golf balls to deliver good distance off the tee and impressive spin when using wedges. I compared the Bridgestone and Titleist ProV, hitting ten balls each. The Bridgestone outperformed, proving to be the longest and straightest shots, especially with solid drives.
What stands out for me is the ball’s flight, offering a higher trajectory that allows for more precise shot placement. The moderate spin is a plus, ensuring that missed hits don’t veer too far off course. The multi-layered construction gives excellent distance while maintaining good spin.
I’ve experienced great spin around the greens and with my simulator, and the feel of the tee box is satisfying. Even a friend who doesn’t consider themselves a pro tried them out and loved the distance and holding these balls provided. These balls are better suited for low handicappers.
However, one issue I’ve encountered is that the outer cover tends to come off too easily after some wedge shots, as the cover quality is not very durable. This could lead to chipping and damage to your impact screen, so I recommend going for balls of better quality.
Pricing
The Bridgestone Tour B XS 2018 Golf Balls are priced in the middle range, not as expensive as the Titleist V1 Pro or as cheap. They are priced at $34.99 and are available at the PGA Tour Superstore. However, there’s a concern about the covers coming off over time, as they are less durable than more expensive options. I’d suggest considering a different option with better quality. These balls are not the most budget-friendly, and investing in them only to have the cover come off after a few shots would be disappointing.
What I liked:
- Provides excellent distance off the tee.
- Offers an impressive spin, especially with wedges.
- provides a higher trajectory for more precise shots.
- Effective for various swing speeds.
- It gives good spin and control around greens.
What I didn’t like:
- The outer cover is not durable and comes off after several shots.
Factors You Should Consider Before Choosing a Golf Ball for Your Simulator
The newness of the ball
Opting for new golf balls is advisable to safeguard both your impact screen and hitting mat. Using worn-out balls could damage your impact screen, incurring additional expenses for replacement. Furthermore, utilizing new, high-quality golf balls enhances the simulation experience.
Ball color
Launch monitors typically rely on specialized technology to track ball data. Some require the use of specific colored balls for optimal performance. White and yellow balls are commonly preferred due to their distinct contrast, facilitating accurate ball tracking. Foresight launch monitors, in particular, demonstrate improved functionality and accuracy when paired with white or yellow balls. It’s important to note that the ball’s color can significantly impact your simulator results.
Ball logo placement
The best golf balls for simulators are those with logos, offering two key advantages. This is one feature that the balls reviewed in this article share. Firstly, the logo on the golf ball serves as a visual reference point, enhancing the precision of the launch monitor in tracking the ball’s movement. Secondly, the logo provides distinctive identification, ensuring each ball is uniquely identifiable. This unique identification contributes to the efficiency of the tracking process on your launch monitor.
Ball performance
Srixon Soft Feel (SE) golf balls are specifically crafted to offer a well-rounded performance, featuring a soft feel that is resilient enough to endure the demands of simulator play. Titleist Pro V1 balls, on the other hand, are highly durable and designed for elite competitive play, providing advantages that may not be fully exploited in a simulator environment. Both balls are designed to enhance the simulation experience and offer a feel resembling that of a real course.
Personal playing style
Lastly, factoring in your individual playing style is essential when selecting a golf ball. Different golf balls boast unique attributes tailored for diverse conditions and playing styles. Certain balls are crafted to provide a soft feel across all shots while still achieving impressive distance, while others excel in both soft and firm course conditions. It’s crucial to align your ball choice with your specific playing preferences and the conditions you commonly encounter on the real golf course.
Final Verdict
The Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball is my top choice for a simulator setup because it offers impressive distance, soft feel, and affordability, making it a well-rounded option, especially for those with mid- to low-swing speeds. It’s a great choice for senior golfers and beginners. The yellow color option, along with the presence of logos, also adds to its suitability for simulator setup.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball offers exceptional performance and durability, but it has a higher cost. While it’s also a great but more expensive choice for a simulator setup, I would only recommend it if you are a serious golfer or high handicapper willing to spend a little more.
