The best low-compression golf balls are softer in their core and have an overall feel off the club face. Their ability to compress easier will be beneficial if you have a slow swing speed because it translates to maximized distance. Looking for the best models to pick for low compression? Here are the best options I’ve tested so far:
Here’s a list of the best compression golf balls and why I recommend them:
- Best Overall: TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft
- Best for straight distance: Bridgestone E12 Contact
- Best for budget: Callaway Supersoft
- Best value for the money: Srixon Q-Star Tour
- Best-performing golf balls: TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe
- Best for mid-swing players: Srixon Soft Feel
- Faster ball speeds: Vice Pro Soft
One of the lessons I’ve learned in my ten years of playing golf and watching other professionals is that spending a lot doesn’t always guarantee your game will improve. Regarding golf balls, many beginners think they should be playing a Titleist Pro V1 or TaylorMade TP5.
Apart from the fact that these balls cost upward of $6 each, they may not be the best match for you. Each golf ball model is designed for a special purpose. Hitting low-compression golf balls as a beginner, senior golfer, or player with a slower swing speed will put you on the right track to improving your game.
In case you’re in a hurry, the table below gives you a rundown of the top recommendations I’ll review in this article and how they individually measure up in areas of compression, wedge spin, layer, and, of course,
| olf ball | Layer Construction | Compression | Price (a dozen) |
| TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft | 2 | 60 | $25 |
| Bridgestone E12 CONTACT | 3 | 46 | $30 |
| Callaway Supersoft | 2 | 38 | $25 |
| Srixon Q-Star Tour | 3 | 72 | $35 |
| TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe | 3 | 70 | $43 |
| Srixon Soft Feel | 2 | 60 | $23 |
| Vice Pro Soft | 3 | 35 | $38 |
*at the time of publishing
Picking one out of the myriad of options on the market can be challenging. I have created this review to serve as a guide for you. I encourage you to read further to learn how each ball is performed as a low-compression golf ball.
1. TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft
TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft
$25
- Budget-friendly at just $1 per ball
- Urethane cover allows for spin with wedges and short irons
- They are beginner-friendly, delivering distance off the tee and playability on the greens
- Tailored for slow swing speeds, the TaylorMade Noodle golf balls provide a soft feel and low to average spin, making them a solid choice.
You will easily find your perfect match in the TaylorMade Noodle golf balls if you have slow swing speeds. They balance low to average spin and a soft feel, saving you from the agony of using harder options.
At just a buck a ball, I don’t cringe when a few go missing during a round. The latest edition’s medium compression score complements my moderate swing speed, thanks to the Impact Propulsion Core that aids energy transfer.
Moreover, the soft urethane cover allows your wedges and short irons to create spin, although it’s no tour ball. These balls are a beginner’s dream—long off the tee, gentle on the greens, and budget-friendly.
What I like about this golf ball
- Offers easy launching
- Affordable set of golf balls
- It provides low and long-gam spin
- You will achieve straighter flights with these balls.
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- Because it provides straighter flight, it has a lower workability than most other low-compression balls.
- It’s not a good option for more experienced players.
2. Bridgestone E12 CONTACT
Bridgestone E12 CONTACT
$30
- Offers a soft feel off the club face.
- The innovative “FLEXATIV” Surlyn cover adapts to swing, improving speed and spin control
- The Bridgestone e12 CONTACT, with its low-compression design, enhances game by delivering straighter shots
The updated Bridgestone e12 CONTACT is a top choice for golfing with a low-compression ball. It can improve your game by delivering straighter shots and adding distance.
The innovative “FLEXATIV” Surlyn cover can adapt to your swing, enhancing speed and spin control. Each dimple design minimizes sidespin for more precise shots.
The Active Acceleration Mantle boosts initial velocity, which is perfect if you do once-a-week games with limited practice.
This ball consistently performed with my driver, Cobra F7+, irons, and wedges. While not a pro-level ball, it is suitable for recreational golf, ensuring you enjoy the game with your family.
It’s durable and worth the price, and it can easily become your favorite go-to ball.
What I like about this golf ball
- The Flexiv Cover is Straighter Off the Tee
- Dimples, slow sidespin
- Soft feel off the club face
- Available in different colors for enhanced visibility on the golf course.
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- None so far.
3. Callaway Supersoft
Callaway Supersoft
$25
- The Callaway Supersoft ball impresses with its “HyperElastic SoftFast” core, delivering increased ball speed without compromising the soft feel.
- Excellent choice for golfers seeking consistency, greenside control, and a super soft feel.
- Improved durability, while the “Hex Aerodynamic” dimple pattern ensures longer and higher flights.
While testing the Callaway Supersoft ball for this review, the most terrific discovery is that the new “HyperElastic SoftFast” core boosted ball speed while maintaining that signature soft feel.
The hybrid cover provided low spin on long shots, a great feel on short game shots, and improved durability. The “Hex Aerodynamic” dimple pattern ensured longer and higher flights.
Additionally, the SuperSoft Alignment Aid improved putting accuracy. The Soft Compression Core delivered maximum ball speed, high launch, and low spin for extra distance.
These balls are perfect for golfers seeking consistency and greenside control, offering a super soft feel and excellent putting experience.
My drives gained 10 yards, and iron shots went 15 yards further, making a noticeable difference in the game.
I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with their score.
What I like about this golf ball
- The new HyperElastic SoftFast Core offers faster speed.
- More durable cover
- Thanks to Hex Aerodynamics, it reduces drag.
- 30-Day “Performance Guarantee”
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- It’s not even manageable for players with faster or medium swing speeds.
4. Srixon Q-Star Tour
Srixon Q-Star Tour
$35
- Offers low compression for moderate swing speed
- Spin Skin with SERM Technology
- Delivers increased friction and maximum spin for wedges and irons
- Seamlessly combines distance with a soft feel, enhancing the overall performance
Many people place the Srixon Q-STAR TOUR golf ball alongside the Callaway SuperSoft. For the sake of this review, I had to try both with this comparison in mind.
If you have moderate swing speed, the Q-STAR TOUR’s low compression will deliver the distance you need to outperform your competition and the greenside spin necessary to tackle tough pins.
The FastLayer Core seamlessly combines distance and a soft feel, while the Spin Skin with SERM technology ensures maximum spin for your wedges and irons.
The new longer side stamp aids in crucial putt alignment. Despite a slightly higher price tag than the SuperSoft, the Q-Star Tour is worth every penny for a superior golfing experience.
What I like about this golf ball
- Increased friction and maximum spin.
- FastLayer Core offers distance and a soft feel.
- A new longer side stamp helps align those critical putts.
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- Quite pricey compared to others
5. TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe
TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe
$43
- Strikes a perfect balance between driver distance and green control
- Great design and feel
- Premium, lower-compression ball that delivers enhanced performance
- Featuring the 360° “ClearPath Alignment” feature, it aids in faster and more consistent putt aiming
The TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe is a top choice for golfers seeking a premium, lower-compression ball that elevates performance from the tee to the greens.
The 360° “ClearPath Alignment” feature aids in faster, more consistent putt aiming and displays chip shot spin.
With a 3-piece construction focused on maximizing energy transfer for increased ball speed and a 100% urethane cover, it offers excellent spin and feel.
It strikes the perfect balance between driver distance and green control.
The Response Stripe enhances alignment and practice, making it ideal for all-around golfers.
What I like about this golf ball
- Great design and feel.
- Visually appealing
- It is easy to find and really helpful when lining up for putting.
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- Not the best option for budget-conscious buyers
- Expensive
6. Srixon Soft Feel
Srixon Soft Feel
$23
- Speed dimple pattern reduces drag and increases lift for enhanced distance
- Popular for casual golf rounds due to affordability, easy launch, and softness
- 338 Speed Dimple Pattern results in a higher ball flight
- Soft center and firm outer edge strike a balance between softness and distance
The Srixon Soft Feel has become another popular choice for casual golf rounds thanks to its affordability, easy launch, and delightful softness.
While it may not match the spin of high-end tour golf balls, it surpasses most distance-oriented options.
For golfers with moderate to slow swing speeds, it’s a fantastic value. The FastLayer Core impressively compresses on impact, offering a quick rebound and lower spin.
This combination results in a good distance off the tee and on long approaches.
The speed dimple pattern aids in reducing drag and increasing lift, enhancing overall distance.
Its soft center and firm outer edge create a perfect balance of softness and distance.
What I like about this golf ball
- There is a perfect amount of spin for all short-game shots.
- FastLayer Core provides plenty of distance off the tee.
- 338 Speed Dimple Pattern results in higher ball flight
- Great on games like chips, pitches, and putts due to the softer feel.
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- Only available in white and yellow
7. Vice Pro Soft
Vice Pro Soft
$38
- Vice Golf balls, like the Vice Pro Soft, impress despite being a newer brand in the market.
- Features the “High Energy Speed Core” and a 318 dimple design.
- Ultra-thin urethane cover for improved performance.
- Vice alignment line ensures precise cutting.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with Vice Golf’s balls, despite their relatively newer presence than a brand like Titleist in the golf ball market.
With its innovative “High Energy Speed Core” and 318 dimple design, the Vice Pro Soft is an answered prayer for slower swingers. Thanks to the ultra-thin urethane cover, it delivers increased ball speeds and exceptional control around the greens. Plus, the vice alignment line ensures precise cutting.
Having tried both Vice and Pro V1 balls, I noticed the main difference lies in spin for approach shots and chipping.
Vice offers slightly less spin but better rollout, making them an excellent value, especially if spin isn’t your top priority.
They remind me of Srixon Q-Star Tour balls. Vice Golf can easily win you with its fantastic feel and distance.
What I like about this golf ball
- Lower prices for bulk buying options
- Optimized alignment lines
What I don’t like about this golf ball
- None so far.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Use Low-Compression Golf Balls?
Unlike high-compression balls, low-compression golf balls are softer and easier to compress. They will benefit ladies, high handicaps, and seniors because these categories of players would prioritize more distance.
However, the added distance off the tee won’t necessarily include added accuracy unless you’re hitting well. So, as you invest in these low-compression balls, practice more to perfect your swing performance.
I hope this article has simplified your search for the next low-compression golf balls you will buy.
