The Big Ball Chart
The most comprehensive golf ball comparison chart on the web.
*Updated February, 2025.
*Some compression ratings are not public information and were therefore provided by company representatives via email. A few brands, like Snell and Seed, only provided ranges. Some information is unavailable.*
Compression Explained
​Which golf ball compression is best? The density of a golf ball's inner core determines its compression rating. A golf ball with high density has a harder inner core that resists compression, while a golf ball with low density has a softer core. This compression or lack thereof affects how the ball behaves upon impact:
Upon contact, high compression balls better maintain their shape and spin less.
Low compression balls 'spring back' more, often helping golfers with slower swing speeds achieve greater distance. See more information here.
Covers explained
You may have wondered "What kind of golf ball covers should I play?" There's no simple answer, but if you prefer spin, urethane is best. There are two main types of covers:
1. Ionomer
Ionomer spins less. An ionomer ball isn't necessarily low compression or two/three-pieced, but it is more likely to be so.
Surlyn is a trademarked type of ionomer.
2. Urethane
Urethane spins more. A urethane ball isn't necessarily high compression or four/five-pieced, but it is more likely to be so.
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Layers Explained
Are golf ball layers important? Four and five-piece balls are considered the Cadillacs of golf balls, partly because they almost always have urethane covers. Two and three-piece balls are typically cheaper, partly because they are almost always have ionomer covers.