Golf Ball Compression Chart (2023 Update)

Finding the right golf ball compression for your game is vital. Compression measures how hard or soft the golf ball is, with lower compression meaning a softer ball. So, let’s see where your swing speed fits in the golf ball compression chart and that will tell you which is best for you (and why). 

The golf ball’s compression is the density or tightness of the ball. The lower the compression of a golf ball, the softer they are. If a golf ball is high in compression, it is harder. Low compression balls work best for golfers with a slower swing, giving a golfer more distance with their shots.

Here’s a golf ball compression chart:

Compression	Low	Middle	High
Swing Speed	Below 85 MPH (136.8 KMH)	85 – 100 MPH	Over 100 MPH (160.9 KMH)

Let’s compare some different golf ball compression options and see what fits your needs.

Low Compression Golf Balls

Benefits of Low Compression Golf Balls

• Increased distance for slow-swinging players
• Increase ball spin
• Soft for easier ball control

Low compression golf balls have many benefits, especially for beginners, seniors, or people with slower swing speeds. When it comes to selecting the best golf balls for beginners, low compression balls are a great option as they can help golfers with slower swing speeds to achieve more distance and accuracy on their shots.

These golf balls can help with distance and spin. They are softer and compress more easily when you hit them. Because of their softness, these balls release more energy when contacted and therefore travel a greater distance.

Golfers who use low compression balls may have a lower swing speed.

Many golfers recommend starting with low compression balls when you are first learning how to play. This is because the ball’s softness allows you to feel how your shot impacts the ball. This feature is important for beginners to ensure they are swinging correctly. 

Downsides of Low Compression Golf Balls

• Golfers used to high compression may struggle to control the shot
• Too much spin can sacrifice distance

Low compression golf balls have downsides, too. If you are used to high compression balls and plan to switch to low compression, you may struggle at first.

Knowing how to control the ball with high compression balls is very different from low compression. So, you will have to rethink some of your strategies when playing.

When it comes to control, low compression balls can give slow-swinging players more control over their shots. However, they can do the opposite for those with higher swinging speeds.

The ball’s softness means it can go farther than you want it to when taking a shot. More distance is not always a good thing in the game of golf. 

Golfers Who Would Benefit Most From Low Compression Golf Balls

• Beginners
• Slower Swing Speeds
• Seniors
• Casual Golfers

High Compression Golf Balls

Benefits of High Compression Golf Balls

• Increased distance for fast-swinging golfers
• Optimal control
• Won’t go as high; better for distance

These benefits seem similar to those of low compression golf balls, but there are some major differences. You will only benefit from high compression golf balls if you have a high swing speed. Otherwise, you won’t see any of these benefits. 

You may wonder how these changes are possible based on swing speed.

When you hit a golf ball at a low speed, you may need some help from the ball to get the distance you want. This is where low compression can help you improve your distance. If you use low compression balls with a high-speed swing, it will actually decrease your overall distance.

This happens due to the construction of the ball.

The contact will force the ball to contract when you hit a low compression ball. As a result, the ball essentially jumps forward, giving you more distance. If you do this at a high swinging speed, the low compression ball will still compress but not in time with your hit. The delayed compression slows down the ball’s speed. 

Downsides of High Compression Golf Balls

• Low distance boost with slow swinging speed
• Feel different from low compression balls

The downsides of high compression golf balls arise for golfers with a slow swinging speed. If you are used to low compression golf balls, these will be difficult to get used to. They have an entirely different feel when you hit them compared to low compression. 

You can use these with a slow swinging speed, but you will not get as much out of them as possible. Instead, your ball will not go as far. So, consider that before switching or trying these instead of low compression golf balls. 

Golfers Who Would Benefit Most From High Compression Golf Balls

• Intermediate to expert players
• Those trying to increase their swing speed
• Fast hitters who want better control

The Best Options for Low and High Compression Golf Balls

Now that we know the main differences between low and high compression golf balls let’s talk about some of our favorite brands. While there are some clear high and low compression options, you will also find several middle options for you to get the best of both. 

Our Favorite Low Compression Golf Balls: Titleist Velocity Golf Balls

If you need a low compression golf ball that can help you get more distance with every shot, we recommend the Titleist Velocity golf balls.

These give you the maximum distance on slower swings without too much spin.

We highly recommend these golf balls for slow-swing players because they tend to fly higher when hit.

Fast hitters do not need the extra height as it will force them to sacrifice distance. However, height can be difficult for slow-swinging players to achieve, so these balls provide a great opportunity to get the ball even higher on your swings. 

High Compression Golf Balls We Recommend: TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls

If you are looking for high compression golf balls, try the TaylorMade TP5 golf balls. These golf balls have five layers of material on the inside, allowing you to get the most out of high-speed swings.

From the core to the cover, many parts of this golf ball make it great for those who tend to swing fast.

The dimple pattern on the outside of the ball creates a more aerodynamic experience, allowing the ball to travel further. So, you can still find ways to get more distance from high compression balls, even if it may be a different method. 

Middle Compression Option: Wilson Tour Velocity Golf Ball Pack

We recommend the Wilson Tour Velocity golf balls for golfers with medium swinging speeds.

These golf balls give you the benefits of both high and low compressions without being too hard or soft. This feature is excellent for players who normally use low compression golf balls and are looking to move toward a higher compression without the drastic change. 

These golf balls provide a little bit of compression when you hit the ball without being too much and sacrificing distance for those with faster swinging speeds. They also provide a good amount of rolling after your ball hits the fairway or green. So, you can get a lot more distance after the ball hits the surface.

Try these golf balls as a middle ground for those who struggle with low and high compression balls and want something different. They provide good benefits to help your game without being too hard or soft.

Using the Right Compression

Now that we know the differences in golf ball compression, let’s talk about whether or not you’re using the right compression.

It can be difficult to tell what’s right for you as you, the average golfer, probably don’t know your exact swing speed. Even if you do, the speed can change over the years of playing the game as your skills and muscle mass change. 

When you see the swing speed of professional golfers, it can be difficult not to want to achieve those speeds. In reality, most golfers swing below 100 MPH (160.9 KMH). So, you may not swing as fast as you think.

How To Find Out Your Swing Speed

• Visit a pro shop
• Take a lesson as they usually have a radar
• Purchase a speed monitor

Each of these options can give you a better idea of your club swing speed. A radar monitor that accurately determines your swing speed is expensive. So, we understand that not everyone can afford that option.

Consider visiting your local pro shop and trying out some new golf clubs for a free option. There, you can measure just how fast you swing.

Once you know your swing speed, you can better determine your appropriate compression. So, let’s break down what your speed means when it comes to compression. 

Compression	Low	Middle	High
Swing Speed	Below 85 MPH (136.8 KMH)	85 – 100 MPH	Over 100 MPH (160.9 KMH)

Remember, this number is only an estimate. If you’re close to the limit for any compression type, we recommend trying both to see which works better for your play style.

Final Thoughts on Golf Ball Compression

The golf ball compression you need depends on how you play the game. Check your swing speed to get a better idea of which compression level is best for you.

Switching up the golf ball compression level you use may help you get more distance and better spin. So, consider switching to a different compression level depending on your swing speed.