Second tier balls - need your thoughts

[usa1950]

I've played the ProV1, and of course the Nike Platinum and the Callaway Tour Balls all fall into the "top tier" category... Put the Bridgestone and the ZUrs in there as well I suppose.

But I keep going back to the "second tier" for my purchases, mostly due to the performance being very good, and the price always outstanding. I get more for my money at $15-$20 a dozen for Maxfli Tour Fire than I do at $40+ for the ProV1's.

So, I'm at Golfsmith a few days ago hitting some balls on the launch monitor, and I take some stupid survey as I'm walking out the door. 5 minutes of my time is rewarded with a $15 gift card.

What I want to know is your thoughts on the various second tier balls out there, and which brand should I take a chance on a pick up a dozen?

I want something that spins close to what the top tier balls can muster... but for a lot less money.

I mentioned the Maxfli Tour Fire, love those, but have 2 dozen now, and want to try something else. But they are the type of ball I'm looking for.

Top Flite - is it the Gamer? Or something "feel"
Titleist NXT Tour?
Srixon? Know nothing about them..... need help
The Wison Staff 50 50 scares me a bit.....

What say you!!!

 

[usa1950]

I should say that I am not looking for a ball that costs $15 or less.... I'll thrown in a little cash of my own if needed.......


Also, I remember a Golf Magazine Article earlier this year, which profiled dozens of balls, and mentioned a website which has tons of specs, a survey you can take which allows you to input the characteristics you are looking for (spin, cover, distance, feel, compression, etc) and out pops a few recommendations.

Anyone know of such a website?

 

[Eracer]

Forget the Gamer - it was very disappointing.

If you can snag the Top-Flite Feel or Distance (I didn't see much difference, and they are both discontinued, and discounted,) then grab some of those. I think the Distance is an amazing ball for the money. No, it doesn't spin like a ProV1, but on a decent green I can get it to stop within a club length when hitting a 7-iron.

 

[usa1950]

The "feel"... is that the D2 Feel?

 

[Clugnut]

I always think of changing. I played the TF Gamer last time I played. It seemed great, spun good for a cheaper ball. I just get a question in my head if I switch from the ProV1x. If I play the ProV, I'm not thinking about the ball, because it is always going to do the same thing. Since I buy seconds for 7.50 a dozen, I do not see a need to switch.

Anyway, the Gamer spun as good as the ProV1x. It seemed a little twitchy off the putter (Could have been me), and it moved way more off the driver. Good for a straighter hitter who wants some greenside spin, me thinks.

 

[Eracer]

The "feel"... is that the D2 Feel?

Correct. I think the Distance (Top-Flite D2 Distance) feels nearly as good as the "Feel" and seems to go a bit straighter and longer.

 

[Eracer]

I always think of changing. I played the TF Gamer last time I played. It seemed great, spun good for a cheaper ball. I just get a question in my head if I switch from the ProV1x. If I play the ProV, I'm not thinking about the ball, because it is always going to do the same thing. Since I buy seconds for 7.50 a dozen, I do not see a need to switch.

Anyway, the Gamer spun as good as the ProV1x. It seemed a little twitchy off the putter (Could have been me), and it moved way more off the driver. Good for a straighter hitter who wants some greenside spin, me thinks.

That's pretty much the feeling I got. The D2 Distance is great off the tee. Doesn't spin much on short shots around the green, but spins enough on mid and long iron shots. Much better off the putter than the Gamer. I like the ProV1, but I don't swing hard enough to make it spin.

 

[sssmokin]

I've been thinking of trying these out:

Bridgestone golf balls: Bridgestone Bridgestone Treo Soft

 

[ualtim]

Top Flite D2 Feel. 15 balls for 15 bucks. Best value ball on the planet, and its performance is amazing for a 2 piece ball. Its spin comes up just a bit short pf premium balls, but its as close as you going to get with 2-piece.

 

[Pa Jayhawk]

I like the Maxfli Tour Fires, and really don't consider them a second tier ball. Just like any other Maxfli that you can get dirt cheap after it has been out for about 6 months. Probably the reason I have always been a fan of Maxfli golf balls, assuming you don't have a problem with changing golfballs ever 2 years or so.

 

[usa1950]

Agreed on the Maxfli situation Pa J....

My favorite ball of all time might be the Maxfli Revolution... the first model, which was a three piece, and had a urethane cover. The Rev solids came next and spun less. Tour Fires are indeed a great ball, and not really second tier to me either.

The Bridgestone's look interesting. I might have to perform my in store test... which is to bite the damn ball and feel how soft the cover is. My wife hates it, but she hates a lot of things I do!! :emot-ange

I'd really like to hear about the Titleist NXT Tour. If anyone has played them recently, how do they rank with regards to short iron spin as compared to some of the other balls we've mentioned?

 

[King Par]

Why not go for the HX Hot or HX Hot Bite? I've always liked those balls.

 

[West Coast Duffer]

Agreed on the Maxfli situation Pa J....

My favorite ball of all time might be the Maxfli Revolution... the first model, which was a three piece, and had a urethane cover. The Rev solids came next and spun less. Tour Fires are indeed a great ball, and not really second tier to me either.

The Bridgestone's look interesting. I might have to perform my in store test... which is to bite the damn ball and feel how soft the cover is. My wife hates it, but she hates a lot of things I do!! :emot-ange

I'd really like to hear about the Titleist NXT Tour. If anyone has played them recently, how do they rank with regards to short iron spin as compared to some of the other balls we've mentioned?

If you like the Maxfli tours I think those got repackaged as the Burner TPs.

 

[mddubya]

On the days my game is off, more often than I care to admit here lately, I use Bridgestone e6 plus, when I just want to hack around and practice, I play Precept Laddie X's. 15 bucks for 24 balls, pffftttttt, can't beat it.

 

[SilverUberXeno]

Bridgestone e6/e6+ are excellent balls.