100%. I think I’d lean towards Kirkland’s for casual play as they are more than capable. I also think they are great for simulator use. However, if I wanted to squeeze everything I can out of my golf ball I’d look at one of the more premium options. Thanks for the comment!! Hope you got some value out of the video!!
I haven’t. However I was thinking about making a sequel to this video and the Maxfli Tour X was on my list of potential balls to include. Thanks for the question!!
Not to be rude but these balls have a high compression and are designed for higher swing speed players (105+mph driver). Lower to mid swing speed players will not be able to actively compress these ball and therefore not reap the benefits.
It’s not rude at all, I know im not high speed for sure!! However, I’m closer to average than any 105+ swinger and as a result can provide data as to how these balls perform for the vast majority of golfers. Thanks for the comment!!
Yep. That’s why there’s a video. Funny enough these distances are very similar to everyone I play with randomly on the golf course. Seems to be quite a few folks with normal speeds. Thanks for the comment!!
@@TheGolfNerd it's not your total distance that confuses me. It's clearly your gaps. How do you play the clubs in-between when there's only 50 yards between your 7i and your D? It would be interesting to see you a video about your yardages per club, especially the top end of the bag.
Used a V3 kirkland ball today at Myrtlewood Palmetto (in M. Beach)... I agree with your conclusions, used 1 ball for the round, had 3 sand shots, shot a 77. No blemishes, spin and distance were much better than the V2s. Good value..
IF you're not at least a single digit handicap player, it doesn't matter what ball you use. I was reluctant about the Kirkland ball at first, but ended up buying a box of 24 balls for $27.99. I can honestly say that there's NO difference between this ball and the Titleist Pro V, other than the massive difference in price.
Thanks for the test data, I have generally found the prov1 to be 10-15 yards longer for me with the driver than the Kirkland (drives around 280-290y in summer conditions) apart from that I found the Kirkland to be a great ball 👍
Thanks for sharing your experience! When you refer to the Kirkland are you referring to the silver packaging or the new black packaging? The new ball has only been available for the last 5-6 weeks if that helps with the timeline. Thanks again for reaching out!!
@richdarlowsports you found the Pro-V1 to be 15 yards longer but apart from that the Kirkland is a “great ball”. I literally spin coffee out on my desk after reading your comment lol 😂.
Of all the balls I have tried and played: 1) Greenside spin has a direct relation with price. But if you mostly play bump-and-runs, that does not matter. 2) For mid-irons, it really doesn't matter what ball you play. 3) For tee shots: We are all slicing or hooking balls occasionally. Turns out, the harder the ball, the straighter it flies. There are very few balls I played that had noticably poor distance off the tee - I struggled with the Taylermade Noodle and Precept Laddies. The only ball I ever played that showed a markedly different behaviour off the tee was the AVX. For reasons unknown, it just had a lower, more piercing flight for me and it gave me 10 extra yards easily. (95 mph, 2 deg up driver swing, usually slightly spinny)
Thank you for taking the time to do this research and post this video. 15 years ago I did a real "field" test on various premium balls. I knew a guy who ran a sod farm and I went out there one day and hit my driver with all kinds of different new balls and multiple sleeves of Maxfli, Taylor Made, Bridgestone, Titleist, Callaway, etc. After 2-3 hours hitting on fields of different Bermuda (level, uphill, downhill, different cuts, etc), I concluded the Titleist ProV1 and ProV1X consistently won out for overall distance. I was 2-4 handicap player then. I'm a 5 now and at 49 years old I'm more concerned with wedge spin and putting feel for scoring rather than distance. I've played the Kirklands and I really like them. They're great for the money! One nit-picky comment I would add is for your driver stats you were 84.1mph for the Kirkland but 85.2mph for the Titleist. According to the experts every additional 1mph with the driver equates to 3 more yards, so with the Kirkland you may only be losing 3-4 yards instead of 8-10 yards.
That’s a fair criticism. Sounds like a pretty neat process you developed for determining what ball performed best for you! Very cool! Thanks for the comment!!
Old Kirkland ball was absolutely shorter for me vs my gamer when testing irons and driver. New Kirkland absolutely seems lower spin, longer, and more durable. I would imagine leveling the driver speeds brings data pretty close but nice test!!!
Again thanks for the video. I have now played 3 rounds with the v3 and like it. I'm suprised that it was found to be shorter. I didn't find that with my less scientific experience. I do think the cover is more durible than the last version.
My pleasure. A little of the distance was due to club speed, but the same held true on 7 iron and driver, so I would say it’s marginally shorter, but not overly so. Glad you enjoyed the video!!
I'll never understand why golfers with swing speeds this low play this type of ball. 2 piece low compression would give you 5-10 extra yards, allowing a club less into greens, thus negating most issues with the lower spin. It would also bring a lot more longer par 4's and par 5's within reach in regulation. Why short hitters want a ball that stops faster when they are already short of the green or pin on nearly every shot is something I'll never understand.
While I appreciate your concern, MyGolfSpy did an exhaustive look at golf balls and is about to release another. Their test was robot tested at different speeds and the short answer, harder balls go further. Obviously excess spin will shorten flight so perhaps that’s what you are referring to. However, I play yardages appropriate to my distances and I can assure you I do not leave every shot into the green short. I’m usually around 50 yards left into a par 5 after my second shot, which is exactly when you want a ball which you can send at the flag and know it will stop. I’ve been thinking of performing another test where I compare the Kirkland to some of the popular two piece balls just to try and bring some additional data to those who want the best possible solution for their game.
@@TheGolfNerd MyGolfSpy is perhaps the most biased group I have ever seen. They go into every test with the preconception that ProV1 is best, urethane is the only acceptable cover, everything else is crap. Not to mention that you are misquoting--they show that harder balls are faster, not longer in every case. Even they admit that spin, trajectory, and other factors can be longer for slower speeds. Check out ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dWCEJr0tKQ4.html for one of the many other tests that show softer balls are longer at slower speeds. As far as "wanting" a ball that will stop from 50 yards, that's a matter of personal preference. Personally, I find that most people do better at flying it 35 to 45 yards (depending on conditions) and playing for some release than they do taking the necessarily harder swing to fly it 50 with spin. There are players who are exceptions to this, and perhaps you are one, but most players perform better with a shorter, more controlled swing once they get past their irrational desire to play shots that "look like the pros play."
@@edg103 The @mygolfspy robot isn't biased. Having a preconception that the #1 ball on tour is best doesn't seem to influence the robot, as the Maxfl ball beat out the ProV1 in mid swing speed last year.
@@bradleystuart8608 Too bad so many balls missed out on the chance because their bias toward urethane is so deep they didn't even test any balls without that cover. They believe there is only one way to play the game... The traditional through the air American game. There is more than one way to play golf effectively.
@@edg103 glad you mentioned the softer balls. I watched the linked video above with interest. I remember playing the Callaway Supersoft years ago in the wintertime because I felt it went farther in colder temps. After watching the video I'm thinking of switching back to the Supersoft or ERC. My driver swing speed is 90-95.
Only a 60 yard difference from your 7 iron and driver? Whatever. Anyhow, I've tested the current Kirkland vs. the current Pro v1 and for me at least, the v1 was "maybe" 4-5 yards shorter. The Kirkland is a good ball however and feels great off the irons and performs super around the greens. Price is now $28.99 for 2 dozen when bought in the store. Can't beat that.
I’m an 11 with a 101mph driver swing speed. Ive been playing the Kirkland for about two years. Played with Pro v1x yesterday and noticed a little more distance (55-60 degrees outside). The one major difference was ball wear. The Titleist was significantly more durable. If you’re a decent ball striker and don’t lose balls, I’d say splurge on the titleist. I made it through about 12 holes with the same ball and it’s still fine to start the next round. Kirklands scuff and tear after a couple holes.
The new cover is better, but they still fall a little short in terms of performance. If you want to max out your performance, there’s better options like you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Only writing this bc I wish I had this info a couple years ago. I play a couple times per week, year-round in the desert and am always switching between balls depending on who I play with. For context, I play PXG clubs, stiff shafts and drive about 285-295 yds, 5i 215, PW 160, and am a 10 handicap for tournaments and club competitions. The short answer is both TP5X and ProIX are ideal for my swing and I would play either of these if maximum performance is required. However, our club has a lot of water, some risk/reward, and some target golf holes so if I am playing around with friends and trying high risk plays on every hole, I used to play pxg so I dont worry if I lose a dozen balls screwing around. They have similar distance are not excellent arounds the greens. The "feel" off the long irons is not smooth and putting could be better off the face. Finally, when I am playing with Family and friends rhat are not very talented, I have Kirkland as a go-to. Two reasons, its like 24 balls for $25 or some crazy price. So I could lose 2 dozen and not care. The other reason is none of the people will hit the ball as far so using the Kirkland will make it more enjoyable as our shots will all be closer The facts are Kirkland drive 265 and I lose 10-15 yds on full irons. However they are vey responsive from 100yds in (just adjust for 10% shorter shot). I actually prefer the Kirkland around the greens and putting over the PXG, but again the distance is way lower than Premium X and PXG balls. Bottomline is, if I am playing with low-handicap players, or in a tournament I'll always play a Premium X ball, usually TP5x. Just no real comparison on performance. But if you are out just enjoying your time with family/friends, or are price-sensitive, there is no reason to not play Kirkland.
Newer ball is about 7 yards shorter off the for me than ProV1x. Seems to spin less than previoud model too. Definitely feels firmer. Overall I think previous kirkland was better, albeit less durable.
Best ball on the market for value and performance. My gamer is the pro v but I don’t choose to spend that money outside only in my sim. I have games the kirk all year. Played my best golf with it. Does what it needs to do and holds up very well. Good video for folks to see
good video but if your not swinging fast enough you wont generate much spin anyways no matter what ball you play. i dont get much spin from a wedge that i hit 50 yrds vs when i hit it 80 100 or 120. ill hit the kirklands off the tee but not into a green where i need the ball to stop when it lands not release 5ft from a full wedge or 10-15 yrds with a full 7iron out the rough there is a reason these balls aren't on tour they dont generate enough spin for control around the greens where it counts.
I appreciate the feedback but we will have to agree to disagree. I can spin these Kirkland’s backwards with 8500 spin all day. I won’t argue higher speed players generate more spin, but the spin I generate using a Kirkland backs it up easily on short irons/wedges. Thanks again for reaching out!!
You have to look at more data than distance like in driver. You think you're giving up distance but you had the lowest smash factor and a steeper angle of decent. I'd be curious to see launch angle as well
I might revisit this and release a part 2. I’ve been going through a lot of changes with my coach and my swing was not operating then as well as I would have liked. If I do this, I’ll try to include more data! Thanks!!
cool video, this confirmed what i was seeing on course. the kirkland is a pretty spinny ball. great around the greens , but not the best in the wind. not the longest off the tee either but pretty negligable
It’s a great ball for the price but you do give up a little to the higher end balls. The Vice pro plus performed pretty solid for another budget option. Thanks for the comment!!
If I do another round of ball testing, which I probably will, I’m gonna include Snell. I know folks who use them love em and I always liked the TM Project A which I’m sure you know is also a Snell design. So, for sure, they’ll be included next time. Thanks for the comment!!
Should have used ProV1X instead of ProV1 because the compression rating is closer to the rest. Also TP5X isn’t a lower spinning ball than ProV1, higher compression balls have higher spin.
I think this is kinda fun testing different balls. There may be a sequel and Pro V1x would be on the list for sure. Thanks for sharing about compressions affect on spin rate. I’m certainly no ball expert!! That’s why I thought the test would be interesting! Thanks for reaching out!!
Of course! I think everyone loves seeing people make these videos, and we all appreciate it 👍. Just thought I’d clear that little tidbit up. Check out MyGolfSpy’s ball tests if you ever get the chance.
All these golf balls I've played or lost. Whenever a golfer buys balls he subconsciously knows he's throwing away $45 to $55 on every dozen. It's why you see slow play on the course because golfers are looking deep into the woods trying to find it or find some other poor souls los ball. I suppose the average golfer has a 25-30 handicap and spending hard earned money on something you're eventually going to lose is a tough pill to swallow
Appreciate the review of these balls but these balls perform differently with higher swing speeds. This review is more suitable for slower swing speed players IMO. The Vice Pro Plus which I now play after years of playing the Pro V1x, you need a swing speed over 100 mph. My driver swing speed is over 110 mph. The Vice Pro Plus plays more similar to the Pro V1x but a little less spin and slightly softer feel at compression. I have never played the TP5x yet, but for right now, I'm loving the Vice Pro Plus as it best suites my game, love also the choices of colored balls, the lower prices (5 dozen + free dozen special) for $26/dozen for a 4-piece urethane ball.
I think they represent a great value! I can certainly appreciate the feels and spin characteristics changing at your speeds. Not something I can relate to, but I appreciate you sharing your experiences!
I'm also 110+, have you played any of the 2023 Maxfli balls? I gamed a Pro V1 for the last few seasons, and have considered a switch to the V1x, but at ~$5/ball I'm looking for better value. Just read the MGS Ball Lab results released yesterday and the Maxfli Tour X seems comparable to both the Pro+ and V1x.
@@phil9005 no, I haven't played the Maxfli balls yet. But a buddy of mine tried them out recently and he liked them except less spin with mid irons and the durability wasn't as good as the vice pro+. May not mean anything since he was the one that got me to change from ProV1 to Vice.
I think the interesting bit for me is the smash factor is still low for the Kirkland v3, but I like the look of the spin being a bit more moderate. At the same price roughly (when it comes to the UK) if the cover is better as you said in the other video, then they'll be of immense value to really consider for anyone
100%. For use in sims and for casual rounds it’s great and is a fantastic value. To get the best numbers possible, in my opinion you have to upgrade. Thanks for the comment!!
Is that driver speed correct? you look fairly young and fit, no reason you shouldn't be swinging at least in the high 90's. I suggest watching some Dr. Kwon's videos on RU-vid. I showed a friend of mine these drills, and he went from low 80's to low 90's in about 15 minutes. Good luck!
It is, but I am taking lessons and working on some moves that I’m really uncomfortable with. As a result I had some pretty poor ball striking, my confidence was down and I just wasn’t swinging the best. I am just trying to stay focused on the fact the speed will come but I really want to improve my mechanics and need to stick with it. I believe it’s good data for the comparison, as I think the breakdown of data is representative of what anyone would see difference wise. BTW, I am a huge fan of Dr Kwon. Certainly can’t go wrong with his stuff!! Thanks for reaching out!!!
@@rickhammel9541 that is moving!! If I could comfortably game 95-100, I think I’d hit my personal goals in terms of performance. I’m a recreational player, just a nerdy one! Lol!!
70% of the top 100 tour players prefer the Titleist product. The rest tossup between Srixon, Callaway, Taylormade, and Bridgestone. Kirkland will not be on tour.
99% of us will never be on tour. 99% of us appreciate the value of the Kirkland ball cost. At this price, the average golfer can get more rounds in. That's a win win
@@TheGolfNerd I play PROv1 but I like the Kirkland a lot but it’s pretty spinning.. a little shorter as well but you don’t feel as bad when you lose one lol
I have amassed a huge stockpile of version 2 balls. Suffice it to say, when I hit an errant shot, I don't look for them! Trying to burn through them so I can start using V3's!! LOL!!
@@TheGolfNerd yeah I like them a lot .. I get the prov1 buy 3 get one free deal but i don’t like losing them lol depends on the course I probably lose one every couple rounds so it’s not too terrible but still
Old Kirkland great for Seniors with slow swing speeds needing longer clubs into greens. For slow swing speeds the distance between longest and shortest drive is less than 5 yards. You need stopping power ,reason for older Kirkland 2.0
Id like to see this test with a higher swing speed also, i am around a 115-119 club head speed on my driver. Currently i use Vice Pro, TP5 and the ball i get the most distance out of is the Volvik Vivids.
You and I both would like to see this tested at those speeds!!! Unfortunately, I’m a slow and aging golfer and even though I believe I’ve got more in the tank than I had when I shot this video, my max right now is around 95mph. Sorry I can’t help provide what you’re looking for!!
As someone in the same boat, 117 club head on average, I have been hesitant to buy a 2 dozen if it’s not a good fit. Normally I’m a Z Star XV or Vice Pro guy to maximize my distance. I bought a sleeve of Kirklands off a buddy and did loose about 10-15 yards on my drives. They definitely aren’t as spinny as the last V2 but are still easily over compressed at our swing speeds
