Question:
Try the Titlest HP2 TOUR 100. It’s the best ball I’ve found. It has a much softer cover than the HP2 100 and about the same distance It also spins much better than the plain HP2. Regards and good luck Scott
Response:
The Titleist web site (http://www.titleist.com/noframe2.html) includes a ball selection guide based on the characteristics of your game. The link is "Choose the right ball". Fill in and submit the form and get a primary and secondary ball recommendation instantly. Ivor Durham
Response:
now on the other extreme…. i had a freind who showed me a maxfli balata he used over 5 consective rounds on a desert golf course (alice springs australia) and reckoned it was still in good going alright. i reckoned that the ball had no dimples left. he was one relaxed golfer 
mind you it was a good ball on the first day, he and i won the foursomes scratch event with it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw the replies to go to Balata or the Professional ball. If your serious about you game and plan to play tournaments, that may be the way to go. BUT, it’s expensive and you need to get a ball gauge to check roundness (metal plate with precise hole for maximum ball size.) Check either of the two above balls and you’ll find after 2 or 3 holes they’re out of round.
Response:
Most of the discussion assumes that the tradeoff is feel/workability around the greens vs distance on full swings. But there’s another important consideration (as Brent Hutto reminded me this weekend). The "workability" comes from the increased spin of a (1) balata and (2) three-piece ball. ANY ball that has increased spin WILL increase your hook or slice if you have one. Until my full swings are consistent enough that I KNOW which way my ball will spin, I don’t want a balata (or any other high-spin-rate) ball. Cheers! Dave
Response:
Most of the discussion assumes that the tradeoff is feel/workability around the greens vs distance on full swings. But there’s another important consideration (as Brent Hutto reminded me this weekend). The "workability" comes from the increased spin of a (1) balata and (2) three-piece ball. ANY ball that has increased spin WILL increase your hook or slice if you have one. Until my full swings are consistent enough that I KNOW which way my ball will spin, I don’t want a balata (or any other high-spin-rate) ball. Cheers! Dave
Hi Dave Yeah, I totally agree. I think basically that it’s horses for courses. You play with whatever suits you and your game. My own personal taste is that ‘feel’ on the green is important so I don’t play with the hard shell 2 piece balls. I’m a relatively short hitter, though so I choose the newer ‘performance’ balls. Basically they’re a mid-point between 2 and 3 piece balls (though, I suppose that would be a 2.5 piece ball <g!!). I’ve tried a few but without doubt the best I’ve played and the ones I’m going to stick with for a while are the Titleist HP2 Tour. Ged Ged Hockey http://www.personal.u-net.com/~hockey
Response:
Just thought I’d mention that the HP2 Tour supposedly has more spin on short pitches than the professional… check out the Titleist web site. Calvin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball switch. I’ve been playing the Titleist HP2 Tour 100 for two years with pretty good results; however, I feel like I’m missing some touch qround the greens (140 yards and in) with the HP2. I messed around with different balata balls, and they do seem to give better feedback and spin around the greens. I also like the fact that it is easier to make the ball move in How much distance will I lose going from HP2 Tour to a balata ball? Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT I saw the replies to go to Balata or the Professional ball. If your serious about you game and plan to play tournaments, that may be the way to go. BUT, it’s expensive and you need to get a ball gauge to check roundness (metal plate with precise hole for maximum ball size.) Check either of the two above balls and you’ll find after 2 or 3 holes they’re out of round. A -1 handicapper at my home course swears the Professional ball goes out of round faster than Balatas. Of all the balls I’ve played, the HP2 Tour your playing now has the softest feel of any durable ball. Now if your good enough maybe you can get Titliest to give you all your balls (like they do the Pros) and you can replace them every couple holes! I don’t know that you’ll lose significant distance with the Balata ball. I used to swear I hit them farther than solid balls 10 years ago, but solid ball technology has improved a LOT since then. Try a range that uses recycled balls, you usually see a few balatas. I don’t know if this helped, but you got my nickel’s worth! Tom Binney 42 years of golf and I still can’t hit it far enough or straight enough!
Response:
I plan on switching to the Titleist Professional 100 or the Titleist Tour Balata 100.
One thing you didn’t mention in your stats is how much disposable income you have to spend on golf balls every year. The reason I bring this up is that the two balls you are looking to switch to are somewhat expensive and are not very durable. The professional is more durable than the tour balata, but you’re still going to need a few balls per round. What are the differences between the two in terms of playability (I went to the Titleist home page, and they had a bunch of technical differences. I want to know how they play differently)?
Higher spin rates with the balata balls, so for playablilty, you can work the ball with more pronounced curves. If you like to work the ball, you may find this advantagous. If you’re like me and prefer a straighter line, a ball with less spin will not fade and draw quite as much. If you’re looking for more stopping power on your approach shots, a well struck balata will stop better than the HP2. I don’t want to lose control off the tee, but I want more playability around the greens. Is there a huge difference here?
Around and on the greens is where you will probably find the greatest advantage in balata if you like the softer feel of the ball. With a nice clean lie for chipping, you can use the extra spin to your advantage in being able to attack the pin more aggressively knowing (or hoping) that the ball will check up after a few bounces. But if you’ve got a poor lie in the rough and some grass is going to get between the ball and the clubface, you might as well be playing a top-flite because youre not going to be able to impart much spin on the ball. How much does cold weather (below 55 degrees) affect balls?
I don’t have the data handy. Maybe someone else can comment on this? How does putting seem to be affected? Dave Pelz said in his book that balata balls seemed to role straighter than 2 or 3 piece balls.
Putting with a balata will feel softer than the HP2. Depends on what you like. As for balatas rolling truer…see below. How long does a balata ball last before it becomes "out of round"? I’ve seen balata balls that had no cuts but looked like eggs they were so out of round!!
If you are going to use balata, other than the cost, my only cautionary advice is to keep an eye on it especially when you’re on the greens. Putting with an out of round ball won’t help you very much. I’ve had tour balatas go visibly out of round after two holes. Not very good when you’re spending over $10 a sleeve! How much distance will I lose going from HP2 Tour to a balata ball?
You hit the ball pretty far. You may loose a few yards here and there, but if your primary concern is for better performance around the greens, I think you shoud give balatas a try and see what you think. Personally, I would play the tour balata if I didn’t mind spending a lot of cash on golf balls or if Titleist decided to give me an unlimited supply. Since I can’t envision either happening anytime soon, I buy the high performance (higher spin rate) surlyn covered balls. They last forever and give you pretty good performance. Don’t laugh, but I found that the Wilson Pro Staff performance spin ball to be very good. Have you tried the Titleist DT 3-piece wound ball? Again, this might be the happy medium between performance and durability that you are seeking. — Patrick Inglis
Response:
Darrin, out of all the Titleists I’ve played, I think the Professional is the best in terms of spin without sacrificing durability. Their soft around the greens with little distance loss off the tee. The only downside is they’re so darn expensive. $$$$$$$ -Mike
Response:
As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball switch. I’ve been playing the Titleist HP2 Tour 100 for two years with pretty good results; however, I feel like I’m missing some touch qround the greens (140 yards and in) with the HP2. I messed around with different balata balls, and they do seem to give better feedback and spin around the greens. I also like the fact that it is easier to make the ball move in Here are some stats about me: 30 years old - male playing golf for 20 years 5 handicap long off tee – 270 to 280 with 9 degree, stiff shaft Big Bertha short game is my strong point very upright swing (my 855 irons are 2 degrees upright) stiff shafts in irons 2 iron distance – 215 yards 56 degree SW distance – 90 yards 7 iron distance – 165 – 170 yards *** all yardages are with HP2 100 Tour balls ball travel is straight or slight fade very strong short game I play 4 or 5 days a week and spend 4 hours per week practicing my short game. I plan on switching to the Titleist Professional 100 or the Titleist Tour Balata 100. In response to my questions, please compare the two balls I’ve mentioned to each other as well as to the HP2 Tour 100. What are the differences between the two in terms of playability (I went to the Titleist home page, and they had a bunch of technical differences. I want to know how they play differently)? I don’t want to lose control off the tee, but I want more playability around the greens. Is there a huge difference here? How much does cold weather (below 55 degrees) affect balls? How does putting seem to be affected? Dave Pelz said in his book that balata balls seemed to role straighter than 2 or 3 piece balls. How long does a balata ball last before it becomes "out of round"? I’ve seen balata balls that had no cuts but looked like eggs they were so out of round!! How much distance will I lose going from HP2 Tour to a balata ball? Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A couple of quick questions…… As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball swith. I played junky balls for years (that is, whatever I pulled out of my bag). I switched to HP2 100 Titleists last year and really liked them; however, I want the spin and feel that a balata ball provides. I felt like I was sacrificing my short game a bit with the HP2 because I really felt good with balata around the greens (140 yards and in). Here are some stats about me: 30 years old - male playing golf for 20 years 5 handicap long off tee – 270 to 280 with 9 degree, stiff shaft Big Bertha short game is my strong point very upright swing (my 855 irons are 2 degrees upright) stiff shafts in irons 2 iron distance – 215 yards 56 degree SW distance – 90 yards 7 iron distance – 165 – 170 yards *** all yardages are with HP2 balls ball travel is straight or slight fade I don’t want to lose control off tee, but I want more play around greens How much does cold weather (below 55 degrees) affect balls? I am trying to find the differences in the HP2 100, Tour Balata 100 and the Professional 100 Titleist balls. ANy hints. Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT
I like the Tour Balata 100. The Professionals are good balls in the wind, and seem a tad more durable than the Tour 100s…but are also more expensive. To me nothing putts like a balata and I’ve never noticed much difference in distance. — Enjoy, Tut
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball switch. I’ve been playing the Titleist HP2 Tour 100 for two years with pretty good results; however, I feel like I’m missing some touch qround the greens (140 yards and in) with the HP2. I messed around with different balata balls, and they do seem to give better feedback and spin around the greens. I also like the fact that it is easier to make the ball move in How much distance will I lose going from HP2 Tour to a balata ball? Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT
I saw the replies to go to Balata or the Professional ball. If your serious about you game and plan to play tournaments, that may be the way to go. BUT, it’s expensive and you need to get a ball gauge to check roundness (metal plate with precise hole for maximum ball size.) Check either of the two above balls and you’ll find after 2 or 3 holes they’re out of round. A -1 handicapper at my home course swears the Professional ball goes out of round faster than Balatas. Of all the balls I’ve played, the HP2 Tour your playing now has the softest feel of any durable ball. Now if your good enough maybe you can get Titliest to give you all your balls (like they do the Pros) and you can replace them every couple holes! I don’t know that you’ll lose significant distance with the Balata ball. I used to swear I hit them farther than solid balls 10 years ago, but solid ball technology has improved a LOT since then. Try a range that uses recycled balls, you usually see a few balatas. I don’t know if this helped, but you got my nickel’s worth! Tom Binney 42 years of golf and I still can’t hit it far enough or straight enough!
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball switch. I’ve been playing the Titleist HP2 Tour 100 for two years with pretty good results; however, I feel like I’m missing some touch qround the greens (140 yards and in) with the HP2. I messed around with different balata balls, and they do seem to give better feedback and spin around the greens. I also like the fact that it is easier to make the ball move in How much distance will I lose going from HP2 Tour to a balata ball? Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT
I play Tour Balata 90s and Dt wound 90s. Two differences. (1)The balata ball feels a little softer on putts. (2) After three or four holes, the balata ball starts to fall apart. Unless you never hit a tree or cart path, I would use the Wound 90s. Scott
Response:
Darrin, If you go to www.titlelist.com, they have a nice questionaire that then suggests a ball type. Obviously the drawback is only their balls are considered but it should give you an idea. For the record, I’m a 4 hdcp, hit it 250-260 (honest) when I get all of it, and pride myself on having a pretty good short game. Since the higher-spin durable balls came out a few years ago, I have not played a balata. My current favorites are the HP2 Tour and Precept Extra Spin. Interestingly the questionaire indicated my first choice of ball s/b the wound DT with the HP2 Tour coming in 2nd. Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball switch. I’ve been playing the Titleist HP2 Tour 100 for two years with pretty good results; however, I feel like I’m missing some touch qround the greens (140 yards and in) with the HP2. I messed around with different balata balls, and they do seem to give better feedback and spin around the greens. I also like the fact that it is easier to make the ball move in How much distance will I lose going from HP2 Tour to a balata ball? Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT I saw the replies to go to Balata or the Professional ball. If your serious about you game and plan to play tournaments, that may be the way to go. BUT, it’s expensive and you need to get a ball gauge to check roundness (metal plate with precise hole for maximum ball size.) Check either of the two above balls and you’ll find after 2 or 3 holes they’re out of round. A -1 handicapper at my home course swears the Professional ball goes out of round faster than Balatas. Of all the balls I’ve played, the HP2 Tour your playing now has the softest feel of any durable ball. Now if your good enough maybe you can get Titliest to give you all your balls (like they do the Pros) and you can replace them every couple holes! I don’t know that you’ll lose significant distance with the Balata ball. I used to swear I hit them farther than solid balls 10 years ago, but solid ball technology has improved a LOT since then. Try a range that uses recycled balls, you usually see a few balatas. I don’t know if this helped, but you got my nickel’s worth! Tom Binney 42 years of golf and I still can’t hit it far enough or straight enough!
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Response:
A couple of quick questions…… As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball swith. I played junky balls for years (that is, whatever I pulled out of my bag). I switched to HP2 100 Titleists last year and really liked them; however, I want the spin and feel that a balata ball provides. I felt like I was sacrificing my short game a bit with the HP2 because I really felt good with balata around the greens (140 yards and in). Here are some stats about me: 30 years old - male playing golf for 20 years 5 handicap long off tee – 270 to 280 with 9 degree, stiff shaft Big Bertha short game is my strong point very upright swing (my 855 irons are 2 degrees upright) stiff shafts in irons 2 iron distance – 215 yards 56 degree SW distance – 90 yards 7 iron distance – 165 – 170 yards *** all yardages are with HP2 balls ball travel is straight or slight fade I don’t want to lose control off tee, but I want more play around greens How much does cold weather (below 55 degrees) affect balls? I am trying to find the differences in the HP2 100, Tour Balata 100 and the Professional 100 Titleist balls. ANy hints. Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A couple of quick questions…… As winter ends in New England, I’m considering a ball swith. I played junky balls for years (that is, whatever I pulled out of my bag). I switched to HP2 100 Titleists last year and really liked them; however, I want the spin and feel that a balata ball provides. I felt like I was sacrificing my short game a bit with the HP2 because I really felt good with balata around the greens (140 yards and in). Here are some stats about me: 30 years old - male playing golf for 20 years 5 handicap long off tee – 270 to 280 with 9 degree, stiff shaft Big Bertha short game is my strong point very upright swing (my 855 irons are 2 degrees upright) stiff shafts in irons 2 iron distance – 215 yards 56 degree SW distance – 90 yards 7 iron distance – 165 – 170 yards *** all yardages are with HP2 balls ball travel is straight or slight fade I don’t want to lose control off tee, but I want more play around greens How much does cold weather (below 55 degrees) affect balls? I am trying to find the differences in the HP2 100, Tour Balata 100 and the Professional 100 Titleist balls. ANy hints. Thanks, Darrin Lucas Danbury, CT
I like the Tour Balata 100’s for the feel. But 3-4 holes and they are scuffed up. The professionals are more durable but I personally prefer the balatas.