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After countless hours of testing and data entry, we’re finally ready to present the top 100 golf balls of the year. This comprehensive golf ball review details the extensive process behind our rankings, offering a thorough golf ball comparison for enthusiasts. Discover which golf ball truly stands out after rigorous golf ball test sessions.
After over 10,000 shots and hundreds of hours on the chipping and putting green, excruciating long nights of data entry, this is what we’ve all been waiting for. The time of the year when everything finally comes together. This is the top 100 golf balls by Golf Ball Addict. Are you excited, my fellow golf ball addicts? Because I’ll tell you what, I sure am. This is the best part of the year to be in the golf ball addict community. And that, of course, is the top 100 golf ball list. This is where all the hard work that I’ve put in from January until now gets to come and blossom into fruition. Talking about over 10,000 golf shots into the net this year. me, just one guy in my backyard hitting them, testing on my putting green, putting in the data, crunching the numbers, you know, uh, going in and doing datical analysis, you know, to try to get the top 100, right? I’ll talk about that boring stuff in a second, but it it’s all worth it when we get to this point because this is something that I think no one else really does. We see top 10 lists, we see top 20 lists, we see robotic testing, but top 100 golf balls is truly unique and it’s one thing that makes this channel really awesome. So, this is the introductory video. I do this every year just to make sure everyone understands what I’m grading these balls on and how the metrics are. I did change it up a little bit this year. There was a lot of feedback last year about Nick, we want more performance-based. Like, it’s cool that you have design and, you know, some other stuff in there like greenside sound, whatever feel, but value, that’s another one, but we want performance to be the majority of it. And I understand that. That makes sense. So, what I did this year was I took 20 different metrics and they’re all on a scale of 1 to five. That’s basically their score. I guess it’s 0 to five. You could get a half point, but um and it’s out of a score of 100. That’s the total score. Now, 70% of the grade is purely performancedriven. So, that is your 50 yard pitch, your pitching wedge, your seven iron, your driver, all based on, you know, there’s the pitching wedge, uh ball speed, uh total distance, spin, all that good stuff. You can see it on the screen here. That’s what the performance metrics are graded on on a scale of one to five. And essentially the way I graded them was it just depends on how they did on the list. It’s actually pretty easy. You just rank them from, you know, what got the most to what got the least and then you just divide them and then give, you know, 10, 9, 8, 7. It’s pretty basic and straightforward, you would think. Get to more of that in a second. But the rest of the metrics that I grade on are a little different. Like this year I am doing accuracy. You know, I I throughout the year I’ve been tracking that, giving scores out of five, and that’ll be another one is how accurate the golf ball was. Is it really tight on the dispersion chart, or is it kind of all over the place? Distance control. If I mishit one, is it really low and then one’s really far and one’s, you know, in the middle and it’s all over, or is everything really tight? That’s also graded on five. Durability out of five. I mean, obviously, that’s really important. If a golf ball doesn’t last you a whole round, it’s going to be a big deal. Yes, value is on there. Again, value can be subjective, but what I tried to do was basically just market value compared to how other market and AAA balls out of five. You know, if you’re getting an amazing golf ball performance and you’re only paying a dollar a golf ball, that’s pretty good in my book. Forgiveness, of course, forgiveness is one of the biggest factors on this channel. And again, out of five, it’s only 5% of the grade, but it definitely needs to be in there for sure. And last, but not least, yes, design. I know some of you hate that, but it’s only 5%. And the reality is it’s actually less than that because if a golf ball as long as a golf ball was just okay at design, like it’s just it’s just a basic model. I gave it like a two and a half or a three. Unless it looked like it came out of Frankenstein’s factory, I didn’t give anything lower than that. So the majority of golf balls were from three to five. It’s basically a bonus point. It it is what it is, right? But I mean, it’s still to me, I gave bonus points to golf balls like Callaway or Tailor Made that have cool designs or have a 360 alignment tool or high viz colors, things like that. So, it’s all very small on the grand scale, but it’s still in there. So, now one of the things I tried to keep track of this year was my swing speed, which I didn’t keep track of last year very well. This year, I wanted to make sure, you know, the data was as tight as can be and as accurate as can be. And so, that was one thing I really tracked. So, after the fact, I had to go back in and essentially like, let’s say 84 mph is my 7 iron, right? That’s my average of what I did for this year. There were some golf balls tested at 82.9 or 83.1. I had to go back in and kind of calculate and say, “Okay, that’s really low. What would it have been if it had been closer to 84?” You know, and I had to give bonus points there. Just little tiny bonus points to help those out. And on the opposite end, if I tested one that was 86 mph, well, that’s too fast. Of course, the numbers are going to be inflated. So, I kind of had to bring those down. And I’ve spent the last few weeks doing that. And I’ll tell you what, it it kind of broke my brain a little bit. But I’m so happy how it turned out. I have never been more confident. I have never been more happy. I have never been more um just excited how accurate I think this list is. Now, let’s talk about that for a second. When I say accurate and how this list is, all right, I do want to talk about a couple things when it comes to this list. Most of you know this, but I just like to, you know, reiterate it just in case there’s any newcomers to the channel. It’s a fun list. 100 golf balls. It’s very fun. Just because a golf ball tests 50th doesn’t mean it’s not a good golf ball for you. It could be. Golf balls are about fitting. So one that isn’t good for me might be good for you. Okay? So please don’t take it to heart. If it’s if your golf ball that you love is ranked 60th, awesome. It might work great for you. Maybe it just didn’t work great for me. But please don’t be like, “Well, I can’t trust this list now.” That’s not how it works. This is for fun at its core. And if you do think I got something wrong, you’re more than welcome to challenge me. I I would love that. I mean, really, I’m just kind of letting the numbers talk anyway. But if you feel that a golf ball was wronged, I have no issue. Get in that comments and let me know. Also, number two, remember this because the data is so tight. And because this year I hit more shots and then narrowed down to 10 opposed to previous years, the data in here is really, really tight. The difference between, let me give you this example because I wanted to make sure I looked this up. If you take two golf balls and golf ball A is, you know, whatever, and golf ball B is one yard less across the board on everything, every club, you know, one yard. It’s the difference that of the golf ball being 20th and 60th. No, not making that up. That’s how tight these numbers are. So again, don’t take the number so literal like, oh my goodness, if I play the 80th golf ball, I’m going to suck. It’s all within a yard or two or three. It’s so tight. And so, you know, again, the top 100 has so many great models. I would actually say once you get in the top 60, those are all pretty darn good golf balls. Obviously, once you get to 30, 20, those are your elite golf balls. But, I mean, they can be used. You know what I mean? Don’t think that they’re just not good. I’ve had some people in the past be like, “Yeah, you ranked this one 47th, so I guess I won’t play it.” I there’s a golf ball on this list that’s ranked like 72nd that I’ve been playing half the year. So, I mean, it it happens. Like, it’s not a bad thing. So, also, one last thing before I forget. I mentioned it in my video yesterday. I did a little video on it. Some of you already know. But there are many golf balls that I did not get to test this year. I will be testing them over the next two, three weeks while this list is going on. When this list concludes, I will go and make another video and talk about the golf balls I’ve tested and put them into the list to put on the website for a final checkdown. I just didn’t have enough time to get through all of them, but I have like another 30, 40 that need to be tested. And so, if you don’t see your golf ball on this list, it probably could be coming. And so I apologize about that. Remember, I’m just one guy. I tried my best, but here we are. Okay. Um, now this is going to be the second part of the video, which is we’re going to talk about the golf balls that couldn’t even make the top 100. So, um, you know, I just mentioned that the top 100, all of those could be used by somebody most likely, but let’s be honest, if you couldn’t even get in the top 100, I would probably just stay away. So, I’m going to pull this chart up here, and I want to show you this. So, when it comes to the golf balls that couldn’t even make the cut, you know, I mean, we’ll go from the bottom down. You know, the Bridgestone Distance Force was a exclusive from PGA Superstore, uh, really bad. I mean, just a really mediocre effort. The Athletic Works golf ball from Walmart, you know, nothing. Snell 4.0 is really disappointing. Ever since they switched factories, they’ve not been very good. The Sixen Soft feel could be good if you’re a slower swinger, but for me, eh, same thing with the Topflight XL control. Uh, the Snell 2.0 know is amazing when it comes to spin and feel and control around the green, but you sacrifice so much distance it just ends up being eh. The Callaway CXR Power is Callaway’s version of the Bridgestone Distance Force. So, eh, the Sugar came out with two different golf balls this year that were not the pure, the soft, which is the two-piece, and the quad, which is the four. They both are stinkers, unfortunately. I wish I could put it a different way, but they are not. Uh, the Tailor-Made Speed Soft Ink uh is amazing when it comes to dispersion, but you lose so much distance. I know. Qstar Tour, that’s going to make some of you mad, but the numbers are the numbers. I can’t I can’t fudge them. Like, they’re just not good, unfortunately. Trust Panther, another two-piece urethane option. So, both two-piece urethane golf balls on the market. Couldn’t even make the top 100. So, I advise you, please, I know some of you really love urethane, but it doesn’t always equal a better golf ball. The Wilson Zip is such a disappointment. you know, we finally retested it this year and it couldn’t even make the top 100. Um, it’s amazing how much that golf ball changed from four years ago when I tested it. Um, but it is what it is. I know some of you still play it and like it, but just not good numbers. The Volulvvic Magma is an illegal golf ball. And let me tell you something. If you have an illegal golf ball and you can’t even make the top 100, what are you doing with your It’s illegal. Just I mean, fudge it. Make it Make it magnetic or something. It’s already illegal. Like anyway, sorry. Callaway Hexoft. Really soft, really squishy. Again, just not great. Bridgestone E12 high launch. That’s not really Bridgestone’s fault. I mean, or the ball’s fault, excuse me, because that is for slow swingers who want a high launch. So, it just didn’t work for me. Bridgestone E6, look, there’s a better Bridgestone ball. It will be in the top 100. Keep a lookout for that. If you’re someone who likes the E6, just watch the whole list and when when you come to it, you’ll know. And then last but not least, the Vice Pro Junior. This is the three-piece urethane ball that Vice put out for juniors. And I’m sorry, but for 40 bucks a dozen, I am not impressed. I wasn’t at all. So, those are the golf balls that could not even make the list. And there were some other ones as well that I’m not even going to retest. The Nitro Pulsar Elite, the Big Crusher golf ball, which now has gone up in price. So, a two-piece golf ball is like 40 bucks on their website. I’m not even going to bother with it. I It’d be a waste of my time and it’d be a waste of your time. Not going to bother. Uh, but yeah, so those are the ones that did not make it. From there on, we have 100 top ranked golf balls and that first one will be coming out not tomorrow, but the following day. And then every two days you will get a video. That’s how it’s going to go. Every two days I will be sprinkling some other videos on the off day. Sometimes you won’t get one, but sometimes you will. Um like for example, tomorrow you’re going to get one. It’s just a little filler video, but it’s fun. It’s it’s a good time. Listen, I don’t want to give anything away, but I’m looking at this list here and I have I have goosebumps. I have chills. This is an amazing list of golf balls. Top 10, top 20 is awesome. Top 30 is awesome. Is top 40. Top 40 is awesome. We got a lot of great golf balls this year. This is going to be so much fun. I’ll see you in two days.

31 Comments
This is going to be epic!
No big surprises in the “missed” list. Pretty bad if you can’t make the top 100 though
Yay!! I'm ready 🍿
If you say that the results are so close together and that one shouldn't worry about playing a ball that is far down the list, one could make the mistake of concluding that it doesn't matter which golf ball one plays (as long as one always plays the same model). But that can't be true either.
In any case, I'm very excited to see the list.
On another note, you mentioned the Mizuno RB Max in a recent video. I assume the full video is still to come?
Thank you!
I was really surprised to see the Speedsoft ink and q Star tour not even in. I have played both and they perform great for me. But can’t wait to see the rest of the list Nick!
Bridgestone Electron >>> E6
LFG!!
I’m sure you’ve answered this before, but have you sent a ball through the golf net? Or has it taken all those swings without issues?
I've got my popcorn ready Nick. Can't wait !
We’ve only just begunnnn…. (song)
Love it can't wait!
Looking forward to this. I do think accuracy, distance control, and forgiveness are really valuable Stats and should be given higher consideration for next year.
Really looking forward to seeing where the sugar pure, ladee, boost rank. And also really exciting to see where the best of the best rank, to see who comes out on top
That looked like a great mountain bike trail.
Also wanted to mention again, would really love if you could test the Nitro crossfire in the future. They are by far the cheapest new ball you can buy in Canada (the orange version is). At 91c, the next cheapest is nitro ultra distance $1.28, and taylormade Rocketballz $1.35 (another 1 I'd love to see you test), Wilson profile distance $1.43 (1 more i don't think you've tested). So as you can see the price is amazing on that crossfire ball. Thanks for all your hard work!
Gosh, I'm kind of surprised by a couple did not make it balls, Snell 2.0, try it you'll like it, Wilson Zip, it's a happy day ball, two of the DNMI list, oh well, but I still bought 8 dozen of the Snell 2.0, to say I am impressed is an understatement. None the less, I will wait and watch to see the top 100.
I spy the tiny Jesus in the back! Let's goooo! Bless your family this holiday season.
Great show Nick! I'm very surprised that the Snell's are on the naughty step, and the Q Star Tour. Wow!!! I'm very much looking forward to this year's list so bring it on!!!!
The Srixon q star tour is on Golf Digest's hot list gold. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm questioning your list.
Love Snell 2.0 . But understand because you’re swinging way too fast for it . I lose some distance with driver but other clubs are great. Like green side and play on a shorter course so losing a couple of yards with driver is ok . I am about 135 with 7 iron and am starting to over compress it .
Like others and yourself have already said… the Q-Star Tour is a big surprise.
Can't wait for the Top 100!! (Was a little surprised to see the Q Star couldn't al least crack the 100 mark??)
Srixon Soft Feel didn’t make top 100?😮 Best low compression ball I played this year, and I played about 50 models overall.
Surprised the two Srixon balls didn’t make it. I mean I don’t play them but I know they’re popular sellers. I wish Srixon would have kept the Q-Star and didn’t bother with Q-Star Tour.
Also, Bridgestone e6 Soft is in my Top 10. I like that ball. Durable, good distance and feel.
Hi Nick. Great show. FYI Legato LTX 3985 22.39$/doz on Amazon this week. Picked up a couple dozen to try next spring. Thanks for all the info.
I play both the Srixon soft feel and the Srixon Q star tour 🤣. Love them and the Callaway Supersoft. Slow swingers of the world unite!
Looking forward to the video!!! Have you tried a chatgtp or something to help crunch the numbers?
My 2¢… find another backyard putting/chipping sight than what you have been using.
It is hard to relate to your results because I never play or practice on old Astro Turf.
Perhaps you could start a relationship with a local driving range that would accommodate your recording…
Nick, I have my own spreadsheet based on your numbers. I took driver distance and your swing speed, made everything a 100mph swing speed, and voila. Got the longest! You can do speed, spin, distance, whatever. You can make a formula like that and it adjust them all through an equation.
And I just picked up 4 dozen Srixon Q star tour divides off amazon cuz they were $17/dz. For that price did I still do bad? I live in hawaii so buying Maxfli Tours from Dicks or Golf Galaxy used to run me an extra $30 for shipping. but now they don't ship them at all "Due to legal reasons"??? bummers
Has hitting this many golf balls made you a better golfer?
Nick, does there come a point when you just weed a brand out until you hear about improvements? Makes sense saving you time and energy, allowing more testing of other, possibly better brands.