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The golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every single shot, and so it’s crucial to your success as a golfer. It’s important to play a ball that suits your swing and your style of play.
If you have a fast swing speed — say, 100 mph or more with the driver — you don’t want to just play any golf ball. You want a ball that will be able to compress optimally at impact to produce the most distance and best overall performance.
But the sheer number of options on the market can make the process of choosing the best golf ball for you difficult and overwhelming. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf balls for high swing speeds across a range of different brands.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time.
Our Top Picks For Golf Balls For High Swing Speeds
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball
- TaylorMade TP5x Golf Ball
- Titleist Pro V1x Golf Ball
- Callaway Chrome Soft X Golf Ball
- Srixon Z-STAR XV 8 Golf Ball
- Bridgestone TOUR B XS Golf Ball
- Vice Pro Golf Ball
1. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball
The Titleist Pro V1, along with the Pro V1x, has been regarded as “the #1 ball in golf” for decades. It has used by many of the world’s best players including Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Jessica Korda, Louis Oosthuizen, and Tony Finau.
This premium ball has a phenomenal average rating. What makes it ideal for fast swingers is its high compression rating of around 90, which is great for driver swing speeds of 90 mph and above.
The Pro V1 delivers proven performance that includes big distance, low long-game spin, a penetrating trajectory, and unmatched greenside spin control. It has a three-piece construction that consists of:
- a high-gradient core, soft in the center and firm on the outside, that is designed to produce even lower long-game spin for more distance
- a resilient, high-flex casing layer that increases ball speeds and lowers long game spin
- a cast thermoset urethane cover that enables maximum short game control and spin around the greens
The latest version of the Pro V1 features a spherically tiled 388 tetrahedral dimple design, which is the first new design since 2011. This dimple pattern is meant to promote maximum distance and a consistent, penetrating ball flight.
This ball is available in white, yellow, and with custom personalization.
The Pro V1 has excellent durability and a nice soft feel to it with the shorter irons. It helps players lower an excessively high ball flight off the tee and reduce spin with the mid and short irons.
2. TaylorMade TP5x Golf Ball
Along with the TP5, the TP5x is a successful Tour ball from TaylorMade that is endorsed by the likes of Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Collin Morikawa.
The TP5x is suitable for high swing speeds due to its high compression of around 98. It’s the firmer ball in the TP5 line, designed for maximum ball speed, high launch off the tee with a steep angle of descent, and low spin with longer clubs.
At the same time, the TP5x provides excellent tee-to-green performance that includes a softer feel and ample spin around the greens. It has a five-piece construction that consists of:
- a Tri-Fast Core, consisting of four increasingly stiff layers, that increases carry, reduces drag, and increases greenside spin; these layers are known as the Speed-Layer System
- a dual-spin cast urethane cover that enhances durability and delivers optimal feel through the entire bag
The TP5x is a complex ball that is packed with performance technologies. Other features include:
- High-Flex Material (HFM): this acts like a tightly wound spring, producing a greater rebound effect which leads to more distance
- a new Tour Flight 322 Dimple Pattern with a shallow overall dimple; the effect is reduced drag during ascent and maintained lift during descent
This ball is available in white, yellow, and with USA and sports logos. The TP5x MySymbol can also be personalized with numbers, text and custom graphics.
If you have the swing speed to accommodate the TP5x, it will give you terrific Tour-level performance, but with slightly less spin around the greens and a slightly firmer feel than the TP5.
3. Titleist Pro V1x Golf Ball
The Pro V1x is the extremely successful sister model to Titleist’s Pro V1 golf ball. It has been used by pro golfers that include Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Danielle Kang, and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Compared to the Pro V1, the Pro V1x is designed to provide a slightly higher spin and trajectory with a slightly firmer feel. With a high compression rating of around 100, it is geared towards fast swing speeds.
This ball delivers the same level of performance as the Pro V1, but with a little more stopping power and firmer greenside feel. It has a four-piece construction consisting of:
- a high-gradient dual core (with an inner core that is 40% larger than the previous generation) that drives lower long game spin and high speeds
- a high-flex casing layer, initially developed for the Pro V1x Left Dash, that produces higher ball speeds and lowers long game spin
- a soft cast urethane cover that affords maximum short game control and spin around the greens
In addition, the spherically tiled 348 tetrahedral dimple design is engineered to promote a consistent, high ball flight and maximum distance.
Like the Pro V1, the Pro V1x ball is available in white, yellow, and with personalized customization. It’s an expensive ball, but if you have the game and the swing speed, the cost is absolutely worth it.
4. Callaway Chrome Soft X Golf Ball
The Callaway Chrome Soft X ball is part of the very successful and popular Chrome Soft family. With a high compression rating that lies in the mid-90s, it’s specifically aimed at players with fast swing speeds.
The ball enjoys very high ratings including a 100% recommended on the Callaway store. It’s designed to generate even faster speeds with the driver, produce a lower launch to help maintain an optimal trajectory, and provide Tour-level spin with short irons and wedges.
The latest iteration of the Chrome Soft X has a four-piece construction that consists of:
- a new hyper-elastic Dual SoftFast Core for increased driver speed and soft greenside feel
- a mantle layer
- a soft urethane cover for spin and control
The standout technology of the new Chrome Soft X is Callaway’s Precision Technology. This allows ultra-precise design manufacturing down to 1/1000 of an inch, resulting in faster ball speed, tighter dispersions, and better overall performance.
The Chrome Soft X also employs a HEX Tour Aero dimple design for a consistent ball flight through the entire bag.
This ball is available in white, yellow, and with unique Triple Track lines that use Vernier acuity to improve putting accuracy.
Although the Chrome Soft X is suitable for many Tour players, amateurs with fast enough swing speeds can get Tour-level tee-to-green performance that rivals the Pro V1.
5. Srixon Z-STAR XV 8 Golf Ball
You can think of Srixon’s Z-STAR XV as the “bomber’s ball”. It has been played by long-hitting pro golfers such as Cameron Champ and Grayson Murray.
The Z-STAR XV has extremely good ratings on the Srixon store, and it made the 2022 Golf Digest Hot List for golf balls.
This ball feels a little firmer compared to the standard Z-STAR; it’s designed for big distance off the tee with a mid-high flight and low driver spin. It has a compression rating of 102 and is rated for swing speeds of 100 mph or greater.
In contrast to the four-piece design of the previous generation, the 2023 version of the Z-STAR XV (the Z-STAR XV 8) has a three-piece construction that consists of:
- a reformulated FastLayer DG Core that transitions dramatically from soft in the center to firm on the outside, leading to more distance than ever off the tee and a high-quality feel
- an extra-thin, thermoplastic urethane cover for Tour-level stopping power around the greens
- a durable Spin Skin+ coating which digs deep into grooves to increase friction and further increase spin with wedges
In addition, a 338 Speed Dimple pattern promotes a penetrating launch and increases lift for maximum carry distance.
The Z-STAR XV is a premium golf ball that many believe is just as good as the Titleist Pro V1x while being more durable and affordable. It’s available in white and yellow.
6. Bridgestone TOUR B XS Golf Ball
Maybe you have a high swing speed but want to play a ball that’s a little softer. In that case, the Bridgestone TOUR B XS, which is the ball that Tiger Woods himself plays, just might be perfect for you.
The latest iteration of the TOUR B XS has a mid-high compression rating of around 85. This is quite low for a Tour ball, but the end result is a softer feel and additional spin.
The TOUR B XS is designed to perform optimally from tee to green. This means explosive ball speed and lower spin off the tee, excellent accuracy and control with irons, and soft feel with plenty of greenside spin. Its three-piece construction consists of:
- a gradational compression core that helps generate higher initial ball speed and reduce side spin for more forgiveness
- a proprietary new REACTIV iQ SMART urethane cover that reacts to the force of impact to produce optimal performance through the bag
This ball uses patented Seamless Cover Technology which allows for maximum dimple coverage. The Dual Dimple pattern is engineered to minimize drag and promote an efficient ball flight.
Woods not only plays the TOUR B XS in competition, but he also assisted in its development. It is a true master at performing in every aspect of the game. The ball is available in white and optic yellow.
7. Vice Pro Golf Ball
Vice Golf is a fairly new company to come onto the scene. It was founded in Germany in 2012 as a maker of high-quality golf balls, and it entered the U.S. market in 2015.
The Pro is one of their most successful golf balls. It earned a gold medal on the Golf Digest Hot List, and it was featured in the golf.com performance golf ball recommendation list.
With a high compression rating of 95, the Vice Pro is an excellent choice for amateurs or professionals with fast swing speeds of 95-110 mph. It’s meant to produce maximum distance off the tee and provide great feel and spin around the greens.
The Vice Pro has a three-piece construction consisting of:
- a new, larger High Energy Speed Core (HESC) designed for increased ball speed
- a Surlyn mantle that reduces long game spin for a more penetrating flight
- an extra-thin cast urethane cover that enhances feel and spin around the greens
Other features of the Vice Pro are:
- a 318 large dimple design that promotes a stable trajectory
- stick-to-the-green (S2TG) technology that provides a sticky, controlling feel off wedges
- a KIL alignment aid for better putting performance
Available colours are white, neon red, neon lime, and ice blue.
Despite being cheaper, many players don’t find much of a difference between the performance of the Vice Pro and the Titleist Pro V1. Tests have suggested that the Vice Pro produces slightly more ball speed and driver spin.
Buying Guide
There are many golf balls on the market, and knowing which one to choose isn’t necessarily easy, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. This guide will provide you with the education you need in that regard.
In general, if you have a high swing speed, you want a golf ball that gives you speed with a lower launch and lower spin off the tee, as well as a high degree of control and spin with irons.
If you want to find the right golf ball, here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Compression
The ability of a golf ball to compress is very important. This is quantified in something called the compression rating, and it usually ranges from around 30 to 120.
The lower the compression rating, the less club head speed is required to sufficiently compress the ball to produce a “rebound” affect that leads to more distance. Conversely, a high compression rating will require a higher club head speed to achieve sufficient compression of the ball.
A general rule of thumb is that a golfer should have a swing speed as close as possible to X mph to hit a ball with a compression rating of X. But this is often not accurate; for example, a ball might have a fairly high compression rating of 90 but be designed for both fast and slow swing speeds. Factors such as temperature can also affect the compressibility of a ball.
If we assume that a high swing speed is 100 mph or greater, such golfers will benefit from playing balls with compression ratings of at least 90 — it will afford them the most distance off the tee, accuracy with irons, and spin control around the greens.
In fact, we recommend that fast swingers avoid using “soft” balls with low compressions such as the Callaway Supersoft. If a golfer strikes a ball that is too soft, it can result in strange ball flights and lost distance.
2. Cover
The cover material of a golf ball can have a major impact on its performance. There are two main types of covers: Surlyn and urethane. Some people might consider ionomer, which includes Surlyn, as another type.
Generally, golf balls with ionomer or Surlyn covers are more durable, spin less, and fly a little farther. They also tend to be cheaper.
Golf balls with urethane covers generally spin more, provide a softer, more premium feel, and offer greater control and spin with the shorter irons.
Although this is the generalization, recent advancements in technology have helped urethane covers gain nearly all of the benefits of Surlyn covers. Today, the main drawback of urethane is a higher price and possibly less distance off the tee for slower swingers.
Almost all golf balls designed for high swing speeds use urethane covers. Having a high swing speed will allow you to unlock the full potential of urethane, and at that point, there’s practically no reason to ever play a ball with an ionomer cover.
3. Dimples
We definitely don’t recommend choosing a golf ball based on its dimples alone, but it’s worth knowing what their purpose is.
Most modern golf balls have between 300 and 400 dimples. Although golf ball manufacturers have their own ways of dimpling their balls, the goal is the same: to reduce drag and increase lift resulting in more distance.
Dimples are essential in order to get the aerodynamic performance expected from golf balls today, as opposed to smooth balls.
Beyond the number, dimples can also have difference shapes (such as spherical or hexagonal) and be arranged in different patterns.
It’s difficult if not impossible for the average golfer to predict the ultimate effect of a specific dimple configuration, so your best bet is to look at what the manufacturer says about the dimples of a particular golf ball and ensure that it doesn’t conflict with the needs and goals of your game.
4. Colours
Something many people might not think about is the colour (and finish) of the golf ball. A lot of golfers will automatically reach for the white ball, but as it turns out, that’s not necessarily the best option.
High-visibility golf balls are exactly the same as the standard white ball but come in a variety of colours including green, yellow, red and orange. They may also have a matte instead of a glossy finish to reduce glare from sunlight.
Beyond providing an aesthetic flare that might suit your personality, the main purpose of coloured golf balls is to make it easier to not only keep track of the ball while it’s in the air, but also to spot the ball wherever it rests on the course.
In our experience, orange balls work very well for sunny, cloudless conditions during daytime, yellow balls work well in lower-light conditions, and green balls work well in overcast conditions.
It’s definitely worth checking if whichever model of golf ball you’re interested in is also available in high-visibility colours.
It’s certainly fine to just play a white ball if you want, but coloured balls can make your life a little easier, particularly if you have vision problems or if you’re a fast swinger than tends to bomb it into the stratosphere.
5. Price
Price is, of course, very important when shopping for a golf ball.
Many people dislike spending $50 or more for a dozen of balls, and that’s completely understandable. Unfortunately, most golf balls that are suitable for high swing speeds are Tour balls that are more expensive than other types of balls.
Pricier golf balls may have a more complex construction, better feel, better energy transfer, or have generally superior performance, but this is far from set in stone. In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality golf balls over a range of budgets that golfers might have.
Don’t forget that instead of buying new, you could save even more money by buying recycled balls on places like eBay. We recommend only looking at balls with condition ratings of AAA or above.
Conclusion
If you’re a golfer who has a high swing speed, in most cases, you’re going to want to play a ball that has a high compression rating of at least 85. All of the balls featured on this page have this at a minimum.
These balls typically have urethane covers and are built for advanced players who demand maximum distance off the tee, shot workability, a high degree of spin control around the greens, and the best feel.
If you feel intimidated by these kinds of balls, you can play balls with mid compression ratings, but don’t go too soft as this can lead to erratic ball flights and lost distance.
Finding a ball that suits your game is actually pretty easy with a bit of knowledge and experimentation. We suggest trying several different balls and seeing which one performs best for you.
Each of the golf ball models listed above deliver exceptional performance for the cost. We’ve given you the information you need; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.
It’s also very beneficial to read customer reviews to acquire some useful insights as to how golf balls actually perform. This will help you a great deal in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. Which golf ball are you interested in? Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comment section below.
