Things could get very technical here but we’re going to steer away from going too in-depth and rather focus on some of the basic principles and benefits of low spin. Many modern golf balls have been engineered to address some of the design problems in the golf balls of yesteryear – namely, that they often spun too much off the driver and longer clubs, costing golfers distance.
Today, the multi-layer construction of some of the very best golf balls on the market seeks to address that issue by offering a blend of high launch and low spin – particularly off the driver - that will keep the ball up there for longer and get you further down the fairway. That said, this chart from Ping highlights the optimal launch angle and spin rates off the driver at a variety of different swing speeds and angles of attack. It shows clearly that there is an optimum launch/spin combo for swings of all speeds and types, so a low-spinning ball off the tee may not be right for all golfers.
You will need to do a little research on that yourself, and perhaps even consider a golf ball fitting to help you find the right model for your game and swing. But here, our focus is on highlighting some of the best low-spinning options available whether you’re looking at the best premium golf balls or the best mid price golf balls.
These are aimed at both good golfers looking to optimize flight and therefore distance, as well as other golfers who tend to spin the ball a little too much, losing control of their flight and often coming up short of where they would otherwise be. So, keep an eye on your ball flight - if you feel like it is ballooning and coming up short, it’s possible that you are creating too much spin
And it’s worth stressing that, while much R&D in recent years has focused on trying to also build as much approach play and greenside spin as possible into balls that offer low spin off the driver, even Titleist's ball fitting guide (available online) says that “it is also important to remember that low-spin distance golf balls are typically low spin on all shots. This can have a detrimental impact on scoring shot performance.”
In other words, there are compromises to be made and only you can decide on the best course of action for your overall game! Finally, an added benefit of low-spin balls is that they not only reduce backspin but also sidespin, so there is some scope for slices and hooks to be a little less destructive… but please don’t expect miracles!
The Quick List
There are genuine, tangible improvements in this ball from the previous iteration. TaylorMade has achieved an increase in speed throughout the bag while somehow providing a softer feel and maintaining spin characteristics.
The Titleist AVX remains a really solid option for those looking for low spin in their long game, whilst maintaining a premium feel. This is a ball that offers notable performance, as well as great value for money.
With a short game feel and control to rival many premium models, the Srixon Q-Star Tour is a hugely impressive performer in the increasingly competitive mid-priced urethane-covered golf ball category.
A premium ball that performs just as well at opposite ends of the bag. If you’re looking for impressive distance off the tee from a high flight, this is well worth considering.
A strong offering from Bridgestone. For a ball designed with distance in mind, it has a relatively soft feel and decent levels of greenside spin. Higher speed players will enjoy the stability of flight and strong distance output.
Best Low Spin Golf Balls
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Top pick
So has TaylorMade really improved on what was already a decent premium ball? Well yes, it would seem so, this ball really ticks all the boxes you would want from a premium ball and beats the previous version. There is a new Speed Wrapped Core that is a new lower density acoustic material, this makes the core of the ball before the three-layer Surlyn is added and then the urethane cover. The new core gives a much softer sound when compared to the previous model, this according to TaylorMade has allowed them to make it harder and faster without any compromise to the feel or acoustics.
When it comes to performance this ball was seriously impressive, we found that anything TaylorMade had claimed about this ball was true. Without even getting it on the sim and seeing the data we could feel an improvement through the bag, with it giving a lovely soft impact and more muted audio.
Once we got it on the launch monitor it just confirmed everything we thought, the speed we were getting was much improved, and through the bag we saw a 1.5mph increase for irons and then 3 mph for driver which is great for those looking for a little more distance.
- Read our full TaylorMade TP5x ball review
Lowest spinning
Introduced in 2018, the newest AVX offering comes in at a lower price point than the Pro V1 models above and, with a number of new technological aspects added, such as a new high gradient, high speed core, a new thin flexible casing layer and a newly designed soft urethane cover, there's a lot to like about this new model.
In testing, we thought that the long game aspect was the star of the show, as the AVX provided a penetrating ball flight with excellent distance. In still conditions it was on a par with the Pro V1x but, when the wind is up, this is where it excelled, as the low spin nature meant it wasn't affected whilst in flight.
Moving away from tee shots, the AVX is a tad more lively and jumpier around the greens and pitch shots. One aspect is that there isn't as much spin in the AVX and it did tend to release out more. However, despite this, the ball did have a soft feel and muted sound and, for added assistance, there is even a handy alignment line either side of the AVX which should help with putting on the green. Overall though, we feel that this ball could fall under the best winter golf balls, given its performance in windy conditions and the fact that it releases out more.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 AVX Golf Ball Review
Best mid-price
The beauty of the Srixon Q-Star is that it promises near tour-calibre performance with a very soft feel at a much friendlier price! That soft feel comes primarily via its low 72-compression FastLayer Core. This gradually transitions from a soft inner core to a firmer outer edge, delivering high levels of both distance and feel.
Srixon's Slide-Ring Material (SeRM) coating also helps the Q-Star’s cover dig deep into the grooves of wedges and irons, boosting friction and therefore spin and control. This ability to control the ball, along with the soft feel off the face, really sets the new version of the Q-Star Tour apart around the greens.
In the long game, the ball offered up a high launch and low spin which delivered a good peak height and solid distance which became immediately apparent in our outdoor testing, and alongside our SkyTrak launch monitor. Overall the Q-Star Tour is an excellent golf ball that nearly performs as well as Tour-calibre balls, but comes without the larger price tag.
- Read our full Srixon Q-Star Tour 2022 Golf Ball Review
Best high launch
Callaway first introduced the LS golf ball back in 2021 and the 2022 version is ‘designed for max distance in a fine-tuned lower spin profile.’ Is that what we saw in testing?
Well the ball speed was impressive as we saw a jump up when comparing it against the standard Chrome Soft. Then when hitting pitch and short game shots, we noticed a really good level of control along with a firmer feel which some players will like.
What cannot be denied is the LS is a great all-round golf ball - and there will be some players who will get the most out of it. But given how close the LS and the X are in performance, we recommend that if you are a faster swinging player looking for distance off the tee and control into the greens, you test the two side-by-side.
- Read our full Callaway Chrome Soft X LS 2022 Golf Ball review
Most durable
Used by the likes of Matt Kuchar and Jason Day, who games the ‘MindSet’ version, and even 15-time Major winner, Tiger Woods, the Tour B X golf ball features a new Reactiv X system that is designed to increase distance on tee shots and achieve more control on approaches.
In testing, the spin numbers were slightly lower across the board, but the important thing is that the ball remained playable whilst providing some real stability in both windy and still conditions. Distance-wise, there wasn't a drop off in performance and, when it comes to consistency, the Tour B X delivered impressively.
Along with the distance, the Tour B X was not too firm and not super soft, with it finding the middle ground well. At impact, there was a pleasing dull click and, although it's not full of spin, there is enough to provide great control on an array of surfaces. What's more, there is even another version called MindSet. A new concept to the market, it is a new logo that has been printed on the side of the ball, scientifically designed to help you separate analytical thoughts from athletic performance.
- Read our full Bridgestone 2024 Tour B X Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
The test team at Golf Monthly is highly experienced. All of them either play a lot of golf or have worked in the golf industry for many years. In many cases, it’s both! Some are more proficient at getting the ball out there off the tee; some excel playing into the greens; others have a sometimes irritating habit of getting up and down far too often around the greens; and others still are dab-hands with the flatstick.
We aim to test every ball model on the market as soon as it become available to us, putting in many hours out on the golf course, the practice ground, the short-game area and the putting green so we can get a feel for every ball's strengths and weaknesses from tee to green. Whenever possible, we will also seek to acquire launch monitor data for a more detailed analysis of each ball model's performance.
Factors to consider when buying golf balls
Durability
Sometimes cheaper balls don't last as long because they cut up, or the cover isn't of a high quality. If durability, and therefore value, is a key factor, stick to models with firmer, cut-resistant covers. If feel is more important, go for models with softer covers.
Long game or short game?
Do you want as much distance as possible from your golf ball or one that allows your short game to shine thanks to improved feel? If the former then check out our guide to the best distance golf balls. If short-game feel is your thing, check out our best soft feel golf balls guide.
Spin
Many balls now promise low spin off the driver and longer clubs, which, in conjunction with a high launch, will help some golfers generate more distance. But this can come at the expense of short-game spin and control, so you will typically need to find the best overall package that lets your play to your key strengths. A compromise may be required!
Color
Almost anything goes now when it comes to golf balls, with many models available in three or more colors, with 11 the widest color palette we’ve seen!
Bulk buying
Sometimes buying in bulk will get you an even better price, and this is particularly the case with the Vice Golf ball range. Committing to five dozen at a time brings the price per ball down by 30p a ball or 20%.
FAQs
Should I play a low spin golf ball?
This will depend on the state of your golf game. Low spin golf balls are aimed at both good golfers looking to optimise flight and therefore distance, as well as other golfers who tend to spin the ball a little too much, losing control of their flight and often coming up short of where they would otherwise be. As a result, you need to be aware of your numbers, ball flight and where you tend to miss. An added benefit of low-spin balls is that they not only reduce backspin but also sidespin, so there is some scope for slices and hooks to be a little less destructive.
However low spin golf balls can have a detrimental impact on the scoring shots because obviously, less spin is created. Therefore it is worth considering the trade-off here and whether your game will best suit a low spin ball. To find out, we would recommend getting a proper golf ball fitting.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best low spin golf balls, and for more buying advice in this regard, check out our guides on the best cheap golf balls, best winter golf balls, or the best golf balls for beginners.
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