Balls

These golf balls recorded high launch and low spin during our robot testing

By: Jonathan Wall

November 24, 2023

Recent robot testing with Golf Laboratories confirmed these golf balls generate high launch and low spin.

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Golfer sticks tee into ground with golf ball on top at golf course — Recent robot testing with Golf Laboratories confirmed these golf balls generate high launch and low spin.

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High launch and low spin is a common recipe for generating distance off the tee. For our latest test with Golf Laboratories’ swing robot, we put 41 golf balls to the test to see how they performed with the driver.

As you’ll notice from the models listed below, there was some overlap in the low spin and high launch categories. Does that mean these balls are the perfect option for high launch and low spin? It depends on your game. The robot was swinging at 95 mph for this test — a common speed for most amateur golfers — so anything significantly above or below that number could see different results.

It’s also important to note balls in these categories are designed for distance, meaning you’re usually giving up some semblance of greenside control for more pop. That doesn’t mean greenside spin is non-existent, but it’s certainly something to consider if you’re chasing high launch and low spin.

(Methodology: Each ball model — 41 in all — was hit 10 times by the robot during driver testing, and the average of those hits was recorded.)

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Low Spin

Several golf balls designed for distance produced high launch and low spin numbers with the driver, which checks out with what we’ve seen in the past from these models. That being said, the difference in spin rate between the highest and lowest spinning balls tested was roughly 600 RPMs.

1. Callaway ERC Soft

Callaway ERC Soft Triple Track Golf Balls

$39.99

ERC Soft introduces technologies that promote a new level of complete performance. Leading with the cover, we’ve created an all-new GRIP Urethane Coating System that provides even more greenside spin. The unique cover is paired with an all-new HyperElastic SoftFast core that increases ball speed, while maintaining soft feel through the bag. Advanced Alignment From New Triple Track Dagger Technology Our new Triple Track Dagger lines are prominently featured on ERC Soft to help you find the right alignment for every putt.

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2. Vice Drive

Vice Drive Golf Balls

$20

2 Piece Surlyn ball construction with extreme durability and cut resistance.

3. Bridgestone e6

Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls

$21.99

The new e6. Soft fell. Long distance. The e6 is designed for golfers with moderate speeds looking for maximum distance.

4. Mizuno RB 566

Mizuno RB 566 Golf Balls

$21.99

The RB 566 golf balls from Mizuno offer a 566 -dimple pattern, featuring Micro-dimples for reduced drag and optimized spin.

5. Bridgestone Tour B RX

Bridgestone Tour B RXS Golf Balls

$44.99

REACTIV IQ MORE DISTANCE: REACTIV iQ rebounds quickly on tee shots, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance • MORE CONTROL: REACTIV iQ stays on the face longer on approach shots, providing more spin and soft feel around the green. GRADATIONAL CORE Added distance and forgiveness comes from the Gradational Compression core. Higher initial ball speed and lower side spin from the Gradational Compression core help give you an advantage on the course. DUAL DIMPLE Extra distance and enhanced aerodynamics are a result of the Dual Dimple technology. The added distance comes from a more efficient ball trajectory thanks to less drag when the ball is in flight. SEAMLESS COVER Consistent flight and performance are a result of the proprietary Seamless Cover Technology. The perfect performance and aerodynamic balance comes from a manufacturing processes that creates a perfectly balanced dimple pattern. FEATURES: The NEW TOUR B with REACTIV iQ is THE SMARTER TOUR BALL Proprietary NEW REACTIV iQ is a SMART cover technology that reacts to the force of impact MORE DISTANCE: REACTIV iQ rebounds quickly on tee shots, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance MORE CONTROL: REACTIV iQ stays on the face longer on approach shots, providing more spin and soft feel around the green Dual Dimple technology provides efficient trajectory and reduced drag through enhanced aerodynamics The TOUR B RXS with REACTIV iQ delivers increased ball speed for MAXIMUM DISTANCE off the tee and a SOFT FEEL and INCREASED SPIN for CONTROL on approach shots Bridgestone Golf is the #1 BALL FITTER IN GOLF: The TOUR B RXS is ideal for players with swing speeds UNDER 105 MPH who want additional spin Played in professional competition by FRED COUPLES “I don’t play the same ball as Tiger, but I found a better ball for me. For me, the softer RXS is a perfect fit. Bridgestone ball fitting has opened my eyes to this better technology. For my swing, these balls allow me to boom it off the tee and also give me more spin and feel greenside.”– Fred Couples

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High Launch

Launch varied by less than 1 degree from the highest launching to the lowest launching at 95 mph. The tight launch delta is a reminder that you might see minor changes from one ball to the next with the same driver settings, but if you want to make meaningful changes, focus first on an adjustable driver head or shaft if you’re an average swing speed golfer.

1. Callaway ERC Soft