[HDPM]

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have balls really changed that much? What's a good one out there now? I'm using a Pro V1, precept ev or the nike double C distance. I don't work the ball much so straight and long is good but nothing like the top flight rocks.

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yes, balls have changed a lot in the last few years. the cores are way different and don't compress the same as they did. They don't spin as much. They also react differently when struck by high swing speeds. The longest players benefit more than not so long players. It used to be a linear progression in terms of added distance with added swing speed. No longer. Distance increases go more to longer players. The USGA slightly improved testing, but not really. They had a test lined up to combat optimization but didn't use it. So the balls go a long way at the usga launch conditions. When pros with high swing speeds launch them they go really far. And hitting a new ball with an old persimmon driver is miserable. Good players have trouble with that. With an old persimmon you would rather have a high spin ball like an old balata. Sidespin is greater, but you can get the thing airborne. Anyway, the new balls are way different and have negatively impacted the game, but unless and until the usga restores the game, get the new clubs to hit the new balls with. Regular players don't benefit as much, but do get to pay more to play since new golf courses seem to be 7500 yard things with a lot of expensive cart paths.