Five-Piece Golf Balls

Five-piece balls are less common on the market and most suited to professional or low handicap golfers who are willing to pay a premium for golf balls. These balls have the softest feel and will spin the most out of all the types of golf ball. The different materials within the golf ball will benefit different shot types and swing speeds. The best players will opt for this golf ball because whilst the ball is softer and has greater spin, they don’t lose any distance due to their faster swings and power compared to a high handicap golfer.

They consist of a synthetic rubber core to give the ball its bounce and distance off the tee. The three middle layers are known as the ‘mantle’ layers, the first is made of a soft synthetic rubber that allows the energy generated through the golf swing from the clubface through to the core of the golf ball. The second mantle is manufactured from HPF 1000 which is a soft thermoplastic and the third layer a slightly firmer thermoplastic. Both of these layers will allow for the softer feel of the golf ball and give golfers great control of the ball flight across different shot types.

Urethane is the choice of cover for the five-piece golf balls, as it contributes to the soft feel and helps create friction with the clubface to encourage more spin on the golf ball.

Golf Ball Covers - Urethane vs Surlyn Golf Balls

As mentioned earlier, the two materials commonly used for the outer casing of golf balls are Surlyn and Urethane. Both materials have different properties making them suitable for a variety of golf ball types.

Both materials are extremely durable and can withstand the impact from golf clubs as well as cart paths, trees and sand out on the golf course. However, Surlyn has a slight edge when it comes to durability, making this type of cover a great choice for driving range balls as they will have to withstand countless impacts daily on a driving range. Urethane, whilst still having great durability, is softer off the clubface and will be used more for golf balls used out on the course.

Urethane covered golf balls provide more spin around the greens and give a golfer a more predictable, controllable ball flight. Urethane creates more friction with the clubface during impact, which allows golfers to put more spin on the ball and gives greater control of the ball around the greens and helps with shot shaping. Surlyn covered balls are still able to generate spin, but there won’t be as much as Urethane covered balls and the amounts of spin will be less predictable.

Surlyn covered golf balls are designed to assist players with slower swing speeds and less power to achieve greater distance. Due to the ball's lower rate of spin, golfers can hit the ball further off the tee. Urethane balls can still travel far off the tee, but due to the slightly softer feel and higher levels of spin, they won’t travel as far as Surlyn covered balls and require a golfer with more power to compensate for the difference in distance between the two balls.

Urethane covered balls tend to be suited to those who already have the swing speed to strike the ball greater distances but are looking for more control of their golf ball around the greens. Golfers with slower swing speeds, who are looking to gain more distance off the tee and through the air will tend to opt for Surlyn covered golf balls, in order to help them to maximise distance.

Foam and Plastic Golf Balls

Golfers who are looking to practise their ball striking and chipping techniques at home will typically buy foam or plastic golf balls. These balls are much lighter and softer in design to minimise ball flight, allowing players to work on their game without the risk of damaging property.

Other golf ball FAQs

Why does a golf ball have dimples?

Dimples on a golf ball are the small symmetrical indentations on the surface of the golf ball that look like mini craters. A golf ball will have dimples to help the ball travel further through the air than it would without dimples. The dimples will vibrate the air around the ball mid-flight and reduce the drag and add distance to the golf shot.

A smooth golf ball would make the air travel around the ball quickly, adding turbulence and drag to the ball. This then forces the ball out of the air earlier and would remove yardage off golf shots.

How many dimples are there on a golf ball?

There is no limit to the amount of dimples a manufacturer can make on the surface of a golf ball. A manufacturer once produced a ball with over 1,700 dimples! This was quickly discontinued, implying that having more dimples on the ball may not benefit performance and instead an optimal amount of dimples is more desirable. Typically, golf balls will have between 250 to 500 dimples, with the average amount being 336 dimples.

What does golf ball compression mean?

Golf ball compression is the change in shape of the golf ball as the clubface strikes the golf ball. If you were to watch a slow-motion, close-up replay of a golf club hitting the ball, it will look like the golf ball is being squashed and changes shape dramatically.

Golf ball compression is typically given a rating between 30 and 120 to describe how hard or soft a golf ball is. The lower the rating the softer the golf ball, and the higher the compression rating the harder the golf ball. A rating of 70 or below is considered to be a low compression golf ball and anything over 100 is considered to be a high compression golf ball. Softer, low compression golf balls are most suited to players with slower swing speeds, who struggle for distance on their golf shots. High compression golf balls offer golfers with faster swing speeds more control and precision to their shots.

How do you choose a golf ball?

Below, we have put together a breakdown of golf ball information, with all the main features of the different golf ball types available in our comprehensive FORB premium golf ball range. We have also included what situations and which golfers each ball is most suited to, in order to make sure you know exactly which golf ball you need.