Golf ball compression chart

Every current ball we cover, ordered from softest to firmest. Tap a column heading to sort.

Compression and swing speed

Driver swing speed	Typical drive	Compression to look for
Under 75 mph	Under 190 yds	Low (under 60)
75–85 mph	190–215 yds	Low (50–70)
85–95 mph	215–240 yds	Mid (70–85)
95–105 mph	240–265 yds	Mid to high (80–95)
Over 105 mph	265+ yds	High (90+)

A guide, not a rule. Plenty of fast swingers like a softer tour ball, and cover and spin matter as much as compression.

What compression means

Compression is how much a ball squashes when it's hit, measured on a scale that runs from about 30 (very soft) to about 110 (very firm). A ball that compresses fully on your swing launches with the most energy. A ball that's too firm for your speed feels hard and comes off slower. One that's too soft for a fast swing can spin too much and balloon.

Low-compression golf balls

8 balls on our list come in under 70: TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft, Wilson Duo Soft, Callaway Supersoft Max, Callaway Supersoft, Srixon Soft Feel Lady, Srixon Soft Feel, Callaway ERC Soft, Snell Get Sum. See the best balls for slow swing speeds.

Common questions

What compression golf ball should I use?

Under 85 mph driver swing speed, a low-compression ball (under 70). 85 to 105 mph, mid compression (70 to 90). Over 105 mph, high compression (90+).

Do low-compression balls go farther?

For slower swings, usually yes: they compress more and launch higher. For fast swings, a low-compression ball can spin too much and lose distance.

Is compression the same as softness?

Mostly. Lower compression feels softer. But the cover matters too: a urethane cover feels softer around the greens than an ionomer one at the same compression.

Updated November 2026