10 Longest Golf Balls For Distance

Looking for the longest golf balls?

You’ve come to the right place.

Believe it or not, your golf ball choice plays a significant role in how far you hit the ball.

A new golf ball isn’t going to help you win a World Long Drive competition or get your name etched into the Guinness World Record book, but it can help you add some yards to each shot. For the average golfer, those added yards could be the difference between shooting an 80 or an 85. For the senior golfer, extra carry distance becomes super important as your strength declines.

Most of the top brands offer distance golf balls and it can be difficult to sort through all of the options. This post does most of the legwork for you.

Keep reading as we highlight some of the best golf ball options in the distance category.

The 10 Longest Golf Balls, Ranked

#1 – Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

The Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls land in the number one slot as the best overall golf ball with superior distance. They aren’t the absolute longest golf balls, but they get our top ranking because they are the most complete package.

The Supersoft offer incredible distance without sacrificing greenside control. Some of the balls on this list will go further, but they lack the soft feel and finesse needed for the short game. The Callaway Supersoft can take you from start to finish.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

Thanks to innovations from DOW Chemical and Callaway, this ball features:

• A unique hybrid cover with a soft feel
• A special compression core that increases ball speed and maximizes energy transfer
• A aerodynamic dimple pattern that reduces drag and increases lift

If you’re a decent golfer, the Supersoft are my top recommendation in the longest golf ball category. They go the distance without demolishing your short game (or your bank account).

Note: Some golfers prefer the Callaway Chrome Soft (or Chrome Soft X LS) over the Supersoft. Try the Supersoft or the ERC Soft first. If you aren’t happy or you’re ready for a more expensive and advanced ball, you have our permission to make the switch (just don’t start there).

Pros

• Increased ball speed and carry distance
• Greenside control
• Reasonable pricing from a top brand

Cons

• If distance is your only goal, other options outperform

#2 – Titleist Velocity Golf Balls

If you search the interwebs for the longest golf balls, you’ll find that some websites put the Titleist Velocity at the top of their list — and for good reasons.This distance ball is one of the longest drive options on the market.

If you make decent contact with the ball, the Velocity’s large LSX core will take your ball further down the fairway (or further into the woods).

Golfers can expect a high flight and a low long game spin from the Velocity. These performance attributes offer maximum distance off the tee.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• A high speed core
• A unique spherical 350 octahedral dimple pattern
• A fast NaZ+ ball cover

Though this ball has many strengths on the distance front, golfers should expect some limitations as they approach the green. Titleist says the Velocity have a “playable greenside feel” which doesn’t inspire the most confidence for those who prefer a “superior greenside feel.”

Note: The Titleist Pro V1 and the Titleist Pro V1x may be the gold standard for golf ball construction, but if you don’t have a high swing speed, the Velocity are your best choice for distance.

Pros

• Low spin and great distance
• High flight off the tee
• Available in white or fun matte finishes (green, orange, pink)

Cons

• Soft feel, but not the softest
• A bit pricey for a two piece golf ball

If you like crushing the ball, the Titleist Velocity will put you in beast mode more often.

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#3 – TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls

I love the TaylorMade Distance+ for a number of reasons, and you’ll love them too.

These two-piece low compression (77) golf balls are designed to boost your ball speed on each hit. Many golfers report an immediate 10-15 yard gain on each drive. Some golfers report even bigger gains. The point is — you’ll be hitting the ball further.

Thanks to a soft ionomer cover, the Distance+ have a nice greenside feel while maintaining scuff and shear resistance. We call that a win-win.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• A soft REACT™ Core that promotes distance off the tee
• An ionomer cover
• A 342 aerodynamic dimple pattern which reduces drag and increases ball speed

TaylorMade’s Distance+ are available for less than $20 and many golfers swear by them. One added bonus is an easy alignment aid to help you on the green.

Pros:

• Ultra soft feel
• Increased ball speed
• Built in alignment aid

Cons:

• Not the best ball for approach shots, but decent performance nonetheless

#4 – Bridgestone Golf e12 Contact Golf Balls

Has anyone dropped the “make good contact” mantra on you?

I heard it as a child and now I’m telling it to my kids. I guess we do become our parents…

Anyhow, good ball striking does make a difference, and when you pair solid contact with the e12 Contact golf balls, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised with the result.

The premise is fairly simple: more contact with the ball should equal more distance.

With that in mind, Bridgestone created what they call the CONTACT Force dimple. This innovative dimple design promotes more contact with the clubface on each hit. With 38% more contact, golfers experience greater energy transfer and improved activation of the ball’s core.

The result? More ball speed and straighter distance.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• Unique CONTACT force dimple with a raised area in the center

Bridgestone isn’t the golf ball brand that you’ll see most on the course, but this offering deserves your attention if you want more distance and straighter ball flight overall.

As a side note, if Bridgestone is good enough for Tiger Woods, it should work for you as well.

Pros:

• Increased contact with the ball
• Faster ball speed
• Straighter ball flight
• Multiple color options

Cons:

• May not be the best Bridgestone ball for a talented golfer (it’s hard to “work” this ball)

#5 – Vice Drive

Cheap. Distance.

That’s what you get with the Vice Drive.

This is the longest ball in the Vice lineup for players with low to medium clubhead speeds (that’s probably you).

If you appreciate a softer feel, but still want a ball that holds up over time, this offering from Vice is a great option.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• DuPont™ Surlyn© Cover
• Soft Energy Speed Core
• Large 312 dimple pattern

If you lose golf balls on a regular basis but you still want to crush the ball on every drive, these affordable golf balls should be your radar.

Pros:

• Price, price, price ($1/ball!)
• Soft feel
• Durability
• Putting line

Cons:

• Not the best option for high swing speeds
• Limited greenside control

#6 – Srixon Soft Feel

If you’ve never played a round with these Srixons, that needs to change.

Srixon makes some great golf balls, and the Soft Feel are a favorite amongst high to mid-handicappers. Golfers can expect solid performance in the distance category along with the soft feel that continues to grow in popularity.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• Fastlayer core promotes soft feel and greater distance
• 338 dimple pattern reduces drag
• Soft thin cover

There used to be a Srixon Distance golf ball, but those balls were discontinued. The Soft Feel, on the other hand, have stood the test of time.

See also: The Best Golf Balls for Seniors

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Soft feel
• Speed dimples reduce drag at first, then increase lift on descent

Cons:

• Like most two piece balls, some greenside control is lost

#7 – Bandit MD (Maximum Distance)

Before we go any further, you need to know that the Bandit MD is an illegal golf ball. Not illegal as in “go to jail” illegal, but these golf balls do not meet USGA or R&A standards for weight. That means that the Bandit MD won’t be admitted for play in most tournaments or events.

That being said, our list of the longest golf balls would be wholly incomplete without featuring the Bandit balls.

If you want to smoke your friends in the distance category or win some bets on your Las Vegas trip, sneak a dozen of these bad boys into your bag and let ’em rip.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• A super reactive core that includes a blend of synthetic rubber and metals
• A patented icosahedral dimple design
• A non-conforming weight that offers advantages in the roll

In case you think these balls are more hype than reality, it’s worth noting that they hold the Guinness World Record for long drive overall distance, long drive carry distance and the overall golf ball world speed.

In other words, the Bandit MD are no joke!

Pros:

• World record holding distance
• Extended “hang-time” on your tee shots
• Unique innovations that work

Cons:

• Does not meet USGA or R&A golf ball standards
• Can’t be used in most tournaments or events

#8 – Wilson Smart Core

Add the words smart and distance together and you end up with Wilson’s Smart Core golf balls. Distance is great, but left to itself, it may not produce the results you’re looking for.

These value-priced distance balls from Wilson produce straighter shots and improved distance. That sounds like a winning formula for most weekend warriors.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• Smart-core technology that adapts to swing speed
• Less spin on long shots and more spin on short shots

Ringing in at about $1 per ball, the Wilson Smart Core are worth experimenting with. Many golfers make the switch from pricier balls and are impressed with the distance they gain. You’ll have to test these balls for yourself.

Pros:

• Great price
• Distance improvements from the tee

Cons:

• Sold in boxes of 24
• No fancy alignment aids

#9 – Callaway ERC Soft

The Callaway Supersoft were our first recommendation, and the slightly pricier ERC Soft round out our list at number 9.

Callaway markets these balls as their “longest ball with soft feel.” Much like the Supersoft, one of the perks to this ball is that golfers don’t need to sacrifice their short game in exchange for more distance off the tee.

If you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks per dozen, these balls feature Triple Track lines that can help you work your magic on the green.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• High energy core and mantle
• Hybrid cover

Pros:

• High launches with the driver and irons
• More forgiving than the Chrome Soft X
• Soft feel (if that’s your thing)

Cons:

• A bit expensive
• Not always in stock

#10 – Volvik Magma

Last, but certainly not least, are the Volvik Magma.

Much the Bandit MD, these golf balls are non-conforming. That’s a fancy way of saying that they’re illegal golf balls and won’t be allowed for tournament play.

That being said, many golfers play with other legal Volvik balls (see: Are Volvik Balls Good?). All that to say, nobody in your golf group is going to raise a red flag if they see you with a Volvik ball.

The Magma are designed specifically for explosive distance and the company made some special modifications to accomplish that goal.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• High energy dual-core
• Reduced diameter
• High trajectory dimples

Pros:

• Designed for 70-90mph club speeds
• Smaller diameter reduces drag
• Higher launch and more distance with each shot
• Two color options

Cons:

• Non-conforming golf ball

Honorable Mention – Nitro Ultimate Distance

Nitro golf balls are pretty simple, but that doesn’t mean they can’t pack some heat.

The Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball, which you can pick up at Walmart or other wallet-friendly retailers, are made from a super reactive two-piece titanium core.

Golfers of all skill levels can put the Nitro to work on the course, but they are most often utilized by newer or cost-conscious golfers. I sold a ton of these balls when I managed a par 3 golf course.

The Technology Behind the Golf Ball

This ball features:

• Reactive titanium core
• Surlyn cut proof cover
• Symmetrical dimples

Pros:

• Low cost
• Available in a 45 pack!
• Multiple color options
• Greater lift on each shot

Cons:

• Not the best ball for greenside control
• No alignment aid

Distance Golf Balls Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for the best distance golf balls, there are a variety of factors you should consider before making that final decision.

Choosing your priorities before you buy will help you make an educated decision. For example:

• Do you want a softer feel with your distance ball?
• Are you willing to sacrifice greenside control?
• Is price a factor?

We’ve tried to highlight each golf ball’s strength and weakness in the list above, but if you’re starting from scratch (no pun intended), you just need to be intentional in your search.

Factors to consider:

• Golf construction
• Compression rating
• Spin
• The Ball Cover

Once you’ve weighed these factors against your own requirements, you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision with confidence.

Construction

The first thing you should consider is the construction of the ball. There is a reason why some golf balls are more expensive than others, and that reason often has to do with how many layers the ball has and what materials are used in those layers.

Most people who want to boost their distance are beginner or average golfers. If you fall into that group, you’re looking for a 2 piece golf ball. These golf balls tend to be cheaper.

However, for those who are a bit more advanced or want more short game spin as well as distance, a 3 or 4 piece golf ball is the solution. We didn’t include many of these balls on our list, but the Bridgestone Tour B RX and others combine the best of both worlds. Expect to pay more.

Golf Ball Compression Rating

The next aspect you should always think about is the compression rating. This simply relates to the swing speed which then in turn determines how long the ball will travel.

As a general rule, a lower compression ball is best suited for those who have a slower swing speed whereas a higher compression ball is best utilized by those with a faster swing speed.

Spin

The spin of the ball determines, in some part, how far the ball will fly. Balls with less spin tend to fly further, which is great on distance shots.

However, greenside control is sometime lost with balls that don’t offer more spin with the irons and wedges.

Cover

There are two main materials used for the cover: urethane and Surlyn. Urethane is softer and leads to a higher spin rate making it ideal for more skilled golfers who have more control of their swings.

Surlyn is designed for beginners who don’t quite have that level of control and need assistance with distance. Surlyn covered balls are more durable and less likely to scuff or split.

Are You Ready to Go the Distance?

Whether you’re a newcomer to golf or you’ve been playing for years, a long distance golf ball can help you to advance to the next level and boost your confidence off the tee.

You may not turn into the next Mike Austin, but adding a few yards to each swing can make a big difference.