Golf Ball Compression Chart: Find the Right Ball for Your Swing (Product Comparison)

Not sure what golf ball you should be using? This golf ball compression chart article breaks it down by swing speed, helping you choose the best ball for distance, feel, and control.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding golf ball compression can transform your game.

What Is Golf Ball Compression and How Is It Measured?

When choosing a golf ball, you’ve probably come across the term compression.

It’s not just about how hard or soft a ball feels—it’s a measurable rating that tells you how much the ball compresses when you hit it.

And that compression plays a major role in how far the ball goes, how it feels off the clubface, and how much control you have.

Golf ball compression is measured on a scale, typically ranging from 30 (very soft) to 120 (very firm).

A low compression ball deforms more on impact. It’s softer and easier to compress, making it ideal for slower swing speeds (e.g. under 85 mph).

A high compression ball deforms less and is harder to compress. These are made for players with faster swing speeds (over 100 mph) who can generate the force needed to get full performance.

For example:

• A beginner with a swing speed of 80 mph might benefit from a ball like Titleist TruFeel or Callaway Supersoft (compression ~40–60).
  
• A more advanced golfer swinging at 105+ mph could benefit from a high compression ball like the Agape MP5 (compression 90+).

What Happens If You Hit the Wrong Compression Golf Ball?

Using a ball that matches your swing speed can dramatically impact your game.

If you use a ball that’s too firm for your swing speed, you won’t compress it enough—so you’ll lose distance and feel.

If the ball is too soft for your speed, you might over-compress it, leading to a mushy feel and lack of control.

Golf Ball Compression Comparison Chart: Find Your Fit

How to Know Which Golf Ball to Use for Your Game?

Use this simple chart to compare compression ratings, feel, and recommended golf balls — so you can make the right choice without guesswork.

Swing Speed	Compression	Feel	Best For	Recommended Balls
< 85 mph	30–60 (Low)	Very Soft	Beginners, slower swingers, seniors	Callaway Supersoft, Titleist TruFeel, Srixon Soft Feel
85–100 mph	65–85 (Medium)	Soft–Medium	Balanced players, mid-handicappers	Agape VS3, Bridgestone e6, Srixon Q-Star Tour
> 100 mph	90+ (High)	Firm	Advanced golfers, fast swingers	Agape MP5, Titleist Pro V1x, TaylorMade TP5x

 

Best for Slower Swing Speeds (< 85 mph)

If you’re newer to golf or your swing is on the smoother side, you want a ball that’s soft, forgiving, and easy to launch.

Callaway Supersoft

• Compression: 47 (2023 model)
• Construction: 2-piece with a hybrid ionomer cover
• Ideal for: Golfers with slower swing speeds seeking maximum distance and a soft feel

The Callaway Supersoft is renowned for its ultra-low compression, making it one of the softest balls available. This design promotes faster ball speeds and reduced spin, resulting in longer, straighter shots, especially beneficial for players with slower swing speeds. 

Srixon Soft Feel

• Compression: 60
• Construction: 2-piece with an ionomer cover
• Ideal for: Golfers with moderate swing speeds seeking a balance of distance and soft feel

The Srixon Soft Feel features a FastLayer core that transitions from soft to firm, delivering both softness and distance.

Its 338 Speed Dimple pattern reduces drag and increases lift, promoting a higher launch and longer carry. The soft, thin cover provides enhanced greenside spin and a comfortable feel on all shots, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of players.

Best for Moderate Swing Speeds (85–100 mph)

You’ve got a solid swing and want to level up. These balls give you a great mix of distance, feel, and spin control.

Agape VS3

• Compression: 80–90
• Construction: 3-piece with a soft urethane cover
• Best for: Golfers who want straighter drives, soft feel, and all-around control

The Agape VS3 cuts spin off the tee for longer, straighter drives, while its soft urethane cover gives you great feel and control around the green. With a forgiving core and tour-like touch, it’s a balanced ball for players who want distance and consistency without needing tour-level swing speed.

Bridgestone e6

• Compression: Approximately 50
• Construction: 2-piece with a Surlyn cover
• Ideal for: Golfers with moderate swing speeds seeking a balance of distance and soft feel

The e6 feels soft off the putter, offers good control on chips, and flies straight with less sidespin. Great value for its performance — perfect if you want consistency without paying tour ball prices.

Best for Fast Swing Speeds (> 100 mph)

Agape MP5

• Compression: 90+
• Construction: 5-piece with a durable urethane cover
• Best for: Players with fast swing speeds who want explosive distance off the tee and spin control around the green

If you swing fast and want explosive distance, this is your ball.

The MP5’s 5-layer build and firm core give you serious power off the tee. But it’s not just muscle — the soft urethane cover adds great spin and control on short shots. Power and finesse, all in one.

TaylorMade TP5x

• Compression: High
• Construction: 5-piece with a urethane cover
• Best for: Advanced golfers who want max ball speed, mid-iron precision, and reliable spin on touch shots

Built for high-speed players chasing max ball speed and control. Its 5-layer construction adds distance on drives and precision on irons, with a soft feel that surprises for a tour ball. It’s fast, stable, and feels buttery — even on aggressive swings.

Golf Ball Compression FAQs

What Compression Should My Golf Ball Be?

Your ball’s compression should match your swing speed:

• Under 85 mph → Use low compression (30–70) balls
• 85–100 mph → Use medium compression (70–90) balls
• Over 100 mph → Use high compression (90+) balls

What happens if you hit a low compression ball with a fast swing?

The ball over-compresses, causing energy loss and shorter drives. You may also feel the ball is too soft and lack control, especially on full shots.

How to Increase Golf Ball Compression?

You can’t change a ball’s compression — it’s built into the design. If you want higher compression, switch to a firmer, tour-level ball made for fast swings (e.g., Agape MP5, Pro V1x).

Is a softer golf ball more forgiving?

Yes. Softer, low compression balls are easier to hit well with slower swings. They also feel better on off-center hits and help reduce sidespin for straighter shots.

What Is the Best Golf Ball to Play With?

Since you asked — if you’ve got the speed, the Agape MP5 is the ball you’re looking for.

It’s a high compression ball designed for golfers with swing speeds over 100 mph. That means if you swing fast, this ball gives you the solid energy transfer you need to launch long, powerful shots.

But here’s the cool part: even though it’s firm inside, it still feels soft thanks to its TPU cover. So you get that satisfying feel around the greens without giving up distance off the tee.

It’s like having the best of both worlds — tour-level power with short-game finesse.