Choosing the best golf balls for distance and spin ultimately comes down to your preference: do you want to be longer off the tee or have softer touch and spin around the greens? While you might not have time or equipment to test every ball on the market yourself, you can still make a highly informed-and-useful decision by relying on verified test data from independent labs and trusted buyer’s-guides. In this review we compare the top 5 performers of 2025 across two distinct categories—distance and –spin using published results from the MyGolfSpy’s 2025 Golf Ball Test and other independent sources. ¹

 

We’ll review the top 5 balls for distance, and the top 5 balls for spin. We’ll show a comparison chart, and wrap up with a buying-guide so you can pick the best golf balls for your specific game. At the end, we will offer our choice for the two best golf balls for distance and spin. 

 

How We Compared the Golf Balls

 

Here’s how we used the available testing data to produce honest, meaningful recommendations:

• • Test Sources: Primarily the MyGolfSpy 2025 Ball Test (44 models, swing-robot testing for driver, irons, wedges) offering metrics of carry, total distance, spin rate, ball speed, launch, etc.

• • Key Metrics:
    
    • • Total Distance for driver and irons
    • • Spin Rate
    • • Compression / Feel / Cover Construction (because how the ball feels matters!)

• • Category Definition:
    
    • • Distance-balls: models that achieved top results in carry/total yardage, often firmer, lower spin off the driver.
    • • Spin-balls: models that produced high wedge/iron spin, excellent stopping power and greenside control.

(Because we did not conduct the lab tests ourselves, we clearly cite the primary data sources so readers understand the basis of our recommendations.)

 

Best Golf Balls for Distance (Top 5)

If you’re looking to be longer off the tee, these are the models that ranked highest for total yardage at a swing speed of 102mph. This swing speed represents a slightly above average speed for the average golfer.

 

RANK	BALL MODEL	TOTAL DISTANCE	NOTES	PRICE	WHERE TO BUY
1.	Maxfli – Tour X	289.4 yds	Cast urethane cover 336 dimple design Compression rating 100	$39.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods
2.	Srixon Z-Star XV	287.4 yds	Urethane cover 338 dimple design Compression rating 102	$49.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods
3.	Callaway Chrome Tour X	287.1 yds	Urethane soft cover 332 dimple design Compression rating 98	$54.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods Callaway
4.	Srixon Z-Star Diamond	286.9	Urethane cover 338 dimple design Compression rating 100	$49.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods PGA Tour Superstore
5.	PXG Xtreme Tour X	286.9	Urethane cover 338 dimple design Compression rating 107	$34.99	Ember’s Golf PXG

Best Golf Balls for Spin (Top 5)

These models are ideal when your priority is more greenside bite, higher spin rates on wedges and irons, and maximum control around the course. These balls will sacrifice a little distance but will provide you with a little more touch and feel around the green. These are the balls with the highest spin rates from a 7 iron with a swing speed of 80mph. This swing speed represents a slightly above average speed for the average golfer.

 

RANK	BALL MODEL	SPIN RATE	NOTES	PRICE	WHERE TO BUY
1.	Titleist Tour Soft	6,749 rpm	Fusablend cover 346 dimple design Compression rating 65	$39.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods Target
2.	Srixon Z-Star Diamond	6716 rpm	3 piece urethane cover 338 dimple design Compression rating 100	$49.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods PGA Superstore
3.	Wilson Staff Model X	6615 rpm	4 piece urethane cover 362 dimple design	$49.99	Golf Galaxy Wilson PGA Tour Superstore
4.	Callaway Chrome Tour X	6608 rpm	Urethane soft cover 332 dimple design Compression rating 98	$54.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods Callaway
5.	Bridgestone Tour B XS	6549 rpm	REACTIV iQ Smart Cover 330 dimple design Compression rating 85	$44.99	Golf Galaxy Dicks Sporting Goods PGA Superstore

Our Pick

Based on the data, the Srixon Z-Star Diamond stands out as our top overall choice because it ranks as one of the best golf balls for distance AND spin, offering an exceptional balance of power off the tee and control around the greens. It’s a rare combination that delivers consistent performance for a wide range of golfers. Coming in a close second, the Callaway Chrome Tour X also earns top-five positions in both categories, making it making it one of the best golf balls for distance and spin as well. Both balls provide the “best of both worlds” — long carry and reliable spin — but the Z-Star Diamond edges ahead for its slightly better versatility and overall performance profile.

 

Final Thoughts

If you want maximum distance, any one of the five Distance balls above will serve you well—especially if you swing above average and hit the ball solid. If your focus is spin and control, particularly around the greens, then one of the five Spin balls above will offer a more premium feel and performance.

 

Either way, the best golf balls for distance and spin are balls that fit your game, your swing speed, and your course conditions—and then sticking with it long enough to notice subtle benefits. We suggest keeping a few distance AND spin balls in your bag and rotate them as needed on the go!