What's the difference between the 2007 Pro V1 and 2008 Pro V1?

The 2007 and 2008 version is the same ball. The current retail version of the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball was introduced in January 2007. Typically, Titleist introduces a new version of the Pro V1 models every two years. It is anticipated that the next version of the Pro V1 will be introduced in the fall of 2008 with an availability in January of 2009.

Can you provide any details on the specifications of the golf ball produced by Radar Golf.

The golf ball produced by Radar Golf has been out for a few years now. It is not in our database of golf balls that have been tested. However, we have done compression and cover hardness testing on it recently and it has an ATTI reading for compression of around 100 and a durometer (ASTM D2240/Type C) reading for cover hardness of around 85. It is a two-piece construction golf ball. The cover hardness rating is consistent with most two-piece distance golf balls while the compression rating is a higher that most golf balls within that category.

The company has a website at www.radargolf.com that provides additional information on their golf ball.

What is the average hang time of a drive?

The PGA Tour's ShotLink system has been collecting this particular information on tour and in a recent issue of GolfWorld magazine, E. Michael Johnson reports that Robert Garrigus currently leads the PGA Tour in this stat with an average hang time of 7.4 seconds per tee shot. The article also mentions that Bill Haas is on record with the longest hang time at 7.9 seconds.

What is the shelf life of golf balls?

Most of today's golf balls should have a shelf life of more than five years given normal storage conditions. To maximize shelf life, we recommend storing golf balls in a dry place at room temperature. Additionally, a ball that is stored in a hot car trunk or unconditioned attic may under perform a ball stored in a cool dry location. Storing golf balls in the freezer is never recommended and does not preserve their compression and freshness contrary to some belief. The old wound balls of yesterday had a significantly lesser shelf life. This was due to the effects of temperature and time on the elasticity of the rubber windings inside the ball resulting in some level of performance degradation. We are not aware on any scientific studies that address golf ball shelf life documenting its exact effect on performance.

Which is the longest ball?

There is no one golf ball or one construction which is longest for all golfers. However, there are some recognized patterns among the different types of balls:

- Two-piece balls generally provide more roll.

- Two-piece balls tend to be longer when hit with an iron due to lower spin rates and trajectories.

- Weaker players often think they get more distance with harder balls because they can get them in the air easily with short irons, but their lower spin rates may cause a loss of distance in the longer irons and woods where they need it most.

Are golf balls going too far?

- Driving distance since 1968 has increased no more than 12 yards.

- There seems to be no improvement in accuracy or greens in regulation on the PGA tour.

- The average winning golf score is improving; but at only one stroke per round… every 21 years.

Are there proxies for how ball speed relates to driver distance?

Yes, in general most golfers cannot hit a driver more than 250 yards carry unless they can generate a ball speed greater than 150 MPH. Most average golfers, with ball speeds of about 130 MPH, will carry the driver an average of 200 – 225 yards. Most lower ball speed players (less than 120 MPH) will hit their driver less than 180 yards carry.

How does club head speed relate to ball speed and to distance?

Ball speed is approximately 1.4 times clubhead speed. The most efficient players will approach 1.5 times.

How does the combination of shaft and ball selection affect performance?

How energy is loaded on to the shaft and released through the clubhead and through to the ball can be greatly affected by the selection of a shaft type. There is more to be said of shaft technology than just stiff, regular, steel or graphite.

Have you conducted any studies on "value for money" in purchasing different balls?

Yes – These findings will be released in future versions of GolfBallSelector.com