When it comes to golf balls, golfers have two main options – plastic balls or foam balls. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, durability, price, and environmental impact. Many factors come into play when deciding between plastic and foam golf balls. This article will examine these key considerations to help determine which type of golf ball is better suited for different needs and playing conditions.
Key Differences Between Plastic and Foam Golf Balls
Plastic and foam golf balls have several differences that affect how they perform. Here is a quick overview:
Composition
– Plastic balls: Made from various durable plastics like Surlyn or urethane. Solid construction.
– Foam balls: Made from polyurethane foam. Hollow inner core filled with air.
Weight
– Plastic balls: Heavier than foam. Weigh around 45 grams.
– Foam balls: Lighter than plastic. Weigh 25-40 grams.
Flight Performance
– Plastic balls: Penetrate the air better for longer distance shots. More backspin.
– Foam balls: Shorter distance shots. Less backspin than plastic.
Durability
– Plastic balls: Very durable and resistant to cuts and scuffs.
– Foam balls: Less durable than plastic. Scuff and deform more easily over time.
Feel & Control
– Plastic balls: Harder feel and sound off clubface. Roll true and straight.
– Foam balls: Softer feel. Don’t roll as far or straight as plastic.
Price
– Plastic balls: More expensive, $20-$40 per dozen.
– Foam balls: Cheaper, as low as $10 per dozen.
When to Use Plastic Golf Balls
Here are the main situations where plastic golf balls have the advantage over foam options:
Playing Regulation Courses
Plastic balls are best suited for standard 18-hole golf courses. Their durability holds up better to real course conditions compared to foam. Plastic balls have the distance and performance needed for long holes and maintain truer rolls on greens.
Improving Your Long Game
The solid construction and aerodynamic design of plastic balls make them ideal for dialing in your long game. You can better practice drives for maximum carry and work on accuracy for long irons and fairway woods. The feedback from plastic is closer to real golf balls.
Withstanding Extreme Weather
Plastic golf balls withstand heat, cold, and moisture better than foam. On rainy days or in very hot or cold temperatures, plastic balls will maintain their shape, distance, and performance. Foam can swell or shrink.
Practicing with Golf Simulators
Most golf simulator software and sensors are optimized for use with regulation plastic balls. The dimple patterns and compression of plastic balls provide the most accurate swing analysis and virtual course play. Foam balls may not have consistent results.
Playing Competitive Rounds
Whether a casual round with friends or tournaments and league play, plastic balls are preferable for closely simulating real golf competition. The consistency and performance standards are closer to regular golf balls.
When to Use Foam Golf Balls
Foam golf balls offer benefits over plastic in these scenarios:
Practicing in Backyards and Limited Spaces
Foam balls don’t travel as far, so they are ideal for practicing golf swings and short shots in residential areas or parks. You don’t have to worry about damage or errant shots with foam.
Improving Your Short Game
While not great for driving range practice, foam balls behave more like real balls around the greens for chipping and putting. The softer foam provides feedback for dialing in touch shots.
Introducing New Players
Foam balls are less intimidating to beginning golfers. The lighter weight and reduced distance make them more manageable for getting started. Kids also find foam balls fun for backyard practice.
Indoor Practice
Hitting foam golf balls inside your home lets you groove your swing fundamentals year-round without damage. The lighter weight reduces risk of breakage indoors.
Low-Cost Recreational Play
For casual play or games like indoor mini golf, foam balls provide economical fun. Foam holds up fine for recreational uses at a fraction of the cost of plastic balls.
Polyurethane Foam vs. Surlyn Plastic – What’s Better?
Polyurethane foam and Surlyn plastic have emerged as the two most popular materials for non-regulation golf balls:
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane is the foam material used in most foam practice balls. The key advantages of polyurethane foam include:
– Lightweight – Reduced ball speed compared to plastic
– Soft feel – More “real” ball feel around greens
– Low cost – Much cheaper per ball than Surlyn plastic
– Floats – Can be retrieved easily from water hazards
However, polyurethane foam balls lack the durability of plastic and absorb moisture over time. Frequent use damages and misshapes foam balls.
Surlyn Plastic
Surlyn is a durable thermoplastic resin used for “almost golf balls” and other plastic practice balls. Benefits of Surlyn plastic include:
– Extremely durable – Withstands frequent driving range use
– Maintains shape and performance – Doesn’t absorb moisture
– Provides feedback similar to a real ball
– Allows for intricate dimple designs
On the downside, Surlyn balls cost more than foam and don’t quite match the soft feel around the greens. But for durability and performance, Surlyn is superior.
The Verdict
For most golf practice and recreational play, Surlyn plastic balls are the better choice over polyurethane foam. While foam balls have a softer feel, the poor durability limits their lifespan. Surlyn balls have much greater longevity and mimic the performance of regulation balls more closely. The feedback and consistency help improve swing mechanics and ball striking. While foam balls have their niche uses, avid golfers are better served investing in quality plastic balls.
How Long Do Plastic and Foam Golf Balls Last?
The lifespan of plastic and foam golf balls can vary substantially depending on how frequently they are used:
Plastic Golf Balls
– With moderate use (1-2 times per week), plastic balls will last around 1-2 years before showing significant abrasions and losing performance.
– With heavy use (daily range sessions), expect 6-12 months of life from a plastic ball before needing replacement.
– Storing plastic balls properly indoors extends lifespan. Keep away from heat and moisture.
Foam Golf Balls
– Foam golf balls have much shorter lifespans than plastic balls with the same usage frequency.
– With moderate use, foam balls degrade in about 3-6 months before needing replacement.
– Heavy range use can wear down foam balls in as little as 1-2 months.
– Foam absorbs moisture over time, even when stored properly. Expect 1 year max before foam ball performance declines.
Improving Longevity
You can maximize lifespan of both plastic and foam practice balls by:
– Rotating multiple sets to evenly distribute wear
– Sticking to shorter irons and wedges vs. frequent driver use
– Properly storing balls away from extreme temps and moisture
– Cleaning regularly to remove dirt and debris
– Avoiding use on abrasive surfaces like concrete or cart paths
While foam balls need replacing more often, plastic balls still degrade and should be monitored for visible wear.
Plastic Golf Ball Spin vs. Foam Golf Ball Spin
Generating spin is an essential factor in controlling golf shots. There are significant differences in spin performance between plastic and foam balls:
Plastic Golf Ball Spin
– The dimple patterns on plastic balls allow clean contact for maximum spin.
– You can generate high RPMs for shots like drives, pitch shots, and chip shots.
– Backspin rates of 3,000+ RPM are achievable for full wedge shots.
– Mimics the spin performance of real golf balls very closely.
Foam Golf Ball Spin
– Less potential for spin than plastic balls due to lighter weight.
– Foam construction reduces friction against the clubface.
– Max spin rates around 2,000 RPM for full wedge shots.
– Not enough spin generation for proper flight shapes on drives and iron shots.
The Impact on Practice
For working on shot shaping and dialing in spin control, plastic balls have a clear advantage. Only plastic allows shaping shots through adjustments to swing path and delivery. Foam balls limit the ability to fine-tune trajectory and backspin on full shots. Around the greens, foam provides some feel but still less spin than plastic or real balls.
Cost Comparison: Plastic vs. Foam Golf Balls
Ball cost is another factor when weighing plastic and foam golf balls. Here is an overview of price differences:
| Ball Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $20 – $40 per dozen |
| Polyurethane Foam | $5 – $15 per dozen |
As you can see, foam balls are significantly cheaper per dozen compared to plastic balls. However, given their shorter lifespan, the long-term cost difference narrows when accounting for replacement frequency.
Let’s take a closer look at potential yearly costs:
– Foam balls (~$10/dozen) need replacing every 2-3 months with frequent use: 6-8 dozen per year = $60 – $80
– Plastic balls (~$30/dozen) can last 6-12 months with frequent use: 2-3 dozen per year = $60 – $90
Factor in rotational use of multiple dozens, and the annual costs end up being relatively comparable. The added durability and performance of plastic balls offset the upfront price premium over foam.
Shoppers should look carefully at reviews and product details to find good quality plastic balls that offer value. Avoid the cheapest models that lack spin and durability. Invest a little more for balls mimicking flight of real premium balls. Over time, performance plastic balls save money by avoiding constant foam ball replacement.
Environmental Impact: Foam vs. Plastic Golf Balls
Eco-conscious golfers should understand the environmental pros and cons of foam and plastic balls:
Foam Golf Balls
– Polyurethane foam is not biodegradable.
– Foam balls break down into small particles over time.
– Foam residue persists in soil and water.
– Producing polyurethane consumes substantial energy and emits greenhouse gases.
Plastic Golf Balls
– Surlyn plastic is also non-biodegradable and does not break down quickly.
– But plastic balls remain intact when discarded.
– Plastics require petroleum resources to manufacture.
– Recycling used plastic balls helps reduce waste but has limits.
The Verdict
Neither foam nor plastic golf balls are environmentally friendly options. But foam likely has greater ecosystem impacts over time as balls degrade into microplastics that spread through runoff. Plastic balls are more suited to recycling efforts. For eco-conscious golfers, practicing with real balls and reducing usage of plastic or foam balls is recommended whenever practical. Proper disposal and recycling is important as well.
Foam vs. Plastic Golf Balls: Which is Best for Beginners?
For new golfers just learning the game, foam balls may be the better choice over plastic:
– Foam is less prone to damage and breakage during mis-hits.
– The softness of foam reduces risk of injury and allows more repetitions.
– Foam balls don’t fly as far, allowing practice in more confined spaces.
– The light weight builds confidence and allows beginners to focus on swing techniques.
– Foam is more affordable, reducing cost as skills develop.
– Chipping and putting skill development transfers to real balls.
While some feedback is sacrificed, foam balls give beginners the freedom to make mistakes without painful or discouraging results. As skills improve and golfers move to driving ranges or courses, switching to plastic balls helps ingrain real ball flight dynamics.
Choosing the Best Practice Balls for Your Game
Here is a summary of key factors to consider when selecting foam or plastic practice balls:
Playing Level
Beginners – Foam for safety, cost, limited flight
Intermediate/Advanced – Plastic for feedback and simulation
Practice Goals
Full swing – Plastic for carry, trajectory, spin
Short game – Foam provides decent feel around greens
Practice Venue
Backyard – Foam for minimal damage risks
Driving Range – Plastic for durability off mats/turf
Frequency of Use
Occasional practice – Foam is more economical
Frequent practice – Plastic withstands heavy use
Environmental Impact
Eco-friendly – Limit plastic and foam ball use
Reduce waste – Recycle worn out plastic balls
Weigh your specific needs and preferences, then select foam or plastic practice balls accordingly. Using the right ball for your skill level and practice goals will maximize benefits.
Conclusion
While foam balls have advantages for beginners and around the greens, Surlyn plastic balls deliver the best overall mix of performance, durability, and value for the money. Plastic allows experienced golfers to hone their skills in a truer simulation of ball flight, feel, and response. The greater longevity of plastic compared to polyurethane foam offsets the upfront cost difference over the long run. For practice ranging from backyard sessions to serious improvement on the range, premium plastic balls combine versatility and feedback for developing all aspects of your game. Carefully read ball specifications and reviews and invest a little more for durable plastic balls mimicking flight of top real golf balls.