I thought this deserved its own thread, as an important item for vintage enthusiasts. The balata ball is no longer made and those seeking that feel must either break out their old stock of balata or try some modern ball that comes close.
My personal notabalata ball, for softness (but not spin) is the Wilson Staff DX2 soft. (DUO soft in North America). The DX3 soft comes closer on spin, but loses some softness. (Duo urethane in NA)
Otherwise I just use the tour b series from Bridgestone.
What ball do you play with your vintage equipment?
I’m also playing a Wilson with my vintage gear, but I like the Wilson Zip. The Zip claims to have a zero compression core but to me the entire ball feels softer. Almost like a balata, the Wilson Zip cover is very soft and susceptible to cuts and abrasions quite easily, but the feel for me is better than any other low compression ball. I wanted to like the Duo but while it is low compression, the cover always made it feel “clicky”, especially off the putter face.
I also tried the Top-Flite Gamer Urethane from Dick’s Sporting Goods and thought they were a decent ball for persimmon play although I expected more from a urethane ball, better feel maybe. Also, I don’t think the Top-Flite Gamer is as long as the Wilson Zip.
I‘ve played many tour balls as well including Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x and Callaway Chromesoft and while they certainly perform well they don’t feel as soft or nice off the face of a persimmon.
For me the balata replacement is the Wilson Zip. At $20 for a 24 pack the lack of durability is not really a consideration as they are one of the cheapest options for a new, name brand ball.
Right now, Wilson Staff Duo Soft. I may have to give those Zip balls a try.
I tried the Wilson ZIP when it first came out, with the modern golf clubs. Actually lost some distance with the ZIP because the trajectory just ballooned up.
I'll try the ZIP again with the vintage golf clubs next season. It makes sense, because I lost some distance with the Balata on the modern golf clubs wit the same result..
Are these balata ? Felt like the balata when I putt it on the family room floor ( with builder's grade carpeting so pretty much like the muni greens around here )