Best High-Spin Golf Balls 2024: Easily hit and hold greens
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The easiest and cheapest way to increase spin is switching to one of the best high-spin golf balls
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Playing with one of the best high-spin golf balls could be the answer to all of your problems on the golf course. If you struggle to keep the ball in play off the tee or constantly watch your ball fly into the green and roll off the back, it might not be the best golf ball for you, and you should consider one of the best high-spin golf balls because it will give you the control you need.
Every golfer wants to find a happy balance between having a golf ball that flies far and high off the tee and chases down the fairway while also delivering a towering ball flight when hitting into greens and stopping on a dime – unless you have the ability of a Tour professional chances are you’ll struggle to find a perfect balance.
I always say that spin is your friend, so having a high-spin golf ball – for most golfers – is going to benefit your game. However, if you feel as though you generate too much spin off the tee and when attacking pins then take a look at the best low-spin golf balls. Whether you need to increase or reduce spin playing with one of the best golf balls for spin will undoubtedly help in your quest.
Best High-Spin Golf Balls: Key models to consider
Best overall: PXG Xtreme | View Offer
Most workable: Callaway Chrome Tour X | View Offer
Best-represented on Tour: Titleist Pro V1x | View Offer
Best soft-feeling: TaylorMade TP5 | View Offer
Many of the best high-spin golf balls feature among the best premium golf balls and have Tour validation. It’s rare for the best golf balls for beginners and high-handicappers to challenge the best high-spin golf balls because of their construction and technology. Also, in that breath, although it probably goes without saying, none of the best distance golf balls are worth considering if you’re looking to increase spin because they’re designed to reduce spin and get the ball rolling out farther.
Another category of golf balls that tends to include more high-spin golf balls than low-spin golf balls is the best golf balls for mid-handicappers because they incorporate much of the technology found in the premium golf balls and they feature a three-piece or four-piece construction. Finding value with high-spin golf balls is completely attainable because some of the best value golf balls are capable of generating incredible spin.
How we test the best high-spin golf balls
We test the best high-spin golf balls in the same way we test all golf balls which you can read more about on our page dedicated to tell you how we test golf equipment. What we’re looking for when testing golf balls to see if they can be classed as one of the best high-spin golf balls is primarily their ability to hit and hold greens while still delivering distance.
While we carried out an extensive golf ball robot test in 2023 and a second golf ball robot test in 2024 that informed us which models are high-spinning at different driver swing speeds, with a 7-iron, and a pitching wedge, we still like to take the models out on the golf course and test them ourselves. As well as looking at spin, we’re also looking out for control, durability, distance, feel, sound, and any other parameters specific to individual golf balls.
The majority of golf balls are sent in to us by brands, but sometimes we need to source them ourselves,w which we do in order to provide you with as much information and as many options as possible. So, when it comes to the best high-spin golf balls we’ve tested hundreds and shortlisted the best eight we know will definitely increase your spin.
If you’re one of those golfers who’s constantly shouting at your bell to “get down” or “sit” then you should strongly consider one of the best high-spin golf balls. If after reading through our top picks of 2024 you’re still unsure as to which model will serve you best, read through our extensive buying guide and our answers to the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Best High-Spin Golf Balls 2024
Fantastic value for a golf ball that has no issue in generating spin
With spin being much more of a help than a hindrance on the golf course there are tonnes of golfers that would benefit from gaming the PXG Xtreme golf balls.
The findings from our 2023 robot test clearly highlight just how effective this golf ball is at generating spin while maintaining distance. With a 7-iron and pitching wedge, the PXG Xtreme was the highest-spinning golf ball in our test, up against 27 other golf balls. The average backspin (after 12 shots with each club on the robot) produced by the PXG Xtreme with a 7-iron was 6245 rpm and 8183 rpm with a pitching wedge.
Compared to the test average, the PXG Xtreme generated just over 800 rpm more with a 7-iron and slightly higher than 600 rpm with a pitching wedge.
Read our full PXG Xtreme golf balls review.
Pros
- Amazing for hitting and holding greens
- Brilliant value
- Good option off the tee for golfers who struggle to keep the ball in the air
Cons
- Not the longest golf ball but it makes up for that with the high level of spin
| <span style | "color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: collapse;">Construction</span> |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White |
- High C.O.R. polybutadiene core created for high-speed performance
- Firm ionomer mantle layer engineered to increase speed and distance off the tee
- Soft urethane bright white outer cover
- 338 dimple pattern engineered to deliver aerodynamic characteristics
A very workable golf ball that easily produces spin
Most workable high-spin golf balls
I play links golf and I even took the Callaway Chrome Tour for a spin around the Old Course at St Andrews where I had zero issues in stopping the ball on the green – I can only imagine how much more grab I would’ve had if I was playing with a Chrome Tour X.
Off the tee, the Chrome Tour X spins more than the Chrome Tour which won’t be to everyone’s liking but for those who struggle to generate height and potentially lose the ball left then the Chrome Tour X is well worth considering.
The results from our 2024 robot test clearly show this being the highest-spinning golf ball Callaway has to offer. The Chrome Tour X spins most when required, being the highest-spinning golf ball of the 24 we tested from a 7-iron and a pitching wedge. With a driver, it averaged out across the three driver swing speeds as the second highest-spinning model.
The Chrome Tour X is a fantastic high-spinning golf ball that anyone wanting to increase spin without losing distance should consider. The price shouldn't put you off because you're guaranteed a fantastic product you can trust.
Read our full Callaway Chrome Tour X golf balls review.
Pros
- Extremely high spin and control when approaching the greens
- Produces brilliant ball speeds and distance
- Played by some of the best players in the world across numerous Tours
Cons
- The price has shot up which might be off-putting for some golfers
| Construction | 4-piece |
| Cover | Tour urethane |
| Dimples | 332 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Chrome Tour X Triple Track; 360° Triple Track; TruTrack |
- Exceptionally Fast Ball Speeds
- Maximum Workability Through The Bag
- Optimized Greenside Spin and Control
- More Consistent Performance
The most-played high-spin golf ball on the professional circuit
Best-represented high-spin golf balls on Tour
However, when we tested the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in our 2023 robot test the Pro V1x produced more spin than the Pro V1 with a pitching wedge, 7-iron, and driver at 85mph and 100mph swing speeds. The Pro V1 delivered less spin with a driver at 115mph.
Overall the Pro V1x is the highest-spinning golf ball in Titleist’s line-up, if you think you might benefit from playing with this golf ball over the incredibly popular Pro V1 then it could be time to make the switch.
Compared to the Pro V1 – the No.1 ball in golf – the Pro V1x generated nearly 300 rpm more backspin with a pitching wedge (7912 rpm vs. 7625 rpm), and with a 7-iron the gap was just over 200 rpm with a 7-iron (5948 rpm vs. 5731 rpm).
Read our full Titleist Pro V1x golf balls review.
Pros
- Fantastic short game spin and control
- Very responsive firm-feeling
- One of the most popular golf balls on Tour
Cons
- Price per ball north of $4 – but many would argue it’s warranted
| Construction | 4-piece |
| Cover | Cast urethane elastomer |
| Dimples | 348 |
| Feel | Firm |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Pro V1x Left Dash |
- High gradient core design
- Speed amplifying high-flex casing layer
- Cast thermoset urethane cover
- Spherically tiled tetrahedral dimple design
- New dual-core dimension
Wilson's premium firm-feeling golf ball delivers outstanding spin
Best firm-feeling high-spin golf balls
Attacking pins from the fairway (or rough) is easier with the Staff Model X because it’s slightly higher-spinning than the Staff Model. Off the tee, both models are low-spinning but the Staff Model is marginally lower-spinning which means the Staff Model X is slightly easier to control if your bad shot is low and left.
I wasn't at all surprised to see the Staff Model X feature highly in our 2024 robot test spin metrics. This Wilson model is known to be the higher-spinning version and our results back this up. With a 7-iron this is the third highest-spinning golf ball we tested in 2024 and with a pitching wedge, it's the fourth-highest golf ball of the 24 tested.
Off the tee, I haven't really noticed this to be a particularly high-spinning golf ball but it definitely has more grab than the non-X model and competitors non-X models. The Staff Model X averaged the sixth-highest spin count in 2024 but that didn't hinder distance whatsoever. This golf ball was the longest at 100mph swing speeds, third at 115mph swing speeds, and fourth at 85mph swing speeds.
If I was in the market for a high-spinning golf ball (which I am) I would definitely consider the Wilson Staff Model X (which I do) because you're guaranteed increased spin and impressive distance - what more could you wish for?
Read our full Wilson Staff Model X golf balls review.
Pros
- Very high-spinning golf ball when playing into greens
- Competitive distance off the tee despite producing high spin rates
- Incredibly responsive off every club face
Cons
- A firm-feeling golf ball isn’t to everyone’s liking
| Construction | 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Dimples | 362 |
| Feel | Firm |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White; Yellow |
- V-Cor advanced performance
- Firm compression core with velocity-boosting additive
- 3SIX2 seamless urethane cover
A high-spin golf ball fit for a five-time Major champion
Best high-spin golf balls for golfers with quick swing speeds
The most noticeable trait of the Z-Star Diamond is how high-spinning this ball is compared to the other golf balls within the Z-Star range. The Z-Star is definitely best-suited to golfers with quicker swing speeds because we found in our 2023 robot test that despite delivering considerable spin off the driver face, with a swing speed of 115mph the Z-Star Diamond travelled extremely far.
Most golfers wanting more spin are probably chasing spin to help improve spin and control when hitting into greens. With a pitching wedge and 7-iron the Z-Star Diamond was the second-highest and third-highest spinning golf ball respectively.
Only three balls recorded an average of more than 6000 rpm with a 7-iron, the Z-Star Diamond in third produced 6059 rpm, the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece was second with a test average of 6176 rpm, and the highest-spinning PXG Xtreme generated 6245 rpm.
With a pitching wedge, the Z-Star Diamond was once again one of only three balls to produce backspin above a certain number, this time 8000 rpm. In second place for spin with a pitching wedge, the Z-Star Diamond produced 8077 rpm, third place went to the TaylorMade TP5 which recorded 8050 rpm, and first place once again belonged to the PXG Xtreme which delivered a test average of 8183 rpm.
Read our full Srixon Z-Star Diamond golf balls review.
Pros
- Fantastic at generating spin when firing at pins
- Extremely long off the tee
- Ball of choice for a five-time Major Champion
Cons
- Not the ideal option for golfers with swing speeds south of 100mph
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid-High |
| Long game spin | Mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White |
- Speed dimple pattern
- Thin premium cover
- Spin skin+ coating
- Fastlayer DG core
A brilliant soft-feeling premium TaylorMade golf ball that spins on command
Both the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls are fantastic golf balls, we've even been fortunate enough to see how TaylorMade golf balls are made, but if you would prefer slightly more distance at the cost of spin then you might want to consider the TP5x over the TP5.
The previous model of the TP5 was put through its paces in our 2023 robot test and our findings support the claims that this ball is high-spinning throughout the bag. At the bottom of the bag – where spin is more important – the TP5 was the third-highest spinning golf ball with a pitching wedge and fifth-highest with a 7-iron.
Compared to the longer TP5x, the higher-spinning TP5 produced more backspin than the TP5x with every shot hit in our robot test. The same can be said for our 2024 robot test too.
Of the 24 golf balls we tested in 2024, two of them were the TP5 and TP5x. Once again, like in 2023, the TP5 emerged as the highest-spinning premium TaylorMade golf ball. In 2024, the TP5s highest ranking regarding spin is fifth (average across the three driver swing speeds), TP5 was the seventh highest-spinning golf ball with a 7-iron, and ninth highest-spinning model with a pitching wedge.
The 2024 TaylorMade TP5 isn't as high-spinning as the previous model TP5 but it continues to be higher-spinning than the TP5x. Therefore, anyone looking for a premium TaylorMade golf ball that produces high spin, the TP5 model is the one to choose.
Read our full TaylorMade TP5 golf balls review.
Pros
- High-spinning golf ball from tee to green that’s easy to control
- Impressive distance in the long game
- The soft feel will appeal to most golfers
Cons
- The TP5x is a much more popular golf ball on Tour
| Construction | Five-piece |
| Cover | Cast-urethane |
| Dimples | 322 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | TP5 Pix |
- New seamless tour flight dimple pattern
- Speed-layer system
- High-flex material
Great value golf balls that generate spin effortlessly
The previous model, V2.0 golf balls generated boatloads of spin, potentially to their detriment, because it hindered distance and made them less playable for many golfers. The results from our 2023 robot test highlighted this.
It's a similar story for the V3.0 golf balls that were rigorously tested in our 2024 robot test. Once again Kirkland have produced a high-spinning golf ball. The V3.0 was the highest-spinning golf ball off the tee in our most recent golf ball robot test, with a 7-iron it was the second highest-spinning model, and with a pitching wedge, it was the third highest-spinning model of the 24 golf balls tested.
Before testing the V3.0 on the robot I played a couple of rounds with this golf ball to see how it compared to other models I tend to play with. I was skeptical at first because I had knowledge of how the previous model ballooned, but I had any doubts removed when I watched a tee shot with the V3.0 sail past my first drive with a different model.
Seeing the low distance the V3.0 produced in our 2024 robot test I am surprised, but then again, I'm no robot and I may have caught it better than I did the previous shot with a different golf ball.
I'd definitely recommend anyone looking to increase spin to try the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece V3.0 golf balls.
Pros
- Really solid feel and feedback
- Excellent spin and control around the greens
- High spin throughout the bag
- Much better distance compared to the previous model
Cons
- Not as widely available as other options
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White |
- Soft and highly elastic core
- Durable urethane cover
- Reactive mantle
Bridgestone's highest-spinning golf ball
Best high-spin golf balls for durability
The Tour B XS is hands down the highest-spinning golf ball offered by Bridgestone. In our 2023 robot test, the Tour B XS generated the most spin compared to every other Tour B model we tested, and the Bridgestone e6 - which is one of the best low-spin golf balls.
Not only did the Tour B XS produce the most spin of the Bridgestone golf balls at every driver swing speed, with a 7-iron, and a pitching wedge, but it also ended the test as the most accurate Bridgestone golf ball.
Whether you have a driver swing speed of 85mph or 115mph, the Bridgestone Tour B XS golf ball is the model you want if you're looking to increase spin throughout the bag.
Read our full Bridgestone Tour B XS golf balls review.
Pros
- Incredible short game spin and control
- Lovely soft and responsive feel off every club face
- Highly accurate
Cons
- Not much difference between this and the Tour B X but that one's longer
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Low |
| Long game spin | Mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Colour options | White; Yellow |
- REACTIV iQ urethane cover
- Gradational compression core
- Dual dimple technology
- Seamless cover technology
Best High-Spin Golf Balls 2024: Buying Guide
Ability
Ability will play a massive part in whether you’ll need a high-spinning golf ball or even if you’d benefit from a high-spinning golf ball. Ability doesn’t really apply to your handicap or what you score on the course, it relates more to your swing and how you present the club at impact.
What I mean by this is, you may be a golfer who has the ability to generate spin because of the way you swing and how you hit the ball. However, you might struggle to produce spin for the same reasons. Certain golfers – depending on skill level – will be able to manipulate their swing in order to reduce or increase spin, but realistically those golfers will be playing on a Tour somewhere in the world. If you have quite a shallow swing and don’t take much of a divot, typically you would benefit from playing a high-spin golf ball.
Price/Budget
Working to a budget or specific price point when you’re in the market for high-spin golf balls isn’t as easy as it is if you’re looking for low-spin golf balls. This is because most of the best high-spin golf balls are premium golf balls. Some high-spin golf balls present better value than others but they’re still a more expensive option than a lower-spinning golf ball.
If it’s the case that you do require a high-spin golf ball then it’s probably worth budgeting elsewhere because you’ll make more improvements to your golf game by getting the golf ball right than probably any other piece of equipment.
Feel
No matter whether your preference is for a firmer-feeling golf ball or a softer-feeling golf ball you’ll be able to find your preference if you need to play with a high-spin golf ball. Feel doesn’t directly correlate to spin despite what some golfers believe.
Distance
If you’re in the market for golf balls that deliver high-spin then chances are distance isn’t a vital aspect you’re considering. However, just because you’re interested in playing with golf balls that generate spin easily doesn’t mean distance is completely irrelevant.
With many of the best high-spin golf balls being premium golf balls frequented by Tour players, you can guarantee they will still produce competitive distance – we backed this up in our 2023 golf ball robot test. That being said, the golf balls that tend to deliver the most distance are the best low-spin golf balls. Therefore, if you are someone who prioritises distance over spin, then it’s worth taking a look at those instead.
Colour
Colour should have zero impact on how much a golf ball spins, so whether your preference is to play with a white golf ball, yellow golf ball, or any other colour golf ball, you’ll be covered by one of the best high-spin golf balls.
Most golfers will elect to play with a white golf ball, but is that because they want to or just because they are the most common golf balls seen on Tour and in the amateur game? Playing with a more vibrant coloured golf ball could help you score better because you’ll be less likely to lose sight of your ball in the air and in the grass.
Alignment
More and more brands are introducing enhanced alignment options within their range of golf balls and there are plenty of options within the best high-spin golf balls. If you struggle lining up puts or even picking a target off the tee, choosing a golf ball with an enhanced alignment aid could massively benefit your on-course performance.
Best High-Spin Golf Balls 2024: FAQs
Does Pro V1 or Pro V1x spin more?
Both the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x can be considered high-spin golf balls, but the Pro V1x is definitely higher-spinning than the Pro V1. Most golfers will be able to generate more height by playing with a Pro V1x instead of a Pro V1 which materialises into increased spin.
The Titleist Pro V1 is the No.1 golf ball on Tour, closely followed by the Pro V1x – showing their popularity among the world’s best players. Both golf balls deliver optimal spin off the tee and when hitting into greens but if you prioritise spin above all else then the Pro V1x is definitely the better option.
What does a higher-spinning golf ball mean?
A higher-spinning golf ball is going to help you hit and hold greens as opposed to landing your golf ball on the green and watching it roll off the back. Higher spin tends to be realised as a result of a higher ball flight. Certain golf balls are intended to drive spin upwards whereas other golf balls are designed to lower spin. The best high-spin golf balls all generate spin intentionally and they’ll help you keep the ball in play as well as stick to the putting surface.
How do I generate more spin?
The quickest and easiest way to generate more spin is by switching to one of the best high-spin golf balls. Another way you can increase spin is by steepening your angle of attack. To steepen your angle of attack you will create more friction between the club face and ball which will help to produce back spin and get the ball stopping quicker. However, without needing to make a drastic swing change, trying one of the best high-spin golf balls could be a very simple solution.
What ball does Rory McIlroy use?
Like many of the best TaylorMade Tour players, Rory McIlroy plays with the TaylorMade TP5x golf ball – as does Nelly Korda, Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood (just to name a few). The TP5x is slightly lower-spinning compared to the TP5 which is one the best high-spin golf balls. Golfers wanting to play with one of the best premium golf balls and seeking distance should consider the TP5x, while those out there wanting more control and spin should consider the TP5.
About the author
James Hogg – Golf Equipment Writer
James has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.
He spent seven years working for American Golf as part of the sales and fitting team alongside his studies and is a specialist in putters, golf balls, and apparel.
James took up golf as a teenager and, thanks largely to his length and consistency off the tee, he plays off a handicap of 4.7 at Cleveland Golf Club.
You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Best High-Spin Golf Balls 2024
