Do Used Golf Balls Lose Performance? What the Tests Say
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Golfers love precision — and understandably, they want gear that performs.
One of the most common questions we get is:
“Do used golf balls lose distance, spin, or feel?”
Let’s answer that with some facts.
✅ Myth vs. Reality
You’ve probably heard claims like:
- “Used balls won’t fly as far.”
- “The core gets damaged.”
- “They feel dead off the face.”
But here’s what independent tests by MyGolfSpy and Golf Digest found:
✅ Balls rated Mint or Excellent showed virtually no difference in distance, spin, or launch angle compared to brand new balls — even on tour-level swing speeds.
Translation? Performance is nearly identical — especially when buying from a trusted source.
🧪 What Actually Matters
The only time performance drops significantly is when:
- Balls are cracked or waterlogged
- They've been exposed to extreme heat over time
- They're scuffed or cut beyond surface level
At Golf Ball Rescue, every ball is cleaned, inspected, and graded so you know exactly what you're getting:
- Mint Condition Balls – Look and feel nearly brand new
- Excellent Balls – Light cosmetic signs, no impact on performance
- Good Balls – Great for practice or casual rounds
🏁 Final Word
Unless you're chasing a tour card, used balls are a smart, cost-effective choice that perform just as well for 99% of golfers.
Don't let myths cost you money.
👉 Shop premium used golf balls now