What does higher compression do for a golf ball?

Compression is a measure of how much a golf ball squashes under a set load. A higher number means a firmer core that deforms less when the club hits it.

Two things change as the number climbs. The first is feel. A 100-compression ball clicks off the driver and putter where a 40-compression ball feels pillowy. The second is how the ball keeps its speed as you swing faster. In MyGolfSpy’s 2026 robot test, firmer balls kept pace with or gained on the Pro V1 control as driver speed rose from 85 to 115 mph, while softer balls fell further behind. Compression explained about 88 percent of that difference.

Our catalog runs from 35 (Maxfli SoftFli) to 105 (Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash). Higher is a trade: firmer feel for better speed retention at high swing speeds.