Tech Talk w/Dean Snell - Episode #30 - What Is Golf Ball Compression?

What Is Golf Ball Compression (and Why Do We List a Range)?

Tech Talk Episode #30

Golfers often hear the term compression when comparing golf balls. You’ll see numbers on packaging, hear it discussed in fittings, and even notice ranges listed on manufacturer websites. But what does compression actually mean, and why is it important?

In this week’s Tech Talk, Dean Snell answers a question from Rick in Texas:

“What is golf ball compression, and why do your golf balls show a range on your website?”

The Myth of Compression

Compression has been part of golf ball marketing for decades, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood concepts in golf. Years ago, balls were often labeled “90 compression” or “100 compression,” which led many golfers to think higher numbers meant “harder” balls and lower numbers meant “softer.”

The truth is, compression isn’t a measure of hardness or feel. It’s actually a designer’s tool—a way for golf ball engineers to gauge how the core, mantle, and cover interact when the ball is struck.

Dean even calls compression one of the most overrated stories in golf. Despite decades of talk, very few golfers (or even teaching pros) can explain what compression really measures.

So, What Is Compression?

When a ball is tested, it’s placed in a device that applies a standard load and measures how much the ball deforms. The result is a “compression number,” but it’s a unitless figure. It doesn’t represent PSI, tension, or any other common measurement.

What matters is how the ball performs in play—not the number on paper.

Why a Range Instead of a Single Number?

On Snell Golf’s website, you’ll notice compression shown as a range, not a fixed number. This reflects natural variations in production. Even with precise manufacturing, small differences in materials and processes mean a batch of balls may test within a window of compression values rather than a single point.

Listing a range is a more honest and accurate way to represent what golfers actually receive.

Why Compression Isn’t Everything

While compression is part of the design process, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing a golf ball. Performance on the course—distance, spin, control, and feel—matters far more than whether a ball is labeled “70 compression” or “90 compression.”

Dean emphasizes that golfers should focus on how the ball performs for their game, not the number tied to compression testing.

Final Thoughts

In Episode #30, Dean breaks down the myth of compression and explains why it’s not the magic number many golfers think it is. Instead, it’s simply one tool engineers use during design, and the range shown on the website reflects real-world manufacturing accuracy.

Watch the full Tech Talk episode below for Dean’s complete take: