Tech Talk w/ Dean Snell - Episode #28 - Can You Trust Range Ball Feedback?

Can You Trust Range Ball Feedback?

Tech Talk Episode #28

Every golfer has spent time on the range trying to groove a swing or test new gear. But have you ever wondered how much you can actually trust the numbers and feedback you’re seeing when you’re hitting range balls?

In this week’s Tech Talk, Dean Snell tackles a question from Jack Colazzo:

“How accurate is the feedback you get from hitting range balls, and is getting fit with range balls a bad idea?”

What Makes Range Balls Different

Range balls aren’t designed like the premium golf balls you play on the course. Dean explains that most range balls:

• Use cheaper core materials that are less responsive and often inconsistent.

• Have harder covers made from surlyn or ionomer blends, prioritizing durability over performance.

• Are coated with a thicker, harder paint system to withstand repeated use and cleaning.

Unlike retail golf balls, which are engineered for speed, spin, and feel, range balls are built to survive months of constant use.

The Impact on Feedback

Because of their design and heavy wear, range balls don’t provide reliable feedback on:

• Distance: Cheaper cores and firmer covers reduce ball speed and carry.

• Spin: Harder covers mean less spin, especially around the greens.

• Consistency: After months of being hit, washed, and collected, many range balls are visibly worn or cracked.

This means that launch monitor numbers and shot patterns you see at the range may not reflect how your gamer ball performs on the course.

Getting Fit with Range Balls

So what about club fitting with range balls? Dean is clear: while range balls can give a general sense of launch or dispersion, they’re not ideal for fitting sessions. A proper fitting should be done with the same type of ball you play on the course. Otherwise, you may leave with misleading data that doesn’t match your real game.

Some fitters even keep premium golf balls on hand specifically to ensure players get accurate results.

Practical Takeaways

• Use the range to work on mechanics, not precise numbers.

• Don’t judge carry distance, spin rates, or launch angles solely on range balls.

• If you’re serious about getting fit, insist on testing with the ball you play.

Final Thoughts

Range balls serve their purpose—they’re durable, inexpensive, and great for warming up or practicing swing changes. But when it comes to dialing in your game, they simply don’t provide accurate feedback.

In Episode #28, Dean explains why trusting range ball feedback can lead you astray, and why using your own ball during a fitting makes all the difference.