Is there anything more frustrating than losing a golf club? Is it worse than a golf ball you just took out of your sleeve, and then lost $3-$5 because you had a bad swing?
This is one of the most frustrating aspects of playing golf. Even if you hit a golf ball out of bounds, or in water, penalty shots can be frustrating. But if you find your ball, you can get some relief. But losing a ball and getting the penalty isn’t ideal (especially if it’s a new expensive ball).
However, some golfers might benefit from using X-out golf balls as they’re offered at a steep discount. As you likely know, golf is a lot of things but cheap isn’t one of them. If you play a lot of golf, the cost of equipment, tee times, and other gear can add up quickly.
Playing an X-out ball might be a good way to save money each round and it won’t sting as bad if you do lose a few during the round. Keep reading to learn more about X-out golf balls and see if they’re right for you, plus some frequently asked questions.
What is an X Out Golf Ball?
If you’re like most golfers you’re probably thinking what does X mean on a golf ball? What is X on a golf ball?
An X-out golfball is one with a cosmetic defect that was caused by an error in the manufacturing process.
Essentially, there are some differences between it vs. a normal golf ball that don’t allow the company to sell them at normal prices. Due to the imperfections, which sometimes aren’t visible to the naked eye, they must sell them at a discounted price.
Most (if not all) golfers can’t tell the difference in terms of performance vs. regular balls!
The stamping on the ball can be used to tell if a ball is an X-out . In the past, the stamp was placed over the brand (e.g. Callaway), but they now place it on the side of the ball. Plus, they’re typically sold in larger quantities like 18 or 24 golf balls vs. a dozen making them a great deal.
X-Out Ball Prices
X-outs are available from almost all major golf ball manufacturers, including top names like TaylorMade and TaylorCade. These balls retail for $40-$55, while the non-x-out version is $40-$55. However, X-outs usually have a discount between 30-60% depending on where they are purchased.
Walmart currently sells Titleist Pro V1x-out golf balls for $15. According to their website, “Whether you are headed for a full round or simply want to practice your long swing at the range, the cut-proof technology guarantee ensures your shot always flies true.
You will find a dozen golf balls inside, each one covered in surly. This material is a type of lightweight resin that is placed around the outside to increase durability and prevent deformation with frequent use.”
X-Out Competition Golf Balls
So, are X-out golf balls legal?
Golfers who want to use a premium golf ball Without the premium price can enjoy using X-out golf balls. The only issue is that they are not legal by the R&A or USGA so you cannot play them in competitive events. They are banned from competition as they aren’t fully tested like normal golf balls.
According to the USGA rule 4.2a, “If the Committee hasn’t required that you play a ball that is on the List of Conforming Golf Balls, then you may use a practice or X-Out golf ball. If the Committee has not required that you use an X-Out ball in this situation, then it is permissible to use a practice or X-Out.
However, if the Committee says that the ball you play must be on the List of Conforming Golf Balls, then you can use a practice ball but must not use an X-Out ball.”
As you can tell by the rule, it’s a little bit of a gray area in some cases but overall, not worth getting disqualified from the competition. Make sure to clear your bag of X-outs before tournaments just in case you need to hit a provisional and don’t accidentally grab one from your bag.
FAQs About X Out Golf Balls
Are you looking for more information about X-out practice balls and golf balls? Continue reading to find out more about the x-out golf balls and practice balls.
Who should use X golf balls?
Beginner golfers are best suited to use X-out golf balls as the small imperfections won’t play a huge part in the ball flight. Since new golfers don’t have as much swing speed, they won’t be impacted by a damaged golf ball.
However, elite players who swing faster will be affected more by cuts to their golf balls. However, X-out golf balls are more often cosmetic than structural problems.
Also, new golfers lose more golf balls than those who are more experienced, which can make the sport more expensive. Losing X-out golf balls that were bought at a discounted price won’t sting quite as much when they get lost.
If you’re a beginner golfer and need some help finding golf balls, make sure to read our best golf ball retrievers post here. Or, learn how to stop losing golf balls here.
What are the best Xout golf balls?
Almost all manufacturers make X-out golf balls as they’re identified in the development process and allow them to recoup their losses. It’s more of a “break-even” style business but better than nothing. Titleist is one of the top X-out golf balls. Pro V1Callaway.
Is an X-out a practice ball?
They are very similar, but they have different printing to indicate whether they are practice or X-out balls. The practice balls used by higher-end golf courses (typically semi-private or private country clubs) are usually better quality, such as a Titleist. Pro V1.
The way to tell the difference is simply the printing; practice balls usually have “practice” or “P” on the ball and others have X-outs. But some courses and driving ranges also use limited flight range balls so it’s important to check or ask the golf shop.
According to the USGA, practice golf balls can be used in competitions. Both types of golf balls are better suited for beginners and new golfers who won’t be able to tell the difference between normal golf balls.
Click here for more information about how driving range balls perform relative to regular golf balls.
Which golf ball can go the furthest?
The Titleist Velocity golf ball is the longest in terms of distance. They’re also very durable thanks to the resilient urethane cover. They are ideal for intermediate and beginner golfers who want more distance.
If you want more strategies to start hitting it long off the tee, learn how to increase club head speed here.
Where can I buy X-out Golf balls?
You can buy Xout golf balls online, at golf shops, retail stores (like Walmart, and Target), or even at some golf shops on courses. Be sure to read the description, as some balls are old X-outs and others are normal.
What ball is superior to Pro V1?
Titleist boldly declares in their advertisements, “The number one ball in golf.” They’re the most used golf ball by professionals and continue to make upgrades each year. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best golf ball for you.
Other players may prefer Titleist options such as the AVX. Other golfers may prefer a brand other than Bridgestone (which Tiger Woods uses), Callaway, TaylorMade, or TaylorMade.
The Titleists most comparable golf balls Pro V1Callaway Chrome SoftOr Chrome SoftX and TaylorMade TP5 TP5X.
What is the difference between Pro V1 & X?
This is a good question as each golfer has their own player profile. Some golfers will be more benefited by a Pro V1, while other golfers will reap the benefits of the Pro V1. Pro V1X version.
The Pro V1s mid-flight, soft feel, and mid-long spin are its best features. The Pro V1 is a lightweight, mid-flight, soft feel and medium-long game spin. Pro V1X has high flight, a firm feel, and high long-game spin. Both have tons of short spin. According to Titleist the Pro V1X is suited for “All players that prioritize performance, and need or want higher flight and spin.”
To learn more about the difference between one of the most popular golf balls ever, click here.
Final Thoughts on X Out Balls in Golf
While it’s not a perfect golf ball, X-out balls are balls you can buy at a steep discount thanks to cosmetic blemishes. A cosmetic blemish can be almost impossible to see with the naked eye and has very few flaws. Performance-wise, they won’t impact your golf game at all for a lot of everyday golfers. In some cases, X-outs are a better option than used golf balls.
It’s important to remember that X-out golf balls are cosmetic blemishes, not structural issues. They shouldn’t have any noticeable cracks or issues with the core of the golf ball that will impact distance or spin rates. This gives you the opportunity to purchase great golf balls at a reduced rate from a variety of shops.
X-out golf balls are great for recreational players who are more likely to lose golf balls, or who want to save some money. They are also great for golfers who use them only for practice. Plus, they’re great to use in a shag bag for short game shots as they have very similar spin rates to your normal golf ball.
These non-conforming balls should not be used in competition.
