GOLF BALLS: $22-35

Edited by Mike Stachura

Photos by Jim Herity

May 2009

BRIDGESTONE E6+

PRICE: $27/dozen
WEBSITE: bridgestonegolf.com

CONSTRUCTION: Three-piece: core, mantle layer and ionomer cover

TECH STORY: The low-compression core and mantle layer are designed to reduce slice and hook spin. The seamless dimple pattern is intended to produce a more consistent ball flight.

VERDICT: Bridgestone's sophisticated ball-fitting program resulted in a ton of e6+ converts. Learn from them.

CALLAWAY HX HOT BITE

PRICE: $30/dozen

WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com

CONSTRUCTION: Three-piece: core, mantle layer and ionomer cover

TECH STORY: A DuPont HPF 2000 mantle is designed to work with the soft core to increase ball speed. The ball features the company's hexagonal dimples, which are designed to reduce drag for a longer and more stable ball flight.

VERDICT: It has tour-ball spin on wedge shots and nice distance.

NIKE ONE VAPOR

PRICE: $30/dozen
WEBSITE: nikegolf.com

CONSTRUCTION: Three-piece: core, mantle layer and ionomer-blend cover

TECH STORY: The tour-ball-inspired "power transfer layer" mantle is designed to improve ball speed and feel, but it also works with the progressively denser core to minimize spin.

VERDICT: Impressive performance on all full-swing shots. We think the mantle's ability to mitigate sidespin is legit.