June 2009
The criteria
These are the five areas of focus for the Hot List judges:
1. PERFORMANCE (40%)
Based on interviews with our player panelists and reviews of robot and air-cannon tests, this score reflects how the ball reacts when struck.
2. INNOVATION (30%)
In consultation with our technical panelists and based on interviews and reviews of company documents and research, this grade reflects how this particular approach advances ball technology and how well this technology is explained to consumers and our editors.
3. Feel (20%)
Through consultation with our players, the relative preference for the feel of one ball versus another.
4. DEMAND (10%)
An assessment of the market's enthusiasm for a particular ball.
5. VALUE (10%)
What benefit does the product deliver in relation to its price and in relation to the prevailing price in this particular category?
RATING SYSTEM
The star ratings reflect the various levels of scoring by the judges. Each star represents a range, with a ½-star equal to the upper end of that range (scores in the 93 to 96 range constitute ★ ★ ★ ★ ½, for example). Products that led the scoring in a particular criterion are designated with a blue star, but there is no bonus given for leading a category.
The Core
We drilled out sections of each ball to show core, mantle and cover.
THE AWARDS
GOLD
A minimum of 93 on our 100-point weighted scale.
SILVER
A score between 88 and 93.
Jim Herity
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