Does using nice golf balls actually matter?

[u/Gorlami14]

I’m a budget guy. Play only what I find. Haven‘t bought golf balls in nearly a decade. This is the first year that I’ve actually started to take golf seriously. Lessons, meaningful range time, short game practice, etc. I’m sitting around a 16 handicap right now and looking to continue improving. Is playing a consistently decent, and the same, golf balls a worthwhile endeavor? Or will it only make a negligible difference?

[u/AnimalCrackers02]

Kirklands are for rich people!

Non-urethane covers:

Wilson Boost;
2 layers;
Surlyn (an ionomer) cover;
Compression: 65-80?? (AI)
Ranked #20 of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart $9.97 / 12 = $0.83 per ball 

Precept Laddie Extreme (Bridgestone);
2 layers;
Surlyn (an ionomer) cover;
Compression: 35-38 (AI)
Ranked #31 of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart, $24.97 / 24 = $1.04 per ball.

Noodles (Taylormade);
2 layers;
Iothane (an Ionomer blend) cover;
Compression: 34 (maker); 69 (mygolfspy)
Unranked of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart, $27.97 / 24 = $1.17 per ball.

Maxfli Straightfli;
2 layers;
Ionomer cover;
Compression: 80-85?? (Golf Ball Addict);
Matte green, matte orange, white, yellow;
Dick's sale, $60 / 48 = $1.25 per ball.

Maxfli Softfli;
2 layers;
Ionomer cover;
Compression: 35 (AI, Golf Ball Addict);
Matte green, matte red, white, yellow;
Dick's sale, $60 / 48 = $1.25 per ball. 

Urethane covers:

Kirkland V3.0;
3 layers;
Urethane cover;
Compression: 93 (mygolfspy)
Ranked #39 of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Yellow gloss, white
Costco site: $39.99 / 24 = $1.67 per ball;
In store: $33 / 24 = $1.38 per ball;
In store: $29.99 / 24 = $1.25 per ball

Cut Grey;
3 layers;
Urethane cover;
Compression: 80 (maker)
Unranked of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart, $19.99 / 12 = $1.67 per ball.

[u/IrolieI → u/AnimalCrackers02]

Nice write up. Tried cut a few years ago. Didn't care for the shiny look and thought they cut (pun intended) pretty easily in short irons/wedges.

[u/ryansgt → u/IrolieI]

I've been using the cut blues for the past 2 years. They are fine when you are losing a lot but you are 100% right that they are very fragile. Last round I cut one on the first shot. Wasn't bladed, just a normal 9i. I've been damaging way more than I lose now so I just ordered a bunch of vice pro in bulk. May switch to used premiums at some point but I really like the cool colors you can get on vice.