New company by the name of Piper Golf has entered into the fray. The story goes after playing for years, the founder found himself trying to decide what golf ball would be best for his game, only to find out that the costs were prohibitive and finding the right ball had become problematic.
Enter Piper Golf with the idea that there had to be a “better way” to getting a quality golf ball at an affordable price. Obviously you have heard that a bit over the last handful of years with more direct to consumer companies hitting the market. The question remains of quality and construction to make them stand out.
In this episode of TESTED! we take three different Piper Golf balls and start with a bit of the technology found in each one. From there hop into the THP Tech Studio hitting bay for some swings and then finally, sit down in table view and breakdown the data to find out if they work as intended. This video has it all including a #FlyingSteak as we go through Piper Blue, Piper Black and Piper Gold golf balls and give you a comparison.
Do they work as intended? The answer would probably be yes, with a caveat. The golf balls come in at an attractive price point and offer much of the same construction you will find in a lot more expensive offerings. With that said, to discuss Piper Golf balls, it would not be fair to not mention the durability.
In our testing, the Piper Blue surlyn ball held up fine to both THP Tech Studio and on course play. The Piper Golf Gold and Black golf balls left a little to be desired in that area. Both lines showed a pretty shredded cover after less than a dozen swings in the hitting bay as you can see from the image below. Is this a deterrent for you choosing golf balls or something that at this price point you can live with?

Piper Golf being a Direct to Consumer brand, there is but a single way to grab some to give a test drive. That is from their website here. The company has a number of different items available outside of these offerings including some hats and shirts.




Thanks for the review, that video was pretty darn good. Seemed like the balls performed as described. I’m not a huge firm golf ball person, as I like some spin reduction off the tee being steep, but the price is definitely attractive.
That durability though is pretty rough.
Thanks Dan and James for the video on the Piper balls. I especially enjoyed the testing of the Sirloin covered ? Piper Blue.
The durability issue with the cover as shown in the photo in the article is interesting. I usually tend to play the same ball for multiple rounds and the ball shows significantly less wear than the ball you depicted in the photo. So, the durability is a concern.
On the other hand, price and performance are attractive features.
Thanks for the great video review. Seems like these are some solid balls that perform pretty much as advertised at really good prices.
I enjoyed that video. I’m hand the balls look good, have a nice alignment. They do feel firm but not like rocks and I would clearly agree the cover durability is an issue. At that price the question is do you even care?
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] was Pipe-ing it in the studio. I would have probably went with the Black before the video, but the low spin of the blue has me rethinking that, and I like to have low spin off the tee.
I wonder what’s going on with those covers though. With the DTC market as robust as it is now, I’m not sure people would ignore something like that. It looks like a dog ate the ball in that last photo.
These are interesting in that the way they classify them, handicap and 7i distance, is a little odd to me. That said, data was what they claimed. Durability though….not ideal.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 10107594, member: 5944″]
I enjoyed that video. I’m hand the balls look good, have a nice alignment. They do feel firm but not like rocks and I would clearly agree the cover durability is an issue. At that price the question is do you even care?
[/QUOTE]
If it takes several holes or even half a round, I don’t think people care. If it takes a few shots, then it has to become a care for most imo.
[QUOTE=”Sox_Fan, post: 10107590, member: 9583″]
Thanks for the great video review. Seems like these are some solid balls that perform pretty much as advertised at really good prices.
[/QUOTE]
So you are in the camp that the durability described in the article wouldn’t bother you?
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10107600, member: 3″]
So you are in the camp that the durability described in the article wouldn’t bother you?
[/QUOTE]
Yes it would and I would personally be very hesitant to buy them based on that. I am the guy that plays a ball 3 – 4 rounds before changing it out as long as the ball steers clear of cart paths.
I thought it was interesting that chasing low spin the way I do, I immediately got sent into the cheapest offering (blue). Hard to say whether it was the best option on paper with what the data presented, but it might end up being the most durable of the bunch.
Hope this video helps you guys!
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10107617, member: 2320″]
I thought it was interesting that chasing low spin the way I do, I immediately got sent into the cheapest offering (blue). Hard to say whether it was the best option on paper with what the data presented, but it might end up being the most durable of the bunch.
Hope this video helps you guys!
[/QUOTE]
After testing them out further, it is definitely the most durable, which makes sense being surlyn (no the #FlyingSteak). Both the Black and Gold had some issues after a half a dozen shots or so. Hopeful the company can sort that out.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10107724, member: 3″]
After testing them out further, it is definitely the most durable, which makes sense being surlyn (no the #FlyingSteak). Both the Black and Gold had some issues after a half a dozen shots or so. Hopeful the company can sort that out.
[/QUOTE]
One would hope they can address the durability issues that are apparent in the black and yellow. Aside from the durability concerns, the price and performance are positives.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10107724, member: 3″]
After testing them out further, it is definitely the most durable, which makes sense being surlyn (no the #FlyingSteak). Both the Black and Gold had some issues after a half a dozen shots or so. Hopeful the company can sort that out.
[/QUOTE]
Is this typical of first runs of these type of balls? It seems like it for whatever reason.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 10107746, member: 5944″]
Is this typical of first runs of these type of balls? It seems like it for whatever reason.
[/QUOTE]
I honestly don’t know the answer to that. I know Cut’s first run had no issues and then their second run had durability issues similar to these. They were fixed pretty quickly though. I am unsure what the plan is from Piper to fix.
great review and looks like those balls spin a ton! I would be most interested to try the gold but I would have a problem with that durability…. Reminds of the the RB TourX when it first released. Highest spinning ball and most controllable I ever tried, but after 1 drive and 1 6iron into the green the cover was gouged. Played out the rest of the dozen but did not purchase again even tho I loved the performance
If these had the same durability as my current ball I would happily play them, but my gamer ball can get me through 3 rounds unless I hit trees or cart path
I really like the idea of the blue balls. At that price it’s worth a try. Been playing Pro V1s and now I realize I probably need something with lower spin. That alignment guide is solid. Thanks for the review, will definitely check them out.
I was never really in on this ball. But the durability is such I think i am even more out.
[QUOTE=”jfrigo1003, post: 10107793, member: 50601″]
great review and looks like those balls spin a ton! I would be most interested to try the gold but I would have a problem with that durability…. Reminds of the the RB TourX when it first released. Highest spinning ball and most controllable I ever tried, but after 1 drive and 1 6iron into the green the cover was gouged. Played out the rest of the dozen but did not purchase again even tho I loved the performance
If these had the same durability as my current ball I would happily play them, but my gamer ball can get me through 3 rounds unless I hit trees or cart path
[/QUOTE]
I wouldn’t invest too much in the spin numbers (outside of comparing them to each other). Had a weird swing glitch going on that day that was adding a fair bit of spin to any ball I used.
[QUOTE=”templeton80, post: 10107798, member: 53139″]
I was never really in on this ball. But the durability is such I think i am even more out.
[/QUOTE]
I had quite a bit of fun trying to give the gold a haircut while subsequently trying to ace the 110 flag haha
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10107799, member: 2320″]
I wouldn’t invest too much in the spin numbers (outside of comparing them to each other). Had a weird swing glitch going on that day that was adding a fair bit of spin to any ball I used.
[/QUOTE]
Good to know thanks. Im sure ill pick up a dozen and use them for fall golf
[QUOTE=”jfrigo1003, post: 10107805, member: 50601″]
Good to know thanks. Im sure ill pick up a dozen and use them for fall golf
[/QUOTE]
which are you leaning?
After seeing the durability issues and the price at $35/dozen…there are plenty of other options that I’d consider before this one currently
Would be cool to see a higher index player compare these balls and see how things shake out. Maybe the blue provides more distance at lower swing speeds. I think that’s where the driver speed and 7-iron comparison comes in.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10107806, member: 2320″]
which are you leaning?
[/QUOTE]
Gold. Based on their website claiming high spin, I think it would be a good comparison to TP5 or B XS I play now.
Black would be my 2nd option
[QUOTE=”The Dave, post: 10107813, member: 19474″]
After seeing the durability issues and the price at $35/dozen…there are plenty of other options that I’d consider before this one currently
[/QUOTE]
$35? We have different prices listed in the video.
[QUOTE=”JP, post: 10107815″]
Would be cool to see a higher index player compare these balls and see how things shake out. Maybe the blue provides more distance at lower swing speeds. I think that’s where the driver speed and 7-iron comparison comes in.
[/QUOTE]
I have a slower swing speed than [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and didn’t see that necessarily. We had 4-5 golfers test them with a few swings over the course of the video recording.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10107818, member: 3″]
$35? We have different prices listed in the video.
I have a slower swing speed than [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and didn’t see that necessarily. We had 4-5 golfers test them with a few swings over the course of the video recording.
[/QUOTE]
On the website $35 is the 1-2 dozen price with it dropping as you buy more. I’ll be honest that their price on the home screen is a little bit of false advertising. Once you click on a ball it changes to the one dozen price which is higher.
I wish they would say “From $23.99 or 29.99” or whatever on their pricing.
[QUOTE=”The Dave, post: 10107839, member: 19474″]
On the website $35 is the 1-2 dozen price with it dropping as you buy more. I’ll be honest that their price on the home screen is a little bit of false advertising. Once you click on a ball it changes to the one dozen price which is higher.
I wish they would say “From $23.99 or 29.99″ or whatever on their pricing.
[/QUOTE]
I saw what you wrote and how that’s different than what [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] said. I was concerned I heard wrong or read wrong.
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Straight from their website for 1 dozen. It could be that lower price on the 5 dozen, and maybe that’s how they intend to sell / market I don’t know.
I wasn’t hot on them based on the box and how they market, this is also a turn off. They just feel backhanded to me – simply my impression.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9029475[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9029476[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9029477[/ATTACH]
19.99 WHEN you buy 5 dozen.
The actual video was great [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] , I really liked the explanation for everything and how that was described. It is very nice to see a comparison from someone with a solid strike each time (you do – even if you say you hit one fat and one left) because you can get to 166 yards a number of different ways with different heights and spins etc.
The tore up balls look like the $20 per dozen Cut Blues I gamed this year. Tons of spin around the green, but they don’t hold up. But for the price, I kept gaming them and put the wore out ones in the shag bag.
Great review! It’s always fun and interesting to see these new brands get put in play. That durability is roooouuuggghhhh though. Right now my vote for a [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] name change is leaning towards some sort of HighSpinDan moniker.
[QUOTE=”RealPretendPsychic, post: 10107901, member: 57192″]
Great review! It’s always fun and interesting to see these new brands get put in play. That durability is roooouuuggghhhh though. Right now my vote for a [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] name change is leaning towards some sort of HighSpinDan moniker.
[/QUOTE]
I identify as a low spin player.
Just tried to go on their website from work and it was blocked due to a privacy/connection issue. Apparently our firewall determined the site was not safe? I’d definitely be concerned with the durability. I feel like my Jaws wedges would destroy them after a few holes. Not sure I would even pay $1 a ball for that.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10107905, member: 2320″]
I identify as a low spin player.
[/QUOTE]
I’ll remember this when the voting opens up!
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[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 10107865, member: 59803″]
I saw what you wrote and how that’s different than what [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] said. I was concerned I heard wrong or read wrong.
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Straight from their website for 1 dozen. It could be that lower price on the 5 dozen, and maybe that’s how they intend to sell / market I don’t know.
I wasn’t hot on them based on the box and how they market, this is also a turn off. They just feel backhanded to me – simply my impression.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1632407923024.png”]9029475[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1632407934570.png”]9029476[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1632407975906.png”]9029477[/ATTACH]
19.99 WHEN you buy 5 dozen.
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That’s how Vice markets their balls too. Though they do have a little asterisk next to the price when you are looking over all their offerings. When you scroll to the bottom of the page it shows *when you buy 5dzn or more. I’ve never been a fan of that but it works.
And to be fair, if Callaway did something like that I’d be all over it. I guess I just want the normal dozen price clearly stated and not hidden with an asterisk. But that’s just me being picky because I don’t know the last time I bought 5dzn golf balls at one time.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10107965, member: 56094″]
That’s how Vice markets their balls too. Though they do have a little asterisk next to the price when you are looking over all their offerings. When you scroll to the bottom of the page it shows *when you buy 5dzn or more. I’ve never been a fan of that but it works.
And to be fair, if Callaway did something like that I’d be all over it. [B]I guess I just want the normal dozen price clearly stated[/B] and not hidden with an asterisk. But that’s just me being picky because I don’t know the last time I bought 5dzn golf balls at one time.
[/QUOTE]
We absolutely agree.
It absolutely works, and that’s fine but it’s already brought up counter points to the price being said versus when you click in to purchase. I get it, I simply don’t agree with it.
Are you also saying that if Callaway did it you would be over it in a good way? i.e. Chromesoft is 47.99 and that’s what they say but if you buy 5 you get 20% off, would that make you buy more? If I log in and I see that I’m going to pay 48 bucks for a dozen balls then I go to click the button and it says wait…if you by 5 you can get a discount of 20%, then I would also be more likely to buy more.
Kind of like the old 5 bucks each or 3 for $10.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 10107995, member: 59803″]
Are you also saying that if Callaway did it you would be over it in a good way? i.e. Chromesoft is 47.99 and that’s what they say but if you buy 5 you get 20% off, would that make you buy more? [B]If I log in and I see that I’m going to pay 48 bucks for a dozen balls then I go to click the button and it says wait…if you by 5 you can get a discount of 20%, then I would also be more likely to buy more[/B]
[/QUOTE]
This. I’d be much more likely to buy if they advertised this way. Because I would be going in expecting to pay 48 per dozen. Then be offered a discount if I WANTED to buy more. But if I went in thinking a ball was $35 and then told, I only get that price if I buy more, I’m turned off.
Make it look like I’m getting a deal if I buy more, not ONLY IF I buy more. Not sure if that sentence makes sense to anyone but me :LOL:
Also I was using Callaway as a known commodity. I could have put Taylormade, Titleist, or Bridgestone in there as well. I have a hard time buying 5dzn of an unknown product, especially after seeing the durability concerns here. That’s asking a lot from unproven sources.
But I totally understand the point of pricing this way. It’s a way to stay competitive since they aren’t proven
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10108015, member: 56094″]
This. I’d be much more likely to buy if they advertised this way. Because I would be going in expecting to pay 48 per dozen. Then be offered a discount if I WANTED to buy more. But if I went in thinking a ball was $35 and then told, I only get that price if I buy more, I’m turned off.
Make it look like I’m getting a deal if I buy more, not ONLY IF I buy more. Not sure if that sentence makes sense to anyone but me :LOL:
Also I was using Callaway as a known commodity. I could have put Taylormade, Titleist, or Bridgestone in there as well. I have a hard time buying 5dzn of an unknown product, especially after seeing the durability concerns here. That’s asking a lot from unproven sources.
But I totally understand the point of pricing this way. It’s a way to stay competitive since they aren’t proven
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Yep, we’re in here in total agreement with each other! I understand what you’re saying.
[COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]I would really like to try the Blue version. Looks like they are based here in Georgia so it makes me want to try them even more for some reason. [/COLOR]
So hard to gauge what the benefits might be, and the Vice-like pricing mislead I never love. If durability is that questionable it seems likely they wouldn’t work for me either, but I kinda like the look of them.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 10107865, member: 59803″]
I saw what you wrote and how that’s different than what [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] said. I was concerned I heard wrong or read wrong.
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Straight from their website for 1 dozen. It could be that lower price on the 5 dozen, and maybe that’s how they intend to sell / market I don’t know.
I wasn’t hot on them based on the box and how they market, this is also a turn off. They just feel backhanded to me – simply my impression.
[ATTACH=full]9029475[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]9029476[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]9029477[/ATTACH]
19.99 WHEN you buy 5 dozen.
The actual video was great [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] , I really liked the explanation for everything and how that was described. It is very nice to see a comparison from someone with a solid strike each time (you do – even if you say you hit one fat and one left) because you can get to 166 yards a number of different ways with different heights and spins etc.
[/QUOTE]
WOW thats a big ask to try a new ball, at $19.99 maaaaybe. At $34.99 I’ll go buy some Q-star Tours
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 10108170, member: 5944″]
WOW thats a big ask to try a new ball, at $19.99 maaaaybe. At $34.99 I’ll go buy some Q-star Tours
[/QUOTE]
And that brings us back to the question we pondered in the tech studio with a number of these DTC companies. At $30 does it make it harder to justify when Q-STAR Tour is roughly the same price, you can walk in and get them and you know a brand is standing behind them with tour staff, R&D, etc?
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10108232, member: 3″]
And that brings us back to the question we pondered in the tech studio with a number of these DTC companies. At $30 does it make it harder to justify when Q-STAR Tour is roughly the same price, you can walk in and get them and you know a brand is standing behind them with tour staff, R&D, etc?
[/QUOTE]
It absolutely does make it hard to justify. Like I mentioned above at $20 it might be worth a try at least but at $30 no way.
Nice video and review. Good steak too.
little late night bump for this one because it’s very well done by Dan and James talking and demonstrating the differences.
I wouldn’t buy them based on that cover shredding, no go for me.
I just cut up a Piper Black with a hybrid and about 10 swings. That doesn’t seem ideal.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10129119, member: 3″]
I just cut up a Piper Black with a hybrid and about 10 swings. That doesn’t seem ideal.
[/QUOTE]
Blue wasn’t having as many issues was it?
I played the Blue last weekend and it survived well. No real shearing or cutting after a bunch of holes and plenty of wedges, so that’s good at least.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10129564, member: 56094″]
Blue wasn’t having as many issues was it?
[/QUOTE]
I havent tried it, but based on the video and [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] thoughts above, no sir, it was not.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10129564, member: 56094″]
Blue wasn’t having as many issues was it?
[/QUOTE]
Not from what I have seen, although I only had a sleeve to mess with.
I also REALLY liked the alignment feature on it. Used it to putt each time and got pretty comfortable with it.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10129579, member: 2320″]
Not from what I have seen, although I only had a sleeve to mess with.
I also REALLY liked the alignment feature on it. Used it to putt each time and got pretty comfortable with it.
[/QUOTE]
That’s the first thing I noticed about the ball to be honest. Really like the contrast between the blue and black lines too. But I’m so hooked on TT, I don’t think I could use another alignment line lol