When it comes to balls, it's not one size fits all

Two models in the Gold FX series, Soft and Long, are targeted more at the recreational player where value is uppermost. The Gold FX Soft ball has a new, soft Surlyn cover and soft compression core. The Gold FX Long ball has a firmer core and low-spin Surlyn cover to maximize distance. In fact, Pinnacle's Gold FX Long is the official ball of the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship. List price for the Gold FX models is $18 per 15-ball pack.

The Pinnacle Ribbon ball rounds out the new offerings. It's meant to provide value-conscious women golfers a distance ball with soft feel, along with a cause-related message.

The Ribbon ball has a soft Surlyn cover and soft compression core, with cut-proof durability. It comes in two colors: white and clear pink. The ball also bears the logo of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as part of Acushnet's effort to help raise breast cancer awareness. Suggested retail price for the Ribbon is $18 per 15-ball pack.

During a series of on-course playing tests with the new Pinnacle balls, a variety of golfers assembled by CBSSports.com praised the entire Pinnacle lineup. Better players particularly cited the Platinum balls for "outstanding performance" within their price range, with a few reviewers noting the balls "are just as good, or better, than some balls that cost a lot more."

Wilson

It's not an easy concept for the lay person to grasp, but the new three-piece Wilson Staff Zip ball features a "zero" compression core -- the only such core in the game -- that provides a soft feel without diminishing distance capability.

The core rating is derived from a test on golf's Atti compression device, according to Wilson officials. Because the rubber core uses a minimum of curatives, it is super soft and registers "zero" on the equipment.

Wilson Staff Zip

"The multilayer Zip delivers the distance that better players have come to expect, and [provides] shot-stopping sidespin and feel," said Tom Gruger, Wilson's global marketing director.

Initially developed as a potential replacement for a rubber core, the Zip's DuPont HPF mantle layer provides enhanced velocity for the ball. Outside, a soft, pliable ionomer cover helps generate higher spin rates on iron shots to the green.

Like Wilson's Fifty ball, the Zip features a PhD (pan-head dimple) design. The large dimples are 50 percent shallower than standard dimples to help promote a high initial launch with a longer overall flight.

In on-course tests, reviews for the Zip ball were mostly positive. CBSSports.com reviewers rated the ball highly for playability around the green.

Suggested retail price is a mid-level $29.99 per dozen.

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