What are X-Out Golf Balls?
An X-out golf ball is a result of a cosmetic defect that occurs during the manufacturing process of golf balls. Often the imperfections are so minute that it’s barely perceptible. The quality is excellent but nonetheless the ball is removed from normal packing and sold at a discounted rate.
The term X-out originated from manufactures stamping the letter X over the brand name. These days you’ll find fewer balls that follow this technique. Instead most balls now have the “X” mark near the brand name; not over it.
Benefits of using X-out Golf Balls
As these golf balls have only slight cosmetic imperfections, they offer untold benefits for golfers.
Although X-out golf balls are not compliant with PGA tournament standards set by the USGA, they are perfect to play with during your regular golf games and practice sessions.
X Out golf balls are useful as they allow you to use a high quality ball for a fraction of the price. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of playing with a branded golf ball, while saving a lot of money.
To be honest, I do purchase these balls whenever I come across then. Golf balls don’t stay clean for long, so I don’t mind the cosmetic imperfections.
Are X-out Golf balls legal?
The USGA and R&A have their own list of allowed golf balls for tournaments. Only balls that are listed have gained approval from these organizations.
X-Out golf balls are not legal to use during any tournament game that is sanctioned by the USGA. However for practice sessions you are allowed to use them.
Balls that are listed are the only balls that you’re legally to use during tournaments and clubs. I would advise you do your best to adhere to the golf ball standards at whichever tournament you play.
Click here to view the USGA’s official list of conforming golf ball.
Manufacturers of X-out golf balls do not send these products to the USGA or R&A for approval. As these balls do not appear in the conforming list of USGA or R&A., they cannot be used in tournaments or clubs where the conforming golf ball rule is in force.
However, there is no stopping you from using X-out balls in a friendly environment where you and your friends are playing golf for entertainment.
Not all competition committees lay such strict rules for ball standards. So, if you don’t mind being laughed at by other competitors, you’re welcome to use them. However as a general rule, X-outs are only used by beginners; not serious golfers.
Titleist X-Out Golf Balls
Since 1932 Titleist has been the most popular golf ball company in the United States. Their balls are known for their high level of quality and performance.
Does Titleist sell their own X-Out golf balls? Yes they do. The Pro V1 and Surlyn X-out balls are popular options among the amateur and recreational golfers.
Titleist produces some of the best golf balls of this type. The company marks the words “X-Out” on the side of their balls. It’s rare to see any physical defects that are recognizable by the human eye. The typical defects you’ll find on these balls are so minute such as ink blemishes or printing errors.
Titleist Pro V1 X-Out
Another option from Titleist is their Pro V1A X-out golf balls which possess small manufacturing defects or slight cosmetic blemishes.
You may notice errors like incorrect paint, ink or the placement of stamping, resulting in these conforming balls becoming practice balls.
Fortunately Pro V1 x-out golf balls do not have any performance deficiencies. They have very slight physical blemishes which may be annoying, but in most cases this can be overlooked.
The faults that cause the golf ball to be stamped as an X-out are so trivial that it often will be hard to notice!
Balls of this nature are ideal for casual rounds of golf of even an amateur tournament. An exception of course is during a high-level competition, which golfers are required to play with a brand new golf ball that is on the list allowed by the USGA or appropriate governing body.
Most players are of the opinion that very little manufacturing defects are found on the Titleist X Out balls. If there is a defect found, it’s often something minimal like an air bubble or deformed ink on the ball.
What’s interesting is according to a survey, 99.5% of the time players cannot even tell the difference between new balls and ProV1 X-Out balls.
Titleist X-Outs Surlyn
The main thing about x outs is that the defect is generally cosmetic. It’s not supposed to affect the game playing style. This is the same for the Surlyn model by Titleist. Performance wise these balls are the same as the Pro V1 models. The Surlyn balls tend to have just a print blemish that’s not even visible to the golfer.
In general, these balls are available in packages of 1 dozen per box. They cost around $5 per box and are quite cheap considering the decent quality.
If you’re looking for some inexpensive balls to help you practice your golf skills, then you may want to pick up a few boxes of these. Walmart have an excellent selection of X-Out Surlyn balls, but you’ll also find them else for sale at online retailers.
If you’re not too fussed on the look of your golf balls, you’ll enjoy playing with either the Pro V1 or Surlyn models.
About Callaway X-Out Golf Balls
Callaway X-Out Golf Balls are one of the best choices for beginners looking to perfect their shots. These balls have a dual-core construction and provide a high level of forgiveness to the golfer.
You can confidently hit longer distances using this ball. The Callaway X-outs are known for being very easy control off your swing. The balls have an ultra-soft Tour urethane cover which helps in controlling and shaping your shots.
You can easily control the spin even if you’re using a mid-irons, short-irons or even wedges. It provides an ultra-soft feel due to the low compression core. Even if beginners hit the ball off-center, they are more likely to reach impressive distances with this ball.
The level of forgiveness offered by this ball is high. It has a hex aerodynamic pattern which accounts for the high launch angle. These balls are available in boxes of a 1 dozen and cost about $25 per box.
To help you decide on a ball, view my Titleist Vs Callaway Golf Ball comparison guide
Where to Buy X-Out Golf Balls for Sale
X-out golf balls are a great way to practice for amateurs and beginners. You can practice on these balls and sharpen your skills without having to spend too much on the balls.
These balls are available in all the stores selling golf equipment. Walmart has a huge variety of x-out golf balls. There are huge discounts and bulk discounts offered during the year-end sales and other such sales.
You may want to keep an eye on offers if you’re planning on stocking up. You should be able find the balls of almost most brands at your local Walmart store.
If ordering online is your preference, Amazon and eBay are good choices there are numerous sites that sell these balls. You can compare the pros and cons of the different models by reading the user reviews over at Amazon. However I’d say in most cases you won’t be disappointed with any X-Out ball you buy.
Remember every company which manufactures golf balls is bound to have some defective balls.
These defects generally come in 2 types; cosmetic and physical defects.
- Practice Balls
- X Out Balls
Practice Balls
As the name suggest practice balls will have minor or major physical defects are only suitable for practicing. If you want to smack the ball hard these are fine to use for fun. I don’t recommend using them during any type of game though. The performance and accuracy of shots will be greatly diminished.
Are X Out Balls Worth It
Although X Out balls do have visual defects, they’re otherwise completely fine to use. Balls with cosmetic defects are removed from their premium packaging and are transferred to cheaper generic packaging for sale. The manufacturer can reduce losses incurred due to the defective pieces.
X-outs and are used by amateurs or beginners but not professional players. Fortunately most of the defects in the balls won’t even be noticeable to the human eye. Performance wise, you won’t notice any difference between a normal ball and an X-out ball.