Square Golf 2 Piece vs 3 Piece Golf Ball Comparison | Spin, Distance & Launch Monitor Insights
When it comes to golf equipment, the golf ball you choose can significantly impact your game– especially when analyzing your performance with a launch monitor. In this article, we’re comparing the Square Golf 2 Piece vs 3 Piece Golf Ball, both designed by Saint Nine, specifically for use with the Square Golf Launch Monitor. We’ll dive into how these balls differ in feel, spin, and ball speed, and show you the key factors that could help elevate your game.
From the unique dot patterns on each ball to their performance during various shots at the driving range, we’ll provide valuable insights that go beyond just specs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to launch monitor data, this guide will give you a deeper understanding of which ball could be best suited to your playing style and needs.
With a mix of expert analysis and real-world testing, this comparison will give you the tools to make an informed choice for your golf game.
Table of Contents
- Quick Overview: 2 Piece vs 3 Piece
- Differences: 2-Piece vs 3-Piece Golf Balls
- On the Range: Testing Shots with the Three-Piece Golf Ball
- Testing the Two-Piece Golf Ball: Surprising Spin Numbers
- Pitching Wedge Shots: Comparing Spin and Ball Speed
- Driver Performance: Ball Speed and Spin Challenges
- Comparing the Saint Nine Balls to Premium Golf Balls
- Final Thoughts: Which Ball Should You Choose?
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
When comparing Square Golf’s 2-piece vs 3-piece golf balls, it’s essential to understand their differences in performance. The 2-piece balls are engineered for maximum distance and are particularly suited for beginners or golfers with a high handicap. Meanwhile, the 3-piece balls are designed for golfers who seek more control and spin, making them a great option for mid-to-low handicap players.
2-Piece Golf Balls
- Construction: Simple design with a solid core and outer cover.
- Distance: Built for maximum distance, these balls fly straighter and farther, ideal for long drives.
- Spin: Produces less spin for more accuracy and better distance on long shots.
- Durability: Highly durable, offering great value for the cost.
- Ideal for: Beginners and high-handicap golfers seeking more distance off the tee.
3-Piece Golf Balls
- Construction: Features an extra mantle layer for enhanced control and feel.
- Distance: Offers good distance but excels in control.
- Spin: Generates more spin for better short game performance, especially with wedges.
- Feel: Softer feel, providing more feedback on touch shots.
- Ideal for: Mid-to-low handicap golfers looking for more control and precision around the greens.
Feel and Cover Differences
Aside from the dot pattern, the feel of the two balls is quite different. The two-piece ball feels noticeably softer, almost like it’s designed to grip the grooves on the clubface more effectively, potentially leading to increased spin. This tactile difference sets an expectation that the two-piece ball might perform differently, especially in shots requiring control and spin.
On the Range: Testing Shots with the 3-Piece Golf Ball
To evaluate performance, testing began on the driving range with 60–67 yard carry shots using the three-piece golf ball. The initial readings showed some inconsistencies, including a very high spin rate of 9,000 RPM accompanied by a significant fade. This result felt unusual and was suspected to be a misread by the launch monitor.
RPM (Revolutions Per Minute):
The number of times a golf ball spins in one minute after impact, indicating its spin rate.
After several shots, the backspin numbers began to stabilize around 8,000 to 8,500 RPM. However, the spin axis and side spin readings remained inconsistent, sometimes indicating exaggerated fades or hooks that didn’t match the actual ball flight. Despite these irregularities, the three-piece ball generally hovered around an 8,000 RPM backspin range on these short pitch shots.
This inconsistency in spin and spin axis readings suggests that the Square Golf Launch Monitor might still have room for improvement in accurately capturing spin data. Although recent software updates have improved the system, there remains a question about the reliability of spin measurement, especially when differentiating between golf balls with different dimple patterns.
Statistical Overview of Three-Piece Ball Spin
- Average backspin on 60-67 yard shots: ~8,600 RPM
- Spin readings fluctuated between 8,000 and 9,000 RPM
- Side spin and spin axis data often showed unrealistic fades or hooks
Testing the Two-Piece Golf Ball: Surprising Spin Numbers
Switching to the two-piece golf ball brought immediate attention to its performance. The first shots produced backspin readings around 10,000 RPM—significantly higher than the three-piece ball. The ball’s softer cover seemed to grip the clubface better, leading to a noticeable drop in launch angle and a spike in spin.
This was evident as the launch angle dropped from the usual 30 degrees (typical for other balls like the TaylorMade TP5x) to a much lower angle, while the spin soared. Such a change in ball flight characteristics underscores how much influence the golf ball itself has on shot behavior.
Consistency and Performance Highlights
- Consistent backspin readings around 10,000 RPM on short shots
- Lower launch angles due to increased ball-to-clubface grip
- Spin numbers showed a tighter spread compared to three-piece ball
These findings suggest that while the two-piece ball spins more, it might be better suited for players looking for maximum spin on shorter shots, such as wedge play around the green.
Pitching Wedge Shots: Comparing Spin and Ball Speed
Moving up to pitching wedge shots, the three-piece ball maintained backspin numbers in the high 8,000s RPM, with some readings close to 9,000 RPM. However, ball speeds varied more than expected, sometimes dropping unexpectedly, which indicated potential misreads or inconsistent strikes.
Side spin readings again showed discrepancies, with some shots reporting unrealistically high fade spins that the player was confident he did not produce. Overall, the three-piece ball showed decent spin but with some data variability, especially in ball speed and side spin.
With the two-piece ball, pitching wedge shots consistently reached or exceeded 10,000 RPM backspin, which is incredibly high. This spin level rivals some of the spinniest golf balls on the market, such as the Mizuno golf ball previously tested on the channel. Even off less-than-perfect strikes, the two-piece ball managed to produce spin numbers that were unprecedented.
For golfers who need extra spin to hold the ball on the greens, this two-piece ball could be the perfect fit. However, for players like the tester who do not require such high spin, the ball might be less ideal due to potential difficulties controlling the ball in windy conditions or on fast greens.
Mid-Iron Shots: Seven and Four Irons
Moving to mid-irons, seven iron shots with the three-piece ball showed backspin numbers ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 RPM, but with significant variability between shots. The inconsistency raised questions about the launch monitor’s ability to accurately capture spin for these ball types and patterns.
In contrast, the two-piece ball continued to impress with consistently higher spin numbers, often near 8,000 RPM, even on shots that were not perfectly struck. This further solidified the impression that the two-piece ball is the spinniest golf ball the tester has ever used.
With four iron shots, the three-piece ball produced backspin readings mostly around the 3,700 to 4,200 RPM range. These numbers were consistent with the expected spin for a four iron but again showed some fluctuations depending on shot shape, such as slight draws reducing spin.
The two-piece ball, on the other hand, produced backspin numbers consistently above 5,000 RPM, even on shots that were not perfectly hit. This is a remarkable amount of spin for a four iron and could affect shot trajectory and stopping power on the greens.
Driver Performance: Ball Speed and Spin Challenges
Testing driver shots revealed some challenges in spin measurement accuracy with the Square Golf Launch Monitor. The three-piece ball showed backspin readings ranging from 2,100 to 4,100 RPM, but several shots appeared to be misreads, especially those with unusually high spin numbers on off-center hits.
Ball speed with the three-piece ball fluctuated, with some good swings producing ball speeds around 160 mph, while others were lower. Overall, the data suggested the launch monitor struggled to consistently capture spin and ball speed for driver shots using these golf balls.
The two-piece ball showed similar ball speed inconsistencies but generally recorded lower ball speeds than the three-piece ball, sometimes around 155 mph on good swings. This suggests the two-piece ball might sacrifice some distance off the tee due to its softer cover and higher spin.
Comparing the Saint Nine Balls to Premium Golf Balls
To provide context, the tester also hit shots with a premium TaylorMade TP5x golf ball, known for its speed and performance. The TP5x consistently produced higher ball speeds (around 162-163 mph) compared to both Saint Nine balls, indicating a clear advantage in distance potential.
This comparison highlights that while Saint Nine’s two-piece and three-piece balls perform well within their category, they do not match the premium balls in terms of ball speed and potentially overall distance. However, the two-piece ball’s exceptional spin characteristics could make it a valuable tool for golfers seeking more control and stopping power on approach shots.
After a full day of testing, our verdict on the Saint Nine golf balls is clear. This isn’t a simple case of one being “better” than the other; it’s a choice between two specialized tools for different jobs.
The 2-piece ball is a surprising spin machine, perfect for the player who needs maximum stopping power on the greens. The 3-piece is the reliable all-rounder, offering balanced performance for consistent, predictable shots.
Ultimately, your choice depends on a simple question: What is the weakest part of your game? If you need more control, grab the 2-piece. If you need a trustworthy ball for every situation, the 3-piece is your answer. Use our data as your guide, but let your on-course results make the final call.
- What’s the difference between the two-piece and three-piece Saint Nine golf balls?
The two-piece ball has a softer cover and widely spaced dots for higher spin and a softer feel. The three-piece ball features a denser dot pattern, offering a balance of spin and ball speed with a firmer feel. - Which ball produces more spin?
The two-piece ball generates more spin, often exceeding 10,000 RPM on wedge shots, making it one of the spinniest balls available. - Does the two-piece ball sacrifice distance?
Yes, the two-piece ball typically has lower ball speeds, especially with the driver, resulting in reduced distance compared to the three-piece ball and premium options like the TaylorMade TP5x. - Is the Square Golf Launch Monitor accurate in measuring spin?
It’s generally accurate, but still struggles with spin and spin axis readings, particularly with balls like the Saint Nine, which have different dimple patterns. - Which ball should I use with the Square Golf Launch Monitor?
For more spin and control around the green, the two-piece ball is ideal. For better ball speed and balanced performance, choose the three-piece ball. Neither ball matches the premium performance of something like the TP5x. - Can dimple patterns affect launch monitor data?
Yes, differences in dot spacing can impact how the monitor measures spin and flight. The device should ideally allow users to specify the ball type for improved accuracy. - How do these balls compare to premium golf balls?
Premium balls like the TaylorMade TP5x offer higher ball speeds and more consistent performance. Saint Nine balls are more affordable but generally produce lower speeds, with the two-piece excelling in spin but sacrificing distance. - Which is better: 2-piece or 3-piece balls?
The three-piece ball offers better control, spin, and performance, especially on wedge shots, making it ideal for mid-to-low handicap players. It’s more expensive but delivers enhanced performance.
