Volvik is a brand that has seamlessly injected the fun element of golf into their product lines. Their inventory boasts an extensive range of golf balls, many featuring vibrant colors, and some even contain superhero emblems. However, despite their playful approach, Volvik still strives to reach the golfer who is more focused on performance, and that is the golfer they are targeting with their two newest offerings within their Tour Performance line, the Condor and Condor X golf balls.
Since Volvik positions these golf balls as their tour balls, it should be no surprise that they both come with a soft cast urethane cover, which is here to help give increased and consistent spin, but the real story about the Condor line is what is happening on the inside.
Condor is the first golf ball to incorporate a new white carbon material commonly found in high-end tires. This material has high density and cohesion, which ensures that energy transfer is not lost and that the rubber does not age. Thanks to this material, the ball’s core employs increased elastic energy that gathers and releases the condensed force at the moment of impact. In simpler terms, adding white carbon improves the rebound efficiency and ball speed.
One of the distinguishing features between Condor and Condor X is their structural setup. Condor is a three-piece golf ball, while Condor X utilizes a fourth layer as part of a Hyper W-Carbonic and Elastin Dual Mantle design. Additionally, in terms of compression rating, the Condor possesses a compression rating of 85, which is ten lower than that of the Condor X.
While warmer weather is on the horizon, we could not get these balls out on the golf course during the review period. However, with the help of a SkyTrak+ unit, I captured all the data needed to see how these two balls performed for my swing. Below is a chart of how these balls performed with a driver, 7-iron, and SW.
Condor
Condor X
As you can see, there were some similarities in numbers between these two balls, but also several differences. One of the most noticeable differences was the peak height achieved when using a driver. As you can see, Condor X peaked 7 yards higher than the Condor, and in all of the sessions I compared these two balls, Condor X carried a higher peak every single time. Condor also flew slightly lower when comparing 7-irons and spun less across the board. Both options also provided plenty of spin during the wedge test, meaning there would be no worries about stopping these balls quickly on the green. Volvik does mention that a differentiating factor between these two balls is the amount of spin, with the Condor X being the higher-spinning ball of the two, so I am glad to see that is how it tested out for me as well.
Testing data is valuable, it does not reveal how these balls sound or feel. After hitting each ball with various clubs throughout the bag, the Condor has a slight advantage for my preference. However, the difference is minimal compared to other brands that offer two different variants of the same line. The tone of the Condor is only slightly deeper than that of the Condor X.
Although not entirely relevant to the review itself, one question that inevitably arises is which option is better suited for my game when comparing two similar products. Based on my testing process, I would likely put the Condor in play first. As someone who tends to launch the ball high, I typically play a golf ball with a slightly flatter trajectory off the tee and with my irons. Currently, the Condor fits that bill. It will be interesting to see how both balls play out on the course in the future.
Volvik’s new Condor series is available at a retail price of $42.99 per dozen. More information is available at www.volvik.com.
Round today. Used all the balls for testing on different holes. The condor x is a bit too much for my game I can play it but but the I can tell a very distinct difference between it and the condor and xt. The regular condor straight up performed today. Shot my season low 88 and the condor has my 2 best shots of the round. A 205 yard 5 iron that just landed 2 feet from the green pin high and I was green side in 2 on a par 5. The driver sound compared to the qst and xt is very noticeable [USER=75462]@Nick Kane[/USER] even asked did I change balls. Then on 17 I hit a 52* and flew the green from 110 and then chipped in for birdie with the condor. The more I test the more this and the xt are in a true battle. The putter is still a little learning curve as it’s a lot firmer than I’m used to and need to get speed dialed.
Thinking back again, and both of these had a really good feel off the irons. I was hitting my irons well last round, and the distance I was seeing with both the Condor and Condor X is right on with what I expect. Great high ball height with the scoring irons, and a nice straight, maybe slight fade, ball flight. I usually play off a pretty straight approach shot, and these had no trouble with that.
Did a little analysis of the Condor and Condor X against my old gamer. Same course, same day, same driver. Below are the averages I saw with driver:
Condor and Condor X: 247 yards (added these together, because I was seeing similar distances (+/- 3 yards between the 2)
Old Gamer: 260 yards
Felt like something was off, and this does kind of confirm it. I couldn’t get either Condor to go straight with my swing, and I lost distance as a result. Still going to give it a go next time out to see if I can get it straightened out off the tee, because I enjoy it with irons and wedges.
Finally getting to play some golf today since returning from Briggs. Have both Condor and Condor X in the bag. Think I will start with the regular version tonight and play the X on later this week.
[USER=59933]@cnl390[/USER]
[USER=57217]@Steve2100[/USER]
[USER=53139]@Templet0n[/USER]
[USER=50911]@LLIB[/USER]
[USER=24169]@pumbaa[/USER]
[USER=53807]@GLG20[/USER]
[USER=47923]@richhoff[/USER]
[USER=61066]@Coloradomrg[/USER]
[USER=51675]@gkeller813[/USER]
[USER=52297]@G-Man[/USER]
[USER=56341]@TransplantHacker[/USER]
Hows the testing going? Not seeing a ton of responses in here from some. Pictures aren’t enough. What are you feeling? Seeing? How does it compare to your gamer?
hoping to go to a short game area today and chip and pitch a bit… I need practice and I “feel” this is the area lacking the most for me with this ball. Want to really figure out if there is a ball difference or a me difference.
[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12321049, member: 53139″]
hoping to go to a short game area today and chip and pitch a bit… I need practice and I “feel” this is the area lacking the most for me with this ball. Want to really figure out if there is a ball difference or a me difference.
[/QUOTE]
Do you mean in terms of spin/trajectory, etc?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12321055, member: 1193″]
Do you mean in terms of spin/trajectory, etc?
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, it doesn’t seem to grab the face and come off low with check. Need to take a few different balls and see how others perform. See if it is a me thing.
[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12321076, member: 53139″]
Yeah, it doesn’t seem to grab the face and come off low with check. Need to take a few different balls and see how others perform. See if it is a me thing.
[/QUOTE]
I get what you are saying. I’d love to see how they compare in that regard on a LM.
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
I’ve only had the chance to play the one round. I’ve stopped practicing for now to let my elbow heal up. I’m hoping to get out this weekend and do a comparison to my gamer.
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321093, member: 8099″]
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
[/QUOTE]
I think I could play the X. Conditions weren’t the best when I tried them but I saw enough that I can see myself playing them. I didn’t get to do a direct comparison to my gamer (Pro V1x left dash) but I plan on it this weekend
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321013, member: 5944″]
[USER=59933]@cnl390[/USER]
[USER=57217]@Steve2100[/USER]
[USER=53139]@Templet0n[/USER]
[USER=50911]@LLIB[/USER]
[USER=24169]@pumbaa[/USER]
[USER=53807]@GLG20[/USER]
[USER=47923]@richhoff[/USER]
[USER=61066]@Coloradomrg[/USER]
[USER=51675]@gkeller813[/USER]
[USER=52297]@G-Man[/USER]
[USER=56341]@TransplantHacker[/USER]
Hows the testing going? Not seeing a ton of responses in here from some. Pictures aren’t enough. What are you feeling? Seeing? How does it compare to your gamer?
[/QUOTE]
Posted on Sunday about my round. Going to get to the range tomorrow after work and do some short game and putting. The condor x is not for my game but I keep putting it through it’s paces but the condor really surprised me this past Sunday with my irons especially. The ball flight and consistency of distance of the shots stood out. I did have 1 ball with some kid of manufacturing defect in a dimple but it doesn’t seemed to have caused any issues.
I’d really encourage you all not to revert to a different ball mid-round. Too many variables in play to blame a ball for bad fortune over 6-9 holes.
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321093, member: 8099″]
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
[/QUOTE]
No confidence issues at all. The balls perform and are durable. Between the xt and the regular condor they have had most of my holes played since I started testing. I put my normal gamer in the mix to compare them only.
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321093, member: 8099″]
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
[/QUOTE]
I haven’t bailed on the Volvick yet, and may actually turn it into my gamer for the season. The Condor x is a little too stiff and spinny for me off the driver, the Condor is great. Maybe a touch too spinny off the driver, but feels great otherwise. The XT Soft is really good for me. I have a round with [USER=10934]@J4U[/USER] on Friday. Hoping he’ll test out the X a bit and let us know his thoughts.
I also haven’t lost any of the volvick balls yet… not sure what the correlation is but I have been keeping them in play!
[QUOTE=”Coloradomrg, post: 12321134, member: 61066″]
I haven’t bailed on the Volvick yet, and may actually turn it into my gamer for the season. The Condor x is a little too stiff and spinny for me off the driver, the Condor is great. Maybe a touch too spinny off the driver, but feels great otherwise. The XT Soft is really good for me. I have a round with [USER=10934]@J4U[/USER] on Friday. Hoping he’ll test out the X a bit and let us know his thoughts.
[/QUOTE]
I’m going to let [USER=75462]@Nick Kane[/USER] try out the X since he has more swing speed than me on Sunday.
The x is a little stiff for me as well.
[QUOTE=”LLIB, post: 12321114, member: 50911″]
I think I could play the X. Conditions weren’t the best when I tried them but I saw enough that I can see myself playing them. I didn’t get to do a direct comparison to my gamer (Pro V1x left dash) but I plan on it this weekend
[/QUOTE]
I’ll be curious to see the direct comparison! PV1X dash is a great ball and I feel like this would be a good head to head…wonder if there would be enough there to de-throne the gamer!
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321093, member: 8099″]
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
[/QUOTE]
When playing the balls I had zero lack of confindence. I don’t understand why you would abandon mid round. This is a testing project. Can’t give a full test if you change balls mid round.
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321152, member: 8099″]
I’ll be curious to see the direct comparison! PV1X dash is a great ball and I feel like this would be a good head to head…wonder if there would be enough there to de-throne the gamer!
[/QUOTE]
It would take a lot for me to move from the left dash but from what I’ve seen the Condor X has a better chance than most others I’ve tried.
[QUOTE=”LLIB, post: 12321166, member: 50911″]
It would take a lot for me to move from the left dash but from what I’ve seen the Condor X has a better chance than most others I’ve tried.
[/QUOTE]
Left dash is a lower spin ball, Condor X is higher spin. This is interesting
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321181, member: 5944″]
Left dash is a lower spin ball, Condor X is higher spin. This is interesting
[/QUOTE]
I’m just going off what I saw on the course. Like I said before, conditions weren’t ideal and the results may very well be different the next time out. It didn’t make sense to me either but it is what it is.
[QUOTE=”LLIB, post: 12321197, member: 50911″]
I’m just going off what I saw on the course. Like I said before, conditions weren’t ideal and the results may very well be different the next time out. It didn’t make sense to me either but it is what it is.
[/QUOTE]
Thats fair, I just find it interesting. I know you have only gotten out once but how did the Condor feel compared to the left dash?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12321084, member: 1193″]
I get what you are saying. I’d love to see how they compare in that regard on a LM.
[/QUOTE]
I can maybe get some numbers later today in that regard..
[QUOTE=”pumbaa, post: 12321149, member: 24169″]
I’m going to let [USER=75462]@Nick Kane[/USER] try out the X since he has more swing speed than me on Sunday.
The x is a little stiff for me as well.
[/QUOTE]
What do you mean stiff? The ball is too hard?
The both were definitely softer than the left dash. During my practice /initial testing I noticed the Condor felt similar to a regular Pro V to me with the X being between the Condor and left dash. Which for me is a good thing. I prefer a firmer feeling ball. On the course neither really stood out good or bad. Off the putter I didn’t notice much difference. I don’t think most people playing tour caliber balls would notice if you switched out whatever they play for the equivalent Condor model.
[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12321230, member: 53139″]
I can maybe get some numbers later today in that regard..
[/QUOTE]
This could be pretty eye opening! I’m very curious how it shakes out.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321236, member: 5944″]
What do you mean stiff? The ball is too hard?
[/QUOTE]
That’s what I mean by stiff. The ball feels a bit harder than the Condor. Not by a ton, but I can feel it. I’m no great compressor of golf balls… so can only describe what I feel as “stiff”.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12321239, member: 1193″]
This could be pretty eye opening! I’m very curious how it shakes out.
[/QUOTE]
will see if I can squeeze it in today..
[QUOTE=”LLIB, post: 12321238, member: 50911″]
The both were definitely softer than the left dash. During my practice /initial testing I noticed the Condor felt similar to a regular Pro V to me with the X being between the Condor and left dash. Which for me is a good thing. I prefer a firmer feeling ball. On the course neither really stood out good or bad. Off the putter I didn’t notice much difference. I don’t think most people playing tour caliber balls would notice if you switched out whatever they play for the equivalent Condor model.
[/QUOTE]
Why do you prefer a firmer feeling ball out of curiosity? Do you need more spin or less?
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321013, member: 5944″]
Hows the testing going? Not seeing a ton of responses in here from some. Pictures aren’t enough. What are you feeling? Seeing? How does it compare to your gamer?
[/QUOTE]
Testing is going well.
From a feel perspective, the Condor is right in line with what I enjoy. I played the Chromesoft all last year, and feel like the Condor really compares well with the CS. The Condor X is a bit more firm, but I would not call in too hard by any means. It sits in a nice realm, and with a wedge in hand, I have no issues with the feel.
I was having issues off the driver with both Condor balls last round out. The feel and sound are good, but directionally it was more miss than hit. There was a slight breeze, and any slight miss seemed to be enhanced and what usually would find the side of the fairway, was going further off into the rough. Resulted in only one FIR on the front 9. I noticed this with both the Condor and the Condor X. Played my old gamer right along side them off the tee for the back 9, and it seemed like it was a ball issue. My old gamer was going straight, and as a result further, than the Condors. I was 13 yards longer on drives with my gamer as a result. Only one round, so more to come.
From an iron and wedge perspective, I enjoyed both Condor and Condor X. Feel is good with both, no issues there. Distance was were I would expect. I didn’t see the dispersion differ much with the Condors, and had no issues hitting my target with either. Greenside I felt like I need a bit more spin out of each. Greens were running faster than normal, but I was having difficulty getting either to roll out to my intended distances when I was greenside. Going back to my gamer, and the comfort level helped out there, and I was able to put them closer.
Overall, I have no issues with how it plays with a wedge or iron on hand. Good ball flight, both giving me reasonable peak height, based on the eyeball test. Neither is flat or outside of the norm I would expect to see. My only issue is with driver. 18 holes I think gives you a good idea of what the ball is going to do off the tee, and seeing it directly against my gamer makes me pause when teeing up the Condor. Definitely going to continue giving it a go, and hope I can figure it out with driver.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321261, member: 5944″]
Why do you prefer a firmer feeling ball out of curiosity? Do you need more spin or less?
[/QUOTE]
I just like a firmer feel. When I use softer feeling balls I have a hard time feeling where I hit them on the face. And I want that feedback.
Less spin. The last fitting I had about a month ago I was getting 7500 on my 7i and over 10k on my PW. It’s nothing for me to spin back a 7w on green. Driver spin used to be 3500-4k but I’ve got my angle of attack up and I’m below 3k with the left dash.
I had a chance to play 9 after work yesterday. I was gaming the Condor, and playing as a single, I had a chance to play the Condor and the B RX side by side. Off the tee I was having a hard time keeping anything in the same zip code, with both balls. 150 yds and in, both balls performed well with the expected distance, nice high ball flight and good spin. Short game was one hop and stop with newer wedges. Durability was good, with no visible markings, even after hitting multiple trees on hole 2. Putting went well with the O-works 330m, great lag putts and nice rolls.
League starts next week so I’ll have more thoughts on the Condor and will put the Condor X into play. Overall, I could definitely game the Condor. The feel to me is similar to the B RX and Pro V1.
[QUOTE=”LLIB, post: 12321292, member: 50911″]
I just like a firmer feel. When I use softer feeling balls I have a hard time feeling where I hit them on the face. And I want that feedback.
Less spin. The last fitting I had about a month ago I was getting 7500 on my 7i and over 10k on my PW. It’s nothing for me to spin back a 7w on green. Driver spin used to be 3500-4k but I’ve got my angle of attack up and I’m below 3k with the left dash.
[/QUOTE]
You may like the feel better BUT If you played a softer ball it would spin less….
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321322, member: 5944″]
You may like the feel better BUT If you played a softer ball it would spin less….
[/QUOTE]
I’ve tried a few different softer balls with mixed results. Now that you mention it I did find a Smurf blue SoftFli a few weeks ago and played it the last 6 holes of the round and played really well. Seemed like I was getting more distance but didn’t have any issues stopping it. Might have to give the XT Soft a more thorough look.
[QUOTE=”LLIB, post: 12321331, member: 50911″]
I’ve tried a few different softer balls with mixed results. Now that you mention it I did find a Smurf blue SoftFli a few weeks ago and played it the last 6 holes of the round and played really well. Seemed like I was getting more distance but didn’t have any issues stopping it. Might have to give the XT Soft a more thorough look.
[/QUOTE]
Check out the comments in that thread too. I know [USER=3]@JB[/USER] really liked that ball
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321093, member: 8099″]
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
[/QUOTE]
Kind of hinted to this in my other post, but off the driver, for whatever reason, I wasn’t as confident. I still played it next to my gamer during the back 9, because sometimes I become a different golfer at the turn, for better or worse.
Same day, same clubs, same holes, I wanted to get that comparison. For whatever reason the Condor just didn’t fly as straight. I don’t work the ball, so I prefer straight, and I struggled off the tee with getting that flight.
Off the irons and wedges, no issues. Great flight there.
[QUOTE=”gkeller813, post: 12321352, member: 51675″]
Kind of hinted to this in my other post, but off the driver, for whatever reason, I wasn’t as confident. I still played it next to my gamer during the back 9, because sometimes I become a different golfer at the turn, for better or worse.
Same day, same clubs, same holes, I wanted to get that comparison. For whatever reason the Condor just didn’t fly as straight. I don’t work the ball, so I prefer straight, and I struggled off the tee with getting that flight.
Off the irons and wedges, no issues. Great flight there.
[/QUOTE]
Always gonna be tough to play your best when the confidence is lacking!
[QUOTE=”bsbmike5, post: 12321093, member: 8099″]
How does everyone feel in the confidence of the ball compared to their current gamer? I feel like there’s been a fair amount of abandoning the volvik during rounds to go back to the gamer.
Is there a lack of that confidence when playing it? Thanks guys!
[/QUOTE]
A definite loss of confidence. Played six holes and could not keep it in the fairway, and couldn’t dial in my approach shots. It was fine around and on the green. Will play the X today and/or Sunday. I really like the XT Soft
I’m really susprised to see the comments about loss of confidence off the tee.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321236, member: 5944″]
What do you mean stiff? The ball is too hard?
[/QUOTE]
Yes, its seems to be too high compression for me.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12321403, member: 782″]
I’m really susprised to see the comments about loss of confidence off the tee.
[/QUOTE]
Same here. I had zero issues with either of the Condor Balls.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12321403, member: 782″]
I’m really susprised to see the comments about loss of confidence off the tee.
[/QUOTE]
Only 18 holes, and it wasn’t like the ball was curving off 50 yards right and left, but it was missing the fairway consistently. Still in play, but I couldn’t find the middle of a fairway, nor could I get the straight flight I’m used to.
Not anything that is unplayable, but playing side by side with my old gamer, it was evident.
[QUOTE=”pumbaa, post: 12321449, member: 24169″]
Yes, its seems to be too high compression for me.
[/QUOTE]
I’m lazy so I apologize if you’ve posted this. What ball(s) do you normally play?
[QUOTE=”gkeller813, post: 12321463, member: 51675″]
Only 18 holes, and it wasn’t like the ball was curving off 50 yards right and left, but it was missing the fairway consistently. Still in play, but I couldn’t find the middle of a fairway, nor could I get the straight flight I’m used to.
Not anything that is unplayable, but playing side by side with my old gamer, it was evident.
[/QUOTE]
When going through this type of side by side comparison, are you looking in at the consistency of strike locations? Are these misses pulls/pushes or are they starting right and curving left or the opposite depending on your normal ball flight?
and I should say…that question is not just based at [USER=51675]@gkeller813[/USER] anyone with these can feel free to jump in on that.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12321459, member: 5944″]
Same here. I had zero issues with either of the Condor Balls.
[/QUOTE]
I saw you hit some bombs that moved about 3 yards side to side
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12321476, member: 782″]
When going through this type of side by side comparison, are you looking in at the consistency of strike locations? Are these misses pulls/pushes or are they starting right and curving left or the opposite depending on your normal ball flight?
[/QUOTE]
I was far from being consistent with either the Condor or the B RX off the tee yesterday (all me). Big fades and push fades. Was worse into a slight breeze, maybe 10 mph.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12321479, member: 782″]
and I should say…that question is not just based at [USER=51675]@gkeller813[/USER] anyone with these can feel free to jump in on that.
[/QUOTE]
I didn’t have any issues off the tee. I actually hit my longest drive of the year so far with the X. They may have had a touch more fade than I get with the left dash but it wasn’t anything that concerned me.