There has been a lot of talk on the AD333 series from Srixon. They were introduced as advanced design, 333 dimples, with a focus on superior distance, excellent feel, and greenside control.
The normal AD333 ball is a dependable golf ball with excellent features that rival other brands from Titleist, Bridgestone, etc.
Its sibling, the AD333 Tour comes along with even more exciting features. In this article, we’ll be looking at how similar they are as well as exploring some of the differences between both balls.
Srixon AD333 Golf Balls
The Srixon AD333 has a unique construction. Specifically, the Fast-Layer Core, which is designed to be soft in the center area and gradually becomes firmer towards the edge.
As a result, you have a golf ball that maximizes speed and minimizes ball spin. Another notable key feature of the Srixon AD333 is the dimple pattern. The design is aimed for a penetrating and fastball flight.
The Srixon AD333 also features a Slide Ring Material and Spin Skin Technology.
With the use of an innovative urethane coating and a flexible molecular bond, this allows for a maximum spin in cases you need the ball to do so.
The Srixon AD333 is a golf ball that belongs to the two-piece and entry-level category. It’s a favorite among many and it improves upon the previous success of the older versions.
It offers excellent short game control, especially around the greens. This is surprising as it does not come with the urethane cover of the more expensive golf balls.
Another impressive feature is the ball flight, especially in cases of crosswinds. The dimple pattern allows the ball to stay in the air while holding steady along its desired trajectory.
Srixon AD333 Tour Golf Balls
The AD333 Tour is designed to be a high spinning ball off the tee, making it a good choice for the average golfer with mid-level swing speed.
It’s an all-round performance, compared to the AD333 which is restricted to certain weather conditions. The ball is described as a consistent golf ball with good distance and spin control around the green.
Although some golfers complain of the price, the Tour ball isn’t expensive, rather it’s moderately priced. The Tour comes with 338 dimples, which is higher than those on the previous models and thus ensuring longer and more stable shots.
The compression has been reduced from 75 to 72 so that players with a slower swing speed can have a
decent distance off the tee. A test by the players at Golf Monthly found the AD333 Tour to be firm when hit on a chip or pitch in the short game while maintaining distance and flight off the tee similar to premium golf balls.
If your swing speed is higher or you aren’t looking for tour performance, this ball may not suit you. In that case, you’ll be looking at the normal AD333.
Srixon AD333 vs AD333 Tour: Differences
Performance & Feel
The Tour might be able to give you better control around the greens.
Some players have found this true when trying the AD333 and the AD333 Tour. The normal AD333 has a compression of 77 while the Tour is 72 compression with a urethane cover. As you can see, the Tour should feel better, even in theory.
Another thing worth pointing out is that some players found the AD333 Tour to be a well-rounded all-weather ball compared to the normal AD333, which is more of a winter ball than a summer golf ball.
It’s likely you may have the same experience so if you’re only playing in winter, the normal one will be effective. But outside that period, it may feel useless. For that reason, I’d go for the Tour because of the better overall experience.
Durability
However, the Tour may not be as durable as the normal 333. This is true as a few golfers who have tested both balls confirm this.
If you’re after a durable, sturdy golf ball, you may want to go for the normal 333. But if you’re inclined to a softer golf ball, the Tour version is going to be a better option.
Price
For their price, the normal AD333 is slightly cheaper such that many golfers would say they aren’t going for the Tour because of the higher price.
Granted, the difference in price isn’t much especially if you’re convinced of the ball’s performance. Generally, both balls have good reviews and there isn’t a lot of complaint about their value in relation to their price.
Construction
Another easy difference between the two orbs is the construction. While the standard ball is a two-piece ball, the Tour version is a three-piece golf ball.
If you’re a beginner golfer, the AD333 is better for you since you’ll be needing the extra distance off the tee and less spin. The AD333 Tour will obviously be the better option if you’re an advanced player because it’ll give you full control of your shots.
This doesn’t mean you can’t play the 3-piece golf balls as a beginner, it just may not give you all the luxuries of the two-piece ball like being more forgiving for instance.
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