Given the excellent results we’ve seen coming from other startup 3-piece golf ball manufactures (see our 3 Up and I Need the Ball reviews), it should come as no surprised that when Lightning Golf approached us with the chance to test their HL3 SmackDaddy we jumped at the opportunity. It also helps that Lightning Golf HQ is located just a stones throw from our own offices here in NJ.
The HL3 is a premium 3-layer ball consisting of a cast urethane cover, mantle layer, and what the company is calling their high energy, “electric” core.
According to Lightning Golf, the SmackDaddy is specifically designed for players with a swing speeds of 92 mph and above and claims to exhibit a mix of “great distance…tour-quality feel, [and] durability.”
The HL3 also features a unique “LightMark I.D. System” consisting of four empty circles that players can use to create unique identification patterns without having to “draw all over your golf ball.”
Examples of the Lightning LightMark I.D. System configurations.
So how does the HL3 SmackDaddy really perform? We hit the course recently to find out.
Distance
Call it the “electric core” or whatever else you would like, but Lightning Golf certainly got something right when it comes to creating outstanding distance. The HL3 really springs to life when needed, absolutely jumping off the club face with drivers and woods like few others we’ve tested.
The SmackDaddy feels truly alive off the tee and those looking to gain some extra distance are sure to see immediate results with the HL3.
It’s also worth noting that although the Lightning Golf website claims the HL3 exhibited lower driver spin when tested against the Titleist Pro V1 (2190.8 vs 2337.5) a few of our staff noticed a slight lack of forgiveness, especially for those who already struggle with a slice. Keep in mind however that these tests were based purely on performance on the course – we did not have the opportunity to independently verify the ball’s spin numbers claimed on the Lightning Golf website.
Feel / Spin
Lightning Golf half-jokingly makes the claim that the HL3 SmackDaddy “feels like a rolled up sock when you chip and putt,” which they admit is an exaggeration, but the ball’s cast urethane cover is designed to “grab an iron club face.”
In our experience the HL3 felt similar to the I Need the Ball and some other 3-piece balls we’ve tested in that it definitely provided a noticeable spin and feel improvement over just about any off the rack 2-piece ball. That said, from 100 yards in the SmackDaddy simply did not provide the spin or feedback we saw from the 3F12 by 3 Up. But again, there are some trade offs to consider, most notably the fact that the HL3 seemed to provide the best distance and launch angle performance out of the bunch.
Durabilty
Don’t let the HL3′s “soft” urethane cover fool you, when it comes to durability the SmackDaddy is one tough puppy.
The Lightning Golf balls we tested stood up to just about anything we could throw at them (e.g. cart paths, thin shots, etc.) and in the end emerged with just a few nicks and no significant cuts or slices to speak of.
Price
At only $29.99 per dozen with a monthly subscription, or $34.99 per dozen as a one time purchase, the HL3 SmackDaddy is about as competitively priced as anything you’re going to find in the 3-piece premium ball category.
The balls can be ordered by the dozen, half-dozen ($19.99) or sleeve ($8.99) directly from the Lightning Golf website.
Lightning Golf also offers a convenient subscription service allowing you to setup automatic monthly or bi-monthly shipments, which can be a big help considering the balls are not yet available in pro shops. Taking advantage of their subscription service will also save you about 15% off the purchase price so it’s a wise decision if you’re playing the HL3 regularly.
Overall
Based on our testing, we believe the HL3 SmackDaddy is most ideally suited for mid to low range handicappers who are focused on getting some extra distance and want to take advantage of playing a 3-piece golf ball without an outrageous price tag. Additionally, the Lightning Golf brand is perfect for those golfers who want to stand out a bit from the crowd.
Oh, and don’t worry about your playing partners calling foul when you out drive them with the HL3 SmackDaddy. Lightning Golf assures us that their balls are all USGA compliant.
You can find out more about the Lightning Golf HL3 SmackDaddy by visiting the Lighthing Golf website or by connect with them via their Facebook or Twitter page.
If you want to weigh in on the discussion or just tell us what you think of our lightning golf ball review you can do so by leaving us a comment below.
Given the excellent results we’ve seen coming from other startup 3-piece golf ball manufactures (see our 3 Up and I Need the Ball reviews), it should come as no surprised that when Lightning Golf approached us with the chance to test their HL3 SmackDaddy we jumped at the opportunity. It also helps that Lightning Golf HQ is located just a stones throw from our own offices here in NJ. The HL3 is a premium 3-layer ball consisting of a cast urethane cover, mantle layer, and what the company is calling their high energy, “electric” core. According to Lightning Golf, the SmackDaddy is specifically designed for players with a swing speeds of 92 mph and above and claims to exhibit a mix of “great distance…tour-quality feel, [and] durability.” The HL3 also features a unique “LightMark I.D. System” consisting of four empty circles that players can use to create unique identification patterns without having to “draw all over your golf ball.” [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Examples of the Lightning LightMark I.D. System configurations.[/caption] So how does the HL3 SmackDaddy really perform? We hit the course recently to find out. Distance Call it the “electric core” or whatever else you would like, but Lightning Golf certainly got something right when it comes to creating outstanding distance. The HL3 really springs to life when needed, absolutely jumping off the club face with drivers and woods like few others we’ve tested. The SmackDaddy feels truly alive off the tee and those looking to gain some extra distance are sure to see immediate results with the HL3. It’s also worth noting that although the Lightning Golf website claims the HL3 exhibited lower driver spin when tested against the Titleist Pro V1 (2190.8 vs 2337.5) a few of our staff noticed a slight lack of forgiveness, especially for those who already struggle with a slice. Keep in mind however that these tests were based purely on performance on the course – we did not have the opportunity to independently verify the ball’s spin numbers claimed on the Lightning Golf website. Feel / Spin Lightning Golf half-jokingly makes the claim that the HL3 SmackDaddy “feels like a rolled up sock when you chip and putt,” which they admit is an exaggeration, but the ball’s cast urethane cover is designed to “grab an iron club face.” In our experience the HL3 felt similar to the I Need the Ball and some other 3-piece balls we’ve tested in that it definitely provided a noticeable spin and feel improvement over just about any off the rack 2-piece ball. That said, from 100 yards in the SmackDaddy simply did not provide the spin or feedback we saw from the 3F12 by 3 Up. But again, there are some trade offs to consider, most notably the fact that the HL3 seemed to provide the best distance and launch angle performance out of the bunch. Durabilty Don’t let the HL3′s “soft” urethane cover fool you, when it comes to durability the SmackDaddy is one tough…
Lightning Golf Ball Review – The HL3 SmackDaddy
Lightning Golf Ball Review – The HL3 SmackDaddy
2014-08-13
Golficity
Lightning Golf HL3 SmackDaddy
Distance – 9.5
Spin – 8
Feel – 7.8
Durability – 9
Cost – 8.9
86
8.6
Call it the “electric core” or whatever else you would like, but Lightning Golf certainly got something right when it comes to creating outstanding distance. The HL3 really springs to life when needed, absolutely jumping off the club face with drivers and woods like few others we’ve seen.
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