Ball Lab: Seed SD-01 – 3rd Generation
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MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is where we quantify the quality and consistency of golf balls. Today, we’re reviewing the 2023 Seed SD-01. To learn more about our test process, click here.
About the Seed SD-01
The SD-01, the first ball Seed designed, now is on its third iteration. This ball is available in white and yellow with a new orange version reportedly on the horizon later this month.
Founder Dean Klatt says they “don’t design for tour players” but rather the “focus is always on improving performance for normal golfers with normal swing speeds and launch conditions.” The SD-01 ball “tends to fit the widest array of abilities” and is their top selling ball, he says.
During our 2023 Golf Ball Test, we noted the Seed SD-01 ball was as a high-launch, high-spin ball. This may a be a consideration for you low-launch, low-spin golfers looking for a little help from your equipment.
The Seed SD-01 is manufactured at Foremost in Taiwan where the Maxfli Tour Series, Wilson urethane and VICE urethane (excluding the VICE Pro Zero) balls are produced.
Key Takeaways
- A direct-to-consumer ball marketed to/designed for the average golfer at a less than premium price.
- At $35 per dozen, it offers a cheaper alternative in the urethane space.
- With an average compression of 75, the Seed SD-01 is an option for golfers who prefer a medium-soft feel.
Seed SD-01 Construction
The Seed SD-01 is a three-piece ball with a cast urethane cover. It has a 336-dimple pattern designed for “stable trajectory.”
Seed SD-01 Compression
The Seed SD-01 is a medium-soft ball with an average compression of 75.
While not exactly the same, previous model balls with similar compressions include the TaylorMade Tour Response (2022), Callaway Chrome Soft (2020) and Titleist AVX (2022) at 73, 76 and 77, respectively.
The compression consistency across the sample was rated as “Average” (see below) with a five-point compression range across the sample, leading to three percent being flagged as “Bad.” So you don’t have to do the math in your head, that’s one ball out of the sample of three dozen.
Compression Chart
We’ve had requests for a standalone compression comparison tool. As it turns out, that tool exists. We created it as part of our Golf Ball Compression FAQ page. At some point, we may merge the two charts but, for now, the plan is to include this chart in future Ball Labs.
Diameter and Weight
None of the balls in the sample fell under the USGA’s minimum diameter standard. All met our standard for roundness. Size consistency across the sample was on the higher end of average. Those consistencies will likely translate to better results on the course as long as you do your part, too.
None of the Seed SD-01 balls in our sample exceeded the USGA’s weight limit.
Seed SD-01 – Inspection
Centeredness and Concentricity
No notable concentricity defects/off-center layers were detected across the three dozen tested.
Core Consistency
The core colors of the balls were consistent throughout the sample. No unmixed material/chunks were noted.
Cover
No cover defects were identified in our sample.
Seed SD-01 – Consistency
In this section, we detail the consistency of the Seed SD-01. Our consistency metrics measure how similar the balls in our sample were to one another relative to all of the models we’ve tested to date.
Weight Consistency
- Weight consistency falls in the “Good” range.
- Boxes 1, 2 and 3 had slight variability relative to the average.
Diameter Consistency
- The diameter consistency of the Seed SD-01 falls on the high end of the “Average” range.
- Boxes 1 and 2 maintained variability while Box 3 exhibited slightly more variability to the average.
Compression Consistency
- Due to the some variability across the sample, compression falls within the “Average” range.
- Compression across the sample ranged from 73 to 78 with a compression delta of five points.
True Price
True Price is how we quantify the quality of a golf ball. It’s a projection of what you’d have to spend to ensure you get 12 good balls.
The True Price will always be equal to or greater than the retail price. The greater the difference between the retail price and the True Price, the more you should be concerned about the quality of the ball.
Seed SD-01 – Golf Ball Quality Summary
To learn more about our test process, how we define “Bad” balls and our True Price metric, check out our About MyGolfSpy Ball Lab page.
The Good
- A five-point delta for compression consistency is among the best we’ve seen.
- “Good” to “Average” consistency across all the metrics that we test.
The Bad
- One ball out of the three dozen was flagged as “Bad.”
The Score
The True Price for the Seed SD-01 is $36.00. That’s a three-percent increase over the retail price we paid at time testing of $35.00 per dozen. In this case, you’re pretty much getting all that you paid for. Just plan accordingly as you’re not buying these at your local pro shop or golf store when you run out and will need time to allow for shipping. A cursory search revealed these ball are now available at a retail price of $29.00.
At the time of testing, the Seed SD-01 received a Ball Lab score of 81 putting it squarely between the Maxfli Tour (2023) and VICE Pro (2020). That’s eight points above the current database average of 73. While there was one bad ball in our sample, the rest offered good continuity from ball to ball. Now, if you do your part, this ball may help your performance on the course.
So the next time you’re on the tee box with a plus one and they ask you “…what seed ya got”, just remember that “seed” is reportedly a slang term for a golf ball in Australia and Japan. Hence, the origin of Seed Golf Ltd. and the rise of their Seed SD-01 golf ball and its current generation.
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