Recycling & Refinishing Golf Balls
Recycling vs Refinishing
Is there a difference?
Not very much.. These results show a minimal difference between the recycled and the refinished golf balls, and this difference is under strict testing conditions with a consistent mechanical driver. Something the average golfer would be hard pressed to duplicate.
Why not refinish every golf ball?
Why fix what’s not broken, the majority of the used golf balls come to us good condition, probably being hit only a few times before being lost in the rough or veering off into the nearest water hazard. After inspection and grading these balls only need a good cleaning and new clear-coat to bring back that fresh out of the sleeve shine.
Then why refinish any golf balls?
That small percentage of higher end balls that pass grading showing that they are 100% intact with no cover abrasions, path marks or cuts but are just cosmetically stained, are ideal for refinishing. Refinishing restores the appearance of a player marked or stained ball. If not for the green Links Choice mark, many golfers would have a hard time telling the difference.
Are recovered golf balls waterlogged?
Golf balls are constructed of various types of plastic, so they don’t absorb water. Older type of wound balls can be water-logged if the outer cover is broken, allowing the water in. Cut balls don’t make it past our quality control, they end up in the hit-away bin and only sold as clearly marked practice grade. However even a vintage wound ball in excellent shape is set aside for non golfing use, some have even been used in the construction of artificial reefs.
Does re-clear coating or refinishing affect the performance or the life of the ball?
Some washed only recyclers would like you to believe this, the truth is all used/recycled balls are subject to minor performance variations from new ones, no matter how they are treated. Durability and performance are not guaranteed by the original manufacturer’s warranty on any used golf ball. However, Links Choice believes strongly in all its recycled and/or refinished products, stands behind them with tested performance and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
How do I know a refinished golf ball is not an old model?
We take pride in our very strict quality control process. Each golf ball is handled or inspected by five employees before making it to the refinishing line. This protects us and the consumer, we process over 20,000,000 golf balls a year and sell every one of them. We would quickly lose business if we couldn’t stand by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Recycled Golf Balls
Why the extra step of clear coating the recycled golf balls when many golf ball recyclers don’t? Many years ago we noticed what was left at the bottom of the loose ball displays in Pro Shops, all the dull scuffed balls. No one wanted to play with a dull ball, not even just to test out a new club over a tricky water hazard. So we developed a way to provide a shiny, high gloss used ball from the top of the barrel to the bottom, without any significant change in the ball’s natural characteristics.
At Links Choice we believe in providing the best product and the best value to the retailer and the consumer. With a durable, glossy, uniform finish in all retail grades, a Links Choice Recycled Golf Ball does just that.
Wash & Sort
Retrieved golf ball sorted and washed, ready for Links Choice recycling process.
Stripped
Most or all clear coat removed without disturbing the original factory painting.
Re-Clear Coat
Golf ball re-clear-coated for a constant finish, inspected and ready to be packaged.
It is important to note that we do not have the ability to repair scrapes, dents or cart paths to a used golf ball. This is why we have different levels or grades of golf balls, such as Mint, Near Mint, Value Grade, Grade A, B, and C etc. This lets the consumer know what the physical and cosmetic condition of the golf ball will be in when they make their purchase.
How are Recycled Golf Balls Graded?
Recycled Grade A
“Like new” overall condition, or very slight blemish. No discoloration. No “X-out” or “PRACTICE” markings. No major graffiti markings, minor ink marks such as dots or lines may be present. May contain logos.
Recycled Grade B
Slight discoloration and/or minor cover blemishes may be present. No major graffiti markings, minor ink marks such as dots or lines may be present. May contain logos.
Recycled Grade C
Discolorations may be present, no dark brown stains or overall dark discoloration. Cover blemishes may be present. No deep scuffs, cart path marks or cuts. Nothing bad enough to affect the playability of the ball.
Recycled Grade D
Overall discoloration may be present. No cuts. Cover blemishes and/or scuff marks may be present. “X-out” or “PRACTICE” markings may be present. Logos and player marks may be present. Reasonable playability of the ball.
Refinished Golf Balls
The refinishing process being more costly than recycling is utilized mainly for higher end balls such as Titleist Pro V1, Callaway HX Tour, Taylormade Penta, Nike One etc. Popular proline balls like the Titleist NXT series and Bridgestone e series are also excellent candidates for refinishing.
These premium brand balls are carefully sorted by brand and model, including the year-to-year variations, so you can be guaranteed the brand and model you see on a Links Choice refinished golf ball is that ball.
Value brands such as Top-Flite, Pinnacle, Maxfli, etc. also benefit from refinishing, taking what would be a dull, dirty ball and giving it a bright uniform finish. These brands are sorted and packaged by brand only with various models having the same uniform brand markings.
Sort & Wash
Retrieved golf ball sorted and washed, ready for Links Choice refinishing process.
Stripping
Original paint and finish carefully removed and original surface ready to be re-coated.
Paint & Inspect
Golf ball repainted and inspected, ready for printing with Links Choice and factory markings.
Clear Coat & Stamp
Refinished clear-coated golf ball inspected and ready for packaging.
How are Refinished Golf Balls Graded?
Refinished Mint
Links Choice has a strict 5 step quality control process that insures the customer, a positive buying experience. Links Choice Mint will be the best product available unless you spend more than twice as much for new.
Refinished Near Mint
Links Choice Near Mint Balls have been through a strict QC process. The QC process has moved these balls down to this category due to very minor mistakes in our factory process. These balls still have 100% playability standards.
Refinished Practice
Links Choice 3rd quality balls have not made our Mint or Near Mint grades due to minor surface abrasion or minor factory process mistakes. Links Choice’s opinion on this product is half the balls are still playable and the other half should be used for practicing only.
Rejected
It is important to note that we do not have the ability to repair scrapes, dents or cart paths to a used golf ball. All Cuts have been removed and will not be sold to the retail market.