The Mizuno RB 566 is a remarkably soft golf ball built with a specific golfer in mind, and its compression rating is central to its entire design. While Mizuno doesn't assign a specific, single compression number, the RB 566 falls firmly into the low-compression category, with an overall rating estimated to be around 50-60. This article will break down exactly what that number means for your game, who this ball is designed to help, and how its features work together to help you hit longer, straighter shots.
Before we go deeper into the RB 566, let's clear up what "compression" even is. It sounds technical, but the idea is actually quite simple. Golf ball compression is a measure of how much the ball deforms or squishes against the club face at the moment of impact. The rating is a number, typically on a scale from about 30 (extremely soft) to over 110 (extremely firm).
Think about squeezing two different rubber balls:
In golf, your swing speed is the "squeezing" force. A slow swing speed doesn't have enough energy to fully compress a firm, high-compression ball. It’s like trying to jump on a trampoline that’s too stiff for your weight - you just won't get much bounce. Conversely, a high-speed swing can overwhelm a super soft ball. The key is matching the ball's compression to your swing speed to get the most efficient energy transfer, which is the secret sauce for distance.
Compression has a direct impact on how a golf ball feels on every single shot. Players often describe low-compression balls, like the RB 566, with words like:
High-compression balls are typically described as feeling:
This "feel" is a personal preference, but it's especially noticeable on and around a greens. Many golfers love the muted, pleasing sound and sensation of a soft golf ball off the putter face. The low compression of the RB 566 puts it squarely in that "exceptionally soft feel" camp.
Now, let’s tie this all back to what happens out on the course. That soft, low-compression core inside the Mizuno RB 566 isn't just for feel, it directly influences flight, distance, and forgiveness.
This is the most significant benefit for the intended player. If your driver swing speed is under 90-95 miles per hour, you are the exact golfer Mizuno had in mind. At this speed, your swing has the perfect amount of energy to fully "activate" the RB 566's soft core.
As you strike the ball, the core compresses easily and then springs back with maximum force, launching the ball off the face. This high-efficiency energy transfer is what gives you more ball speed and, consequently, more distance. If you used a firm, high-compression ball (like a Pro V1x), your swing wouldn't have enough force to properly compress it, and you'd actually lose distance because energy would be wasted.
Here’s another huge advantage that often goes overlooked. Low-compression balls tend to spin less off the driver. For most amateur golfers, this is a very good thing! The nasty side spin that turns a decent drive into a frustrating slice or a destructive hook is significantly reduced.
Because the RB 566 produces less side spin, your misses become much more manageable. That slice might just become a gentle fade that stays in the fairway. That hook might turn into a tight draw. It’s a form of forgiveness that helps keep you in play more often, leading to better scores and a lot less frustration.
When you get to your short game, the low compression translates into exceptional feel. On chips, pitches, and putts, the RB 566 feels incredibly soft and responsive. It allows for a more delicate touch because the ball doesn't "jump" off the club face aggressively.
It's important to set correct expectations here. The RB 566 has a durable Ionomer cover, not the softer Urethane cover found on premium tour balls. This means it's not designed to produce the high-revving, one-hop-and-stop spin you see on TV. Instead, its control comes from its predictability and soft feel. It's perfect for players who prefer to hit bump-and-run style chips or who want a consistent, gentle release on their pitch shots. The feedback from the ball gives them better control over the shot's distance and rollout.
Understanding compression and performance is great, but the big question is: "is this the right ball for me?" You are likely a perfect match for the Mizuno RB 566 if you fit this profile:
The name "566" isn't a coincidence. It refers to a unique feature that complements its low-compression core: the 566 Dual Dimple pattern.
Mizuno engineered this an unconventional dimple design with smaller "micro-dimples" sitting inside the larger ones. Their research suggests this pattern has a powerful aerodynamic benefit. During ball flight, especially after the ball reaches its peak height and starts to descend, these micro-dimples help maintain lift and reduce drag. The practical effect is that it helps the ball stay in the air a fraction of a second longer, leading to a more penetrating flight and gaining you a few extra yards through sheer efficiency.
Think of it as the core providing the engine for your distance, and the dimple pattern providing the aerodynamics to make every bit of that power count.
The Mizuno RB 566 is an expertly designed low-compression golf ball (rated around 50-60) created for golfers with moderate swing speeds who want more distance, a straighter flight, and an exceptionally soft feel. Its performance comes from marrying a responsive core with an innovative 566-dimple pattern, making it a fantastic choice for a huge range of amateur players.
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