Ball Lab: Kirkland Performance+ V3

MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is where we quantify the quality and consistency of golf balls. Today, we’re reviewing the 2023 Kirkland Performance+ V3. To learn more about our test process, click here.

About the Kirkland Performance+ V3

What better time than now to take a look at the newest ball from the Kirkland Signature Performance series as it comes on the heels of a new driver and new iron set released by Costco’s golf division in mid-December?

This ball is available in two-dozen, 24-count packages which may be appealing to those golfers playing courses with impenetrable jungles out-of-bounds and/or water hazards on every hole.

The Kirkland Signature ball can be classified as a mid-high launch, high-spin ball. We certainly experienced this during our 2023 Golf Ball test.

The Kirkland Performance+ V3 is produced in Vietnam in the SM Parker factory that makes the PXG Xtreme ball.

Key Takeaways

With an average compression of 93, the Kirkland Performance+ V3 is an option for golfers who prefer a firmer feel At $17.50 per dozen, it offers an exceptionally budget-friendly alternative in the urethane space.

Kirkland Performance+ V3 Construction

While many may long for the return of a four-piece construction version, the wait will continue as the newest model is a three-piece design.

The Performance+ V3 is offered in a 338-dimple urethane cover.

Kirkland Performance+ V3 Compression

The 2018 and 2021 generations of the Kirkland Signature Performance+ line had an average compression of 86 and 91, respectively. The Performance+ V3 is a bit firmer than both with an average compression of 93.

Previous model balls with similar compression include the TaylorMade TP5 (2019)/TP5X (2021) as well as the VICE Pro Plus (2020).

The compression consistency across the sample was rated as “Poor” (see below) with a 15-point compression range across the sample, leading to eight percent being flagged as Bad.

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

Despite none of the balls in the sample falling under the USGA’s minimum diameter standard and all meeting our standard for roundness, size consistency across the sample was poor. Those inconsistencies will likely translate to inconsistent results on the course.

Furthermore, three percent of the Kirkland Performance+ V3 balls in our sample exceeded the USGA’s weight limit. Accordingly, they were flagged as Bad.

Kirkland Performance+ V3 – 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 Kirkland Signature balls in our sample were consistent throughout the sample. No unmixed material/chunks were noted.

Cover

No cover defects were identified in our sample.

Kirkland Performance+ V3 – Consistency

In this section, we detail the consistency of the Kirkland Performance+ V3. 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 “Poor” range. Box 1 was a bit heavier than average and Box 3 was quite variable relative to the average.

Diameter Consistency

The diameter consistency of the Performance+ V3 falls within the “Poor” range. The diameter consistency was off enough that the chart y-axis had to be adjusted accordingly.

Compression Consistency

Due to the significant variability across the sample, compression falls within the “Poor” range. Compression across the sample ranged from 88 to 103 with a compression delta of 15 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.

Kirkland Performance+ V3 – 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.

While this may be a value-based urethane ball, if you’re seeking the utmost in performance, you may want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you’re just out to have some fun and place a friendly wager with your foursome (and maybe play a full Kirkland bag), the price is hard to beat.

The Good

Significantly less expensive than nearly anything else with a urethane cover No issues with concentricity

The Bad

Poor total compression/size consistency

The Score

The True Price for the Kirkland Performance+ V3 is $19.69. That’s a 13-percent increase over the retail price of $17.50 per dozen. Be mindful, however, that these are typically sold in the aforementioned two-dozen lots so you will have to pony up $35, thereby lowering the cost per dozen due to economies of scale.

At the time of testing, the Kirkland Performance+ V3 received a Ball Lab score of 45. That’s 29 points below the current database average and 43 points below its predecessor, the Costco Kirkland Performance + V2. While there are not a massive number of bad balls, there is just not much continuity from ball to ball. It is almost as if no two balls are the same and thereby potentially affecting your performance on the course.

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