What is a good ball retriever?

[playit]

With the cost of balls these days, need a retriever. When I can see my ball in the pond but a wedge won't reach it! What ball retrieval mechanism is best? I used one a bud had yesterday and wished it was a tad longer. I saw some recently that were 9ft or 15ft telescopic. That 15ft seems too long but if his was 9ft, I needed a foot or two longer! His had a ring that kind of pressed onto the ball. It didn't look like a scoop.

[tatertot]

[WSinTX]

No such thing. Not for a WRX'er. 

[bekgolf]

The Search n' Rescue works well, just drop the head over a ball and it grabs onto it.  They used some kind of magical machining to make it pick up balls this easy without turning anything, just put the head over the ball and push down a little then pick up your ball.

 

This is just one example.  I'm sure they are available for less elsewhere.  I'm referring to the "magic gripper" version, they have others with baskets.

 

https://www.tgw.com/p/search-n-rescue-super-hide-away-magic-gripper-golf-ball-retriever

[playit]

2 hours ago, tatertot said:

 

I had this, the love of my life, Dixie, but she is over the bridge now. She loved catching golf balls on first bounce, hitting to her!

 

@bekgolf, that search n rescue looks about like what my bud had but I really didn't plan on spending $50. Maybe I can find one that works about as well? For less. I'll spend it if I have to, that's 10 ProV1s!

 

Yesterday, when I got my ball with his retrieve, I quickly snagged 7 more. But no ProV1s, lol.

[bekgolf]

10 minutes ago, playit said:

 

I had this, the love of my life, Dixie, but she is over the bridge now. She loved catching golf balls on first bounce, hitting to her!

 

@bekgolf, that search n rescue looks about like what my bud had but I really didn't plan on spending $50. Maybe I can find one that works about as well? For less. I'll spend it if I have to, that's 10 ProV1s!

 

Yesterday, when I got my ball with his retrieve, I quickly snagged 7 more. But no ProV1s, lol.

 

I'm pretty sure that an internet search will turn up better priced versions.  It's easily the best one I've ever used.

[svlido]

If your ball got far enough into a pond that a wedge won't reach it, it's a defective ball.  No need to retrieve it, it's where it belongs.

[ARL67]

"What is a good ball retriever ?"  .... said no one ever 🤩

My pal is notorious for going on lengthy ball fishing expeditions when there is golf to be played.

After one episode, on the following golf outing I chirped him to leave that g*d-d*mned thing in the trunk.

[JohnnyO3478]

On 10/12/2024 at 1:36 PM, playit said:

With the cost of balls these days, need a retriever. When I can see my ball in the pond but a wedge won't reach it! What ball retrieval mechanism is best? I used one a bud had yesterday and wished it was a tad longer. I saw some recently that were 9ft or 15ft telescopic. That 15ft seems too long but if his was 9ft, I needed a foot or two longer! His had a ring that kind of pressed onto the ball. It didn't look like a scoop.

https://www.dynamicbrands.com/collections/i-gotcha/products/igotcha-jawz-compact-retriever

 

I got the 18ft version.  It fits in my bag side pocket and doesn't take up space where the clubs are.  

 

Gets most balls i go after.  Gotta be aware of where you put pressure when retracting it.  Careless folks seem to bend it and then post bad reviews.  When it gets to retracting the really skinny part at the top - put your fingers in the hole for best results.  

[rainkingjr]

On 11/12/2024 at 8:10 AM, JohnnyO3478 said:

https://www.dynamicbrands.com/collections/i-gotcha/products/igotcha-jawz-compact-retriever

 

I got the 18ft version.  It fits in my bag side pocket and doesn't take up space where the clubs are.  

 

Gets most balls i go after.  Gotta be aware of where you put pressure when retracting it.  Careless folks seem to bend it and then post bad reviews.  When it gets to retracting the really skinny part at the top - put your fingers in the hole for best results.  

I second this one. I also have the 18ft version and it works great. 

[cristphoto]

I use the Igotcha Jawz retriever.  It works great and is simple to use.  Opens up to about 10 feet and compresses down to fit in smaller bag pockets.  Its real value to me is retrieving a ball deep in a sticker bush or under a pine tree with very low limbs.  

Edited December 9, 2024 by cristphoto

[LaterOn61]

I honestly can’t believe anyone answered this with a straight face. 

[IndyArcher]

On 11/9/2024 at 8:14 PM, ARL67 said:

"What is a good ball retriever ?"  .... said no one ever 🤩

My pal is notorious for going on lengthy ball fishing expeditions when there is golf to be played.

After one episode, on the following golf outing I chirped him to leave that g*d-d*mned thing in the trunk.

 

There are times when our local courses get so backed up due to Aimpoint putters (JK!!!), looking for golf balls is a good use of time that helps keep me from just letting frustration build. Plus, I take those balls I find and give them to a couple of the older guys I sometimes golf with who are budget-limited due to living on a fixed retirement income. It's a win-win. 

[driverwedge]

Ball retrievers and iron covers.  I've heard that if they come together in the same bag it causes either a black hole or a 6 hour round.  Who knows?  Both?  I'm nervous.