Spalding Pack vs Staff Zip Golf Balls: which is safer?

Wilson Staff Zip Golf Balls is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Spalding

Spalding Pack

PFAS grade

B 85/100

Overall grade

F 63/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

nylon/polyester backpack fabric

Confidence

45%

PossibleVOC off-gassing from synthetic fabric manufacturing

PossibleFormaldehyde-based fabric treatments (wrinkle resistance, water repellency)

PossibleMicroplastics shedding from synthetic fibers

Why this gradeBuy

Our pick

Wilson

Staff Zip Golf Balls

PFAS grade

B 85/100

Overall grade

C 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Synthetic rubber/elastomer cover, solid core

Confidence

72%

PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing

PossibleIngestion hazard (choking)

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More golf equipment & balls: see the full ranking