THE RETEE BALL GRADING GUIDE
Mint vs. Near Mint.
Know your next ball.
Choose the model you like, then the condition you prefer. Here’s how we plan to separate Mint (5A) and Near Mint (4A) recycled golf balls.
TWO CLEAR GRADES
What changes between 5A and 4A?
The grade describes the visible condition we expect for a recycled ball. It does not identify the model year, guarantee a particular flight or spin result, or mean the ball is new. Our final examples and lot details will be confirmed after supplier samples are reviewed.
| What to compare | Mint / 5A | Near Mint / 4A |
|---|---|---|
| Visible wear | Little to no visible wear. | Light cosmetic wear, small blemishes or slight discoloration may be present. |
| Player markings | Minor player markings may be present; lot details will explain what to expect. | Player markings may be present; lot details will explain what to expect. |
| Printed logos | May be present and will be disclosed. | May be present and will be disclosed. |
| Finish | Original factory finish; cleaned and graded. | Original factory finish; cleaned and graded. |
| Your preference | A cleaner appearance with minimal visible wear. | Comfort with some visible cosmetic wear. |
WHY CHOOSE MINT?
Keep the look clean.
Mint is our planned option for golfers who prefer little to no visible wear. It is still a recycled ball, so the label should not be read as factory-new or automatically free of printed logos and player markings.
Check the actual lot description and sample photos when they are available. If unmarked balls or a specific year matter to you, confirm those details rather than assuming the grade covers them.
WHY CHOOSE NEAR MINT?
Make room for character.
Near Mint is our planned option for golfers comfortable with light cosmetic wear. Small blemishes, slight discoloration, markings or printed logos may be part of a lot.
Choose it because those appearance differences suit your preferences. We will publish prices after supplier terms are confirmed; we are not promising a particular discount or performance result.
RECYCLED. ORIGINAL FINISH.
A second life, without a new coat.
Our planned recycled collection consists of previously used golf balls that have been cleaned and graded, while retaining their original factory finish. We do not plan to offer repainted or refinished balls.
Repainting or refinishing involves changing the ball’s exterior finish. That is different from the cleaned, original-finish collection we are preparing. Before sales open, the pack descriptions will identify the model, grade and available lot details.
Condition and model are separate choices.
Start with a named model such as Pro V1 or TP5. Then compare the visible condition, model years, markings and pack details. “Mint” alone does not tell you which ball you’re getting.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE A PACK
Five details worth checking.
- Model: confirm the exact name rather than relying only on the manufacturer’s brand.
- Condition: compare the description with actual sample photos once they are published.
- Model years: check whether the pack is one generation or a stated mixture.
- Markings: check the allowance for player marks, printed logos and discoloration.
- Order details: confirm pack size, final price, shipping and returns before checkout.
We are preparing 24- and 48-ball packs. Samples, pricing and supplier availability are still under review, and orders are not open yet.
GRADING QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Does Mint mean brand-new?
No. Mint describes our planned visible-condition grade for recycled golf balls. The balls are previously used and may have minor markings or printed logos.
Does Near Mint mean refinished?
No. Near Mint describes cosmetic condition. Both of our planned grades retain their original factory finish; we do not plan to sell repainted or refinished balls.
Are all Mint golf balls logo-free?
Not necessarily. Our planned Mint grade may include printed logos or minor player markings. Those details will be stated with the lot information before sales open.
Will Mint and Near Mint play exactly the same?
We have not tested supplier samples yet and are not claiming identical performance. These grades describe visible condition; actual ball history and model generation are separate factors.
Where can I see actual grading photos?
Actual grading examples will be added after sample review. The current model cards are typographic labels, and the general golf imagery does not show our inventory.
CHOOSE YOUR MODEL
The first collection.
A QUESTION ABOUT CONDITION?
Ask before your next round.
Tell us the model and grade you’re interested in.