I'm not so sure that 1 golf ball is MUCH longer than the other when categorised. I know for a fact having used my launch monitor to test, I hit the V1, V1x, Hogan, Nike One,
Callaway Black and the Top Flite Strata all about the same distance. There is also not a very big difference in spin rate.
I tried golf balls like
Callaway Red, Top Flite XL3000 Super Spin, etc. and hit them 3-5 yards further than the first category but with much less spin.
The Pinnacle, Top Flite XL3000, Nike TALong ... about 8 yards further than the first category and spin rates down about a third.
I must say this ... besides all the science and launch monitor, etc. etc. nothing flies as far as a ball you're comfortable with. Except for a year when I played with the Maxfli A10 on tour - I've played the Strata range (Pro then Ultimate and finally Tour Ace) and because I felt comfortable, I knew how to work the ball and how it would react into the greens - it more than made up the distance I lost.
I know of students who have changed from Nike One to the newer Nike Black and bomb it out of sight ... when the balls are very similar. I have a junior who changed from the Top Flite XL3000 Soft to Top Flite XL Super Spin and he's gained 10-15 yards, why I don't know but he just does.
I always tell my students - pick the category of ball you want to play that suits your game plan. Once you've decided play a few of the different brands and settle to a single brand. Once you've decided on the brand then look for AAA or AA seconds unless you can afford new out of the box. There is very little wrong with AAA or AA balls.