I find it very exciting when a brand new golf ball model is released. This is indeed the case with the TaylorMade SpeedSoft. The manufacturer introduced it as their softest golf ball ever with a sub-50 compression rating. So, if you are a soft-feel enthusiast keep reading. In this TaylorMade SpeedSoft golf ball review I will let you know how it was to play it.
It is a two-piece ionomer ball that will compete with the numerous low-compression balls on the market. TaylorMade singles out the new PWRCORE with faster core materials for more distance.
Two other features stand out on the back of the box. One is that the ball is easy to compress due to a larger core for a softer feel. The other is a controlled flight because of the aerodynamic 322 extended flight dimple design.
Without any further introduction, let’s move on to the business side.
My Verdict
I was more than pleasantly surprised with this golf ball. Was it soft? Yes, exactly how TaylorMade promised, it felt soft all around. Did it go more distance? More or less, on some shots I did notice it went a good distance but overall nothing too crazy. What about the controlled flight? The flight was fairly consistent, so you can categorize it as controlled if that is what they mean. You can almost anticipate how the ball will behave in the air. Overall, the value for money is very decent on this one.
Who Is This Ball For?
The first category of golfers who could benefit from this ball are beginners. Due to the lower compression, you do not have to swing fast to get this ball going. Plus it is fairly durable and you wont break your bank when you buy a dozen. It will not make you feel awful if you loose one or two during a round.
The second category of golfers who could benefit from it are occasional golfers. It will give you a decent performance and wont cost you much for those few times you go golfing during the season. The third category are golfers on a budget. For a less money you can get a ball that is a solid all around performer. Granted, you wont get a Pro V1 level of performance, but it will make your wallet happy.
PROS
- Durability
- Price
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
2024 TaylorMade SpeedSoft Golf Ball Review
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On the Green
As expected, the ball felt soft off the putter face making a mellow sound upon contact. When it comes to performance, it was a bit of a mixed bag. Initially, my putts looked well and were all reaching the hole. The ones that missed the hole would roll past, but nothing too long. Then a period came when I was leaving all putts short, which lasted for a few holes.
This probably had more to do with me than the ball. Overall, both long and short putts looked decent. The ball was holding the line just fine and it didn’t show any particular inconsistency. I believe once I would get used to it, it would do just fine every time.
Around the Green
Once again, the ball felt soft upon contact no matter what kind of chip shot I was hitting. I found very interesting the fact that it was producing a decent amount of spin. If I were to compare it to a ball, it would probably be the Srixon Soft Feel which had a nice amount of spin for a softer two-piece ball. Often I am skeptical about the promised amount of greenside spin, but this time it delivered.
The spin would show both on bump-and-run shots and higher trajectory chips. It made it easier to land the ball nicely on the green and let it roll toward the hole.
Approach Shots
If you read any of my other reviews, you know I review the balls on a par 3 course. This makes each tee shot an approach shot. Once again I have to start with the feel. Without any surprise, the ball felt soft off the clubface on each shot. Even the mishits did not sound so bad. The flight trajectory was somewhere medium to almost high on occasions.
Its flight was fairly straight and my misses were consistent with the usual times. Even though there was not a crazy amount of spin, the ball would come to a full stop in a timely manner. Compared to the Titleist TruFeel that I last reviewed, it would stop a bit quicker and had a bit more spin. Very solid on approach shots.
Durability
Ionomer covers are a bit more durable than urethane covers used with premium golf balls. So, in this case, the durability is very good. After a full round, there were only a few small marks and scuffs on the ball, nothing too visible. There was certainly nothing that would influence its performance toward the end of the round. I am confident you can play multiple times with the same ball before noticing something significant that would impact the performance.
Appearance and Price
The ball has a simple yet modern look new balls mostly have. I am a fan of nice alignment lines on golf balls. This one ticks that box for me since it looks almost like a line was drawn with a sharpie. If you do align your ball when putting, it will be a nice help. Along with the classic white and yellow colors, this ball is available in ink blue, ink green, ink red, and ink pink colors. These modern options are new paint splatter visual technology called SpeedSoft Ink.
Besides being TaylorMade’s softest golf ball, it is also their cheapest. It comes at 24.99 USD. That does not come as a surprise whatsoever, since it falls into beginner-friendly, budget golf balls. Price-wise it competes with the likes of the Bridgestone e6, Callaway Supersoft, Srixon Soft Feel, and Titleist TruFeel.
Related:
- 2023 Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball Review
- 2023 Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball Review
- 2023 Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball Review
- 2024 Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball Review
