2023 Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball Review
While looking into some info about this golf ball I found something interesting. The ball was first released in 2006, impressive. If something lasts that long, must be something to it. Nonetheless, the 2023 Srixon Soft Feel golf ball review was my reason to try this product for the very first time.
Let’s start with some essential info directly from Srixon. I was surprised to learn that the ball features Srixon’s FastLayer Core technology, the same one used in all of their premium golf balls.
That is unusual since this is a two-piece ionomer ball targeted to a different audience. In any case, good for them. They also state that the FastLayer Core gradually transitions from a soft inner core to a firm outer edge.
The core’s softer inner layers help to reduce long-game spin, while the firmer outer layers contribute to more ball speed and greater distance. It also features a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern on a soft, thin cover that provides more greenside spin and a softer feel on pitches, chips, and putts. All that sounds very promising, now let’s see how it actually did on the course.
Who Is This Ball For?
Let’s start with the compression rating which is 60 for this ball. That places it in the low compression rating category targeting low to medium-swing speed golfers. Usually, balls in that category do not suit players with fast swing speeds. It is definitely suitable for anyone who prefers that soft feel when you hit it.
All that translates to the fact this ball is made for recreational golfers who want distance and feel before anything else. Two-piece ionomer balls are usually built for straighter flight trajectories. They are not really intended for shot shaping like the more expensive multi-piece premium ones.
The more than friendly price places it among the cheaper balls in the category. That also gives it an excellent value-for-money label. Srixon is doing a great job when it comes to its golf balls and this one is no exception. If you have recognized yourself anywhere above, you could try this ball.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Durability
- Price
CONS
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
On the Green
Let’s say this ball made my putting look very decent. Since the get-go, I have found the right touch for it. That showed particularly on long putts. The pace control worked well immediately, helping me make some nice long ones or get the ball close to the hole. Short putts also worked fine with the ball holding the line very well.
As far as sound is concerned, it produced a mellow one. It didn’t feel as soft as the Callaway Supersoft, but it wasn’t far off. There is not much else to say about putting. The overall performance on the green was as solid as it gets.
Around the Green
I am usually quite skeptical in this area when trying two-piece low-compression golf balls. The main reason is their lack of greenside spin compared to premium balls. That being said, this one exceeded my expectations. I found that it had more greenside spin than most of the balls in the category I have previously tried.
Fair enough, I do not go for flop shots or chips with higher flight trajectories. However, I did notice the ball was stopping quicker on my go-to bump and run chip shots. Not just that, but I was able to control the distance most of the time. This ball is an example of decent greenside spin, good job for Srixon.
Approach Shots
I always mention that my ball testing is done on a par 3 course. That gives the approach shots additional importance since every tee shot is an approach shot. Let me start with the flight. On the box, Srixon states it is mid-high. I can confirm it was like that with more shots being on the higher side.
The average higher flight helped the ball to stop quickly on the greens. That is important in this case due to the lower spin compared to premium golf balls. The distances were consistent with my usual ones which was a good sign. It behaved decently even when I would misstrike it, like hitting it lower on the clubface.
The misses were in line with my typical ones, nothing was out of the ordinary there. Flight manipulation worked as well when I needed it. It did feel softer upon contact which is no surprise due to the lower compression rating. Hitting this ball felt good.
Durability
Despite the solid performance in all the areas, I wasn’t impressed with anything like I was with the durability. This ball showed, along with the Callaway Supersoft, arguably the best durability I have seen so far. I could barely find a couple of marks and scuffs on the ball after a round on a par 3 course.
The durability adds to its overall value making it a great option for golfers on a budget. No matter if you are a golfer on a budget or you just want your balls to last longer, you could look into this one.
Appearance and Price
The ball has the standard Srixon look with one exception. While the logo and the alignment arrow are in the traditional black ink, the number comes in a variation of green color. It actually looks nice. The alignment arrow is a standard black line with white letters inside that read Soft Feel. It is available in pure white and tour yellow colors.
There are not many balls in the category from major brands that can beat the Soft Feel price. When you add everything, its price makes it an exceptional value for money. That can be attractive, particularly for new golfers. In any case, the price is hard to beat for what you get.
Final Verdict
What to say in the end about this golf ball? It basically ticked all the boxes when it comes to expectations from a two-piece ball. There are many different reasons why golfers buy a specific golf ball. Some are subjective and some are objective. If you do decide to give it a try, you might like it. In case you don’t like it, there are plenty of other balls to look into.
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