Today, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of the TaylorMade Soft Response golf balls. These balls have gained popularity among senior golfers and those seeking a balance between feel, control, and distance. Let’s dive into what makes these balls stand out.
Who Is It For?
The TaylorMade Soft Response is ideally suited for:
- Senior golfers looking for a balance of distance and control.
- Players with moderate swing speeds (70-90 mph with the driver).
- Golfers who prioritize feel and control around the greens.
- Those who struggle with generating spin on short shots.
- Players looking for a durable, all-around performer.
Pros:
- Excellent greenside control and feel.
- Good overall distance, especially for moderate swing speeds.
- Durable construction.
- Stable flight in various conditions.
- Soft feel on all shots, from driver to putter.
Cons:
- Not the absolute longest ball for very slow swing speeds.
- Some players, particularly those used to tour-level balls, may prefer a firmer feel.
- Higher price point compared to some budget options.
Performance Characteristics
Off the Tee:
When it comes to distance off the tee, the Soft Response performs admirably, especially for seniors or golfers with moderate swing speeds. The Extended Flight Dimple pattern helps the ball stay in the air longer, potentially adding a few extra yards to your drives. While it may not be the absolute longest ball for very slow swing speeds, it offers an enough good balance of distance and control.
Approach Shots:
The soft ionomer cover provides excellent feel and feedback, allowing you to gauge your shots more accurately.
Around the Green:
This is where the Soft Response really excels. The soft cover allows for increased spin on chip shots and pitches, giving you better control over your short game. Whether you’re facing a delicate chip over a bunker or need to stop the ball quickly on a fast green, the Soft Response provides the feel and control you need to execute these shots with confidence.
Putting:
On the greens, the Soft Response offers a nice, soft feel off the putter face. This can help with distance control, especially on longer putts. The ball’s design also promotes a true roll, which can help improve your accuracy on the greens.
For the Aggressive Player:
While not designed specifically for the most aggressive playing styles, the Soft Response can still perform well for those who like to attack pins. The ball’s greenside spin capabilities allow you to go for tight pins with confidence, knowing you have the control to stop the ball quickly if needed.
Bump and Runs
While the Soft Response excels on higher spin shots, it’s also proficient for lower running shots. The ball’s true roll characteristics come into play here, helping the ball stay on its intended line as it moves across the green.
Durability:
Despite its soft feel, the Soft Response is surprisingly durable. The ionomer cover offers good scuff and cut resistance, allowing the ball to maintain its performance characteristics over multiple rounds. This durability factor can be particularly appealing to senior golfers looking to maximize the value of their golf ball purchase.
Key Features
Extended Flight Dimple Pattern:
The TaylorMade Soft Response golf balls feature a unique Extended Flight Dimple pattern. This innovative design allows the ball to maintain its trajectory for longer periods, especially at lower spin rates. The result is a ball that stays in the air longer, potentially adding valuable yards to your shots.
ZnO Flex Core:
At the heart of the Soft Response ball lies the ZnO Flex Core. This technology contributes to the ball’s overall performance, helping to generate good ball speeds off the tee and with longer clubs.
Soft Ionomer Cover:
The Soft Response balls are equipped with a soft ionomer cover. This cover serves multiple purposes:
- Enhanced greenside feel.
- Improved scuff resistance.
- Better shear resistance.
- Increased overall durability.
The combination of these features creates a ball that offers excellent control around the greens without sacrificing longevity.
Price Point and Value:
While not the least expensive ball on the market, the Soft Response offers good value considering its performance characteristics. Its durability also adds to its value proposition, as you’ll likely be able to use the same ball for multiple rounds without significant performance degradation.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade Soft Response golf ball is a well-rounded option that can benefit a wide range of golfers including seniors. Its combination of moderate distance, excellent greenside control, and soft feel make it a versatile choice for those looking to improve their all-around game.
