The TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft golf balls have gained popularity among beginners and high-handicappers, and for good reason. Let’s dive into what makes the Noodle Long & Soft a solid choice for new players and whether it might be the right ball for your game as well.
Who Is It For?
The TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft is ideally suited for:
- Beginners just starting their golf journey.
- High-handicappers looking to maximize distance without sacrificing feel.
- Players with slower swing speeds who want to get more yards out of their shots.
- Budget-conscious golfers who want good performance at a reasonable price.
- Golfers who struggle with slice or hook and want a ball that promotes straighter flight.
Features:
The Core: Designed for Speed and Distance
At the heart of the Noodle Long & Soft is its impact propulsion core. This is where these balls really shine for beginners and high-handicappers. The science behind it is straightforward: the core is designed to compress more at impact, which helps boost ball speed and, consequently, distance.
The Cover: Soft and Responsive
TaylorMade has employed what they call an IOTHANE cover on the Noodle Long & Soft. This softer cover is designed to provide an excellent feel and more spin around the greens, which can be particularly beneficial for players still developing their short game skills.
In my testing, I found that the soft cover did indeed contribute to a pleasant feel, especially on shorter shots. It’s not quite as responsive as some urethane-covered balls, but for most beginners and high-handicappers, the performance is adequate.
Dimple Design: Engineered for Straight Flight
This design is optimized to reduce air resistance, promoting a straighter and more reliable ball flight. During my testing, I noticed that these balls seemed to hold their line well, even in slightly windy conditions.
Performance on the Course
Tee Box:
If you’re a beginner or high-handicapper looking to maximize your driving distance, you’ll likely be pleased with what these balls can do. The combination of the impact propulsion core and aerodynamic dimple design results in impressive distance gains, especially for players with slower swing speeds.
The ball launches high and seems to hang in the air, which not only looks impressive but can add those important extra yards we’re all after. Even on slight mishits, I found that the ball tended to maintain a decent trajectory, which can be a huge confidence booster for newer players.
Fairway and Rough:
From the fairway, the Noodle Long & Soft performs admirably. The ball maintains its distance advantages on long iron shots, which can be particularly helpful for beginners who might struggle to reach longer par 4s and par 5s in regulation.
Around the Green:
This is where the Noodle Long & Soft really sets itself apart from other budget-friendly options. The soft IOTHANE cover provides a nice feel on chip shots and pitches. While it may not offer the same level of spin control as premium balls, for most beginners and high-handicappers, the performance is impressive.
During my testing, I found that I could execute a variety of short game shots with confidence. The ball doesn’t check up as quickly as a tour-level ball, but it offers enough control for players still developing their touch around the greens.
On the Green:
Putting with the Noodle Long & Soft is a pleasure. The ball feels soft off the putter face and rolls true. The consistent performance helps build confidence on the greens, which is crucial for beginners and high-handicappers looking to improve their scoring.
Pros:
- Excellent distance, especially for players with slower swing speeds.
- Very soft feel, beneficial for short game confidence.
- Promotes straighter ball flight with its patented dimple design.
- Extremely affordable, making it accessible for beginners.
- Versatile performance across different types of shots.
Cons:
- May not provide enough spin for more advanced players.
- Not ideal for players with high swing speeds.
- Durability may be an issue due to the soft cover.
- Limited color options (typically only available in white).
Final Thoughts:
Is it the longest ball out there? No. Will it offer tour-level spin control? Also no. But for its intended audience – beginners and high-handicappers, especially those with slower swing speeds – it offers an excellent blend of performance, feel, and unbeatable value.
If you’re looking to improve your game without breaking the bank, the TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft might just be the perfect choice for you. Give them a try on your next round and see if they don’t bring a little more consistency and confidence to your game
