TaylorMade Soft Response Golf Balls

Product Information

In long game testing, the TaylorMade Tour Response was a clear front runner over the Soft Response. The lower compression core was the star performer of the Soft Response. Its highly compressible design led to an enhanced energy transfer from clubface to ball, accelerating pace and minimizing spin. The combination prompted a high-launching shot for consistent carry distance. The bigger story here – and in fact, the point of differentiation for TaylorMade – is that, like Project a (and TP5), the TaylorMade Tour Response features a cast urethane cover. TaylorMade says golfers want a ball designed for me, but what we hear most often is that golfers want more greenside spin, and you’re not going to get that from the ionomer covers used in cheaper golf balls. Soft or firm? -Golf ballscome in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. Alternatively, chances are if you are on this guide you want a softer-feeling golf ball that aids feel and spin around the greens instead. As such work out what kind of feel you like from your golf ball and then find a model accordingly.

The Soft Response isn’t a particularly long golf ball. I produced superior yardage with the TaylorMade Tour Response, Warbird, and Noodle Long and Soft. I only generated 263 yards with the Soft Response owing to its higher launch, increased spin, and reduced roll. The Tour Response has a firm feel but in short game tests, it was hard to tell the difference between it and more premium models like the TP5 and TP5 X. Ball Flight

After testing the TaylorMade Tour Response from the same range I was excited to test out the TaylorMade Soft Response as I was impressed with the quality and performance from a mid-range ball. The heightened spin rate continued into the middle irons as I exceeded my 7-iron average of 6,000 rpm by 650 rpm. I noticed the increased spin rate enabled my ball to bite faster on approach, enhancing my control. On the course, both balls launched well and reached a healthy peak height that meant shots held the greens well. Guys, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but that firmer mantle is a necessity. A low compression core without a significantly firmer outer layer is how you make a really slow golf ball.

For high speed, high spin players, lower spinning soft balls can work really well because the distance gained from spin reduction can more than offset the speed penalty. Those same high spin players typically don’t have issues generating enough iron spin. Contrary to my experience with the Callaway Warbird, I found it marginally easier to hold tight greens with this ball. The added spin revolutions are a direct consequence of the softer, reformulated ionomer cover that bites into the grooves better. The Tour Response is longer and more consistent when it came to distance control on the launch monitor.

Tour Response Tech

I particularly appreciated the softness of the feel on wedge shots and off the putter face. It gave me a clearer idea of how hard to strike the ball for better short-game distance control. The feel is further improved by the reformulated ionomer cover, which is softer than its peers. The easy-launching nature of the TaylorMade Soft Response golf balls was one of my favorite features. As an average golfer, I enjoyed having one less factor to worry about. Thanks to the rapid rebound off the clubface, the ball launched into the air with moderate spin and consistent velocity, resulting in an elevated launch.